Pet Peeves

I guess this may seem a bit pessimistic, but today my topic is PET PEEVES.

I was thinking about this as I was running on the treadmill at 24 Hour Fitness this morning and I heard a woman say, "I can only make it here once this week because I just don't have time to workout". I cringe when people say, "I don't have time" because you MAKE time for what is important; you control your life. Now, I understand crazy things can happen such as you oversleep, a delayed flight, etc. But in general, you know you have 24 hours in each day and you plan accordingly.

Sound bitchy? Maybe... but it's my blog so Pet Peeves it is :)

Now, you may think toilet seat up, slow drivers in the fast lane, etc. Nope- I think I may be a little strange, but I believe some of you would agree with me:

1- "I don't have time" (liar, you just don't want to do it or something else is more important)
2- Poor grammar (It does not get worse than "I seen that", no, you SAW that)
3- People who wear clothes that are obviously to small (remember, it's not about size- size does not matter here!)
4- People who fail to wipe down gym equipment after they use it (gross. sweat.)
5- Fake purses, sunglasses, etc. This shames designers. Either pay more for the real stuff or buy something else if you don't want to spend the money. Besides, they break very quickly. I tried it once while in NYC and that was my punishment. It was ugly, cheap-looking, and it broke fast.
6- Decent restaurants that don't offer black napkins (hello people- white crap on black pants; not pretty)
7- The band One Republic. Don't know why; just don't like 'em. Big pet peeve for me that they exist and make music.
8- Mini Coopers. Again, just don't like them. They should never have been invented.
9- Fake, long acrylic nails on women with ghastly designs and colors. Unprofessional no matter what your profession is. If you must have fake nails, keep them short and plain. Simple is pretty, ladies.
10- Last, but not least, the song "Melt with You" by Modern English. The minute I hear it, the station changes or I run away. Gives me the creeps.

Well, if that is the worst of it, I guess my life is not that bad. I can deal with the loud cell phones talkers in public, people who still say "hella", and folks obsessed with American Idol. I can handle it. But 1-10 above, get out of my way. I post as I giggle out loud. Maybe next it's time for my favorite things.... We'll see...

Gotta go watch American Idol now. Maybe it's One Republic or Modern English night. Oh wait... I seen that episode. Never mind. I just don't have time.

Sunday Hodge-Podge

No clue why I get up so darn early (7:30am is early to me on a Sunday) when I was up late eating delicious food and drinking tart cocktails (followed by more wine) with Utah Guy. GREAT early birthday evening.... But enough about that. No blogging about my (good) love life. Ever.

Topic(s) for Sunday: What Happens in Vegas..., The Good, Bad, and Ugly of Pop Culture, and What I Look Forward to These Days.

I know... these topics have zero in common. Just what happens to be on my lazy weekend mind today.

First up... Vegas. Not what you may think, my friends. Wow- things sure are different when you are in Las Vegas for work versus pleasure (at least for me- it's like the GOOD version of Jekyll and Hyde). For pleasure, it's like your inner Pamela Anderson tries to come out (thinking Dancing with the Stars) and you try to stay out as close to sunrise as possible, acting like you are 21 again. For work, it's in bed by 10 or 11PM so you can get up at 5:45AM every morning to work off the food and drinks from the night prior. Wow. What is NOT different: the need to spend over $500 on a pair of heels just because of the label. No excuses here; you know me- total label whore. That's all for me in Vegas. Either dress snappy and stay out late or dress a little more conservative and go to bed early, but ALWAYS enjoy a cocktail or 2 or 3... and gamble a tad. I said a tad. BUT there is always, always shopping. That never changes. I will post pics of shoes later. How exciting! And, of course, there is always what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. That will never be shared. Never. A girl must have secrets to keep you on your toes.

Next...Pop Culture. US Weekly is my airplane weakness. There is only so much work one can do on the plane. There are those stories you can read over and over again even if they are on the cover 5 weeks in a row and there are those that make me roll my eyes every time I see the cover photos (Kate Goselin anyone???) So, in my professional opinion (ha!) here is the recent good and bad:

Good- Sandra and Jesse (poor girl)
The re surge in popularity of Betty White (you go girl!)
Bradley Cooper (a girl can NEVER get enough)
The Kardashians (I have no clue why I care, but.... one issue- see below)

Bad- Heidi & Spencer (just plain gross)
The Jersey Shore freaks (even grosser)
The Pitt-Jolie clan (NOT impressed, move on)
Tiger (I have heard enough- just let the guy golf and his wife move on)
Kourtney Kardashian's boyfriend Scott (he just makes the girls look bad)

You'd think between a job that keeps me on the road constantly, living in 2 states, a boyfriend in 1 and a cat in the other, taking mini-vacations as often as I can, early morning exercise daily, and planning a crap load of fun events that I would have a life, but apparently I do not. I LOVE POP CULTURE. Keep it coming...

