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[ Real world stream of consciousness... ]
Despite my fond affection for all types of meat and militant stance on my right to eat hamburgers and ribs, I eat tofu on occasion and I actually like it. Blame it on the vegetarians; I do. I own more than 70 pairs of shoes, 50% of which are black, and yet I still want more. Tell me that's not excess. I hate cats and pigeons, but I'll tolerate kittens. This is because I have a guilty conscience about a bad incident I once had with a kitten, God rest her soul..er, body. I will forever contend that all dogs go to heaven, despite sufficient Biblical defense, and any smattering of evidence that it might be true because well, I wanna see "Sadie" again. Plus I'm just stubborn. On occasion, I want to get up in the face of the career Seattle panhandlers and yell, "GET A JOB!" Despite my lack of vocal talent, when I'm driving I pretend that I am a very good singer. A virtue and a vice is that I have no shame. I talk myself through the process of killing spiders because when it comes to bugs, the girl in me comes out. The onset of this occurs when I search the house for my "cheap shoes" because I don't want spider guts on the soles of my Kenneth Cole boots. I've slobbered on more than one occasion in the middle of very profound discourse and professional business presentations. My skill level allows me to do this and still completely recover. I have an unopened can tuna in the glove compartment of my car for reasons beyond me. I don't remove it because I've yet to figure out why it's there. Again, stubborn. I think very bad thoughts about "Christians" with Jesus fish and WWJD bumper stickers who cut me off in traffic. Way to drive like a Christian, "jerk"; then I repent, sort of. I think pop-ups are evil. Breathmints should be a pre-requisite for those who wish to enter the teaching profession. I spend entirely too much time watching television. On most days, I'll defend my nonexistent right to do so. Generally, I don't like formalized reading but I do it because I, "have to". School forever ruined books, but knowledge is better than ignorance. I'm good at making lists, but bad at checking them off. I get distracted by insight and profundity. This can be bad. I can do a very good impression of a white girl. If allowed, I'd put that on my resume. I am predisposed to think that all dentists are evil--except my grandfather, who's just old. I think white people wearing dreadlocks is a singularly BAD idea. I am a tall short person. Call me idealistic, but I think women should shave under their arms. Period. I can argue points that are utterly ridiculous. I hate doing the dishes. I wish the makers of Aleve would pay me to endorse their product. I think Danielle Steele is a man. I think Kevin Spacey is a woman. Politics generally bore me, but my take on politics cracks me up. I am my own best audience. I read "Us magazine" in the grocery store check-out line because it frees me up from "thinking". I think I'm way cooler than I am. I would shop at Wal-Mart but the presence of too many ignorant people shouting at once is more than I can bear. The fact that I think this probably means I'm an elitist, but I'm not. My name is still cooler than yours, feminism sucks, vote Bush and please use deodorant.

Past Monthly Rants:
- My Issues With Air Travel
- The Point at Which I Worship the Wonders of Vicodin
- The State of the Nation
- Politics

Posted in Life, Requisite Monthly Rant | Permanent Link

Thursday's miscellany. Yeah, clearly I'm tired, and if you're on the east coast reading this morning, I'm probably still in bed acting like a mole. I was interviewed yesterday for an upcoming article on bloggers. The discussion during the interview got me thinking about some really interesting stuff as it relates to the safety net of words on the world wide web. For many people, writing is safe because chances are, most people will never really have to own up to their words. In some unfortunate bloggers' cases, some of those same "words" have actually gotten them fired; some rightly so.

Beyond giving birth to the CBS news scandal that is now affectionately known as "Rathergate" (that's a corny joke if you ask me), I appreciate the honesty mediums like weblogs can bring. I mean, where else could a nobody 22-year-old girl lay the smack down on Harvard? The discussion (and emails) coming out of the education posts is music to my, uhh..eyes. This is not the stuff people talk about around the water cooler if you know what I mean.

The internet empowers people to think all types of bad, un-cool, and politically incorrect thoughts that may not otherwise be voiced. This is good and bad. The bad gives birth to mental midgets trolling around like ADHD kindergarteners on crack, saying idiotic things on the internet. Read: people who are rude and hide behind big words, bad theology and sloppy arguments because no one ever loved them or hugged them when they were little.

A long while back (in my dreaded archives where grammatical errors abound), I wrote a piece called, "Putting a Little Flesh to Thought" where I tossed around some ideas about the dualistic lives people have between their "internet persona" and their real-life persona. Can't really say that's the case here since this blog is more "me" than I often would like--hence the fashion critiques.

Still, there are thoughts and ideas tossed around in cyberspace that real-life makes us feel guilty about. I assume some of the better discussion around topics of race perferences, gay rights, and anti-semitism have taken place in writing and not in person. For me, being raised in a rather vocal family, discussing hot topics has always been a way of life, so online was no different. It amazes me how many people weren't raised to thoughtfully debate issues. So today I delve into the more shallow end guilty pleasures:

My name is Ambra, I'm a fairly competent individual, and I'm addicted to MTV's Punk'd. Oh, and somewhere in the deep deep depths of my old closet, I might have a Milli Vanilli CD.

