Keeping It Mediocre

WARNING--Shameless plug coming your way. Below is a link to the video of my first improv show. Our team name is Keeping It Mediocre--we set expectations high. We have all been taking classes at Second City in Chicago, and these clips are from our level C show at the Training Center.

We are currently in our last class and have our last show on May 1st. If any of you are in the Chicago area please come see us!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAAc07o_8z0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1khV2BPckEw&feature=related

*There are 2 videos of the show the first link is of the first 8minutes and the second link is the remainder of the show.

Enjoy!
Taubel--OUT!

Transform Me=Awesome!!

Readers, prepare yourself for a big shocker. I am watching VH1 reality shows this morning. Stop judging me and turn your tv to VH1. You will thank me later.

Currently, VH1 has a show called Transform Me!. The basis of this show is that 3 Transgender women help a woman who is struggling with self esteem and fashion. They come to here home, riffle through her closet and make up drawer, and talk to her about her current lot in life. The idea is that the transformers know what it is like to feel like they are not able to be a beautiful woman. Because of the journey they took to become a woman, they are now qualified to help these fashion challenged women find higher self esteem and clothes that actually look like they are from 2010.

I was a bit skeptical of this show, but five minutes in, I was sold! Think Queer Eye for the Straight Guy meets the Real Housewives of Atlanta. Basically, it equals AWESOME!!

The transformers travel around in an ambulance and say some hilarious things. For example, upon searching through a transformees make up drawer they found only a tub of Vaseline. This upset them, and when they confronted the fashion patient this was said, "Petroleum Jelly does not count as a make up item." I died for that comment. Thank god they told us. How many people have been going around thinking that vasline would be the best thing before a Friday night on the town? They get better...

They took their transformee on a shopping spree and began to explain the joys of accessories. BTW--I learned a lot from this segment. I may or may not have been taking notes. It was not until one of the transformers began to talk about the power of the clutch that I realized the gold mine I had come across. Apparently, the fashion victim was not holding her clutch correctly, nor strutting with said clutch right. They showed her a couple of ways to work the clutch and then said this gem, "The clutch is the slave and it will serve you." Get it gurl!!!! Thank goodness I was watching. I had no idea that a clutch could serve me. You think it could brew my coffee in the morning too?

Finally, to help their charge find her inner strength they took her to a Country Western bar to ride a mechanical bull (which they called a buffalo for the remainder of the show). This is where two of my favorite lines were said. First their fashion victim mounted the bull, and I must say, she was pretty good. One of the transformers felt the ride on the bull was a metaphor for her transformation. "When she jumped up on that buffalo, she told me 'I'm ready. I want to go through life being fierce.'" I love that a ride on a mechanical bull said all of that. Maybe some of our governmental officials need to ride a mechanical bull to get some answers to the many problems we have going on...furthermore, maybe the Transform Me ladies should head up to Washington and spend a week or so there.

Perhaps the best line was when the transformers took to the bull riding. One was wearing a skirt and tried to jump up on the bull. Immediately, VH1 put up a sensory bar and then they cut to a confessional shot. "I'm not one to wear underwears but if I decide to ride a buffalo I think that would be a smart choice." Thank you VH1...thank you.

By the end of the episode, the fashion victim was a victim no longer. Not only did she look beautiful, but she seemed to have a lot more confidence. Like most makeover shows, there were some tears of joy at the end, but I didn't mind it so much.

Overall, this show is entertaining and a little heart warming. I am tempted to have someone take pictures of me before and after school, and then send them to VH1. I go for comfort when teaching. Therefore, I look pretty tragic, and I am more than certain I could qualify as a fashion victim. I have a feeling those 3 ladies and I would have a great time together.

Set your DVRs and start watching this show. I have to run and watch the latest episode of 16 and Pregnant.

Taubel--OUT!

A Quick One...

First, let me say that Jason Derulo has some JAMS and I love them. Before he starts singing each of his songs he does this little intro thing where he sings his name. I thought this was just to remind you who he was in case you are listening to suffle on your iPod and you needed a quick reminder. We have all been there before--you think you are about to get one song but then you get another one that has a similar beginning. Jason D. just lets us know up front what awesome beat we are about to jam to.

He just performed on American Idol, and he did the name intro there too. It really confused me. Hey Jason, Ryan just told everyone you were performing. We were pretty sure it was going to be you. I wasn't thinking that Ryan and the Idol gang were going to pull a fast on us and put Clay Aiken on the stage. Not only would that be a little creepy but it would be a really good way to flush ratings down the toilet. I appreciate you wanting to be sure we knew it was you kicking ass on stage, but I think it might have been a bit over the top. That David kid from the other season of Idol just performed, and he wasn't like "David Archie here" right before he launched into his not so great version of Imagine. He knew that we all knew it was him on stage and that we were all wishing that it were the other David on stage.