Last... what I am looking forward to most these days. 2 things right now: Cabo with the family for my birthday in April and NYC with Amy for Sex & the City 2 in May. Sooooo excited!!!!! Cabo- fun, sun, and relaxation (not to mention a little tequila) and NYC- where do I start??? Movie, hot spots, sight-seeing, and shopping, shopping, shopping!!! These are the thoughts that keep me going every day- looking forward to my "rewards for working hard". Can't wait to post Cabo and NYC pics after each trip. Fun, fun, fun!!!

Did I mention these topics have zero in common? Yep. Just what my blog is for. What goes through my crazy head. Spending so much time at work on other people "stuff", there definitely needs to be "stuff" for me; this is where you can find it. Bring on the adventure kids...

I Have to Stay Committed...

Wow---- I think this is a (bad) record for me... It's been over 45 days since my last post (sounds like I am missing confession and I am not even Catholic- ouch!). I vow on this 17th day of April to commit to being more timely and sharing the learnings of my whirlwind life with you in cyberworld. I am so sad when friends and family send me emails, voicemails, and texts telling me you miss my posts :( Who knew my life was so exciting!? :)

So, here is the latest and greatest for me.... Life is great! Can't complain in the slightest. Work has been excellent, but crazy busy as usual. Both of my "homes" in San Fran and Park City are superb. I love having "dual state citizenship"! It works for me. And the love life is treating me just dandy too. :) Yep, life is grand.

Work took me to Las Vegas for 4 days this past week- just got back yesterday afternoon. The highlight: Couture Lollipops from the Sugar Factory!!! (See Kim Kardashian photo above) and checkout the website at www.sugarfactory.com. Now, I have already been called many a not-so-flattering name on faceboook for spending so much money on a silly sucker, but in my world of love-o-pop-culture, sooooo worth it. I spent $25 on the couture lolli itself (mine: flavor- cherry; stem: white and black crystals) and $12 on refills (mine: watermelon). It's a phenomenon folks. Check it out. If you ever watch the E! channel or read US Weekly magazine, you know what I am talking about.

The colorful, crazy Sugar Factory is located at The Mirage in Vegas, right next to RumBar and across from BLT Burger (yep, love both of those too- give 'em a try....). You can't help but be mesmerized by the lights, shiny candy, and photos of celebs of the moment enjoying the scrumptious confections. Yum!

Call me silly, but I love my Sugar Factory Couture Lolli. So fun.
Ta-ta for now.... be back soon. I promise this time. I really mean it.

Park City Update- End of February

Well, I did it again... slacked on my blog and have not updated for 3 weeks.... So, my update today is some of the stuff I LOVE about Park City, Utah. The list is quite long, but this is just some fun stuff that I feel compelled to share:

PARK CITY, UTAH

I am not a fan of Salt Lake City, especially the area around the airport, but I love the feeling I get as I round the bend on Hwy 80 in the mountains, let's say around Jeremy Ranch area, when you pass into "ski resort territory" near Park City. I makes me go "ahhhhh...." every time.

The sights of Olympic Park as you head into town. Impressive.

The fact that there are colorful lights everywhere in the trees- not just at Christmas time. So pretty!

Main Street. Shop. Eat. Walk. Drink. People watch. 'nuff said.

I already blogged about Purple Sage in the past, so let's just say the plethora of tasty restaurants in town- so many good ones to choose from!

Java Cow ice cream and Yellow Snow ice cream.

Some great little boutiques such as Mary Jane's, Flight, Cake, and Prospect.

The free shuttle that takes you from my condo to any bar at any time- no drinking and driving folks. Ask my Dad about this one too...

Lindzee O'Michael's Mixologist bar- check it out. Martinis. Yum.

Silver Mountain Gym & Spa.

The fact that I can see moose in their natural habitat just walking down the street.

The smell of snow in the air right now.

My new facialist Vanessa- she is amazing.

Justin, Matt, and Sara at Massage Envy.

