Negative Campaign Ads & Stuff...

I don't know if I've mentioned it before, but I'm a bit of a political junky. And there's nothing sweeter to me than a presidential election year. I LOVE it! I've been glued to the news, I've watched all of the debates, and both conventions. One thing that usually bothers me is when the campaigns decide to go negative. Most people I talk to say they don't like negative campaign ads. But for some reason, the politicians keep on doing it. You know why?...Because research shows it works! Some studies suggest that negative campaign ads are more easily remembered and, therefore, have a greater influence on voters' attitudes and voting decisions. Knowing that made me start to think about what that says about us as Americans. How many people hear some negative lie in a campaign ad, and remember that when they get into the voting booth? How many people make the effort to really get informed?

I'm a registered Independent, and my roommate is a registered Republican. Some of the mail we've gotten during this campaign season has been interesting. Now that we're just days away from voting, we each got voter information guides in the mail. You open it, and it basically tells you who and what to vote for when it comes to the propositions and the presidential election. Who needs to think?! It's already been done for you! I think as voters we've gotten a little lazy. If you don't want to put in the effort to get informed you don't have to. Someone else will do it for you.

So I've decided to issue a challenge. I'm challenging everyone to know WHY you're voting the way you vote. When you step into that booth, be proud that as an American you have the right to let your voice be heard.

Happy Voting!

Finally...

So I finally got a job! I'll be working at Disneyland in Attractions in Adventureland/Fronteirland. Disneyland usually has hiring cycles, and this one is almost over. I actually took the very last attractions position available. I have my Traditions Orientation next Saturday. Traditions is really cool. It's an all day orentation where they share a lot of the history and values of Disney. You spend some time in a classroom, and they also take you through the parks and backstage. On that day I'll also get my ID and nametag. That means I'll be able to get into the parks when I want! The most important thing about that day is that I'll find out which attraction I'll be working. I'm really hoping I get to do the Indiana Jones attraction. The worst would be if they put me in the Tiki room. I HATE that place! That would be my own personal Disney nightmare!

Google Horror!

I Googled myself today...and what's the number one website that comes up when I type in my name? A website for a submissive escort located in London who also happens to be named Poppy. Interesting...

Bummer...

Hello to anyone out there who's reading! So I didn't get the job in Guest Relations at Disneyland. BUMMER! I must admit I was surprised, because I had such a great interview experience. Oh well...they did ask me to come in on Saturday to look at other positions at the resort, so I may be getting a Disneyland job after all. I've really been praying that whatever is supposed to happen will happen. I'm thinking that I'm going to be starting school in January, so I obviously need a job that will work with my school schedule. I've worked for Disney before, and I know that they are not always willing to do that.

I haven't mentioned it before but I am leading a discipleship group at the church I go to, and tonight is our first official meeting. They did the launch for the groups on Sunday, so I did get to meet the girls who will be in my group. Just to give you a little background discipleship groups are small same sex bible study groups. They're same sex to really give everyone the chance to feel comfortable saying anything they want. And they're small to really promote intimacy among the members. I'm super excited to get the chance to lead a group, and it should be fun.

Paul Newman

They just don't make movie stars like they use to...

It was sad to hear about the death of Paul Newman recently. I'm a sucker for a good old Hollywood movie, and he was in some of my favorites. I'll never forget the first time I saw Cat on a Hot Tin Roof with him and Elizabeth Taylor...such a great movie, with so much emotion just bubbling under the surface. I also can't forget The Long Hot Summer with him and Joanne Woodward (his future wife). In his later years, I loved him in The Verdict. On a side note he grew up in the same city that I did...Shaker Heights, Ohio. I think I'm going to have a little Paul Newman movie festival this weekend, and re-watch all of my favorites. I encourage you to check them out!

I'm Back!

So I'm back...my month long writing experience is over. I didn't make it to 50,000 words, but I sure wrote a whole lot more than I would have if I hadn't done the challenge. Now I'm gonna gear up for NaNoWriMo coming in November.

A few new developments in my life. I may have a job! I've got my fingers crossed, and I'm just waiting for the call from...DISNEY! That's right, I had my second interview for a job with Disney Guest Relations. That means I'd get to work City Hall, Lost and Found, and eventually I'd get to be a tour guide! Or possibly even a VIP tour guide! My interview went really well. But I know that they only have 15 spots, and they're interviewing 60 people...we'll see.

I have been making an effort to watch less television...so I've just become a little more selective with what I'm viewing. A few shows I make sure not to miss:

Heroes - I'm so excited it's back...but why is the future Peter Petrelli an idiot?
The Mentalist- It's one of the new shows that I really like a lot!
Life - A show I started watching last season. I watched it's season premiere episode on Monday, and was reminded why I like this show so much. Lead actor Damien Lewis is GREAT!
The Office- What more do I need to say! It's the funniest show ever!
Fringe - I'm a sucker for anything J.J. Abrams. (Alias, Lost) Here's a little math equation to sum up how I feel: Joshua Jackson + Sci Fi = A Happy Me!