So Jason, while I LOVE your songs, I think it is safe to say that we know who you are and we love you. Can we cut the intros please? K Thanks! BTW--Love you!

Taubel--OUT!

Zack Morris--The Secret of Life

*It is way past my bed time. Please forgive my rants and overall ridiculousness. I need sleep.

I am like many young adults who decide to take part in the season of Lent, for no other reason than to brag about what frivolous things we have decided to rid ourselves of. This year, I decided to give up making bad decisions. I can see all of you pondering this statement, and wondering to yourself, "What does she mean, bad decisions?"

I am glad you asked. Actually, not all that happy you asked. Your question forces me to explain myself. I would rather hide behind the mystery then have you guys know my true struggles. BAM! I know, I am soooooo deep. It's what we bloggers do...we get deep and ponder life's issues. It's a blessing and a curse. If you doubt me see my first post, then reference post 2, then see 2 posts before this one--they prove my point. I am like that episode of Saved By the Bell when Zack gave the Valedictorian speech that Jesse started to give but then told Screech to give, who then gave the mic over to Zack. Yup, I just speak what's in the heart. (That my friends is what we call a diversion. This is a tactic I use to get you to forget the original question you had so I don't have to answer it. I am good.)

Back to my Lent goal--I am happy to report, I made it forty days without making a poor life decision. I realize that this all depends on what you define as a bad life decisions. And to that I say, you don't make my rules. By my standards, I did pretty good.

What are my standards? I am glad you ask--again, not really. (See above as to why). I wasn't sure about my standards at first, but then I realized all my answers could be solved by looking to that blond bombshell--Zack Morris. (again, see previous reference to Mr. Morris)

After much research I have decided that, according to Saved by the Bell, bad Life Decisions Are:

Bad decision #1: Getting in a bar fight. I watched that episode when Zack and Slater got in a fight and I realized it wasn't worth it. (*NOTE this reference comes from the Tori years, and I was not a fan of these episodes.) After watching the video link below, I decided that fighting is NEVER the answer, and I can honestly say, I did not get a fist fight during Lent. Actually, I have NEVER been in a fist fight. So 2 pts for me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KO73-WlOHhM

Bad decision #2: Flashing a camera that turns out to be Girls Gone Wild. There was this one episode of SBTB when Lisa was going out with Jesse's new step brother. They were driving around the parking lot of Bayside and Lisa took the wheel. In a ill-fated attempt to get Jesse's step bro in trouble, Zack, Slater, and Screech tried to snap a picture of the step bro driving the car. Bad news Bayside Tigers, Lisa was driving the car, and the flash startled her and she crashed the car. Whose car was this you ask? None other than Mr. Belding's. DRAMA!!! After that episode, I have decided to avoid cameras. So good news readers, I managed to avoid all cameras during Lent. This means there was no chance that I would flash a camera. Actually, I have never flashed a camera and have no desire to do so. Another deuce for me!

Bad decision #3: Having a really bad drug habit that ruins your family and financial standing. (Another Saved By the Bell reference: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KO73-WlOHhM ) THERE'S NO HOPE WITH DOPE!! Zack and the gang taught me that drugs and Johnny Dakota are bad!! I bet you know how I did with this one! Yup, I DIDN'T develop a drug addiction. And again, I have never had a drug habit. I attribute this to Zack Morris and my inability to do things that would result in jail time. Another 2 pts for me and Bayside.


My assessment of this year's Lent goal is that I am REALLY good at this. Basically, I have been living in Lent season for the past 25 years. I feel really good about myself! I have successfully avoided trashy hair pulling fights, public nudity, and drugs.

Some say I am a normal, functioning adult, but I think there is an unsung hero in all of this. His name:Zack Morris. His game:making Lent easy on all of us. I think you should all go out and buy Saved by the Bell on DVD and let the gang show you how to live life. Seriously, think of a life problem you have. Then pop on an episode of SBTB. I am more than certain you will find a way to solve or forget about that problem. Yes, I said it and I stand by it.

And there you go! I not only make you laugh but I give you some good life advice. Your welcome! (Insert virtual group high five and freeze frame. Cue theme song)

Taubel--OUT!

Bieber Fever

I have received some complaints surrounding my last post. I did not realize what a following young Bieber had--esp. among the 25-30 crowd.

