Saturday, June 12, 2010

This is the End, My Friend

Whoa--Long time, no see.

Sorry about that....


First of all, I need to talk about LOST. I figure I should since I was so excited for the final season--enough to blog about it!


I enjoyed the ending. I loved the music. I'm glad they ended the story on their own terms. I'm glad it focused on the characters, and didn't just use the last season to answer a billion questions. I mean, sure, it'd be kind of fun to know the answers to all that crazy stuff...but it would also kind of cheapen it. Plus, I can wait for the extra DVD to get some answers!!!


Secondly, since the fall season has ended, I need some stuff to watch. Anyone have suggestions as to what I should watch or rent during the summer? I must be entertained!

I watched the entire first season of "Drop Dead Diva" and looooved it! The second season just started, and needless to say, I'm excited. (I also mostly watch it for the lovely man in the photo below.)





Finally, the main reason why this post is titled "This is the End."

I'm looking for a new job. I will be ending my current job as soon as humanly possible!! For a million different reasons, it has started to feel more like a prison sentence instead of a career. And since I have committed no crime (that I know of or will admit to) and deserve no cruel and unusual punishment, I'm on the hunt.

So, if you have any ideas you want to throw at me...or if you want to hire me as your personal assistant, let me know!



Friday, April 9, 2010

Thank You Notes



Today I'm going to rip a page right out of Jimmy Fallon's book and write some thank you notes. He does it every Friday night. Pretty funny. Check it out on Hulu to see what I mean:








Cue "Thank You Note Writing Music"


Here goes.




Thank You... Cafe Rio...for starting curbside service. I didn't have to wait in any long lines, or even get out of my car to get a delicious pork salad. You even stamped my meal card from my car window.








Thank You... CMT...for showing two episodes of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." I bawled for two hours. But I probably needed a good cry.






Thank You... ginormous bean bag...for being so utterly comfortable. I made my own little nest in there.




NO Thank You... Pride & Prejudice...for lulling me to sleep at 3 p.m. I slept for almost 6 hours. Now I'll be up all night and I didn't get anything done.




Thank You... Disney Channel...for showing High School Musical 3 when I woke up. Granted, I missed my favorite song, but I definitely didn't miss the hilarious junkyard scene. Where did all those dancers come from?????




Thank You... Jimmy Fallon...for making me genuinely laugh when I watch your show. It brings me joy at work. And it gave me idea for this post in the first place.




Speaking of that...he'll be on soon. Time to eat some chocolate Cheerio's, get back into the bean bag, and have at it.






Love,


Maren

Friday, March 5, 2010

Let's Go Surfing Now

Well, it's been awhile. Don't worry, I'm still watching *plenty of TV!!



I have to say one of my specialties is channel surfing. There's nothing I enjoy more surfing on the weekends to recover from the past week. Although, sometimes I stumble on things I wish I didn't hear or see.


The other day, I came across a show that totally made me want to ralph.. but I just couldn't stop watching. I believe it was called, "My Big Fat Fabulous Wedding." Basically, it's about insanely rich people who spend the equivalent of 5 people's life savings on their wedding. This particular episode kind of made me want to rip my hair out. It was this couple who was a bit older. They both owned their own companies and were independently wealthy, and put their money together.. oh man. Right off the bat, I could tell they were getting married purely for show, not because they loved each other. They would never look each other in the eyes, and during the wedding/circus they could barely stand to kiss. Now let's talk about what they spent their money on..



She had three different designer dresses to wear that night. I think they were about $30,000 each. Ewww. She also bought a pair of earrings that I think cost more than I make in a year or two--without taxes. "Oh honey, I think that's a good price," she says. Wow. I think I threw up a little bit in my mouth.



And the wedding itself.. everything had to be crystal. It was insane! It was kind of cool looking, but completely insane. I can't remember everything else they spent their money on, because I think I've tried to block it from my memory. It was just too painful.



Anyway, that's what I get for channel surfing.. a glimpse into the world of the completely insane!



In other news, LOST is going well. I've decided not to nitpick about this final season. I'm just going to repect the show's creators for taking their baby wherever they want to (which I like the way it's headed). I'm just along for the ride!!

Saturday, January 30, 2010

The Beginning of the End

It's Saturday afternoon, and there's totally a LOST special on T.V. right now. Glorious!

(Picture courtesy ABC & ew.com)

LOST's last season begins this Tuesday. I am so excited! I became obsessed with LOST the summer after Season One. I was too busy during school to watch it, but I knew I wanted to because J.J. Abrams was involved.. and I love Alias! So that summer I went home to work in OK. They played the entire season again and I was hooked! The show is so fun to watch because you get invested in the mystery, mythology, and characters on the island. It's like watching a mini-movie every week.

