Saturday, July 31, 2010

Commitment-phobe

What's the technical term I'm searching for, folks? I don't know. But apparently, I am a commitment-phobe. Why, you may ask? Well, it's not about relationships with men....no no, quite the contrary. I love men, well, the right ones. And really, have I met any of the right ones? Of course. The right ones for that period in time. However, I'm talking blog-phobe. I wanted to give short entries about daily ridiculous things I observed, and I can't even commit to it. They don't have to be long entries, just something ridiculous that is an observation. Such as, this has been a burning issue with me for a long time and kind of prompted my blog "Daily Dang".

Cyclists. I get it and I love it....GO GREEN....save $ and the environment! And I love riding my bike to get exercise while saving money. However, the rules of the cyclist pretty much "p me off". Ok, so you want to be treated with the same respect cars are? Driving in lanes, using arm "signals" (not blinkers, but still), etc. BUT....you don't want to have the same rules for traffic signals? BS. I simply say BS! If you want to ride in my lane and slow me down, then by golly, you WILL stop at the red light or stop sign and WAIT til it is your legal turn to proceed. I hate that. They gripe gripe gripe about not being treated equally (or so I ASSUME they gripe because I must have derived that from SOME truth!! he he), and then you go all high and mighty on us and ignore the Rules of the Road. Hello, I took Drivers Ed in high school and I passed with flying colors. That booklet is mandatory for all.

So, if you want to ride with the big dogs (cars), you better run with the big dogs and their rules!

Anyway, back to commitment-phobia. It's not that I'm scared of committing to a daily blog, I just haven't. Isn't that what most people say about being noncommittal to relationships..."I just haven't yet...it's not a phobia!"It's not. And actually, I'm going to be more mindful of committing to this baby I've made. It's time to grow up and be committed to what I've started. From here on out, I'm a blogger...daily, hopefully. :)

Monday, July 19, 2010

Pessimist vs. Optimist

Ok, so does being a "realist" tend to fall closer towards the pessimist side of the scale? That's what I like to think I am...a realist. I look at the reality of a situation and the reality of a REAL outcome. I don't like to dream about happy endings, because I believe there will be sad endings and there will be happy endings...you know, the whole balancing out that our universe does. So, if I don't dream about happy endings, then I won't be so extra disappointed when a sad ending rears its ugly head. AND....I'll be so extra excited and appreciative when a happy ending surprises me! See..that's not a negative or pessimistic view on things. Nor is it optimistic, just realistic.

Ok, so why I'm bringing this up is because I've watched 3 episodes of the Bachelorette this year. Tonight, last week, and the very first one just to see all the bachelors and judge who she should keep based on physical appearance and first impressions. That's fun. Anyway, I'm just always baffled at how everyone always happens to have bonds and "strong feelings that have never happened this fast before" every season. So that must be Hollywood's touch. I'm sitting here watching her splash around in the water with Roberto and Chris, on different days of course, but totally being lovey-dovey with both like they are her boyfriends. I just don't get it. How can she look at both of them like partners of hers in a relationship without feeling guilty for "cheating" on the other? Is it because it's socially acceptable on the show because that's what it's about? I guess my morals step in there and that's why I'm not the Bachelorette. I mean, that IS the only reason I haven't been asked to be the Bachelorette. :)

I just don't get how they honestly feel that proposals are even near necessary or appropriate at the "end of the show". And don't GET me started about the invitations "should you choose to fore go your individual rooms, please use this key to share the fantasy suite..." This little sloot is spending the night with both guys so far, and shows her taking off Roberto's shirt in the room. And now Chris is saying he loves her! Wow. I'm impressed....she has gotten 2 of 3 guys to fall in love with her in a few weeks or a couple months..whatever the duration of the show is. Ahhh, I've gotten sucked in even though I've heard the spoilers, I'm here, watching the Bachelorette on a Monday night and blogging about it. If I'm not a sucker, then I don't know who is.

p.s. Roberto is H-O-T. And I've called that one from the moment he stepped out of the limo, THEN to find out he is a baseball player and lives in Charleston, SC?!? Wow...they are speaking my language now.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

My Local Faves

I'm going to compile a list of my faves in the city (Indianapolis) because I want to, and because maybe someone out there wants to know!

