90210

When the old 90210 show used to be on T.V. I could have been considered one of its biggest fans. Of course I am sure I had staunch competition from just about every pre-teen out there, but my love for Dylan McKay ran deep. So deep that each issue of BOP magazine was simply a way for me to continue to wallpaper my entire room with his face and those of his cast mates. I had every piece of attire a girl could possibly have and I wore it all at once, complete with heart shaped Dylan earrings, to show my never ending devotion to the kids from Beverly Hills High. I knew very little about Beverly Hills before that show, but I was still able to grasp that their way of life was a far cry from what mine is and might ever be. And that was ok with me…as long as I had my heart shaped earrings I really didn’t need the fancy cars, limitless credit cards, and big houses. Life was just fine on my side of the tracks.

And life is still just peachy over here on my side. I could use a limitless credit card right about now but my 2006 Honda Civic is A-ok in my book. But every once in a while it sure feels nice to get a taste of how it feels on the other side of those tracks. So today my friend Nikkie and I ventured on over, courtesy of my adopted Dad (Nikkie’s dad who has blessed me and made me an honorary member of their family), for an afternoon in America’s most famous zip code. The top on our SL 600 was down the whole way, even though it severely messed up our hair. We figured it was a small price to pay to make sure we took advantage of our day to the fullest and neither one of us is the type to shy away from attention. We had a fabulous meal, shopped on Rodeo Drive (most of it of the window variety), and purchased some fabulous sunglasses that I am happy to say will replace my one other pair of designer glasses that I stole from an old boyfriend 3 years ago. I’m the kind of person who will spend all the time in the world trying on each and every pair of designer glasses in the store, looking for the pair that fits my face just perfectly, but never intending to buy a pair at full price for myself. I’ll wait ‘til they are on sale…or have found there way to a discount store, but never can quite justify spending that much money on glasses. So for a girl with a budget like mine right now, this was surely a treat.







Tomorrow I will be back in my Civic debating whether or not I should splurge for an extra topping at Pinkberry and life will be good. But when the day comes that I am able to trade in my Civic, I am seriously thinking I might go the convertible route. There is something about a nice car, with the wind blowing through your hair, and a fabulous pair of shades that adds a little sumthin’ to your mojo. That must’ve been that swagger that Dylan had.

In Need of Assistance

I was a business major in college and I am quite sure that at some point during my stay at this higher learning institution I was taught how to put together a resume. I don’t recall specifically all the ins and outs but even so I’m inclined to believe that we were taught in the traditional sense how a resume is constructed, with things such as work experience and dates of employment compiled neatly into columns and rows that was a professional representation of you as a potential employee. I suppose people right out of college wouldn’t have the same degree of experience but could still include all those extracurricular activities and such that presented them as an extremely well rounded candidate. The further away you get from your college years however; one would assume that real world experience takes the place of captain of the debate team and organizer of the 7th annual bake sale. Unless, of course, you are actually looking to apply to those right out of college jobs. I am not.

So as I sit here day after day deciding what my next step in life is, I figure that the first step is to have a resume. And even if I decide I don’t need it right away, I will definitely need it soon and a 28 year old should have one on hand. So here is what I have so far…

BRIANNA GLENN


And that’s it. Shoot, I don’t even have a permanent address to include at the moment. I need to find a way to include all the wonderful, unique things that I’ve been doing with my life for the past six years and make it sound as if I am the most qualified and experienced person out there. I know there is a way to do it, but I’m just not sure how to go about it. I want to make sure my skill sets sound like they translate to the business world in an applicable way.

So, all you business savvy people, maybe you could help me out just a little. First I need a format that does not include “work experience” etc. so that it allows for my actual experience to shine through and not point out the fact that I’ve never been on a job interview before. Next, I need some help with some creative wording and some tips as to what kinds of things would be essential to include. I am hoping that you could help get me past my name and make sure that I don’t sound like a dumb jock. Although I’m far from dumb so that would never happen.

In a nutshell

I really haven’t been leading that exciting of a life in the last couple of weeks, being that I continue to simply stay confused about my future and all. I also really haven’t had much to blog about. Nothing entirely interesting or noteworthy that I felt was worth sharing, that’s for sure. So that being the case, I figured I would sum up my week with a few unimportant stories, not quite worth there own separate blog posts, but that might be passable in a compilation post.