Ski lessons everywhere!!! Even for those of of deathly afraid of heights.

My condo. Love it.

Beautiful mountains everywhere you look.

The Shop- a free, non-profit yoga studio.

And I don't even need to say it.... SUNDANCE, OF COURSE!

The reason for this love-fest for Park City today is due to the GREAT day I have had here... after working out and seeing a moose just "hangin' out" in the brush, I enjoyed an amazing massage followed by some fun (and spendy!) shopping- clothes, candles, yoga stuff... fun. I feel wonderful! Just had to share all that Park City has to offer. Don't ya'll want to join me now? Come along.... You're invited!

Broadmoor Spa, Colorado

I admit it. I am a spa snob. I love spas. Massage. Facial. Pedicure. I love it all.

Most recently I spent time at The Broadmoor Hotel- Golf & Spa Resort in Colorado Springs, Colorado as a reward to one of my team members at work (while it was not a reward for me, I was more than happy to pay on my own for my spa activities to join her!) I had been there prior, so highly recommended this place for her to enjoy her reward.

Some of the highlights...

* Gorgeous grounds (see the 2 photos I took)

* Many yummy restaurants to choose from

* Super comfy king size beds (trust me, from all the time spent in hotels, I know a good bed when I lie down...)

* Of course, the spa in general

* Fruit or cucumber water in every waiting area

* Aroma therapy waiting rooms

* Home-made toffee in your room upon arrival

* Cute shops with fun stuff to buy

I know, as I have stated before, I am easily impressed, but The Broadmoor does a great job at that. I highly recommend it. And if you golf, check that out too. So pretty!

Go see The Broadmoor when in Colorado.

Sundance 2010 Finale

All good things must come to an end...

Katie Holmes at "The Extra Man"



Kevin Kline at "The Extra Man"

Me and my credentials (I am so proud!)

Darien and Amy at Chimayo

Final day... It was a great one!

We started the day at the spa for massages and facial (so indulging!) and ended the day with dinner at Chimayo and our final movie- "The Extra Man" with Kevin Kline, Paul Dano, John C. Reilly, and Katie Holmes. Good movie- not a blockbuster, but decent. And all of the above were there and spoke after the movie- the best part!

All-in-all a wonderful final day at Sundance 2010. I will look back on fun times had at movies, star gazing, yummy dinners, relaxing at the condo, walking on Main Street and the spa experience. Just what I always hope for at Sundance.

Last, in addition to others I listed in previous posts, did I mention some other stars we saw...

Adrian Grenier

Christopher McDonald (Shooter from Happy Gilmore)

Nina Katz (not her real name, but if you are a Sex & the City fan in the seasons with Aidan and the break-up, you will know...)

Kevin Sorbo

Rachel Hunter

I think that may be all for now... If I remember more, I'll be back!

Farewell Sundance 2010. See ya in 2011!

Sundance- Worst, Better, Best!

3 films in 1 day! That's a lot, especially when they start at noon and end at 2AM. Definitely worst, better, and best for this fine film day. As you can see from my post yesterday, "Dry Land" was good- not great, not bad, but good. Next up was "3 Backyards". Ummm.. Just pretty bad. Don't get me wrong, it was still fun to see and also to chat with Edie Falco and Kathryn Erbe afterward (see below along with Director), but the movie was not good and the audio was so loud our ears were bleeding. Pass on this one.

Next up was "HIGH School" which was hilarious. I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard. I think I snorted a few times and my belly hurts today (that could be all of the candy hearts and M&M's, but I digress...). If it gets picked up by a studio, check it out. Stars Michael Chiklis and Adrien Brody (see below) as well as Collin Hanks, Michael Vartan, and a few others. Definitely worth checking this one out. And as you can see, Amy and Michael Chiklis hit it off :)

One more day to go... just returned from the spa (ahhhh...) and our last film comes tonight. Looking forward to the dinner and movie Sundance 2010 finale!

Sundance Movie #1

Our first Sundance 2010 movie was a success! Check it out below...

"The Dry Land" starring America Ferrara (far right), Jason Ritter (next to America), Wilmer Valderrama (speaking) and others. Excellent movie about PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) after returning from Iraq.

Below the photo of the cast is Amy in anticipation of the start of the film being introduced by Sundance Director John Cooper (Robert Redford only intros opening night).

Last, my Sundance credentials.... Gotta have those to "feel cool".

