30 Day Blog Challenge: Days 1 and 2

I've decided to partake in the 30 day blog challenge over at Katie's journal. I'm a day late, so here are days 1 and 2.

Day 1: Introduce, Recent Picture, and 15 Interesting Facts

My name is Brittany and I'm a 22 year-old college graduate living in Ohio.

1. I love my family and friends more than anything in the whole world. I'm unbelievably lucky to have them.

2. My favorite author is Chuck Palahniuk. He is raw, edgy, and amazing.

3. I absolutely HATE bananas. I can't even smell them without gagging.

4. I have an unhealthy obsession with sports, particularly football and recently hockey. I closely follow the Cincinnati Bengals, the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Miami Redhawks (hockey).

5. I am a hypochondriac. I always worry I have some kind of cancer.

6. I absolutely love babies. They make me so happy.

7. I cry a lot...often for no reason. I'm also a HUGE worrier and incredibly self-conscious. I know, I know. I sound like someone you want to meet.

8. I have no clue what I want to do with my life. I'm living at home and I'm jobless. I'm also trying to decide whether to re-apply to law school or not.

9. I am so tired of explaining to everyone what I'm doing at home. I have no clue about my future and I feel stupid telling people that I'm doing nothing right now.

10. I love cardigans. A lot.

11. I really, really want a boyfriend. I wish I didn't care, but I do. I desperately want to fall in love, but I haven't found the right guy yet.

12. I speak in different voices and accents all the time. Really. All the time. I feel bad for my family and friends sometimes.

13. In high school, I won two superlatives: Best Friends (with Jenn) and Most Likely to Succeed. We'll see about that. ;)

14. I watch every awards show. Oscars, Emmys, Grammys, Espys, Tonys, Golden Globes, etc.

15. I was home-schooled in 1st grade and I loved it. I got to sleep in and spend all day with my mom, brother, and sister.

Day 2: Meaning Behind Your Blog Name

I know how boring this is, but there is absolutely no meaning behind my blog name. In hindsight, I wish I had spent some more time coming up with something clever. I don't censor myself at all in my blog posts, so I figured it was kind of like 'thinking out loud.' Hence, the name.

They're all gonna laugh at you!

As usual, this weekend was nice. Friday, I had some friends over to watch the Reds play-off game. Despite the game's outcome, we had a great time, hanging out and eating pizza. Saturday, Jenn, Sib, TJ, Ashley, and I went to Little River Cafe for probably the last time of the year. Cara and Jake met us there and it was wonderful to see them again. I miss them a lot and I can't wait for their big day!

Sunday, my mom, dad, and I went downtown for the Bengals vs. Buccaneers game. LP went out on the field at halftime and swore in to the Marines. Somehow, I held it together and didn't cry. I'm so unbelievably proud of him. It was great to see how supportive the crowd was of the recruits. As I've already mentioned, the game itself was pretty painful. We lost, 24-21, because of a last-second field goal. Ouch. Still, I love every opportunity to go to Paul Brown and watch the guys play.

For lack of other things to say, I've decided to count down the top 5 places I would like to be right now.

1. Oxford - I really miss being with everyone at school. It's certainly not the classes or the homework that I miss, but I miss hanging out with everyone at night and going uptown. Hockey season started this weekend and I really wanted to be at the games. GO REDHAWKS!

2. London - I really want to go back. End of story.

3. UDF - The pumpkin pie ice cream is back. At long last. Try it. It will change your world.

4. Charlottesville - Charlottesville is a wonderful place to be in the fall. It might be too early for the leaves to change, but it's always beautiful there. Luckily, I'm going there this weekend for a UVA and a Redskins game.

5. Anywhere that Evgeni Malkin is horizontal. Self-explanatory.

I mean...Pittsburgh for a Penguins game. I think that will be on my Christmas list this year. I'm currently debating with myself on whether to buy NHL Center Ice or not. It's a lot of money for a lot of games I won't watch...but the Pens might be worth it. We'll see.

Geno strikes again.

Oh. My. God.

Evgeni Malkin has absolutely stolen my heart. His English has gotten SO much better, but I would do almost anything to be his private tutor.



Seriously girls (and guys), please comment on this post and tell me if you think he is amazing, too. Do I have the worst taste in the world or am I actually validated in this crush?

The maniacal musings of a disappointed fan.

To my fellow Cincinnati sports' fans:

Tonight, I write to you from a very dark place: a dismal, self-imposed mixture of disappointment, sadness, and desperation. Like you, I am reeling in the unwelcoming arms of defeat. Double defeat, in fact. October 10, 2010 will forever go down as a bad day in Cincinnati.