Because many of you felt that I needed to take a second listen to JB's hits, I decided to download more of his jams. The ends result--I now have a iTunes Playlist called Teen Sensations--You wish you were one. Along with young JB, we have the talented Justin Timberlake and *NSYNC, New Kids on the Block, Tiffany, the Backstreet Boys, Britney, Christina A., LFO, etc. etc. Pretty much if you sang a bad love song that teen girls went crazy for, I put you on that playlist.

I still don't like the fact that this kid is everywhere, but I do like his jams. They are catchy, and I will admit I did bust the Baby song out while I was getting ready today. I may or may not have done a spin move and pretended my bathroom mirror was the video camera. While getting ready, I like to sing and dance like I am in the music video...I feel your judgments and I don't like it.

Moral to the story is don't judge a singer by the fact that he sounds like he could be on Sesame Street. You never know when you could discover a song that really makes your feet tap, or in my case, really makes you use your brush as a microphone and break out the sprinkler dance move.

Bossy and Friends--I hope this helps to mend our friendships. My apologies for not giving Justin the praise he deserves.

Taubel--OUT!

Who is this Justin Bieber?

Many of you know that I am totally the person advertising and tv execs target. I am a sucker when it comes to the mainstream. I love cheesy 80s ballads, boy bands, horrible reality tv shows, and for some reason celebrity gossip. Yes, I frequent perezhilton.com, and I love a good issue of People magazine. I am what's wrong with America.

Recently, I have caught wind of this Justin Bieber character. I must admit, until about a month ago I had no idea who this kid was--this upsets me for several reasons: 1.It means I am aging and loosing my ability to follow mainstream America 2.I am normally all over cheesy love songs and I some how missed his 3 big hits. (no worries, I have downloaded them and am still deciding if they are worthy of my solo performance while getting ready).

I have several issues with this pre-pubescent singer. Normally, I am very up-to-date with the hot new teen sensation and have been known to have a slight crush on them. Jesse McCartney and Zac Efron found fame during my college years and I thought both of them were adorable...I may have marked McCartney's 18th birthday on my calendar, but that is beside the point.

I must say, I don't get the obsession with this Bieber kid. Here are my concerns:

1.He looks like he just stepped off the Blue's Clues train. I mean he is like 10 years old and 4ft tall, right? He is tiny!! However, he dresses like he is in his mid-twenties. It is like he is mini-Justin Timberlake (it hurt to type that). Maybe even the bobble head version of Justin Timberlake. I remember when *NSYNC and Backstreet Boys hit the mainstream, and I remember them looking older and much cuter. He reminds me of the youngest kid on Family Ties...you know the kid the Keaton's had in one of the later seasons, and then he suddenly aged like 5 years the next season. But this reference may not work here as this show started in the 80s which is way to old for Mr. Bieber. I believe he was born in 1999--when *NYSNC and Backstreet Boys were on their sophomore albums (yeah I just referenced Family Ties and used the term "sophomore albums"--deal with it)

2. His songs concern me. He is 12 and telling me there is going to be One Less Lonely Girl and that I'm going to be his One Love. Thank you Justin Bieber....I am glad to know that a pre-pubescent, shaggy haired, Canadian is telling me not to worry about my love life. I am sorry if I have a hard time believing these grandiose promises you are making me and all the other ladies in the world, but I have a feeling your idea of curing loneliness is a box of Lucky Charms and Saturday morning cartoons in your race car pajamas. So thank you Justin, for reminding me the only men out there concerned with loneliness are 12 year olds that think Usher and Justin Timberlake are "Old School." **NOTE--I realize these songs are not targeted towards me rather 10-15 year olds. And to them little Justy could cure their loneliness by taking them on a date to the school cafeteria. However, I get pissy when I think singers are not singing about me, to me, or for me. I am sorry, I am selfish...again I say, deal with it.

3. This brings me to point 3. Usher is this kids "mentor." I'm sorry, when did Usher become old enough to be someone's mentor? I refuse to believe that U-S-H-E-R R-A-Y-M-O-N-D is a mentor. (those of you out there were singing the song from 97--I know you! I digress...) If we are looking for tween mentors, let's start with a member of the Jackson 5, maybe New Edition, or even New Kids on the Block. Yeah I get it, Usher was a tween star too, but admitting Usher is old enough to impart words of wisdom on this child means that I have to admit that I am old too. I refuse to do this.

4. Has he hit puberty? As I have said in above rants, Justin is obviously pre-pubescent. This does not bode will for his future in the singing world. We all saw the Brady Bunch episode with Peter, When it's time to change, you got to rearrange... (insert squeak in voice. And little Bieber, I have a feeling when that voice goes crazy, there are going to be several problems, and your singing career will be a huge one. Puberty was a bitch for us all, but I have a feeling it will cost him a lot more.

