| So it's been about 3 months since I got back from Europe.
My life lessons so far....
- I haven't lost any lbs. but the combination of an all-Korean diet and the mandatory hiking/elliptical training has caused me to lose inches in the strangest places. I also think I grew a little taller. Keep in mind that it sounds great in theory until you realize that none of your clothes fit you right anymore. I'm seriously considering going back to eating Wendy's everyday just so I don't have to go clothes shopping (we all know how much I would hate that).
- Some of the things I've learned about C-town in the 3 months that I've lived here:
- It is a consumer's dream city. If you love to shop, especially for clothes and kitchenware, then this is the place to be. I guess there aren't many cities with all this merchandise and these kinds of sales. And Cleveland loves its malls (indoor, outdoor, strip, etc.) so everything is close-by to everyone.
- The Clinic has gotta own this town 'cause everyone I know either works for them, is related to someone who works for them or works somewhere that does business with them. I guess they do good things around here so I'm not that scared...yet.
- Being a Browns fan here is a religion. You'd think I would understand the sentiment after living in Wolverine country for so many years but it's just a different feeling here. Maybe it has to do with the fact that Art Modell was singlehandedly able to crush our spirits with the move or that Cleveland fans as a whole have faced so much disappointment through the years (it hurts too much to go through the repertoire). Either way the excitement around here is intense and addictive. There will be genuine tears shed by the toughest of men if the Browns don't make the playoffs. The only downside is that this goes hand-in-hand with being an OSU fan. The "Go Blue" license plate border had to go as soon as I got here and I get asked if I'm a Michigan fan during every interview, and it's always in a tone implying that this will make/break my worthiness to breathe the same air as them. Freaks me out.
- While we're on the subject, I absolutely REFUSE to live in a world that will produce a Red Sox nation, an undefeated Patriots and a ridiculous Celtics team all in a single year. This has gotta be one of the signs of the apocalypse. Get me the heck outta here!!!
- The first thing I did when I got my OH driver's license was get a local library card. The 2nd thing I did was snatch up every season of "The Wire" that I could find. I'm almost done with season 3 (although I already heard what happens. NO!). Next up is "The Shield Season 5". "Sopranos" was going to be next until I found out how the entire series ends. Maybe I need to find something more wholesome anyway. Any suggestions? Ah...the joys of the writer's strike. I'm telling you, the library is one of the happiest places on earth for me.
- Speaking of writer's strike, a lot of people have been wondering how I've been getting along because of it. It's actually been good for me. I've just been storing up a lot of the shows that aren't urgent and then saving them for those days when there's nothing to watch, thereby keeping me from sitting in front of the TV for hours on end. I've also started to get into a lot of the Discovery Channel. That Bear Gryles cracks me up with the stuff he eats and "Planet Earth" has been stored up for a special occasion. All those shows on venomous reptiles have convinced me never to visit Australia and the ones about killer squid and jellyfish mean I'm never going out into the ocean again.
- I know a lot of people have complained about there not being any good new shows this season. I only watch "Private Practice" for the eye-candy, "Life" is basically House if he were a cop, "Pushing Daisies" is cute and original, and "Dirty Sexy Money" has fascinating characters. But I will say that the only must-see show that I have this season is "Gossip Girl". I can't help myself. It started off as a guilty pleasure but I've been sucked into the crazy world of New York's Upper East-Siders. XOXO. But I must make a plug for the best new show that I'm not ashamed to love and I think anyone will enjoy: "Chuck". My qt halfling was trying to sell me on it but I kept resisting because the premise sounded ridiculous. But I have caught up on the entire season online and I will say that it's smart, entertaining, action-packed and fun for everyone. Check out nbc.com if you wanna catch up as well.
Just wanted to wish everyone a very, merry Christmas. Remember the reason for the season. Hope to see everyone in 2008!
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| There can be no triumph without loss
No victory without suffering
No freedom without sacrifice
The Lord of the Rings |
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