Of course, most of us have become relatively accustomed to this feeling. Life-long Bengals and Reds fans know the misery of embarrassing defeat all too well. We've spent numerous years, faithfully and enthusiastically cheering on teams that, more often than not, leave us disappointed and speechless at the end of the season. Although we cheer endlessly, tailgate, buy merchandise and game tickets, and fill bars and restaurants during gametime, we always end up the same way: in tears and/or screaming curse words at the television.

Cincinnati is no stranger to sports misery. Two Superbowl losses for the Bengals in the '80s to the 49ers. The horrifying decade of the '90s (which happened to coincide with the death of Paul Brown. Coincidence? I think not). The Bengals or the Reds haven't won a world championship in 20 years. This was the first winning season for the Reds since 2000. The Bengals have had only 2 winning seasons since 2000. This, my devoted sports fans, is a problem. Still, we enter new seasons with optimism and undying devotion for our teams.

I will admit, however, that the Cincinnati sports fan has adopted a certain level of healthy skepticism. It is a defense mechanism - a way to shield themselves from the pain of inevitable loss. This manifests itself in a number of ways. Bengals fans assume that new draft picks will end up in jail before actually showing up in the playoffs. Reds fans stop watching games in July. There is never a moment of relaxation over the the course of any game...because fans know better...even with a considerable lead.

Many have interpreted my skepticism as pessimism. They are probably right. Long ago, I reached the point where I go into games with zero expectations. I venture predictions, but I don't actually believe them. When I say the Bengals should beat the Browns, I know full well that reality could (and probably will) be different.

As I've mentioned previously, I have never been a fan of Carson Palmer. Drafted first overall in 2003, Carson came to Cincinnati a Heisman winner and a superstar in the making. Finally, Cincinnati fans thought there was an end in sight to our quarterbacking woes. Although his first season as a starter was an improvement (8-8), it wasn't until the 2005 (11-5) season that people began to worship him as Cincinnati's messiah. Even then, I had some major reservations.

There was no denying that Carson was an improvement from Kitna. Still, I wasn't overly impressed with the USC superstar and Heisman winner. As the seasons wore on (and our record vacillated between losing and breaking even), I fortified my arguments against Palmer. Endlessly, I argued with friends and family who claimed that Palmer was among the elite quarterbacks in the NFL. This all brings me to this season.

It has been blatantly clear to me that Carson Palmer is a major problem. He is not a definitive team leader, the offense has been sloppy all season, Carson has had trouble throwing the ball on the money, and even more trouble making smart decisions. Today, my beloved Bengals fell in the last minute of the game to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers...ultimately because of a third interception thrown by Carson.

Don't get me wrong. I know there are plenty of other issues with our team. The offensive play calling is questionable. 'Hall of Fame' receivers drop balls when they are wide open. I can't remember the last time I've seen so many false start penalties. Every so often, the defense forgets to show up on certain huge plays. I will not place all of the blame on Carson. Still, I'm starting to be concerned with the future of the Bengals.

Who is our backup quarterback? Carson's less talented brother, Jordan. We need another quarterback. At least a young one to sit back and learn for a few years from a veteran...even if that veteran is Carson.

Unfortunately, today also marks the day that the Reds were swept by the Phillies in the NLDS. In only three games, the Reds made 7 errors that ultimately drove the nail in their own coffin. Keep in mind: this is the team that led the NL with the fewest amount of regular-season errors. Snake-bitten much? This, coupled with Roy Halladay's amazing no-hitter in game 1, crushed Cincinnati fans' post-season hopes.

Let me be clear. This post is in no way an attack on the Reds. They had a wonderful season - one that the players and the fans should be proud of and remember. I'm not taking that from them. Still, I can't help but wallow in the 'close-but-no-cigar' misery of it all.

I suppose it could be worse. The Bengals made the play-offs last year. They were the AFC North Champions. The Reds made the play-offs for the first time since 1995. These are all necessary steps in the right direction. We'll take it. It still pains me to be the national laughing stock of professional sports.

We, the devoted fans, deserve better. We need some positive reinforcement. Our unwavering support must eventually be rewarded. I can't count how many tears I've cried over the Cincinnati Bengals. I do know, however, that I will never give up on them. No matter how many losing seasons, horrible plays, interceptions, play-off defeats, errors, or player injuries there are, the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cincinnati Reds will forever be my teams.

So, tonight, I implore you to stay true. Do not lose faith. Don't boo. I know how trying it is to stay faithful and enthusiastic in the midst of such utter chaos. We will be rewarded. It will pay off and that day will be glorious. That day, we will fully comprehend and appreciate all of the pain and suffering we have endured for years. That day, we will stand in solidarity as true fans. We will finally reap the benefits from the hundreds of dedicated hours. WE WILL BE VICTORIOUS!

