Category: videos

Friday 7 Quick Takes (vol 67)

November 11th, 2011 · · 7 Quick Takes (Fridays), Big Brothers & Big Sisters of America, National Blog Posting Month '11, videos 9 comments - Tags: , ,


1.

This week on Totes Awesome Channel, we discussed what we wish we can experience again just for the sake of experiencing. And by we, I mean Ashley Riordan and myself. The other girls are busy visiting each other in Boston and taking care of a new born! We did convene to make a welcome to the world video for the baby.


Youtube Link

I admitted in my video that I was very lucky and granted a once in a life time opportunity to see Nelson Mandela speak. I wish I could experience that opportunity again because as a 16 year old, I remember not respecting the experience and actually being bored and not listening. Bad, younger Linda!


2.


I have 2 more days til Race for the Cure. I’ve raised $460 towards my goal of $500. (Thanks to a lot of you! ) If you’re just tuning in, care to spare me even just five dollars towards raising money for breast cancer research? I’d be so grateful.


3.

Tomorrow, I’m taking my little from Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America to a We Are Girls conference.

I worry about her a lot. She’s juggling a lot of heavy issues. Self image, boys and friends not respecting boundaries, bullying. It breaks my heart sometimes to hear her talk about her life. I’m hoping us attending this conference together will help empower her and give us a great platform to discuss these issues even after the conference.


4.


I knew Alan will be gone for a bachelor’s party in Vegas this weekend. I love him dearly but was looking forward to this “gift” weekend for months! I envisioned fun girl time and lots of time on the couch by myself. (I miss time on the couch by myself, y’all.) However, I think I got overzealous with the planning and packed it too fully. Meaning, less couch time.

Tonight I’m making dinner for Selina, a friend I haven’t seen but once this year. Tomorrow, I have that conference with my little. Sunday, I have a 5k to walk/maybe run, and also another walking date with the dog and Brandi. Oh and chores this weekend. Lots and lots of chores.


5.

Danielle invited me to share a post with her for her weekly Five Fav Fridays series. This week was about books and I was all too happy to talk books with her. I picked 5 of my favorite books that I’ve read in 2011. Go to her blog to see my list and her list. We both chose Hunger Games for one of our five!

What are some of your favorite books this year?


6.


I still don’t know how I’m going to budget Christmas. I think I’ll be making a lot of gifts this year. I did buy my first gift! It’s for my parents. They barely know what Google is so I think it’s safe to share that I got them both electric toothbrushes and a slew of toothbrush heads. I went for practical this year!

Have you started on Christmas shopping?


7.

This week’s moments of bliss: ♥ dinner date with Deesh ♥ fetch with Bob ♥ Christmas lights ♥ inadvertently parking in handicap at school for half a day and not getting a ticket ♥ catch up phone call with BDF (Best Dudie Friend) while walking our respective dogs ♥ making it to day 11 of NaBloPoMo ♥ BFF coming out of blogging hibernation ♥ postcard from Spain ♥ letter from California on pretty peacock stationary ♥ morning time with the dog ♥ scholarships to We Are Girls conference ♥ waking up as loudly as I wanted this morning (didn’t have to worry about waking up the sleeping beau) ♥ no football for a weekend!


Question: What would you like to experience again?

Mad Libs Monday

November 10th, 2011 · · National Blog Posting Month '11, videos 6 comments - Tags:


Youtube Link

There’s a new and fun project run by @Rachelskirts called Mad Libs Monday. I saw some of my cute Youtube friends participating in Episode 1 so I jumped on board for Episode 2. Episode 3 will be uploaded on Monday. Stay tuned and if you have a webcam, join in on the fun!

Time Capsule Vlog

November 1st, 2011 · · National Blog Posting Month '11, videos, We Blog We Vlog 4 comments - Tags: ,

The lovely people at We Blog, We Vlog is hosting another fantastic vlog topic today. They are calling on bloggers and vloggers to create a time capsule vlog, encapsulating what life is like at 2011 to be viewed in 2031.


Youtube

For those of you who can’t view videos, I ramble on about where my life is currently. To make an almost three minute vlog shorter, I’m happy but still searching.

I encourage you to create a vlog and submit it! Just upload to Youtube and share it using these hashtags, #wbwv #timecapsule. Or comment! I’d love to see what life is like for you.


Question: What is your life looking like these days?

Austin, Texas Has Bats [Video]

August 20th, 2011 · · Austin, VEDA, videos 4 comments - Tags: ,

Today’s VEDA (Vlog Every Day in August) topic is to vlog something neat from your hometown.

Well, I find it mighty awesome that Austin, Texas has bats.


Youtube Link


Question: What’s awesome about your hometown?

Friday 7 Quick Takes (vol 56)

August 19th, 2011 · · 7 Quick Takes (Fridays), the not so single life, VEDA, videos 23 comments - Tags: , , ,


1.

This week on Totes Awesome Channel, we disclose some of our Secret Single Behavior. Coined by Sex and the City, Secret Single Behavior is what you do that you don’t want anyone seeing.


