Like List #2

My dear readers: I do apologize for my self-induced blogging hiatus. It's the beginning of December, which means college apps. I've been writing more essays than blog posts, which is a good thing, but in no way enjoyable. I thought I would start up again with my second Like List. Posting will remain infrequent until all 13 of those college apps and dozens of scholarship essays are done and sent (10 down, 3 to go!).

Source: http://www.starbucks.com

1. Starbucks Holiday Drinks

Halloween has sadly come and gone, which means Starbucks Christmas cups and holiday drinks are back! While I am a huge fan of the Cinnamon Dolce Latte, they can get stale after ten months. For the next two months, it will be Peppermint Mochas and Gingerbread Lattes for me. Plus, the adorably festive red cups remind me that it, in fact, is the holiday season despite the fact that the high for today is 80 degrees.

Source: http://www.usatoday.com

2. Books

I love to read, but school work and activities have taken away from my reading time. Thanks to a college short answer essay inquiring the books I've read in the past year, my love of reading has reborn. I've already read a novel (a slightly disappointing one...) and I'm currently immersed in the new 984-page Ken Follett  book "Fall of Giants" about the political events in the early 20th century (I highly recommend it - its fascinating and addicting!) Next on my reading list: The Tipping Point (thanks Meryl) about social trends and why they happen.

3. Rain

Source: http://www.uttingsoutdoors.co.uk

It rained today. I never thought I could be that happy, but I was so close to running outside and dancing in the rain. Fortunately, my better judgement advised me against it. But rain means rain boots, tights, sweaters and scarves! I'm so excited to put on my black Hunter wellies with the cozy red welly-socks, some knit tights, and a scarf. Living in SoCal, I rarely get to experience "winter," so this is the closest I will get to freezing temperatures and snow until college next year.

4. Modern Family and 30Rock

Source: http://www.eonline.com

Source: http://www.textually.com

These are probably the funniest shows on television. If you missed last week's episodes, go check them out asap. I actually laughed out loud watching them, which is incredibly rare for me, because I usually find sitcoms to be trite. These shows are subtle and based in a "demi-reality" - the situations could be real, but they are just so strange. Modern Family, in the middle of its 2nd season, is more dry and realistic than 30Rock, which is entering its 6th season. However, I find the two to be incredibly well written, well acted, and well directed. Lots and lots and lots of laughs.

Like List #1

So periodically, I will post things called "Like Lists" which basically are numerical orderings of things I like, or don't like. Sometimes they will have themes like "Movies" or "Museums" or "Dumb facebook statuses," but most of the time they will just be things I find I happen to enjoy or want to see less of. To start things off, here is Like List #1:

1) Make It or Break It 
I am obsessed with this ABC Family show about gymnasts. I had been told my numerous people to watch it, and once I finally caved in, I was hooked. I'm done with seasons one and two, and its just so good! Drama, gymnastics, more drama. New favorite show.

2) Podcasts
Despite the fact that I have had an iPod for as long as I can remember, I just recently discovered podcasts. I love them. I have a bunch of food ones, theatre ones, all the New York Times ones, some philosophy and history ones, yoga, The Onion , NPR Concert Series (just to name a few). I listen to multiple podcasts every day. They are interesting and informative, short and sweet, and don't make me feel like I'm waisting time.

3) Cold(er) Weather
I live in Southern California. When it's 65 outside, we native SoCals break out our pants and boots and coats and hats. But for me, cold(er) weather means soup! I love soup. It comes from my mother - who loves soup. For lunch a few days ago, I made some Trader Joe's Organic Tomato Soup (the kind from the box), with a melted brie sandwich. It was delicious - the fact that the fireplace was on, I was wearing a sweatshirt, and the whole house felt like fall just made it even better.  We had a few days of rain, which made me the happiest camper, and I got to wear my new shiny-black Hunter boots. Unfortunately, today was hot again, but maybe as we progress into fall the Valley will cool down.

4) A Cappella Groups
As a member of my school's choir, vocal ensemble, and one of the presidents of the Glee Club, I have become a huge fan of collegiate a cappella groups. Technically, I'm doing college research - I want to find a school with some sassy a cappella groups. And I'm researching for Glee Club - I am finding songs and studying performances. But I'm really just having a blast. Favorites: Columbia Nonsequiturs and  Tufts Amalgamates.