I must qualify this post by saying that I have an Android, not an iPhone, so there are some awesome games that are not available to me. But here we go:
1. Scramble: This is like Boggle for your phone. I grew up playing Boggle with my grandma, and I still play every time I see her, so this game is nostalgic for me. Plus, since I love Boggle, I am destined to hate Scrabble, so I do not play Words with Friends.
2. Jewels Star: It's essentially Bejeweled for your cell phone. I tend to play this game when I'm waiting for the metro (or while I'm on the metro if I forgot to bring a book or sudoku with me). I like this game because I don't need another player; I can advance as quickly as I want.
3. Text Twist: Another fun word game. I only have the demo version, but it still entertains me, and I usually learn a new word (or rediscover one of those words I haven't seen since I took the SAT) each time I play.
4. Flow Free: My sister introduced me to this game. While fun (and pretty easy) in the beginning, once I reached the harder levels, I sort of gave up. Brain-teasers are only good until the point that they are impossible to figure out. Then I just choose a different game to play.
5. Draw Free: It took me a long time to succumb to this game, so long that by the time I downloaded the app, no one played it anymore. So, as long as you have someone to play with, it's as good as Pictionary. But if you don't have a partner, you can't play. And that's lame.
Friday, August 2, 2013
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Silly things old flames say
I know I've already gone into "I wish you all the best" but here are some others:
1. "You look great." Perhaps because I've been pretty since 8th grade (once I got my braces off) and hot since college (when I had a "free" gym membership on campus), this one never made sense to me. Of course I look great! When have you seen me not look great (unless I'm sick)? If I'm out in public, I'm probably looking good because other people (maybe an ex!) will see me! I'm at an event for work (want to look professional), out with my friends (want to make sure we look like a cute gaggle of girls), or on my way to a date (need I say more?), it doesn't matter the situation: I'm going to look good, so don't sound so surprised when you see me and your fantasy of me becoming fat and ugly hasn't come true.
2. "I'm happy for you." This sort of goes along with the "wishing you all the best" thing. I don't really care if you're happy for me. I'm happy for me, and that's all that matters. And as for whether I'm happy for you, I'm pretty apathetic about the whole thing. You're no longer a part of my life, so it doesn't really matter to me if you're happy or not. It's none of my concern, none of my business. So I'm not sure why you have any joyous feelings for me...They aren't reciprocated.
3. "Are you seeing anyone?" How is that any of your business? We're not together anymore, which means you don't get to know about my personal life. We can talk about our jobs, the weather, a local sports team. But my love life is off limits. Plus, why does it matter to you? If you're trying to get back with me, you can kiss that dream good-bye: I don't believe in second chances. And if you're just curious, you clearly need to grow up and move on. I'm not interested about if or who you're dating: I'll mind my own bees' wax. Plus, there's no way you upgraded, so you're the one with the short end of the stick, not me.
Anything an ex has ever said to you that boggles your brain?
1. "You look great." Perhaps because I've been pretty since 8th grade (once I got my braces off) and hot since college (when I had a "free" gym membership on campus), this one never made sense to me. Of course I look great! When have you seen me not look great (unless I'm sick)? If I'm out in public, I'm probably looking good because other people (maybe an ex!) will see me! I'm at an event for work (want to look professional), out with my friends (want to make sure we look like a cute gaggle of girls), or on my way to a date (need I say more?), it doesn't matter the situation: I'm going to look good, so don't sound so surprised when you see me and your fantasy of me becoming fat and ugly hasn't come true.
2. "I'm happy for you." This sort of goes along with the "wishing you all the best" thing. I don't really care if you're happy for me. I'm happy for me, and that's all that matters. And as for whether I'm happy for you, I'm pretty apathetic about the whole thing. You're no longer a part of my life, so it doesn't really matter to me if you're happy or not. It's none of my concern, none of my business. So I'm not sure why you have any joyous feelings for me...They aren't reciprocated.
3. "Are you seeing anyone?" How is that any of your business? We're not together anymore, which means you don't get to know about my personal life. We can talk about our jobs, the weather, a local sports team. But my love life is off limits. Plus, why does it matter to you? If you're trying to get back with me, you can kiss that dream good-bye: I don't believe in second chances. And if you're just curious, you clearly need to grow up and move on. I'm not interested about if or who you're dating: I'll mind my own bees' wax. Plus, there's no way you upgraded, so you're the one with the short end of the stick, not me.