Youtube Link

For those without video capabilities, I like to do my grooming in private (plucking, pore strips, teeth whitening strips, and nail clipping) and also I revert to lots of Korean ramen when I eat at home by myself. There’s a bonus bit for those who can watch.


2.

Today’s VEDA (Vlog Every Day in August) topic is to talk about some of our controversial beliefs.


Youtube Link

I’m Anti-Capital Punishment, Pro-Choice, and Pro-Gay Marriage. Let’s still be friends?


3.

I haven’t yet linked and embedded the videos from Tuesday through Thursday. You can catch them on my channel. Or! Here are the individual links: Books, Vlog to Future Self, and my laminated list.


4.

Last week I got my sketchbook from Sketch Book Project 2012 in the mail. The dust from the move hasn’t settled and we’re gearing up for a vacation but I cannot wait to get started. This will be my 2nd year participating. Here’s the post I did about SKP touring Austin in March (with links to some of my sketches).


My Sketchbook and Me during Austin Tour, March 2011


5.

Vancouver in 6 days! What’s on the agenda there? So far nothing!


6.


We didn’t have hot water til Wednesday. We still don’t have internet or cable but here’s hoping (for real this time) we’ll get them Sunday.


7.

This week’s moments of bliss: ♥ every time I flatten a box and put it outside our apartment to be picked up ♥ trash valet Sundays – Thursdays ♥ the first hot shower after not having hot water for 4 days ♥ admitting that it was worth the money to have a cleaning lady do the last clean of my old apartment ♥ data plan ♥ Alan surprising me with True Blood ♥ phone calls to my BFF freaking out and her reassuring that what I’m freaking out about is normal ♥ watching Alan kill a fly ♥ seeing Brandi twice in one week despite moving 30 minutes further away ♥ making a healthy slow-cooker meal ♥ making it through last weekend and this week


Question: Tell me something weird about yourself?

VEDA Has Begun: Introductions & Big Hairy Audacious Goals

August 2nd, 2011 · · VEDA, videos, wanderlust 16 comments - Tags:

VEDA (Vlog Every Day in August) started yesterday and the growth of this project in comparison to its first year last year is stunning. Last year we had 20 something to less than 20 by the end of August. This year, word on twitter is that we’re now at over 80 people who signed up. That’s a lot of videos to keep up with. Last night, my close friend from college (she signed up this year) and I stayed up way past my bedtime watching videos and commenting.

I’m cross-feeding the content on my blog for those who do not use Youtube the way we use it (like Google Reader + Facebook all in one but for videos).


VEDA Day 1 – Introductions and Why VEDA?


Youtube Link

For those without video capabilities, I introduce myself as Linda, hailing from Austin, 28 years old. I drink coffee through straws even if it’s a hot coffee and I love donuts. I’m doing VEDA because I did it last year and met some great people. Also, VEDA changed my life. Last year we did a vlog on body image. I vlogged my back scar. Since then, I’ve been more brave about exposing the scar in public.


VEDA Day 2 – Big Hairy Audacious Goals


Youtube Link

In today’s vlog, I talk about two of my big hairy audacious goals. 1. I would love to discover a new career path. I’ve explored a couple of careers before and found myself not feeling the same way about them once I was knee deep. Also, on a much more lighter note, I’d love to see all 50 states.


Question: What is your big hairy audacious goal?

Friday 7 Quick Takes (vol 51)

July 15th, 2011 · · 7 Quick Takes (Fridays), music, videos 52 comments - Tags: ,


1.

This week on Totes Awesome Channel, we talk boy bands.


Youtube Link

I wasn’t endearingly boy band crazed as my Totes Awesome Channel cohorts.


2.


In my TAC vlog, I mentioned how my friend Kim sent me a link recently of one of my biggest celebrity crushes as a kid crooning in a boy band. To see who I’m talking about, refer to 1:35 of this video.


Youtube Link


3.


I’ve been on a Nick Hornby craze ever since I finished reading Polysyllabic Spree. I’ve read two of his fictional books before, but wasn’t as enamored with him as I was after Polysyllabic Spree (his columns on reading). Since then, I’ve read his second collection of his columns, (Housekeeping vs. the Dirt), have his third installment checked out (Shakespeare Wrote for Money), and am now also adding more of his fiction to my reading queue. I’ve enjoyed two of his movies without knowing it was adapted from his books (High Fidelity and About a Boy). Well, as I perused listings of his fiction, I discovered he wrote one of my favorite movies from last year. I even blogged about it here. I think I’m going to add it to my never-ending “to read” list.


4.


Speaking of movies adapted from books. I love watching movies adapted from the books I read, but I don’t like doing it in the reverse order, reading books of the movies I’ve watched. I’ve done it a few times (Waiting to Exhale, Forrest Gump, Curious Case of Benjamin Button), but it doesn’t feel natural. Feels backwards. Book first, movie second. Right?


5.


