Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Mindy Kaling

Without a doubt, Mindy Kaling is making me happy this week. My husband and I have really enjoyed her show, The Mindy Project, on Tuesday nights. The show is smart and makes you laugh, what is better? Actually, there is something better. One of our good friends from college reminds us of the main character, Mindy (or does Mindy remind us of our friend?). Either way, this reinforces the depth of Mindy (the character, although I assume Mindy Kaling is very deep) and the great writing on the show! 

While my husband enjoys the more shocking moments of humor, mainly the eccentric nurse Morgan and his antics, I find enjoyment in pretty much everything Mindy says or does (or wears). At the risk of sounding like I am gushing, I will be more pointed in my analysis. Mindy often says out loud either (a) what I would be thinking in a situation or (b) what I have said in a similar situation. For example, in last night's episode Mindy over-explains why she will be attending a cocktail party by herself to her medical partners. The instance of justification is very comedic and also brings me to a place of catharsis because I have been in a similar situation.You can find out more about the show here.

At the recommendation of the aforementioned Mindy-like friend, I sought a copy of Kaling's Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns). On Monday I picked up a copy from the library and have stayed up past my bedtime every day this week reading the book. It is not simply an autobiography or tell-all. The book is organized with thematic essays and vignettes, which makes it much more interesting. I could be finished but I continually laugh out loud and then force my husband to listen to me read a few lines out loud. (And it is so delicious that I don't want to read it too fast).

Perhaps I should have waited until I finished the book to blather with excitement, but I can't wait that long! So, the votes are in and overall, Mindy Kaling is making me happy this week. More coming on my verdict of the book...

Photo Courtesy of Google Books

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

To Wichita and Back

This weekend Stephen and I made the journey to Wichita, Kansas for a wedding. Stephen's cousin Alissa married Colin in a beautiful ceremony.

The happy couple!
The whole Jaeger family (Stephen's mom's family) was together.
The Jaeger family with the newlyweds.
We were short on sleep all weekend, but not on fun. We danced, and even learned some new Kansas traditions.
Luke and I going under the bridge.

Now as we recover from all the fun, Stephen and I wish Alissa and Colin a wonderful first week of marriage at home on the range. While you're at it, check out their blog!

Congratulations and best wishes, Alissa and Colin. Thank you for a wonderful weekend.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

1st Post of 2013

I started 2013 with a bang. I started a new job! As such, life went from holiday-crazy to a whole new kind of crazy. In other words, adjusting to a new schedule, place of employment, etc. In the midst of my transitiong, I also came down with a killer cold. Luckily, it wasn't the flu, but I am still using more than my fair share of kleenex.

Because of all that excitement I didn't tell you about our wonderful St. Norbert friend reunion we had here in Milwaukee before the New Year or our fabulous New Year's Eve celebration we had with homemade pizzas with a group of dear friends. And to top it off, I can't even show you pictures (I did take them!) because we don't currently have a home computer (I am also blaming my lack of blogging on that).

What I can update you on: my New Year's resolutions and my pop-culture happiness (a catch-up addition of my "What is making me happy this week!")

So, resolutions. I actually have completed one!

1. Start baking--and by baking I mean breads, pizza crusts, things with yeast, etc. (I made a wonderful whole wheat Italian herb bread not once but twice now!)

2. Get back into a better reading groove. This includes listening to my New York Times Book Review podcast, which I had gotten out of the habit of keeping up with and following my local bookstore, Boswell Books, blog.

3. Run a half marathon, and a full marathon with my husband.

Currently, the third resolution is in the saddest state. However, Stephen and I gave ourselves January to take a little break and run only when we really want to. We have completed a half marathon before, so we know we have that under control. The full marathon is the real challenge, but that won't be until October, so slow and steady...

In regards to what is making me happy? One word: TELEVISION. Stephen and I gave ourselves a few lazy days in the past few weeks, especially with our colds. Our cable provider allowed us one full weekend of free Showtime, where we frantically DVR'd any- and everything. During this weekend I discovered the television show Shameless. It is the most difficult show to summarize...so head here! I have the first season speeding toward me in a red Netflix envelope.

So for your own edification, and because I am curious about the final tally, I will list out all the television shows I am watching right now that are currently on air and making me happy:

  • Downton Abbey 
  • Shameless
  • Go On
  • How I Met Your Mother (although I am losing patience with the show)
  • Bunheads
  • Parenthood
  • The Mindy Project (the funnist new show of the year)
  • New Girl
  • Glee
  • Mad Men
  • The Big Bang Theory
  • Around the Corner with John McGivern (a local Milwaukee Public Television favorite)
  • Suits
  • Smash
  • American Horror Story
So, 14 shows might be a little much!  Currently, Madmen, Suits, and Smash are not back on air. Glee hasn't been new this January and Parenthood will be wrapping up for the season in the next 2 weeks. But let me just say that watching this much TV requires DVR capabilities and the patience to avoid spoilers online and catch up on them later.

Enjoy this list and understand I am very busy, what with all that TV to watch and resolutions to keep ;) ...Hope to be back on a weekly blogging schedule soon! Stay tuned.