After the movie, before we came home to cheer the Vikings onto victory, we stopped at Einstein Bagels for a bite to eat with John C. Reilly. Unfortunately neither his Stepbrother nor Ricky Bobby were there with him....

After the Vikes, 2 more movies today!!!

Sundance Day 2

Sundance....

Photos:
Ethan Suplee from "My Name is Earl" (and the movie "Dry Land")
Wilmer Valderrama and Danny Masterson from "That 70's Show" (and the movie "Howl")
Darien and Amy at Bandit's Bar & Grill

The first sightings have arrived!!! Friday was quite an interesting and eventful day, so let's just focus on the positive (NOT the disorderly conduct or getting stuck on the snowy mountain....) Remember, as you read this, I have the most bizarre things happen to ME--- this day was no exception, so let's just go forth with the JOYS of Sundance. There are many...

After a day of relaxation and working out, our plans for the evening of dinner and the movie at Sundance Resort were suddenly changed due to inclement weather up the mountain, so we did a little dinner and shopping on Main Street instead. A BBQ dinner at Bandits Bar & Grill included the casts of "My Name is Earl" (see Ethan Suplee above- he is in the movie "Dry Land" we are viewing tomorrow) and "That 70's Show" (see Wilmer Valderrama and Danny Masterson). We had some great BBQ and cocktails and after chatting with Wilmer (well, Amy, not me, I must confess) we hit a few shops. Love Roots!!! Check it out sometime....

Aside from the "casts" at dinner, we saw a few entertainment TV correspondents (think E!), but that was it for our first day out. More to come.... Sundance Rocks!!!

Sundance is Here!!!!

Long awaited (one of the) best week of the year is finally here! The official festivities started last night with a scrumptious dinner at Purple Sage (see my previous restaurant post for more details on PS) with Amy, me, and a random cute guy who payed for our meal (ok, not random, but it was VERY nice of him and we surely enjoyed the company...)

Since we start our passage into films this evening, thought I would start with our agenda for the 6 days of bliss. Check it out and wait for more....

Thursday 1/21
Pick up Amy at the airport and get "settled" at the condo (we must claim our spots on the couch to set up laptops and set the TV channel to E! for Sundance coverage- but unlike the Golden Globes, everyone where ski jackets, hats, and boots, so we fit right in- don't forget the over sized sunglasses!)
6:30PM Dinner at Purple Sage (yum!)

Friday 1/22
Open hang out/work out/relax day
3:45PM Early dinner at The Foundry Grill at Sundance Resort
6:30PM Movie: "Howl" at Sundance Screening Room (Starring James Franco, John Hamm, Mary-Louise Parker, and Jeff Daniels)

Saturday 1/23
Totally open hang out/work out/shop/relax day - hoping to spend some $$$ shopping this day
7:00PM Dinner at Blind Dog Sushi (bring on the rolls and nigiri and sashimi)

Sunday 1/24
This is MAJOR movie day- we have 3 this day and they are ALL premiers :)
12:15PM "Dryland" at Eccles (starring America Ferrera, Jason Ritter, and Wilmer Valdderama)
Open between 3-7PM or so to watch the Vikes beat the Saints (sorry Reggie Bush, I like ya, but... I like Favre better)
8:00PM "3 Backyards" at Raquet Club Theatre (starring Edie Falco)
11:30PM "HIGH School" at Library Theatre (starring Adrien Brody, Michael Chiklis, and Colin Hanks)
This will be a long day, but all 3 are premiers- first showing of every movie- so it's worth it

Monday 1/25
Vie Nouveau Spa!!! 10AM
We both have 90 minute massages and 60 minute facials back-to-back
Open from 1-5PM or so for whatever
6:00PM Dinner at Chimayo (again yum!)
9:30PM Movie: "The Extra Man" at Eccles Theatre (starring Kevin Kline, Paul Dano, and Katie Holmes)

Tues 1/26
Workout, hang out, whatever until Amy's flight at 2PM :( Boo hoo

Also... The free concerts on Main Street this year are "The Fray" and "Leann Rimes" should we decide to check those out; no Goo Goo Dolls this year :( (That is where my current facebook profile pic is from last year- love Johnny Rzenik- I was in musical heaven!)

Now do you see why I get so very excited every year this rolls around??? Tons of stressful planning, but oh-so worth it :) Ya gotta love pop culture and over-index on cinema to enjoy it, but boy do I ever. Please join me on our journey this week at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah via Darien's Details..... Shall we...