I’ve been on Google+ for over a week now and it still has the new and shiny appeal. Only, I’m not quite sure what I’m supposed to do with it. Yes, I get it’s Google’s version of Facebook and you share stuff. What I’m confused about is what am I personally going to do with it? I have two blogs. A Facebook account namely to keep in touch with people, see what’s going on with their lives, and archive some photos. I have TWO twitter accounts to catch the mundane thoughts and share interesting links. How should I use Google+ where I’m not just cross feeding content? Ah, first world problems.


6.


I’ve seen a lot of sad things at bars through the years. This one was the saddest sight yet.

No wagging of the tail. When strangers walked by and petted him, he didn’t lift his head or twitch his tail. He just followed you with his sad, sad eyes.


7.

This week’s moments of bliss: ♥ lunch date with Naz at Madam Mams (only my favorite Thai restaurant for 10 years now) ♥ having someone to occasionally exercise with ♥ nerdy cheesy jokes ♥ Vietnamese cooking and movie date with Davey ♥ pillow talk & prattle ♥ postcard received from Europe ♥ cleaning up newsfeeds and email subscriptions ♥ funny shopping trip with Alan (boys have no shopping stamina!) ♥ juicy ripe mangoes ♥ Google+


Questions: Are you on Google+? How are you using it? What are you sharing?

Friday 7 Quick Takes (vol 47)

June 17th, 2011 · · 7 Quick Takes (Fridays), silver screen, videos 18 comments - Tags: ,


1.

This week on Totes Awesome Channel, we talk about our ideal meals. You can find mine below.


Youtube Link


2.


Danielle sent me a beautiful handmade postcard this week.

A longtime collector of quotes, I’m always happy to receive them. If you can’t read the script, it says, “Only a life lived for others is worth living.” - Albert Einstein


3.

Also in the mail this week, was a mandatory legal notice! My insurance company has a class action lawsuit filed against them. It was a letter briefing me on the lawsuit and then it listed my policy number, what I paid, and how much I could earn if they settle. They are shelling out millions if they settle. Want to guess how much I could receive?

28 cents! I could not stop laughing. Sadly it doesn’t pay out til next year if it pays out. Otherwise, I’d totally get in on that so I could put “Class Action Lawsuit” and 28 cents into my additional income spreadsheet this year.


4.


In just one week, Alan and I have seen 5 movies together. He’s been sick so we’ve been hitting up the Netflix. Here are one/two-liner reviews.

X-Men First Class (2011) – Much better than Wolverine, the last X-Men movie, but not amazing.

Sgt. Bilko (1996) – Silly Steve Martin film; I fell asleep.

Searching for Bobby Fisher (1993) – One of Alan’s favorites, I had no idea it was based on a true story.

Billy Elliot (2000) – Since Alan made me watch Searching for Bobby Fisher, I in kind made him watch Billy Elliot. One of my favorite movies.

Super 8 (2011) – We saw this in an IMAX theatre last night. Loved it and I may have screamed out loud.


5.

I’ve had my cell phone number for 12 years now. For the first year I got calls weekly asking for a Debra. After that first year, the calls tapered off to maybe quarterly for a few years. Now, I still get calls for her every 6 months or so. I almost forgot about Debra until an elderly lady called this morning asking for her.

Debra, where did you go all these years? It seems like you just disappeared on a slew of people. Hope you’re okay.


6.


Would you like a riddle to tease your friends with?

Alan teased me with this and someone tweeted me the answer this morning.


7.

This week’s moments of bliss: ♥ indulging my bone marrow craving ♥ date with Jamie ♥ chocolate chip cookies ♥ sleepovers ♥ going to Houston today to visit the parents ♥ great customer service ♥ friendly conversations with strangers ♥ kiddie hugs ♥ Boo ♥ meeting goal for the third time this year and updated food blog 3 times this week ♥ reading delicious books


Question: What’s one important lesson your dad has taught you?

VEDA – Sick :(

April 27th, 2011 · · VEDA, videos 12 comments - Tags:

Today’s VEDA (Vlog Every Day in April) submission is a bit of a downer. I’m sick.


Youtube Link

For those of you who can’t see the video, I talked about what I do when I’m sick. Sleep (hello, 4.5 hour nap), take vitamins, and drink OJ.


Question: What do you do when you’re sick to get better?

VEDA – Being Prepared

April 26th, 2011 · · pursuit of happiness, VEDA, videos 23 comments - Tags:

Today’s VEDA (Vlog Every Day in April) vlog is me listing off ways I am prepared for catastrophes.


Youtube Link

If you do not have video capabilities, here’s the list of random ways I’m prepared:

  • Umbrella in the car
  • Umbrella at the apartment
  • Generic black heels in the car
  • Generic black flip flops in the car
  • Emergency fund to last about a year
  • Always keep a book on me
  • GPS system
  • Clean pair of socks in the car (just in case I get a random invite to bowling)
  • Extensive first aid kit in the car that includes disposable blanket and flares


Question: In what ways are you prepared?