Anything an ex has ever said to you that boggles your brain?
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
"Let it roll off your back like a duck"
These are wise words from my dad, though I will admit they are easier said than done (i.e. I pretty much never follow this adage). I definitely have a hard time letting things go, and I can hold a grudge for a long time (not something I'm proud of). But this a good saying to have in the back of your mind when someone says or does something that bothers you. Usually this refers to something minor (ex. someone criticizing your outfit or poo-pooing your favorite restaurant), and that's why you should let it go. I mean, is it REALLY that big of a deal? No. And do you really care if that person has different tastes than you? No (I'll wear/eat what I want!).
It's not so much as what people say that annoys me, but more about their negative attitudes. In general, I try to be positive, say nice things (at least to your face), and be happy about life. It's difficult for me to be around people who complain all the time or say nasty things, from moaning about the humidity in Maryland during the summer (Um, don't like it? Move.) to gossiping about random people (If I don't know them, I don't care...So why are you talking about them to me?). Life is too short to start off your day being rude or thinking mean things; then you ruin someone else's day, too!
So, try not to lose your groove because of those Negative Nancies or Debbie Downers (why are they all female names? A coincidence? I think not). Keep a smile on your face, and take the high road by not saying anything snarky back (but think it all you like. If people could read minds, no one would like me).
It's not so much as what people say that annoys me, but more about their negative attitudes. In general, I try to be positive, say nice things (at least to your face), and be happy about life. It's difficult for me to be around people who complain all the time or say nasty things, from moaning about the humidity in Maryland during the summer (Um, don't like it? Move.) to gossiping about random people (If I don't know them, I don't care...So why are you talking about them to me?). Life is too short to start off your day being rude or thinking mean things; then you ruin someone else's day, too!
So, try not to lose your groove because of those Negative Nancies or Debbie Downers (why are they all female names? A coincidence? I think not). Keep a smile on your face, and take the high road by not saying anything snarky back (but think it all you like. If people could read minds, no one would like me).
More Yoga Poses
I know I already wrote about my love of Mountain Pose, but here are some other favorites:
Tree: I really like this pose because it's all about balance. You stand on one foot, and have the other resting on the inside of your opposite thigh (or the side of your calf, depending on your flexibility). You slowly bring your hands from heart-center and lift them above your head and spread them out, like the branches of a tree. You really do feel like a plant, rooted in the earth and reaching for the sky. Plus, it's definitely an [evil] ego-boost when you can hold the pose while others are tipping over.
Warrior II: This is a pose that definitely makes you feel strong, much like a warrior. You are in a version of a lunge where your front leg is bent and holding most of your weight, and your back leg is straight, with the back foot perpendicular to the rest of your stance. Then your arms are held straight, one facing the front, the other pointing behind you. Your face is to the front, as if you're in a steady pose awaiting an attacker. Each limb is very sturdy in this pose, which can give you a lot of confidence (i.e. you're not likely going to fall out of this pose).
Downward Dog: This is a standard yoga pose that every yogi does. You're on all fours with your limbs straight, like the legs of a dog. Then you try to push your upper body towards the floor while your hips and tailbone reach for the ceiling. This is a pose to help strengthen your shoulders and stretch out your hamstrings. When I first started doing yoga, this pose was very hard for me to do. Now, my heels are completely planted on the floor (most beginners will be standing on the balls of their feet), which allows for a deeper stretch. I feel like this is the pose that will let you know if you are improving or not; it doesn't matter how well I perform the other poses, but if I can feel that I'm getting deeper into my Downward Dog, then I know I'm getting better.
Here is a great graphic of beginner yoga poses: http://www.superskinnyme.com/yoga-poses-for-beginners.htm
Tree: I really like this pose because it's all about balance. You stand on one foot, and have the other resting on the inside of your opposite thigh (or the side of your calf, depending on your flexibility). You slowly bring your hands from heart-center and lift them above your head and spread them out, like the branches of a tree. You really do feel like a plant, rooted in the earth and reaching for the sky. Plus, it's definitely an [evil] ego-boost when you can hold the pose while others are tipping over.
Warrior II: This is a pose that definitely makes you feel strong, much like a warrior. You are in a version of a lunge where your front leg is bent and holding most of your weight, and your back leg is straight, with the back foot perpendicular to the rest of your stance. Then your arms are held straight, one facing the front, the other pointing behind you. Your face is to the front, as if you're in a steady pose awaiting an attacker. Each limb is very sturdy in this pose, which can give you a lot of confidence (i.e. you're not likely going to fall out of this pose).
