During my quest to find the perfect sitcom to emulate my laughing fits from frequent reruns of Seinfeld, I was recently notified and asked to participate in a review of a new sitcom, The Loop. Although I have never heard of the show to begin with, I readily agreed. I figured, why not, what do I have to lose? The concept of the show sounded extremely interesting, and since I had never really heard of it, there wasn't going to be any biases involved in my overall decision/opinion.

I was soon sent the DVD of the full first season of The Loop.


(NOTE: This image was downloaded from their website)

Although I have only completed the first four episodes from the first season, thus far, I must say, this is an interesting sort of show.

At first, I must admit, I was a bit skeptical. Since I am in my early 40s, I am usually a bit close-minded towards those quintessential 20-something genre sitcoms that seem to be everywhere on TV nowadays (minus the reality TV shows). But once I got into the humorous melodramatics associated with Sam's life, I became hooked! Even though it felt a little too much like one of those "SCRUBS-ish" type series, it added a lot more humor to the mix. Especially if you're of that 20s genre, you will immediately appreciate the tumultuous events surrounding Sam's everyday life—inside & outside his work environment.

Here is a guy, who in his early twenties, is the youngest corporate executive of a major airline. Needless to say, this can be harrowing at best, albeit neverending episodes throughout his day as he frequently deals with the flirtatious attempts from his colleague, Meryl (brilliantly played by Mimi Rogers), and the abrasive demeanor demonstrated by his boss, Russ (Philip Baker Hall). During each episode, not only does it appear that Sam (newcomer Bret Harrison) is continuously dodging these two apparent obstacles in his professional environment, but we are lucky enough to witness the enjoyment (and unease) of his immature and unsettling private life, as well. If not just for kicks and giggles, that is.

His private life is a bit of a mess. Not only is Sam a recent college graduate, but he has already landed a job as a corporate executive of a major (fictitious) airline, as well as the youngest. He is the first out of all of his friends (and brother—who doesn't seem to grow up) to get a "real" job. Although I won't go into too much detail about the bio of the show, (you can easily read that information from their website, http://www.fox.com/theloop/showinfo/), I will, however, discuss my opinion on this new upcoming series—which is what I have been asked to do.

You must realize, of course, as I popped in the DVD, I literally didn't know what to expect. Because I have never heard of this new series (starting in June, 2007), I didn't know how I should respond. When I was assured that responding honestly was the best policy, I eased back and continued to watch.

Throughout each episode (and mind you, I have only watched the first four, thus far), I gained an unusual kind of respect for Sam. Imagine graduating from college and then immediately thereafter acquiring one of the most coveted positions at the ripe young age of 24, and still living with roommates from your college glory days? A part of me says this screams fraternity brother meets corporate America. But honestly, it really isn't about that. It goes much deeper. Now don't get me wrong, this isn't a "serious" show really, but it does dwell on the trials and tribulations of what it takes (and means) to be a corporate execute for ANY successful company. He seems assured yet, insecure in this position, but he continues to "succeed" continually in the eyes of his boss, Russ. Whether or not it appears to be by chance or luck, he succeeds, nonetheless.

Then on the flip side, we are witness to his infatuated love affair with his roommate, Piper (who really doesn't know he exists beyond a "friend"). I find it humorous at best, but there are times when I wish Piper would just break up with her long distance boyfriend and move on—possibly with Sam? But then again, I fear that it would be that inevitable impending "death" of any series if this actually came true. Let's face it, wasn't Frasier one of the funniest shows before Niles' secret love for Daphne actually became a reality? To me, that was the end of the show as I saw it. I no longer laughed, nor did I continue to watch the show after that. I realize this sounds a bit trite, but it literally became stupid thereafter. Am I wrong here? No. So for the sake of the show's success, let's keep Sam & Piper apart. That only adds to the humor of the show.