I'm a little sad it's ending, but I think it's a sweet move. It's the whole "quit while you're ahead" thing. Instead of going and going just to make money, they are preserving the intergrity of the show. After it's all over, I'm going to watch it all in order once again. I thought I would try to watch it all before the final season, but I think it will be more fun watching it all and knowing how it will all end up!

I've actually been envisioning the final scene of LOST. It will be a little similar to the ending of several episodes. The beautiful violin music will be playing--it's the theme that sounds like "doo doooo doo dooo doo dooo dooo doooooo doo." (If you're an avid fan.. you might recognize it.. it always plays when there's some big swell of emotion. It's gorgeous.) And there will be a little montage of each character--wherever they end up. It will end with whoever's living on the island... and then wide shot of the island with the clear blue water and cloudless sky. Then BAM!

LOST.

And I will probably be crying.

Any shows you're in love with?

(Also.. I will soon post a pic of my tv, so it's easier to name.)

MJ

Friday, January 22, 2010

CoCo, Please Don't Go!

I really do love television. I know, it truly sounds pathetic.. but let me explain.


Yes, T.V. can be mindless and contain a lot of smut and be damaging in a lot of respects. But, when used wisely, it can teach you, pull you into another world, explore different places, and heck.. even inspire you. And you really don't have to leave your couch to do it. Pretty cool. I mean, I don't recommend you watch it 24/7.. but for all the bad rep it gets.. you can really find some neat stuff. (Maybe this is why I'm in the T.V. biz, even though it can be super frustrating!!)





So because of this.. I have a confession. Every time I watch the last episode of a show, I get a bit sad. Ok, I even shed a few tears! (If you really know me.. you'll know that I cry at the strangest, most importune times! It's really crazy & awful). I did it when I watched the last episode of E.R. (which I did not watch on a regular basis) and Monk. I think it's because I think about if I was in that situation of doing something I loved for so long, but having to move on.. that's hard.


That being said.. I totally cried during Conan's last episode of the "Tonight Show." I could tell he was really doing something he loved--just making people laugh and having fun. His parting words to his fans were also very genuine and inspirational:







"All I ask of you is one thing: please don’t be cynical. I hate cynicism — it’s my least favorite quality and it doesn’t lead anywhere. Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you’re kind, amazing things will happen."
(Picture & quote courtesy ew.com)


And you know, what he said is really true. I honestly believe because I've tried to work hard and be kind and respectful in my job, I gotten a lot of respect from my coworkers. And most of those are middle-aged men. Hard to deal with when you're just a kid!

So, yes, I think Conan got a raw deal (even if he's walking away with millions) because he's walking away from a dream. But he's doing it for the integrity of the show and the principle of the matter. So hey.. more power to him.



Let's just say I'd hate to be Jay Leno right now.

Your thoughts?

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Leno & CoCo

I've decided to wait until the whole Jay Leno/Conan O'Brien extravaganza plays out before I comment on it. It should hopefully wrap up at the end of the week, and Conan will probably be leaving. Let's just say.. I won't watch the "Tonight Show" ever again if Leno comes back.

What team are you on, if any?

Also.. one TV name suggestion: Terri/Terry (depending on the "gender"). T names are good.

Friday, January 15, 2010

New Year, New Blog

Ok, folks. The times are a-changing.. and so is my blog! Obviously, since I hadn't posted anything since October, I needed to think of something new. And here it is.. TV Talk! The gist is this: since my schedule is crazy, I have no friends. So... TV is my friend.

To be honest, though, I won't focus on just TV. Movies, music, dumb celebs.. you name it. Does this appeal to you at all? I mean, if you enjoyed the occasional hilarious story from me.... don't worry. I'll sprinkle them in.

First order of business. Since TV & I are so close, he/she needs a name (and a gender, too?). So, my three trusty readers are going to help me name it/she/he!! Please leave your comments for suggestions.

Teaser for next time (aka tonight or tomorrow): my take on the late night fight between Conan & Leno (two words: Team Conan!), LOST, and dumb things celebrities do.

Until then.. peace out, my dears.

MJ

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Desperately Seeking Susan.. or Jenny.. or Mildred.. or whoever!!

Ok people. Looking for roommates sucks. That's right I said it.. sucks! I do admit.. I don't mind living by myself. That part's totally fine. But.. money doesn't grow on trees.. so I can't afford to live here by myself for much longer. If only I were a magical vampire-werewolf-Harry Potter and could like.. create money out of thin air. Alas.