BLENDING IN

This week marks the beginning of me not being a complete lump on a log. I have started doing civilian workouts, at a civilian gym no less. This of course presents a problem because I do have an aversion at these types of establishments. People talk too darn much and I see them peeking out of the corner of their eye either wondering what it is I do or chuckling why I’m breathing so hard after jogging for 10 minutes. Whatever the case, it’s the one spot I do not like attention. I wear pants and I never take off my shirt under any circumstances. But the other day I did catch someone copying my abs workout. They tried to be inconspicuous but I’m pretty sure there are few people in this world who would just happen to do the same exercises I do. So much for blending in…


I NEED MEAT

This weekend was the time for BBQ’s and anybody who knows me knows that I like to eat. I especially like to eat meat cooked on a grill. So why did someone have the audacity to throw a BBQ and not grill any meat?! We show up to some chips and dip, a few chicken wings, and beverages. Who wants a BBQ with no meat? The whole point is to be a reckless carnivore. Needless to say, we didn’t stick around long.



INVERSELY PROPORTIONATE

We have a phenomena here in the U.S. that says what you pay for a meal will be inversely proportionate to the size of that meal. Last week I was at cheesecake factory and listened amusingly as two girls from England about fell out of their chairs by the size of their meals. Both ordered an appetizer a piece AND entrees. Everyone knows you can feed at least 3 people with one entrée from Cheesecake. Then, on Friday a friend and I were treated to an extra special dinner at a fine dining establishment prepared especially just for us by the chef. Luckily it included numerous courses because each one on their own would be about enough to feed a rabbit. I think they also like to literally include a bit of rabbit food on top of each dish…just random green stuff thrown on top for no apparent reason. Does anybody actually eat that stuff?! As good as the presentation was, and considering how delicious it tasted, I still will never understand how they get away with charging so much and giving you so little.


GIRL POWER

I had an appointment today at the Apple Store because my computer power source decided to suddenly stop working. Obviously this a catastrophe of immense proportions and I was forced to find the first available appointment in southern California. Unfortunately for me I arrived late and then proceeded to park as far away as possible from my destination. It literally took me almost 20 minutes to walk to where I was trying to go. So…I was late and they had cancelled my appointment. I was then informed that there were no more spots available that day and I would have to reschedule. Of course this was not an option. This is where the damsel in distress kicks in. Unfortunately, this is not something that will work unless you are a damsel so I’m not exactly sure what men do in these situations. Any time you need something to be done and could use a little extra assistance from anyone with an XY chromosome, it is beneficial that you know the power you possess as a woman. This works best when you pretend like you are unaware that you yield such power of course. Needless to say, I was reinstated on the list and seen by the next available genius. Wait time = 30 seconds.

addiction.

I think I may have a problem. I never really considered myself to be the “addict” type, mainly because I’m a control freak and my will power is pretty amazing, but I am beginning to see my shortcomings. I have recently noticed that I actually need coffee. I never used to drink it regularly until I spent my summers in Europe, namely Italy. If you’ve never had a cappuccino from Italy you might actually think that the one from Starbucks is good. It really doesn’t compare. But in Italy I used to go to the café, sit outside, and sip my cappuccino like a local. I wanted to fit in and this was one way I knew how to do it. When I spent time in Greece with a friend of mine, we would always “go for coffee” in the afternoon. The coffee itself wasn’t as important, it was merely a way to socialize with friends and gossip and I liked that. So coffee became part of my daily routine and once I came back to the states I figured I’d buy myself my own contraption and continue the tradition. I’d have my morning cup or I’d meet up for social hour at some part of the day. It wasn’t something I had to have…if I was running late or ran out it was no biggie and I simply went about my day sans coffee. But those days are no longer. I skip coffee now and by the afternoon I have a headache. It took me a while to connect the two because there was no way I could see my body actually being addicted to something. Not me. But alas, one iced latte later and the headache disappears.