I continually enjoy the playfulness of the show's endless antics. Whether it's watching Meryl's endless inappropriate flirtations with Sam, or the frequent oddball attempts by Sam's brother, Sully (Eric Christian Olsen), to the daydreaming love affair with Piper—please, let's keep things as-is (for now, that is), because I enjoy the show's ability to allow me to sit back and watch without really having to think. I just want to be able to watch and laugh. Is that so much to ask? Isn't that the goal in the first place of a successful sitcom?

In conclusion, with the commingling of everything that goes on in Sam's busy life, I would definitely recommend this upcoming series sitcom as one of my top favorites—and I haven't even finished the first season on my DVD yet. I can't wait to continue! In all seriousness, I'm not very good at this "review" thing, but I do know one thing for certain, I know what I like, therefore I continue to watch it. Thanks to DVR, I can fast-forward through the commercials to get to each episode with eager anticipation.

Give this series a chance, folks, because I truly don't believe you will be disappointed. But please, don't take it too serious, it's just fun & games!

Enjoy!

Current Location: Home @ my Laptop
Current Mood: impressed
Current Music: NHL Hockey in the background

Ok, I am going to open up this can of worms. I think I am pretty qualified to discuss the differences between living in a big city as opposed to suburbia. You see, I have had the advantage of living in both environments. I must say, however, that even though my biases might come across in this blog, it is only my responsibility as a member of this rare elite, to claim that living in a city atmosphere has more than its share of advantages. For instance, for my first two years of college, I attended Parsons School of Design in New York City. I had the distinct pleasure of not only attending this "Harvard of art schools" but also living in the heart of Manhattan. I was lucky, really. My parents at the time, were doing very well financially and they were able to subsidize this college venture of mine without the stress of whether or not I will be able to pay rent or eat.

Living in Manhattan was one of the best experiences of my life. The time was 1988-1990, and things were a lot easier back then. The technology/dot com boom didn't exist yet. Owning a personal computer was almost unheard of back then. And an iPod?? Didn't exist. Steve Jobs hadn't even invented the iMac yet. Times seemed a lot simpler. Or so they seem now in retrospect.

My experience while living in NYC was filled with unlimited amounts of culture and idealism. I was a young art student among millions of people in the streets of New York City daily. At first, it was intimidating. But as I moved on and met more people throughout my daily life (i.e. school, work), I was taught the "what not to do and where not to go" in this large, expansive city. It was enlightening, to say the least, but scary, as well. I remember the first time I rode the subway by myself, I would constantly look over over my shoulder thinking that somebody was going to "mug" me. But alas, I never was mugged. You see, both my parents were born and raised in the Bronx—which for those of you who are not familiar with the Bronx, it is known to be a VERY dangerous burough of Manhattan. So I'm sure, as you could imagine, I was hearing the horror stories continuously from both sides of my family.

Even though going to a Starbucks back then was non-existent—I think maybe at this time, Starbucks was only in Seattle. Going to a coffee shop was typically something people did not do. I remember going to this really cool, bohemian vegetarian restaurant on St. Mark's Place called DoJo's. I loved this place. Although I wasn't a vegetarian, I still ate like one. It was cheap and the food was delicious—what more could a student in NYC ask for? I've soon learned that many years later, there is now a more trendy version of DoJo's located by the campus of NYU. I was disappointed to see how much it had changed from this "hippy" version to their new "yuppy" version located across from NYU in Washingston Square Park.

But that's not what I am wanting to discuss. I realize that over the past decade or so, globalization and the likes of Corporate America has taken over, and how strip malls have not just invaded suburbia, but in our cities as well. Hello, Wal-Mart has now opened a store in Chicago??? What the hell are we thinking by supporting this? For those of you who have seen the movie You've Got Mail, will understand this way of thinking. The Big Box retailers are taking over America right before our eyes. It's depressing.