I thought I was going everything right.. ads in the all the right places.. using my mad networking skills. But.. nada. Well.. not nada.. but all I get are nutsos.. crazies. People who are like.. totally! I'll move in! And then bail. Or others who seem great at first.. then they slowly start revealing their issues.. or lying about the fact that they have little yippy dogs that will keep me awake when I'm supposed to be getting the beauty rest. UGH! All I'm asking is for one. normal. person. Who's responsible and nice and laid back. Is that too much too ask? Tell me! I'm living in a fantasy world, right?

Ok, well.. the rant didn't solve any problems.. but at least I feel a little better. It's off my chest.
Just think good thoughts for me people. Apparently my thoughts are toxic waste!!! :)

Maybe one day I'll take a picture of my couch and put it on here. But you know me.. I break almost all of the blog promises I keep. So, you never know. Maybe it'll be a Halloween miracle.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

This is Halloween...

First of all.. anyone who recognizes the title of this post gets 10,000 points (in honor of the stock market.)

I *love* "The Nightmare Before Christmas." Some people hate it. That makes me sad. I watch it for Halloween and Christmas. And, I have the special edition that came out last year!

Anyway.. it's almost that time.. and I need a costume. So, I'm asking your opinion. I have a few ideas...
1) Rachel Berry-from "Glee." I could easily pull this one together.. and if you're lucky.. I'd even perform a little ditty for you from the show. If you haven't seen it well.. here's a link:

http://www.hulu.com/glee

I demand you watch it, or at least view some of the musical numbers.

2) I could go controversial.. and be the ghost of Michael Jackson. This would consist of a white sheet thrown over my head.. with a sign.. or at least a hat and glove to give people a hint.

3) I don't know.. something lame or generic like a punk rocker/goth/or emo girl. That would just be fun to do--go outside my "comfort" zone for a change.

All I know I have to match the absolute genius costume that was Tracy Turnblad two years ago.
Here's a pic: (It's on facebook..)

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=33988270&l=fa2766bd33&id=17802513

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Unfortunately, this is not a poem.

My little brother is engaged.
I found out on Facebook.
They dated for a month.
He met her on the mission.
I've seen her twice--total time: one hour.


Yikes.
But.. I think it will work out.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

A Couple of Things

1) EXPLANATION
Ok.. I promised I would explain those pictures. I usually keep my promises.. so I'm doing that right now. I think the first pictures is self-explanatory. I found some wax lips, put them on.. and put on a show for all to see. Or, did you think those were my real lips? Hello, Angelina Jolie.

2) ECHO
My roommate moved out yesterday. She found four burly men (at least they sounded burly) and they came in and took it all. In like, an hour. Pretty big accomplishment, I say. Now.. there is a crazy echo in the place. It's weird. It looks like I got robbed, haha. It'll just motivate me to look for some furniture, post haste!! Thanks to Megan for leaving the big bean bag. I wouldn't be able to watch TV without it. Anyone got a couch I can buy/have, etc?

3) EPIPHANY
I never really thought about it before, but how do homeless people shave? I know most homeless guys have those scraggly beards.. but some are clean-shaven. I had never really thought about how they do those little day-to-day things. Well, after work yesterday morning. I saw a homeless guy shaving. Somehow he got ahold of a razor and some shaving cream. He used the reflection off the trash can as a mirror. And he had somehow filled a plastic grocery bag with water.. and used it as a sink. Weird.

That's all for now, my dears.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Not Dead Yet

So I don't feel like getting out of bed..... what better time than now to update the blog I've neglected for several months??!?!??!!?

Haha, anyway.

To tell you the truth.. I probably haven't blogged because there haven't been a lot of goings on.
I did get another, different haircut though. I'm sorry I haven't posted pictures of that other one from forever ago. I guess I was just lazy and didn't put them on my computer.... maybe I will soon. (but, don't count on it!!!)
I'm still working the overnight shift at the good ol' k-u-t-v. Although, this past week I did a stint on the 9pm show. I can't decided what I like better. But, boy, it sure was nice sleeping at night for a change! I rediscovered my love of my bed. Ah... the queen. Queen size beds are wonderful, even if I just can't seem to sleep in the middle.

Oh! Also.. I'm looking for a new roomie! My current one, Megan, or Megsters, which I've never called her before.... is moving back down to Provo. She's going to be a book editor at a publisher in Springville! I'm super excited for her... I know she'll do great...shout out!!!