Downward Dog: This is a standard yoga pose that every yogi does. You're on all fours with your limbs straight, like the legs of a dog. Then you try to push your upper body towards the floor while your hips and tailbone reach for the ceiling. This is a pose to help strengthen your shoulders and stretch out your hamstrings. When I first started doing yoga, this pose was very hard for me to do. Now, my heels are completely planted on the floor (most beginners will be standing on the balls of their feet), which allows for a deeper stretch. I feel like this is the pose that will let you know if you are improving or not; it doesn't matter how well I perform the other poses, but if I can feel that I'm getting deeper into my Downward Dog, then I know I'm getting better.
Here is a great graphic of beginner yoga poses: http://www.superskinnyme.com/yoga-poses-for-beginners.htm
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Concert at the 9:30 Club
Last night, I went to the 9:30 Club for the first time. Since moving to the DC area, I have been hearing about how great of a venue it is, what amazing artists they bring to the city, etc. So I figured I needed to check it out.
First of all, it's very easy to get to. Since it's not off the Red line on the Metro (my main track), I was a little wary at first, and wasn't sure how long it would take me to get there. But I easily switched trains, and the walk from either the Shaw-Howard University or U-Street Metro stops is very short. I quickly picked up my ticket from will-call, then stood by the tour bus hoping to catch a glimpse of the band like a silly groupie. The line waiting to get in wasn't too long, and the venue never got packed. So I definitely recommend going on a Monday night if you want to avoid crowds! Plus, you'll have an awesome view of the stage no matter where you are (granted, we were practically at the stage, just a couple of feet from the singers).
I had never heard of the opening act, The Wind + The Wave. But I was immediately impressed. The main vocalist, Patricia Lynn, sounds like an indie Miranda Lambert and looks like a petite Lea Michele. Her duo partner, Dwight Baker, looks like a strong, steady wave (and sounds like one, too), though he claims to be the "wind" in the group. The two generously offered free, signed copies of their CD to the audience, and I couldn't wait to listen to it in my car. A little bit of country, a little bit of Regina Spektor or Florence Welch, a great combo.
But the main show was the Plain White T's. I mainly bought these tickets to see the band because one of their lead singers, Tim Lopez, was on the ridiculous reality TV show Ready for Love, which I stupidly watched. He's super-hot, so I wanted to see him in person. And Tim did not disappoint. His guns (i.e. biceps) were out in all their glory, and every time he stepped up to the mic, the girls went wild. I knew about half of the songs they played, but I enjoyed all of them, even the over-played "Hey There Delilah." Definitely a great show, and I'm thinking about going onto itunes and buying some of their songs.
So all in all an amazing night! I recommend the venue and its wonderful lineup of bands and artists!
First of all, it's very easy to get to. Since it's not off the Red line on the Metro (my main track), I was a little wary at first, and wasn't sure how long it would take me to get there. But I easily switched trains, and the walk from either the Shaw-Howard University or U-Street Metro stops is very short. I quickly picked up my ticket from will-call, then stood by the tour bus hoping to catch a glimpse of the band like a silly groupie. The line waiting to get in wasn't too long, and the venue never got packed. So I definitely recommend going on a Monday night if you want to avoid crowds! Plus, you'll have an awesome view of the stage no matter where you are (granted, we were practically at the stage, just a couple of feet from the singers).
So all in all an amazing night! I recommend the venue and its wonderful lineup of bands and artists!
Monday, July 29, 2013
Fashion Documentaries
I've always been interested in fashion, probably because I can appreciate anything beautiful. I like flipping through glossy magazines and seeing all of the colorful advertisements, and even if I can't buy designer clothes, I'll certainly window-shop and visit thrift stores for similar looks. I also enjoy watching shows like Project Runway and America's Next Top Model (ANTM); it is amazing how shows like that can introduce the American public to some of the biggest names and faces of fashion!
This weekend, I was looking on Netflix for something to watch, and I came across Unzipped, a documentary about the designer Isaac Mizrahi and his work in the early 1990's. It was so interesting to see the designer at such a young age working frantically in New York City. And there were familiar faces who everyone should know, including Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell. This is the sort of film that lets you peek into the backstage scene of fashion, both literally (his 1995 runway show featured a scrim in which the audience could see the models undressing during the show) and figuratively (seeing the roller coaster that is fashion, from the highs of creating a beautiful collection to the lows of seeing another designer rip off your idea).