C'mon try confession, you'll be glad you did.

(Updates later today)

Posted in Life | Permanent Link | Comments { 3 }

I love being a chick (by the way, I'm allowed to call myself that, but certain others are not ). There is nothing else I'd rather be. It's simple, girls rule. Guys rule too, but for other reasons I'll discover later on in life--hopefully not too much later if you know what I mean. Point being, I embrace the fact that being a woman is not a curse, a vice, or a stumbling block, it's one of the best things that ever happened to me. As a woman, I also happen to live in one of the most progressive countries that pretty much allows me to do whatever I so desire to become successful in life.

I often hear people say how the biggest demographic to benefit from affirmative action is white women. I've not done the research to back this up (nor do I plan on doing so), so for now, I'll just believe it on an educated guess. I've stated before that affirmative action is not a deal-breaker for me politically, but whatever (relative definition of "whatever": it gets mucky).

The 24-year-old Mary Katherine Ham of the Heritage Foundation, had some choice words during a run-in with a former DNC rep (she refers to him as DNC Brad) on the patronizing nature of the Democratic Party's platform regarding women and discrimination.

I so couldn't touch this subject with a 50-foot pole. I work for a company that is probably 70% female. And I might add, VERY female. Once during a formal lunch meeting, a colleague of mine poked fun at a guy because he "sat at the girls table". I quickly retorted, "(Insert Company Name) is a girl's table". If anything, the men in my company are the ones in need of affirmative action, but that's another subject.

Ham does raise some good points and questions about what the Democratic Party has to offer a 24-year-old working woman, wishing to advance social classes,

"[...]Just to make sure I understood correctly, I ran over his points. I need the Democratic Party to help me move up in life. I can't be expected to do it all by my little lonesome. And why not? Because I'm a girl.

Continue reading "So You Say It's Cuz I'm a Chick...">>>

Posted in Life, Politics | Permanent Link | Comments { 1 }

 

If Nobody Paid YOU...

September 7, 2004

Today was my first day back in the office after an 11-day break and I think I've been spoiled by life on the road. Of course, opening up Microsoft Outlook this morning to some heinous number in the hundreds' worth of very long work-related emails made it no better, but getting on that elevator and greeting the receptionist this morning was less than pleasurable. I'm guessing this is not the feeling one should have when returning to "work" they enjoy.

If I haven't made it abundantly clear, I am not cut out for the 9-5. From my perspective, the only thing this scenario has going for it is the paycheck and the fact that I get to dress up every day (I'm one of those rare birds that actually enjoys donning a suit). Unfortunately, I'm entirely too much of a visionary and I get bored with work that doesn't challenge me. I am grimacing my way (however VERY thankful) through a great corporate job I've been blessed with no doubt. If anything, the last few weeks have solidified my conviction that I will not be here that much longer (if I can help it). My potential suffocation in a profession that utilizes less than 10% of all that encompasses "me" has proven to be enough motivation for me to figure out how to parlay my life into a self-employed business venture.

Continue reading "If Nobody Paid YOU...">>>

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Updates

September 1, 2004

I'm working on my column today (gosh that sounds awfully strange to say) I have to have four publishable pieces ready by tomorrow. Thankfully, this here blog has given me much good fodder.

And for all you inquiring minds, despite a bit of opposition (which happens when you ask for feedback), I've chosen Politickin' as my new column title and this is why -- it's a hip-hop magazine for goodness sakes! This is about knowing your audience and I most certainly hope that this will not be the last column I ever write so I'm not about to treat it like the name I'll have for the rest of my life. The future may call for something different, but for this particular magazine, I think it's appropriate. Plus, Dean Esmay said he liked it so that settles it. Plus, the younger types know the term "politickin'" doesn't just refer to talking about politics. It essentially means "to engage in dialogue". Which leads me to the subject of terms.

On my new site, I have included a "nyktionary" of terms some specific to me, some specific to my generation. You know, just trying to help the geezers out. I'm dragging my feet, but my new site should be up as soon as I get my butt back to Seattle. Which leads me to my location.

I'm in Washington D.C. -- well, Maryland exactly, but you know how it is. I also met bloggers (and Conservative Brotherhood members) La Shawn Barber, and Avery Tooley yesterday. Very few things quite compare to meeting in person people whose words you've read for months. I'll have pictures and details come Monday.

Tally ho!

P.S. Sorry for the name choice Byron.

Posted in Life | Permanent Link

 

What's in a Name?

August 27, 2004

Having survived some awful business travel to a few cities in New Jersey, the worst of all being "Teaneck" (whose most exciting venue is a Shop-Rite grocery store), I am proud to report that today I am blogging from the beautiful "keystone state", Pennsylvania. For the first time this week, I slept longer than 3 hours and let me just say it feels mighty good. Now if I could just name my gosh darn column, I might have some peace of mind.