Breakfast spot: Hoaglin's To Go (on Mass Ave)

...you MUST get the Red Velvet Pancakes, but they are only a special every few months. But, if you hear they are having them, GO! And go fast because they are fabulous and they will spoil you with pancakes because you will never want plain ones again. They're phenomenal!
(this is a pic taken by ME after indulging in 1/2 of the pancakes...I had to stop there, and believe me, I felt guilty leaving such amazing-ness for the trash can.)

Sweet Treat: The Flying Cupcake (gourmet!!!)

...they specialize in terrific-ness but specifically, the Red Velvet Elvis is their claim to fame, and my personal fave. I can't seem to venture from it! I got a dozen of these for a Bachelorette Party last year and they were definitely a huge hit! They have all kinds, but I'm starting to notice a trend with Red Velvet in my life...

(the bottom right is my baby, Elvis...red velvet with chocolate chips and cream cheese icing!)

Pizza: Bazbeaux (by far!)

...I've been told, though, that there is some pizza that is better. However, my Bazbeaux's treats me right. I get green olives, bacon, and mushroom and have enough for lunch the next day, too! But I've seen that Ale Emporium deep dish pizza and it looks PRETTTTTTY amazing. I'm willing to test it out...for this contest of my faves, of course.

Outdoor bar: Rathskeller (for the Biergarten) and Monkey's Tale


...we all know the Rathskeller is awesome for outdoor drinking and music, but the Monkey's Tale is a close 2nd because it's a nice deck area, low key, not pretentious, and the bands they book are pretty fab for being locals or small. Also, MT has good bucket prices!

(old pic, but it shows you a little of the biergarten!)

Concert arena: White River Park

...
what's better than being downtown Indy, but not feeling like you are downtown, and being given a lawnchair (that sits close to the ground) as you enter the venue, in addition to no service fees on your ticket costs during certain times of the year?? It's grand, folks...GRAND. And I'm awaiting Needtobreathe in just over a month. Pure awesome-ness.


Beer: Anything Leinenkugel's

...but...it seems no one carries the nectar of the gods in this town (that is, a bar doesn't carry it). Huge disappointment. I love Leine's and I can't findy. :)


Neighborhood: Village of West Clay (for dreamers)

...have you seen Pleasantville in Indianapolis? It has arrived. It's amazing, too. I love driving through this area because it's a little unbelievable. The houses remind me of modern-day Charleston, SC with the colors and the architecture. I love it...it makes me happy to drive around and just SEE.



Mexican Food: Qdoba, and I'm serious.

...nothing else to say but CHICKEN NACHOS, chips on the side, black beans, hot salsa, sour cream, cheese, add guac....all on a rich puddle of queso! AND...get the rewards card or whatever the Qdoba card is; it totally pays off! Like every 10th meal or so is FREE!

Scallops: Peterson's

...these little lovelies are served on apple and mushroom risotto and are unbeatable! Oceanaire? No. Agio? No. Anywhere? NO! Plus, you can get a great deal at restaurant.com and get a huge discount. Do it.

Cozy Bar: Chatham Tap (on Mass Ave)

...it just has a nice touch. Yes, it's tiny, but that also adds to the coziness. I've liked this place since my first visit, and even visited it during the World Cup. It's just quaint and cute, and the food is good, too! (And the Smithwick's!)



Local Artist: Gayla Hodson


...she is also a really awesome person. She gave me some advice when I was starting out, but that was only because I became such a fan of her's and so she met with me to discuss how to start my business. She is great, and her art is so fun!! I'm trying to save up to buy one. Check her out, y'all!


Movie Place: IMA "Summer Nights" or Movie on the Lawn

...it's awesome, baby! You take a picnic and beverages of choice (although, alcoholic bevs aren't allowed any more, but the security guys told us they'd allow it in b/c if they don't, people will stop coming and their alcohol is expensive!), and lay on a blanket...sprawled out on the grass! It's like an amphitheater with tiers of grass. And they show oldies but goodies like Ghostbusters (and had people in costumes and a band performing pre-show), and Dazed and Confused.



Table with a View: Shelby Street Cafe--Rooftop.

...this dining experience was superb. My mom and I went there last summer on a perfect night! We watched the sun set and felt the summer breeze as we drank some wine and shared dinners. Very cool place...VERY cool.

I hope you get to come to Indianapolis and experience some of the complete greatness we have here. YUM!