That was the most exciting aspect of living in a city such as New York. Not only is there culture all around you, but there are generations of immigrant families that grow and make the city what it is today. I hate to sound like a cliché, but a melting pot, actually. My paternal grandparents emigrated here from Italy, and my maternal grandparents emigrated from Austria, so even though they are all deceased now, they lived and died in NY. It was their dream to live the American dream. Living in a city gives you this perspective. Whereas living in a suburban town such as where I live—Ft. Collins, Colorado—typically does not offer this sort of advantagious perspective. I miss the culture of being bored and having the convenience of taking the subway to the MoMa (Museum of Modern Art) or to the Guggenheim—I miss that dearly. I miss being able to walk to a small, Italian café in Little Italy in the village and having an authentic cappuccino with a homemade biscotti. I miss walking up and down St. Mark's Place to see local artists showcase (and try and sell) their latest creations—from earrings to paintings—and bargaining with them so I can actually own a piece of this one-of-a-kind masterpiece. You don't get that here in suburbia. You really don't.

Oh, don't get me wrong. Living in the heart of Colorado definitely has its advantages. It's God's country out here. You cannot exchange the majestic mountains for any other scenery in the world. It's breath taking. And since I am the avid skier that I am, living here offers those advantages more than 7-8 months year round. But a huge part of me—mostly my artistic side—truly misses what any city atmosphere encompasses. I haven't had the opportunity to head down to Denver and check out the beautiful new design of the Denver Art Museum, but I would almost be willing to bet it is still nowhere near the culture mecca that the museums in NYC have to offer. For this, I am saddened.

But we make our choices in life. I moved here in 1990 to transfer to CSU (Colorado State University) to earn my degree in graphic design. No, it was nowhere near the equivalent of studying in one of our nation's top design schools, but I had a great time and met lots of wonderful new friends. I met my husband in 1993 and we married in 1994. Not realizing when I first moved here that I would end up staying, however, but of course, there apparently was another course outlined in my life. My husband is born & raised here in Colorado, so as you could imagine, he has no intentions of ever leaving. Oh, we tried to move to neighborhing Longmont—but that didn't work. We even lived in this really cool New Urbanism community, Prospect New Town, only to soon realize we missed our daily lives nad our friends here in Ft. Collins.

We moved back at the end of last summer to our favorite spot, Old Town, to a great loft located just blocks of all the neat restaurants, parks, and shops—even Starbucks! I figured, if I can't live in a city, then I at least want to live in the "downtown" area of Ft. Collins known as Old Town. This town has so much to offer, but only to be continuously disappointed by the frequent shop closures in the area. We deal with it because we have to. But there isn't a day that goes by that my husband and myself are always eager to see new storefronts or restaurants opening up in the Old Town area.

I guess throughout all of this experience, a part of me would love to move back to the city environment. But being married and having a 7 year old daughter, doesn't afford this luxury. Especially when your husband is continuously telling you "how dangerous it would be to raise a child in a city." Unfortunately, I disagree—both my parents were raised in NYC and I have seen many families raising young children in the city, as well. The difference being, instead of having a waste backyard that is rarely used, they have the whole park at their disposal. What more could a kid ask for? I guess that's the difference between my husband and myself.

In the meantime, I'm stuck here. Oh well.

Current Location: Home
Current Mood: artistic
Current Music: Just the hum of my computer

Money, such a funny word, isn't it? I hate what money represents. I hate how in this society today, we MUST have it in order to survive. Why does this word cause such an uncomfortable feeling in an affluent environment? It seems that not only does money define us, but cause a specific caste among our nations elite. It doesn't matter if you've lived in a trailer park your whole life and recently won the PowerBall worth $300 million. That won't immediately change your affluence just because your net worth has immediately changed over night. What matters is you don't waste your newly acquired riches on crap such as fancy cars, designer clothing, or jewels, for that matter. I realize that once you win or obtain mass amounts of wealth that you have the pleasure of doing what you please, correct? Well, I guess a great deal of that is true, however, wouldn't it feel better knowing you were using that money towards the better good of humanity? Like contributing to the cure for AIDS or cancer? Or what if we were like "Brangelina" (i.e. Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt) and chose to adopt half of the orphans from a Third World country? Talk about escalating daycare costs. Ouch!