Another film I watched ages ago but greatly recommend is The September Issue. This documentary is all about creating the most famous fashion magazine, Vogue, for its biggest fall issue for September. You get to see into the glamorous life of Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of the magazine (a job she has held since 1988). While watching the film, you have to respect how monumental Wintour has been to American fashion. I mean, she was the person to first suggest putting celebrities on the covers of magazines instead of models! In The Tents, it's mentioned that Wintour does not wait in lines, and no one bothers her with questions; she walks to her front-row seat of the runway show and that is it. Imagine being that sort of VIP!
But if you don't care for documentaries, you can always watch The Devil Wears Prada.
This weekend, I was looking on Netflix for something to watch, and I came across Unzipped, a documentary about the designer Isaac Mizrahi and his work in the early 1990's. It was so interesting to see the designer at such a young age working frantically in New York City. And there were familiar faces who everyone should know, including Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell. This is the sort of film that lets you peek into the backstage scene of fashion, both literally (his 1995 runway show featured a scrim in which the audience could see the models undressing during the show) and figuratively (seeing the roller coaster that is fashion, from the highs of creating a beautiful collection to the lows of seeing another designer rip off your idea).
And of course I couldn't get enough of my fashion-fix with one movie! So I immediately started watching The Tents, a documentary that is all about how New York Fashion Week was transformed once all of the shows could be seen in the tents of Bryant Park. I had no idea that NYFW (not sure if that's a real acronym but I'm lazy) used to be scattered throughout Manhattan, but designers (Michael, Ralph, Calvin, Karen...they need no last names) came together and eventually were able to put NYFW on the map with the other fashion weeks throughout the world (Paris, Milan, etc.). The film features people like André Leon Talley and Kelly Cutrone, fashion bigwigs who probably would not be recognized by your average American if it weren't for ANTM.
Another film I watched ages ago but greatly recommend is The September Issue. This documentary is all about creating the most famous fashion magazine, Vogue, for its biggest fall issue for September. You get to see into the glamorous life of Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of the magazine (a job she has held since 1988). While watching the film, you have to respect how monumental Wintour has been to American fashion. I mean, she was the person to first suggest putting celebrities on the covers of magazines instead of models! In The Tents, it's mentioned that Wintour does not wait in lines, and no one bothers her with questions; she walks to her front-row seat of the runway show and that is it. Imagine being that sort of VIP!
But if you don't care for documentaries, you can always watch The Devil Wears Prada.
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Citi Open Tennis Tournament
I was planning on playing tennis today, but when my friend invited me to go to the Citi Open qualifiers with her, I immediately cancelled my Meet-Up plans. I can play tennis any time, but you can't just go to a tennis tournament whenever you want!
So we took the metro to the Van Ness-UDC metro stop, where a shuttle then picked us up to drive us to the courts (so convenient!). We drove past Rock Creek Park, which was quite scenic, and then we saw all of these tents surrounded by this forested area. It reminded me of the AT&T National golf tournament I went to earlier this summer, with all of the tents selling food, sports merchandise, and offering contests to win a car. We grabbed some KIND bars and made our way into the stadium to watch Matthew Ebden beat Saketh Myneni (I'll always root for a cute Australian guy). We watched some ladies matches as well. During all of the matches, it was fun being so close to the players and seeing how human they are; both sweat and tears were shed. Plus, being outside on a warm summer day is always enjoyable: we got to relax in the sun, wave little U.S. flags, and eat hot dogs. Can you get more American than that?
Enjoy some photos:
So we took the metro to the Van Ness-UDC metro stop, where a shuttle then picked us up to drive us to the courts (so convenient!). We drove past Rock Creek Park, which was quite scenic, and then we saw all of these tents surrounded by this forested area. It reminded me of the AT&T National golf tournament I went to earlier this summer, with all of the tents selling food, sports merchandise, and offering contests to win a car. We grabbed some KIND bars and made our way into the stadium to watch Matthew Ebden beat Saketh Myneni (I'll always root for a cute Australian guy). We watched some ladies matches as well. During all of the matches, it was fun being so close to the players and seeing how human they are; both sweat and tears were shed. Plus, being outside on a warm summer day is always enjoyable: we got to relax in the sun, wave little U.S. flags, and eat hot dogs. Can you get more American than that?
Enjoy some photos:
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