For the Bengals and the Reds, it clearly won't be this year. Yes, we have become the seasoned pros of 'There's always next year"...but you know what? There is.

So, until then, my dearest friends, WAY TO GO, REDS! and WHO-DEY?!

Sincerely,

Someone who should seek immediate help for these absurd obsessions

I want to punch Prince.

While surfing the blogosphere today, I came across some fun questions. Since I have nothing to do until the Reds start their second play-off game, I will answer them.

1. Who was your first celebrity crush?

My first small celeb crush? Chris O'Donnell. I fell in love during Batman and Robin. Clearly, my taste wasn't refined yet and I didn't realize how flawless George Clooney truly is.

My first intense celeb crush? Brian Littrell from the Backstreet Boys. I had it BAD.

2. If you could only listen to one artist for the rest of your life, who would it be?

This would be incredibly painful, but I have to choose Dave Matthews Band. They have a vast musical library and they have more than enough songs to cover all of my moods.

3. What's the ringtone on your cell phone?

Ringtone - "Jump Around" - House of Pain

Text tone - A commentator screaming, "CROSBY SCORES!!!"

4. What's your favorite thing to cook?

Unfortunately, I don't cook very often. I have to go with sauteed mushrooms and onions...or cupcakes.

5. What was the hardest conversation you've ever had?

Hmm...good question. Either discussing my religious views with friends, talking to my brother about him joining the Marines, or talking to Jenn about my confidence issues (and what that stems from).

6. What was the best gift you've ever received?

This is tough, too. I've gotten some amazing things over the years. Probably my graduation present - a trip to Italy and a new digital camera.

7. When your phone rings, who do you hope it is?

Well, I hate the phone...so I usually hope it's a wrong number.

8. Who is your favorite comedian?

Either Daniel Tosh or Bill Maher. I also love Seth Macfarlane, but I'm not sure he classifies as a comedian because he doesn't do stand-up.

9. What song defines your current mood?

Uhh...what is my current mood? "No Hands" by Waka Flocka Flame because I feel like dancing and it pumps me up for the game? Haha...wow. I'm so white.

10. If your life was a reality show, what would it be called?

Probably What Next? Mostly because I never know what I'm doing next, but also because there always seems to be some issue in my life. Same with everyone though, I suppose.

Now, YOU answer them. Please? :)

Celebaholics Anonymous.

Blah. The Penguins lost their home opener, 3-2. Oh well - I'm just glad the season has started and I can obsess over these two again.

I apologize in advance. Hey! The perk of having your own blog is the discretion to post anything you want...and what do I want (besides my own fountain soda dispenser and Bengals' season tickets)?

Geno and his stereotypical European haircut.

Hello. My name is Brittany and I am an addict.

I suffer from an unhealthy and debilitating obsession with at least 40 different male celebrities. Over the course of the year, they cycle in and out of my consciousness. One week, it's Tim Tebow. The next, it's Sidney Crosby...and so on. They cause me to waste (...and I use that term loosely here) countless hours online, listening to music, or watching TV and movies. They also aid in the creation of the unrealistic expectations I have for every other male on the planet.

I need to face the facts. Not every guy can sing like Michael Buble. Not every guy can benchpress as much as Brian Urlacher. Not every guy is as hilarious as Vince Vaughn. I cannot judge every guy I meet by these same standards.

Hopefully, someday in the relatively near future, I meet a guy that is actually worth my time and attention. Someone who is kind, intelligent, and funny. I just want someone who I can't live without, someone who loves me for me, and someone to prove that this long wait was worth it.

...oh yeah, and someone who understands my celeb infatuations and can make at least 5 pre-approved one-night stand exceptions to the monogamy rule. ;)

In Russia, hockey puck shoots YOU!

The Reds lost their first play-off game against the Phillies today, 4-0. Want some more bad news? Phillies pitcher Roy Halladay pitched a no-hitter, making him only the second pitcher in history to do so in a post-season game. Awesome. Glad we could help make someone's dreams come true. Vomit.

In happier news, the Penguins play another Philadelphia team tomorrow in their season opener. It will also be the first game ever played at the new Consol Energy Center. GO PENS!

I decided to join a hockey fantasy league. After the autodraft, I ended up with a number of players, including Rick Nash, Jaroslav Halak, Dan Boyle, and...my Russian sex slave boyfriend, Evgeni Malkin.

I'm convinced that if I passed both Crosby and Malkin on the street and had absolutely no clue who they were, I would be 100 times more attracted to Malkin. He has that big, somewhat confused, oafish aura that I find so appealing.



Even after hearing them talk, I'd probably choose Malkin. Sure, he's incredibly hard to understand, sounds like an ex-member of the Russian mob, and doesn't understand English slang or sarcasm yet...but he's on his way. At least he seems to have more personality than Crosby. Sid has about as much enthusiasm and spunk in interviews as Ben Stein.