It's scary, isn't it? I mean, I only dream of obtaining that amount of wealth, but I realize that will most likely never happen—at least not in this lifetime. I guess you actually have to PLAY PowerBall in order to win it, right? I thought so. As much as I'd like to throw down a dollar or two to attempt my luck at these odds, I never seem to think about it. Maybe it's because I'm realistic—I've never won a damn thing in my entire life!!!

All I desire in my life is the ability and the means to travel once or twice a year and live in a nice, decent house. That's all. Is that so much to ask? I mean, I really don't need the fancy-schmancy car(s), or ostentatious McMansions that has obliterated our country caused by suburban sprawl. I just want something that's drivable and doesn't break down every 2 miles, and to be able to go to the grocery store (preferably Whole Foods) whenever I feel like it, without the worry of "how much does this cost?" every time I go. Or doing Hanukkah & Christmas—to NOT have to look at the price tag so I can buy both my daughter & my husband decent gift(s). But then again, my desires & dreams are somewhat different than the average American.

I can't even afford a damn iPod, for God's sake. I'm still walking around with the old iPod Mini (that is now extinct, according to Apple's afficionados). But you know what? I don't care that my iPod only holds 4GB and still has the now defunct retro b&w screen. Or that it doesn't play video or upload photos—I'm just happy that I have one to begin with. There are a lot of people out there who can't even afford a Shuffle for a measley $99—yeah, so cheap LOL. It's not like I am trying to equate my self worth with how new my iPod is, that's not the point. The point is, there are people who have to have the latest technology for everything. Even if it means sacrificing their next mortgage payment on that $10,000 flat screen HDTV that's hanging on their wall. Although, how cool would that be? But seriously, it makes me sick to my stomach when there are people starving and living on the streets (freezing in the winter), and people are "camping out" in front of their local Best Buy or Circuit City just to buy the latest Playstation 3 or Xbox 360 for a mere $400 or $500. My God people, where have our morals gone? Just think if everybody in this country donated half of what one of those things costs towards the homeless or for the cure of AIDS or cancer where we would be? In a much better place than we are now, that's for sure. Thanks, W!

Ok, I guess it's not ALL of the Bush Administration's fault on that one. But I don't think they contribute to the cause as much as we hope. Just look at the pharmaceutical companies. They for one should be burned to the ground. I mean, they're supposed to be these do-gooders who offer the general public mass amounts of pills for EVERYTHING! I remember (and greatly miss) those days when they DIDN'T advertise on TV (..."side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, possible stroke, blood clotting, heart attack, INSTANT DEATH...")—it's pathetic. Why have we succumbed to this greed? I blame our doctors who freely prescribe such drugs and I blame the pharmaceutical companies for contributing to our nation's health care problems. They must be in cohoots with the HMO's of the world!

I guess what I'm trying to say is, why does money have to be such an issue today? Why does it cause people like you and me to struggle every single day of our lives? Why can't we raise our daughter normally without having to worry about what my husband's paycheck is this month or whether or not we can make the house payment? Why can't we just spend good, quality time with our daughter without the CONSTANT worries of money, money, money? Why can't we just go on a decent vacation with our daugther when she is dying to visit Disney World? God, we're fighting right now about money. It's sick. I hate it, I really do. My husband works his ass off every single day, 7 days/ week—and for what? Barely scraping by. Oh, and did I mention that we BOTH have college degrees? Yeah, a lot of good it did us. God Bless America!