So PLEASE... if you know of anyone that's looking for someone totally wicked awesome (aka me) to live with in SLC... let me know! Just make sure it's someone I won't hate. Haha.

What else is going on? My little bro got home from his mission. That's awesome. And he's coming back up to BYU. Even awesomer. And my parental units are coming soon as well. Then, they're signing over Biff's deed to me! (Meaning, I will be the actual owner of my green impala!) Then, I can use him as a trade-in when I get a new one. If that didn't make sense... I named my car Biff.

I really can't think of anything else about my life right now. Sorry it's so boring. But, if I think of any good stories, I'll most definitely post them. For now... let me find some random pictures or videos I have and post them on here.. to make up for those other ones I lied about.
Enjoy!!









I'll explain these later... then you'll have something to look forward to!

Monday, August 10, 2009

My Apologies

SorrySorrySorrySorrySorrySorrySorrySorrySorrySorrySorrySorrySorrySorrySorrySorry
SorrySorrySorrySorrySorrySorrySorrySorrySorrySorrySorrySorrySorrySorrySorrySorry
SorrySorrySorrySorrySorrySorrySorrySorrySorrySorrySorrySorrySorrySorrySorrySorry
sorrysorrYsorRYsoRRYsORRYSORRY!


I haven't blogged in awhile.
I'll write an actual, semi-informative post soon.


Love,
Maren

Thursday, April 30, 2009

By the way, I did it. I cut off my hair. Pictures will come soon...

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Ch-ch-ch-changes!

A) I needed a background change. Like it?


B) Ok, my nearest and dearest... I really need to change my hair. So I need your vote/opinion. I was looking online for haircuts that will flatter my round face and I saw one that I think could work. Of course my hair color wouldn't look like this, and I wouldn't be Kelly Clarkson...but what do you think?

Thank you for your time.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

A Glimpse of the Future

Please read and/or watch this. I have a feeling this will be me in about 24 years!!!

http://buzz.yahoo.com/buzzlog/92464

Enjoy.

Friday, March 27, 2009

It's Time.

Ok, folks. I was reading through some of my old posts for my immense amusement...and I realized I had promised I would post the essay that I wrote about in my very first blog post. So...since I haven't been able to think of anything else to post (and it's been more than a month)...here it is, in all its glory.
[Editor's Note: 1) I wrote this as a Senior in high school. 2) Grammar, etc is probably not perfect...but whatever. 3) We were supposed to write this as if we were applying to a college and had to write about ourselves. 4) Well...I think I will explain this after the essay, or perhaps in a completely different post.]
My Inner Elderly Person
I am an old woman trapped inside a seventeen-year-old girl's body. I know what you may be thinking: "Why would we want this girl to attend our university when she has the limited physical abilities of an elderly person?" Now, do not toss this essay aside until you let me explain myself. The physical aspects of my being an elderly woman are only limited to: the possible deafness in my left ear, my stomach being sensitive to rich food, and this notion that I have that I may be shrinking in size. And aside from the fact that my nickname in fourth grade was "Grandma" and that I always complain that I am "getting old" when I feel pain, my similiarity to an old woman is more mental than physical.
For instance, like many elderly, I live by routine. In the morning I wake up, find my clothes (key word: find), change, put in my contacts, brush my hair and teeth (not at the same time, or with the same brush), and do my makeup. I do this everyday, in the exact same order. If I do not follow this regime, I forget to do one of those activities and probably end up embarrassing myself at school or just going insane.
Most grandparents are very concerned about the well being of their family and friends. I like to think of myself in that way. I do not go to the extreme and become nosy, but I do like to know how my friends are doing and if they need help. I constantly badger them about their health. For example, last night I participated in a church service project and fixed up a local elementary school's playground. It was very hot outside and there was no water to quench our tremendous thirst. My friend started to feel dizzy and thought that she might pass out. Of course, I made sure that this would not happen by promptly telling her, "Now you better not faint on me!" (I am sure those "magic" words did the trick.) I also tried to check up on her every few seconds to make sure she was not lying on the ground unconscious.
Every day, I can almost guarantee that I will hear some amount of profanity. Whether it is from television of from students at school, I hear plenty of it. And I do not like it. I do not enjoy hearing those "choice" words fall upon my ears, so I have decided to replace these words with that I like to call "old fogie terms," or terms that were said in the "old days." So, if I ever hit my thumb with a hammer, you will most likely hear me scream "Heavens to Betsy!" If I am surprised, I will say, " Oh heavens!" or "Knock me down and call me horizontal!" I am not certain where these terms originate from, but I think they add humor to the situations in which I use them.
I am in no way ashamed to be compared to an old person, and I am quite content to have these qualities. These qualities make me...me. I do not mind my "inner elderly person" telling me that I am not doing things in the right order, or to check up on someone, or to remember to use clean language. This inner self is what keeps me going. And maybe, as I mature and become older, my inner child will be struggling to get out and tell me to lighten up.
Ok, so there you go. I have some things to explain/add/say in general...but I will save that for the next post (so you can rest your eyes). So please....just enjoy this for a few days (key word: enjoy).