Seriously, I want to marry Malkin, travel back and forth between our homes in the US and Russia, and have three gorgeous bilingual babies. I'm not even opposed to giving them Russian names like Oksana, Svetlana, Viktor, or Aleksey. I do, however, draw the line at Olga.

Also, if you were wondering if I print-screened youtube videos to get those pictures, the answer is yes. If you weren't wondering that, then forget I said anything. ;)

The ONLY exception to my 'No Singing in Public' rule.

Ugh. I've debated back and forth with myself over whether or not to do this post.

I'm feeling brave right now. So, I'll do it.

Warning: I split the song in half AND cut out the middle verse. My version isn't nearly as good as Paramore's or Rachel Berry's. I did both of these in one take. This is also recorded on my digital camera...not a computer or a video camera. So, I apologize in advance for the horrible sound quality. I promise I sound better in person...at least I think.

Also, I cut my face out because I'm mortified...and incredibly nervous. Sorry I'm not sorry.

Part 1:

Part 2:



Seriously, if you want to hear me singing my absolute best, you need to sneak up on me.

Maybe some day I'll find someone worth singing that to? Oh, come on. You knew there was a pitiful, single-girl complaint coming at some point.

Top 2 Tuesday.

This week's Top 2 topic is something that I can't even begin to answer. We are supposed to pick our top 2 dream kitchens. This is a problem for me for a couple reasons.

1. I'm a 22-year old, college graduate living back at home. I don't even know where to find pictures of cute kitchens.

2. I don't cook very often. I've perfected cereal, toast, and mac & cheese. So, I don't even know what I want in my kitchen. I hope one day to cook more often...but we'll see.

Until then, I will do an old Top 2 topic that I missed.

My Top 2 Simple Pleasures.

1. Listening to the rain outside while trying to fall asleep. There is nothing I like more than covering up with a warm blanket and listening to the sound of the rain. To me, it's both relaxing and romantic.

2. Hanging out with Jenn, my mom, or my sister doing absolutely nothing. Those three are my very best friends and I could sit in complete silence with them and still be entertained.

Yes, I love the kissy face. It highlights my rockin' cheekbones.

I love this topic, so I'll list some more. I know. I cheat.

- The smell of clean laundry

- Star-gazing on a clear night in the summer

- The beautiful leaves in the fall

- Watching Jeopardy with my dad or CJ

- Learning a new song on the piano

- Singing in the shower. I do this every single day.

- Sitting around the fire with friends

- Ice cream

- Hugs or cuddling

- Watching fireworks or lightning bugs

- Writing in my blog

- Falling asleep with a good book in my hand

- Ice cold Dr. Pepper

- Dancing when I'm alone

- The sound of football games - cheering, helmets clashing, whistles, etc.

- Taking pictures - particularly of old things and truly seeing them for the first time

- Playing with little kids

- Wandering around aimlessly in new cities

- Hearing my favorite song on the radio

- Watching the beautiful Ohio sunset. I'm convinced that Ohio has the best.

There are so many more, but I think I've cheated enough. :)

Freaky Peens hit Indy.

This weekend was wonderfully refreshing.

Jenn, Clint, TJ, and I headed to Indianapolis on Friday. We stopped at Nick's apartment to pick him and his roommate Tyler up before heading downtown. We went to Howl at the Moon because Jenn won a contest which gave us all no cover, free dinner buffet, and half-price drinks. Dinner consisted of a taco bar, hot dogs, mac & cheese, and potato salad. Interesting choice, yet still delicious. The music, as always, was awesome. We requested a few songs, danced all night, and they even pulled Nick on stage for 'Happy Birthday' and a special song about his masturbation tendencies set to the tune of Green Day's "I Walk Alone." Hilarious.

As per the usual, Nick pursued the oldest woman in the bar. Successfully. Here he is with his GILF.

Saturday, we did nothing but eat and watch football. Perfect. We ordered Chinese for the Ohio State game (a 24-13 win over Illinois). After the game, we headed to Nick's dad's house for some indoor tailgating and watched the Michigan/Indiana game. It was nice to relax with my awesome friends and watch tons of football.

My parents left for Las Vegas last night. WAH! I hate it when they leave. I know it sounds lame, but they are truly my best friends and the house is so very boring without them...especially now that Jamie's away at school.

The Bengals lost to the Cleveland Browns, 23-20. In the words of one Sue Sylvester, I'll say, "SLOPPY FREAKSHOW BABIES!" I refuse to even speak about it. The Packers barely beat the Lions. The Bears finally lost to the Giants. In other sports news, the Penguins have their first game of the season on Thursday against the Flyers. I can't wait.