But this pales in comparison to the addiction I have with my blackberry. Last Friday I left Boston without my most important possession and I simply didn’t know what to do with myself. Luckily it was not lost or stolen, as I had feared. I checked frantically at each spot I had been to at the airport. Check in desk…. security…bathroom…newsstand…starbucks…no dice. I called the phone and it was turned off. I just knew that it was gone forever and I was going to have to fly home and sell my left kidney so that I could purchase a new one. I spent the whole six-hour flight home in despair, not able to sleep a wink despite being exhausted beyond measure. But when I arrived home and looked up the number to the car service I had used as a last ditch attempt to locate it, I reaffirmed to myself that there really is a God. They had my phone and they would mail it to me…Monday. God has a good sense of humor I suppose since it was Friday. So I have spent the last four days sans blackberry and have felt like a part of myself was missing. I’m not that important, I don’t live a busy and exciting life, I don’t even like to talk on the phone, but I still felt like I was missing out on anything and everything of importance. I would leave the house and feel like I forgot to put on my pants or something.

But all is right now in my world. I have my blackberry back in my possession and a full bag of coffee in the cupboard. Life is good.

Beijing Review

It’s been an interesting few weeks to say the least. Overall, I found the last 17 days to be quite riveting, even though the fascination and excitement wasn’t always in my favor. Nevertheless, I was captivated. I know that watching the coverage via NBC can be a bit discouraging for some fans. You are hard-pressed to know who else is in a final if it doesn’t happen to be one of their chosen few, and Lord help you if you care at all about an athlete who isn’t American. You are also forced to care about all of Michael Phelps’ extended family, going back as far as his second cousin’s sister-in-laws baby daddy’s nephew. What the guy did was amazing but it got out of hand. Extremely out of hand. I should know the other members of the relay team and instead I am fairly certain I can give you an accurate count on how many freckles he has on his nose. The cameraman must have had strict orders. I can also tell you what he eats for breakfast on Tuesdays. And his favorite Christmas gift when he was 4 years old. His Ipod playlist…you get the point. And for the love of God, please stop comparing him to every Olympian. You cannot. You should not. The simple fact that ribbon twirling is an Olympic sport should tell you that all things should not be considered equal. Nor is the number of medals he’s won comparable across all sports. A decathlete, arguably the greatest athlete in the world, gets only ONE medal for 10 events. And don’t even get me started on World Records. That 19.30 on it’s own was more impressive than all 7 of his combined. In my humble opinion of course.

Of course I still appreciated swimming more than I ever have before, thanks to him and a few of his teammates (whose names I do not really know). That shout of elation after the 100-meter freestyle relay is definitely one of my top moments of the Games. It gave me goosebumbs simply because of its complete and utter raw emotion and joy. That celebration had nothing to do with being the greatest Olympian of all time or breaking records, it was simply the thrill of victory and it’s best. One of my other favorite moments away from the track was the women’s gymnastic all-around competition. It was that instant when the score from Nastia Luikin’s floor routine flashed on the screen, virtually guaranteeing her the Gold medal and Shawn Johnson being the only person left to perform. I was captivated by Shawn at that moment because she simply flashed the most genuine smile and gave a look of determination that convinced you she was about to give the most amazing routine knowing she couldn’t get the Gold medal. She was just happy to be in that moment, excited at the opportunity to give her best and have that be good enough. I think it was a true testament to the Olympic ideal as anything could be.

Of course on the track Usain Bolt was amazing. The guy is simply a freak of nature, capable of things only he alone can dream of it seems. I know he’s not American, but you cannot not be excited by that type of talent and performance. I know the USA faltered a bit but we did have some sweeps as well as some breakthrough performances that nobody expected which were cool to watch because I love to see the underdog shock the world.

The biggest disappointment for me was probably the relays not being able to get the stick around. It seems we try to invest so much in that area and it’s obviously not helping us improve. I think it would have been a highlight of the Games though if we were able to have two strong teams go head to head with the Jamaicans. And of all the athletes, I think my heart went out to Lolo Jones in the 100-meter hurdles more than anyone. And maybe Liu Xiang as well, seeing as he had a billion people in tears over him not running. That surely must be a heavy load to carry. I also was hoping to see my good friend bring home another softball gold which unfortunately wasn't meant to be. What is even more unfortunate is that in 2012 they don't have the opportunity to be in the Olympics which seems a bit unfair as we keep ribbon twirling and trampoline jumping in the program.