5. His name is ridiculous. How do I say it? How do I spell it? Is there a L is there and extra R somewhere? I mean, Mentor Usher--could we not have made this simpler? I realize that I should be able to handle this, but it is just another reason why this child annoys me. I want to keep saying Justin Bebe or Justin Bebler...it is confusing.

6.There is only room for one Justin in my iTunes, and I think we all know who that is. Until you give me a record as hot as Justified or Future Sex Love Sounds, then step off Bieber. You will never make my heart skip a beat like JT...and you shouldn't because that would be illegal...not for you, but for me. And I am not down with that sort of stuff. Going younger for me means 22.

Overall, I am not a fan of this kid, and while I'm at it I don't like those Jonas kids or the Selena character either. They all kind of creep me out. People tell me all these teen stars are the new Justin Timberlakes, Britney Spears, Beyonces etc etc. I am sorry, but they don't have half the talent our teen stars had. I mean come on, "Hit Me Baby One More Time," "Bootylicious," and "Bye, Bye, Bye" were quality songs with such musicality. (I realize how absurd this sounds...no worries. I am just being a bit extreme to get a point across. Us bloggers* do that sometimes). Your new Disney kids are nothing to my Disney celebs!

I guess this has all made me realize that I have stepped into the world where my thoughts start with, "When I was younger..." or "Back when I was in high school..." or "Things were different when I was young..." And this is why I don't like Justin Bieber. He has made me realize that I am too old for MTV and teeny bopper songs, and for this I will not be his fan.

Ok I am off to sing some late 90s teen hits and watch She's All That...you know the good stuff.

Taubel--OUT!

*I called myself a blogger in this post. I realize this solidifies the fact that I am a tool. I appreciate your concerns.

OMG I am a Tool!

Ok if MTV comes out with a Tool Academy 4, I should be a cast member. Pause--we know MTV will come out with the 4th season of this ass stain (yet entertaining) show because it is the Music Television show, so they have shows that have nothing to do with music but giant d-bags. SOLID!

I just re-read my first couple of posts on this beautiful blog, and WTF what was I thinking? Was I trying to be the next guest on Oprah's deep thinkers episode?

Ok now that all of you are back after clicking through the archives to read the first couple of posts, I will continue my rant. (I mean they were a bit over the top, right?)

Really Becca? Really? I feel like I must have been listening to that Flash Dance song "What a Feelin'" and channeling my best Dawson's Creek over think. I used the word "passion" far too often and I believe I quoted a RENT song. NOTE--not embarrassed that I listen to RENT, you should be embarrassed if you don't listen to it. However, I think centering a blog post on it was a bit overkill. It sounded like I was giving the graduation speech at Bayside High. Pause to give Mr. Belding a tissue and let him squeal, "What is going on here?"

For the love of all things sacred and holy I called myself a "coffee shop freak." Was I wearing all black, with tented glasses and a beret? NO! I wasn't. I was probably in loafers, a polo, and a pearl necklace. You tell me where the coffee shop freak is there.

Not only did I do that, but I went into a rant about my lot in life and figuring out what I am "passionate" about (yes used another tense of passion--2pts). While I realize we all ponder what we should be doing, we don't post it on a blog.

Now I realize not all of you dedicated followers were with me at the beginning, but someone should have checked me. You may be asking, "Becca, how could we do that? We didn't want to hurt your feelings." While I applaud you for being sensitive to my insecurities about the future, I have a problem with your inability to realize when I need to be drop kicked in the face. I am not Dawson Leary (yes, I realize this is my 2nd Dawson's Creek reference--deal with it), and you all should have reminded me of that.

Ok, I realize that was a bit harsh. I am projecting my anger on you guys. I am sorry team. I didn't mean it.

I have come to two conclusions after re-reading these posts:

1. I need to update/delete some songs on my iTunes. I am far too tempted to listen to a sappy 80s power balled while blogging. As seen by the 1st and 2nd posts, these songs only lead to absurd rants about "passion" and finding the meaning of life.

2.I need to stick to my strengths--awkwardness and comedy. Therefore, for the next month I am going to try to put myself in some of the most awkward situations possible so I can blog about the hilarity of my life.

Ok, I feel a lot better now that we have discussed my blogging regrets. I am off to listen to my "Find Your Passion" play list on my iPod. Wait, damn it!

Taubel--OUT!

*I apologize for any grammatical and/or spelling errors. I was so upset with myself that I just had to go. (insert deep breath here).