Current Mood: bitchy

I know, I know—what an odd subject to talk about, right? Well, I guess what I mean is, not necessarily whatever happened to THE Jerry Seinfeld, but whatever happened to that funny, hilarious, stitch-ripping sitcom that we used to watch frequently every Thursday night? I mean, I remember watching Seinfeld and Will & Grace with my husband and laughing so hard, that I would most inevitably have to run to the bathroom for fear of peeing in my pants. It was THAT funny. Unfortunately, I don't laugh that hard anymore. At least when it comes to sitcoms. Oh wait a minute—there actually IS a sitcom that's worthy of "peeing in my pants"—Two and a Half Men!!! That show is hilarious. I mean, who would have thought that 80s icons such as Charlie Sheen & Jon Cryer would be so funny? I remember seeing Jon Cryer as "Duckie" in the 80s hit, Pretty in Pink with Molly Ringwald, and thinking he was funny in a sort of cute way, but not hilarious like he is in Two and a Half Men. I guess I'm dating myself here, aren't I? Well, what can I say? I am from the 80s—I don't mean I was born in the 80s, I mean I actually graduated high school in the 80s.

But as usual, I am getting off track here.

Yes, I know there are the reruns on both shows, but to be honest, there really is so many times you can watch the same episode many times over—even though I still "pee in my pants" whenever I do. It's pretty amazing that the same repeats can still have an affect one me. Pretty amazing.

I guess there are a few good shows worthy of my laughter, but I just can't seem to find them. I have tried repeatedly to watch My Name is Earl—with no success. Same thing goes for The Office. Not even a peep. We even tried to give Scrubs a chance—nothing! Pretty weird, huh? Maybe it's my generation, maybe I've become too uptight in my old age. I don't know. I guess I just know what I like, and I like a show that basically makes me laugh until I cry. Married with Children used accomplish as much, so why can't anything in today's standard do this? Perhaps I am wasting my rant on something completely insignificant. Or perhaps not. I guess I will just use that clicker to surf for that ideal sitcom, albeit Seinfeld and Will & Grace.

Current Location: Home
Current Mood: curious

I start out my journal entry today as a frustrated one. I must say, that for the past year and a half, I have been endlessly searching for that dream job in the field of graphic design. At this point, I'd settle for a job at Kinko's! As I struggled through college and art school studying my craft, I had always anticipated a decent paying job at the end of the commencement tunnel. Alas, nothing!

In the meantime, however, I have been somewhat successful (and I don't mean monetarily successful) by selling my logo design packages through eBay. Even though I have gained a decent following and have made some pretty good "online" friends through my clientele, nothing is as substantial or steady as a regular paying, punch-the-clock job. Now don't get me wrong here folks, nothing would please me more than to have my own successful design business, but that's much easier said than done. I started my design business, One Girl Creative, in July of 2003, while I was still knee deep in my studies. So as you could imagine, at first, the intimidation factor of having that "first real" client was overwhelming at best. But as I started designing posters or logos here and there, I soon found that yes, graphic design was my calling! I loved every minute of it. But could I actually get out there and receive a job offer where I would actually get paid for what I love? I guess that's the million dollar question.

As I force myself each and everyday to continue my arduous search—to no avail—I find myself falling deeper and deeper in this abyss we call unemployment. Now, don't get me wrong, I am not trying to sound philosophical or anything like that, but tell me, why is it I cannot find a job in my damn field? Does my work suck that badly? When I walk into the interview schlepping my portfolio, do I appear to be a bitch? Did I not kiss their ass to the point of wanting to immediately hire me on the spot enough? Did I not tell them repeatedly how badly I loved their f-ing company and how much I would love to work for them? Are my breasts too big? Too small, for that matter? Is my ass too big? I know it isn't too small, so tell me, what is it??? My answer is this—it's like art in general, it's all subjective. For whatever damn reason they choose to not hire me or call me back for a second interview, I guess it all boils down to one, simple thing—TOO MUCH DAMN COMPETITION!