I wanted to know what the highlight was for all of you during the Beijing Olympics. What moment spoke to you or touched you more than any other? And what caused you to scream at your T.V. in anguish or disgust?

Picture of the Week: Me in US Weekly

It's not a full page...and it doesn't even say my name...BUT I still think it's very cool to see my likeness on the pages of one of my all time favorite magazines. I admit, not the most stimulating reading material but everybody is allowed a guilty pleasure! Not only that, in the picture it compares my look in Ralph Lauren attire to the outfit worn by the winner of Project Runway a few weeks ago when they had to create a look for opening ceremonies. So it's really a double whammy--in my favorite magazine being compared to an outfit on one of my favorite T.V. shows! Holla. I am not sure if this particular issue is still on newsstands as I bought it a couple days ago (It's the one with Jennifer Love Hewitt on the cover being skinny), but if you happen to walk by one pick it up and turn to page 14. Otherwise...I have it for you here! (albeit slightly blurry and hard to see).


p.s. I would be remiss without mentioning the incredible WR that happened last night in the men's 200 meters. I have three letters for that...OMG. I would say more but it's late and I have to be up at 5am EASTERN TIME to tape a segment for Rachael Ray. I don't think it's live so I will probably write more about that later on when I figure out when it's being aired...and perhaps more about that 19.30 which was absolutely out of this world. But for now I'm just leaving you with another picture of ME, being the self-absorbed individual that I am.

Asterisk*

Track and Field has started. Unless you live under a rock, I’m sure you are aware of that. You are also probably keenly aware of the huge cloud of skepticism that covers the sports these days. You are not able to watch a race, read an article, or listen to coverage without hearing a reference to performance enhancing, doping, steroids, or something in that category. Everything has an asterisk. What has happened in our sport over the last few years has been extremely detrimental and it is no more evident than here at the Games, usually the one place where Track and Field is able to shine. But now a huge cloud of suspicion subdues that shine.

And perhaps it is all justified. Everything that has gone on and been uncovered makes it hard to see the purity anymore. You can’t look at an excellent performance and see only that—your mind immediately deems it improbable of someone being able to accomplish a great feat clean. And if your mind hasn’t begun that process yet, the media will make sure it has by the end of these Olympics. I’m sure of it. At first I wasn’t so sure of the media’s effect on the changing perception of our athletes and track in general. I knew that as athletes and people in the “know” about our sport and what types of things seem plausible and what sorts of behaviors are believable, we would probably have a different opinion on things then perhaps the general public would. It’s like the family down the street with the white picket fence that still has two parents, 2.5 kids, and a dog named Benji. Well…maybe not. We really haven’t been the perfect poster child but we like to keep our dirty laundry under wraps as much as possible. There is still a lot of good in our sport as well as a lot of amazing athletes. If people don’t believe in that, they lose interest. There is a reason we saw swimming “LIVE” during prime time and Track and Field on a time delay so by the time you actually saw the races you’ve already encountered a myriad of headlines screaming the results. We’ve lost our luster and people just aren’t as interested in a sport full of drug cheats.

But it is still a great sport with many, many fantastic athletes capable of extraordinary things. And the problem now is that the general public just isn’t that discerning. All they know is phenomenal more than likely equals performance enhancing. Most of our recent exceptional stars have seemed to be phonies and this is the problem you encounter with a sport that has chosen such few faces to represent it. So now the whole sport will suffer. Perhaps rightly so in some ways, I don’t really know. I have my own cynicisms and have become a huge skeptic as of late myself but I still choose to not let it get out of hand as much as possible. I know that there are people out there capable of remarkable things and I still want to be able to appreciate that. And I want the general public to be able to do the same.

Today as I was eating lunch I overheard the next table over talking about the Olympics and specifically about what has happened on the track the last couple of days. There have been some FAST races, in case you have been occupied with other things. And the first thing they mentioned was that so and so must be “juiced.” They don’t know much about the sport I’m sure, but they do know that fast people can’t be fast without help these days supposedly. It was a bit depressing to overhear that because I know that many people share that sentiment these days. But people can still be fast. Really fast. I don’t have the ability to vouch for anybody or tell you who to believe in for sure (except me of course), but there are still many amazing athletes out there and they need and appreciate the support.