What is in a name? Apparently, a lot. I've labored over the name of my very first column for almost a week now. I know it's not that big of a deal, but to me it is. Anything with my name attached to it better come correct.

I so appreciate the lengths to which many of you have gone to think up something clever and creative. If only I had 20 columns with which to name them!

Some of the suggestions were utterly fascinating. Others, left me scratching my head (in a good way I suppose). I even had someone go so far as to design me a logo. Which leaves me thoroughly convinced that I have one of the best lots of folks reading nykola.com. You people are lovely really. And in true stereotypical fashion, I give you the cookie cutter speech of how everyone's a winner and it was a diffucult decision and I could only pick one and all that jazz. There were some 50+ suggestions made via comments and email!

Continue reading "What's in a Name?">>>

Posted in Life | Permanent Link | Comments { 2 }

 

FYI

August 26, 2004

Just in: Teaneck, NJ sucks.

(Back to regularly scheduled blogging later on today.)

Posted in Life | Permanent Link

 

Blogging Via Satellite

August 25, 2004

Once again, I must say I'm a little disappointed that I haven't yet received any calls to come to the Republican National Convention to do fashion critiques. For what it's worth, I think conservatives tend to be better dressed than their nemesis. Then again, I live in hippie-town Seattle where the "theme" store is Eddie Bauer so I could be just a tad biased.

So my iBook and I are on the road again, or rather "in the air again" as a reader was so kind to correct me last time around. A mixture of business and pleasure, I'll be hitting six eastcoast states like the ravenous beast of a traveler that I am. Right now, I'm on my way to New Jersey of all places. Perhaps I shall try to snag an interview with our latest fallen politician--or not.

A major highlight of the trip will be in Washington D.C. when I get the pleasure of meeting two other bloggers and Conservative Brotherhood members La Shawn Barber and Avery Tooley. A grand time will be had by all.

Lastly, the column dilemma. I've received some really good feedback via email and a couple of additional suggestions for column titles. I 'll be updating the list shortly. Any feedback is more than appreciated.

Random Revelatory Thought of the day: One of the most humble places you can ever be, is on your knees, in prayer...or cleaning the toilet.

Posted in Blogging, Life | Permanent Link

 

The Column

August 24, 2004

I am completely flabbergasted by all the suggestions and encouragement I've received about my new column. I have to say I think they all are pretty good. I have until Friday to make a decision. The problem now is I have too many choices!

My Favorite So Far:
Personally Responsible
Left Out
The Requisite Weekly Rant
Kickin' it Right
Liberal Flambe' (although that'd be mighty risky)
Cultural Cross Dressing
The Fallen Intellectual
Higher Level
Real Talk
Also, someone suggested co-opting something from the Bible, which is full of hot language.

Just Plain Hilarious Suggestions:

You Know I'm Right!
I'm Just Fine. What's Wrong with You?
No She Dih'ent.....

If anyone has any other suggestions, please send them my way. I'm getting closer to a decision but not nearly close enough. In the meantime, I just realized how much fun it would be to write t-shirt slogans. One of my favorite ones as told by Cliff Huxtable on the Cosby Show:

"My parents gave it all they had, but I didn't."

Funny stuff.

UPDATE: I'm narrowing the field. A few additions people suggested:
- Politickin' (it's a double-entendre)
- Consider This
- Something ending in "ology"
- Now That'll Preach
- Diamonds and Pearls
- The Column
- Nykolsworth??
- Conservatices CAN dance
- It's Just Who I Am
- Ambra Alert

Help?!!

Posted in Life | Permanent Link

 

Requisite Monthly Rant IV: My Issues With Air Travel

August 24, 2004

Air travel in this country can sometimes be a joke (in the best and worst possible sense of the word). It didn't just change two years ago. It's always been a little shaky if you ask me.

I've probably done more travel in my lifetime than I'd prefer to admit. I'm not sure why, but for whatever reason a good percentage of my short 22 years have been spent on airplanes. And I mean a GOOD percentage. The longest flights I've ever been on were somewhere between 16-18 hours from London, England to somewhere in Southern Africa (it's all a blur after your feet have swelled to the size of two steroid-injected watermelon) with the ultimate destination being Zimbabwe. The shortest? Well, those flights usually take place on commuter jets that statistically seem 50% more likely to crash and generally sound like their propellers are being held together by duct tape and safety-pins.

For the long flights, suprisingly, 16 hours in a confined breathing space with people who could care less about how much "pillow room" you have isn't as bad as it sounds. I've been on 16, 9, 6, even 4 and 5 hour flights. None of which were ever that bad if you ask me. But nothing, I repeat nothing is as bad as a 2.6599999 hour flight. The tragedy of my wimpy attention span not being entertained by some cheesy in-flight movie or horrendous airplane food is magnified on the typical short flight. I preface with this bit of navel-gazing to say I think I'm fairly qualified and justified to rant generalizations about flying.

Continue reading "Requisite Monthly Rant IV: My Issues With Air Travel">>>

Posted in Life, Requisite Monthly Rant | Permanent Link

 

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