Then I occasionally wonder whether or not I wasted my time graduating with this damn degree in the first place. Should I have studied medicine, perhaps? Hell no—I am too stupid to be accepted to medical school. What about architecture? Wanted to, but my lack of math skills almost prevented me from graduating in the first place. So we all know that wouldn't suffice. What about computer science? It seems the field of IT (information technology) is running rampant within our technological driven society. But I ponder this over and over—does that mean I would have to work on a PC?? Oooh, bad idea. As you may have figured out from that last statement, I am a Mac freak! Yes, you got it—I am pro-Apple in EVERY way shape & form. I loathe the very core of what Microsoft represents. Just kidding, Bill! :)

All kidding aside, I imagine the reason I chose to study and pursue graphic design as a career was because—silly me—I actually love it? I guess so. Unfortunately, loving something and getting paid for it don't necessarily go hand-in-hand these days. So I end this on an interesting note, I will further continue my search for that one employer who would be MORE than willing to hire me as a PAID graphic designer, art director, whatever—but in the meantime, what doesn't define what we do, but only who we are, I will now turn in my application at Starbucks in hopes to at least receive a job offer as well as a kick-ass benefits package. Good luck to all you struggling artists out there. Hang in there and don't give up the fight!

Current Location: In front of my computer—again!
Current Mood: frustrated
Current Music: None!

Since this is the first journal entry that I am about to enter, I think I would like to start out with the recent celebration of my 12 year wedding anniversary—November 5, 1994! My husband and I celebrated our wedding anniversary last night with a delicious dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants.

Sometimes I ask myself, what does it mean to be married? Is it about security? Is it about spending your life with a loved one? I think it encompasses a great deal of everything. Not just security or love and romance, but everything. My husband and I are like best friends. He and I first met in 1993 while he was finishing up his graduate studies, and I was still a disorganized undergrad at Colorado State University. It was difficult for both of us, simply because he had never been in a serious relationship in his whole life. Whereas I have. However, I was in the process of moving to Denver and the LAST thing I was looking for was a relationship. Yet a serious one, at that.

Unfortunately, things like that never seem to work out like we anticipate. I had lived in Fort Collins for a little over 3 years at that point—for those of you unfamiliar with the area, although beautiful, very small and in 1993, was basically only known as a student infested city along with local "bumpkins." My husband being one of those "bumpkins." As I pondered my way throughout my Colorado journey, I decided unequivocally that I needed and wanted to get out. You see, I had moved to Colorado from New York City in 1990, to transfer from school at Parsons School of Design to CSU. Not only was this a huge transition for me, but to leave the city where I attended the "Harvard of art schools," to attend CSU—which at the time, didn't have the greatest art department in the country—Was almost insane.

I guess you can say, my sole reason for choosing to move to Colorado is of a selfish nature—I loved to ski! I admit it, I was completely obsessed with snow skiing. After skiing back east for two years, the thought of "ice skating" another season was dreadful to me. So I headed west and moved to the best skiing in the country—Colorado.

Don't get me wrong, I never regretted my choice of marrying my husband, but sometimes, somedays, there are those days where "the grass is always greener." I always wonder in the back of my mind, what if? Even though I think that may be normal among the rest of us married folks, I still ponder occasionally and think about what my life would have been like had I stayed back east (I was born in Connecticut, by the way) and if I had married a nice, rich Jewish guy. Would I be living the high life in Manhattan in an awesome loft in SoHo? Or in the suburbs in Great Neck, NY? Who knows. I guess we will never find out, will we? It's like that movie, Sliding Doors with Gwyneth Paltrow. It's hard to wonder what would happen if some minor incident in our lives led us in a completely different direction.

I do know one thing for sure, if I didn't marry my husband, we wouldn't have our beautiful daughter, Emma. I guess when it's all said and done in the end—I love my husband very much and I cannot imagine my life without him; or my daughter.

Although I will try my hardest not to get sappy beyond this one little blog, I wanted to at least start out with the fact that we celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary yesterday, Nov. 5.

So hang in there all you married folks—if your spouse is truly the ONE, then stick it out throughout all the rough patches. Because it'll be worth it in the long run. Good luck!