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Minnie Mocked Me

Today, as I was riding the freight elevator up and down all morning (you'll find out why later), I thought about what an interesting list of skills I've acquired in the past six months at my new job. So, here is my new resume that I'm sure will get me a job in Hollywood or something.

Skills:
Model: I modeled my Halloween costume during the weather segment.
Professional Dancer: I also danced in my Halloween costume on live television (something I rather regret).
Food Taster: I tasted yams during a cooking segment on my birthday. They even let me blow out a candle and everything. I think I'm ready for commercials.
Delivery Gal: I have delivered burgers, pastries, sandwiches, and even photos between the station and Casey's (our feature reporter) live shot location.
Professional Bowler: Yes, I have bowled on live TV. And I was terrible. (Oh yeah, and I ate more food on TV, too.)
Tour Guide: I give tours to high school students who don't think I'm funny.
Dog Racer: I was in charge of holding a Yorkie before a race with another dog. Luckily, she was released before she could pee on me.
Bodyguard: Today, I had the privilege of escorting Mickey and Minne Mouse from the first floor to a secret location in the basement (hence the elevator). That was interesting, and maybe a little creepy. Minne kept mocking me by mimicking every move I made. And Mickey kept standing dangerously too close to me. I don't really think I like things in costumes.

So, what do you think? Am I hired?

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Lost--in the good way.

Sorry, folks (aka the 5 people who bother to give this blog a glance). I haven't written for awhile.


I've been busy......................watching LOST. Watching LOST like it's my job.



I've been watching all of the seasons straight through since Christmas. And now I'm soooo ready for the 5th season to start! I have to say that these LOST marathons have started affecting my dreams. Last night, I had gotten a song published in a magazine that I had written about LOST. I had forgotten that I had written it for a class, and they loved it, so they got it published. The weird thing is, I have this distinct impression that I had a totally separate dream another night about actually writing the song. Awesome. All I know about the song is that it was an awesome choral arrangement.



Needless to say, the trippy dream has reminded me that I have some songs in my head that I really should write. My brain just won't let me rest. And heaven knows I have the time to do it now.



Anyway, so that's the update on my life. I really don't do much else (besides that whole working full-time thing).



But , I am looking forward to finally going home next month--my mom has no idea, and it's at the most random time. It's going to be hilarious. And it will be nice, since it's been over a year since I've been to the OK. HOORAY!!!



Peace.

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Bah Humbug

Here's the thing--I love Christmas. I really do. But, I'm kinda boycotting it this year. Not the whole celebrating the birth of the Savior part or anything. I'm giving gifts, I'm singing the songs, and heck, we even have delightful Christmas decorations up in our house. But, I'm not really feelin' it on the inside. It's not truly Christmas when you don't get to spend it with your family, in your own house, and get to sleep in your own childhood room. And since I don't get to do that, on account of that I'm a real-live adult and have to work, it's not REALLY Christmas...at least not for me.

So I'm going through the Christmas-y motions, putting a smile on my face, for the benefit of all mankind...but on Christmas morning, I won't be celebrating Jensen-style. A lot of people have invited me to spend Christmas morning with them, but I think I would enjoy it more if I could just stay at my little house in the Avenues, in my most comfy pajamas and my bathrobe (oh, and I have a very sad story about my favorite p'jams) where I can open the presents I have from my mother, and talk to my family on the phone at every whim. My only Christmas wish is that I could talk to them face-to-face, but I can live with the phone idea. (And don't worry...I'll probably be eating some kind of Christmas buffet with my mom's relatives later on in the evening...I won't starve.)

Now, this post is NOT to envoke pit or anything...I'm really alright. I have to admit I'm interested to see how my Maren Christmas will turn out. It could be kinda fun. I'm only trying to explain why my smile might seem a little fake while singing Christmas carols. But, please, don't call me Scrooge...that'll make me real mad.

Have yourselves a merry little Christmas!!!