gamo*phi parade

Angry People of Color, Inc.

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Hee-haw...

I am an ass. I know this. I don't deny it. I can be a complete asshole sometimes. And truth be told, I enjoy it. Sometimes, people just deserve it...you know what I mean? I bet yall can think of at least one time when being an ass to someone was just utterly satisfying. But there are different degrees of assholeness. Like, when I'm an ass to (cough)* or (sneeze)*, it's because she...or he...deserves it...yeah. But when I'm an ass to...say, Andrew...or Ed...it's for comical effect. It's the difference between being mean and being a punk. Punk is cool, mean is not.

Lately, I've been noticing myself to be a mean-ass. When I get annoyed, that is the kind of ass I become. I like to think of myself as a very tolerant person. Usually, I can deal with people's idiosyncrasies, their neuroses. But when I'm annoyed, I pick at those habits, those characteristics...and I rip 'em to shreds. (Wow, I just sounded really violent there...either that, or crazy.) Okay, I don't exactly rip them to shreds, but I overanalyze them and obssess over them. This is where being observant works against me. I'm very meticulous. I pay attention to the little things...I watch them carefully. So...for instance...when I'm constantly around someone who annoys me, the person's little quirks seem eccentuated and I pick up on them really easily...eventually leading me to mimic the person...and that's just mean. Ask me sometime and I can do some pretty damn good impressions. You should see me do (cough)*...I think I have (cough)* down to a tee. I realize I'm being extremely vague right now...but it's a must. I can't exacly post everything I want to say on the internet...then I'd be a fuzzing-ass.

Being a punk-ass can be kind of fun. Instead of intentionally trying to hurt others, you're just laying the truth out on the line...think an ass without tact. That's what a punk-ass is. Sometimes it's funny to be tactless...but you gotta watch out because depending on the matter, that sense of no tact can quickly become just plain mean. Teasing is another form of displaying punk-assness. Constantly teasing my Super Intern for gawking at Tobey Maguire was a punk-ass move...he really didn't mean any awkwardness. He couldn't help but be in awe...I mean, it was Spiderman. My Super Intern caused no harm, but it's fun to tease him anyways.

Then there is the clueless-ass. This is the ass who basically suffers from FIMS. He or she doesn't mean any harm, but in just saying what they're thinking, they become an ass...a clueless-ass, if you will. Guy A goes over to Guy B in my office and basically makes fun of his sunglasses. Guy A, didn't mean anything by it...he thought Guy B was wearing them to be funny. He wasn't. Guy A was a clueless-ass. But you know what? It was funny...I laughed...I'm still laughing.

Huzzah for assholes. The end.

*I protect the identity of these people to...well, to cover my ass, basically. As big of a prick that I can be, they're clueless...making it all the more fun. Muahahaha!

Man, I got a lot of ass in this entry. I apologize for the public display. Ha!

On my way

This weekend I had my first table tennis lesson...it was so much fun! I had no idea what a workout it would be! I was there for about an hour and a half and I was definitely glowing...(girls don't sweat, we glow). Coach Wang is so cool. The woman is so good...and she's funny...she plays a seemingly effortless game of table tennis while cracking jokes. I was in awe. Anyhow, it was a lot of fun...I'll definitely go back and continue on with it.

So the Athens 2004 games are over. I don't know what I'm going to do with myself. What am I going to fill my nights with now? I think I watched more TV in the last two weeks than I have this whole year. I had no choice. They sucked me in...from the first synchronized dive. I think I put a dent in the couch. I guess now I'm just going to have to get off my ass and play some sports...like table tennis...and regular tennis...and beach volleyball...oooh, yeah! Who's with me?!

You say...I only meet who I want to...

Last night I met Lisa Loeb! She was playing at The Grove and was at Barnes & Noble afterwards. Yeah, I hung out with Lisa...we just sat around...shootin the shit...haha. Isn't it a cute photo? I love it! The best part is that after taking this photo, I sent it to a couple friends and Blake calls me up and says, "Dude! Mollie! Who's your friend!? And bring her over! She's HOT!" Hahaha. I laughed so hard. And yes...yes she is hot.

Not just 1...but 2!!!

In the span of aboot 6 hours, I have given myself 2 new goals in life. It all started with this morning's discussion of last night's Olympics. I was telling Andrew how last weekend Alex had mistaken my purpose for going to the 2012 Olympics in Vancouver. When I told him I was going, he was confused and said I had to have a sport in order to go to the games. Of course I meant I was going as a spectator, but Alex thought I meant I was going to compete. When I told Andrew this, I thought about how great of an achievement it would be if I actually did compete in a future Olympic games. The wheels started turning. I would be featured on the Today Show and I would be living proof that you can do anything you set your mind to. I thought about Geena Davis and how she competed in the Olympic trials in archery four years ago. If Geena Davis can do it, I can do it. Yeah, yeah, I know she didn't actually make it to the Olympics, but she sure came pretty damn close. So then Andrew and I went through all the Olympic sports to see which I could pick up and possibly accel enough in to be in the games in 8 years. All water sports were out...apparently you need to know how to swim for those. Then there were all those sports where college participation would be key: soccer, softball, volleyball, track and field, field hockey, rowing. I was too old for gymnastics, even though probably the right height. So where did we land? Table tennis.

You think I'm kidding...I'm not. I'm not saying this will be my Olympic sport, but I'm sure gonna start here. I've already contacted someone at the Westside Table Tennis Center to find out how to get started. I figure, I'll give it a try...see if I like it...and decide whether I think it's something I can really accel at. Think about it...a real Ping Pong Hero.....ine. Awesome! I really want to give this a try...I can do it! These last two weeks, I've been glued to the TV set, watching all these remarkable people compete and give their all to be the best. I want to be a part of this. I want to compete in the Olympics! My biggest setback is the experience. Most people train their whole lives for this. Me...I'm starting at the all-of-a-sudden-not-so-young age of 22. But why wait until my next life to accomplish something like this, when I can do it now? Why not? What do I have to lose?....Nothing. But I've gotta put my whole heart into this. None of this phase crap that I do all the time. No distractions and no giving up at the first inkling of hard work and practice. This isn't going to be just another phase...I won't let it be. It's not just a dream this time...it's a goal.

The other goal I set for myself today is that I want to get into voice work. People have commented before on my voice, but not as consistently as Andrew does. Thank you Andrew. I've thought about it before...but always brushed it off, unwilling to put in the effort and hard work it takes to get my foot in the door. But the idea of doing voice work sounds really exciting. It'd sure beat sitting here from 9-7 everyday...no offense to my current employment. Maybe I do have what it takes for voice overs...maybe not. I'll never know until I give it a shot. Laurel Erickson from Channel 4 once told me I had beautiful voice and she said she liked the tone...that it almost had a little Southern twang in it...haha, funny. And then one of my Broadcast instructors in school told me I had the NPR voice. They're nice compliments, but I never took them seriously...until now. Andrew has been telling me I gotta do this and now I think he's right. Why not? It's not like it's going to ruin my plans...I have no plans. I don't know what I'm doing with my life. I have no career goals right now. I like working where I am, but I don't know where I want it to take me. I like this industry, but I just haven't quite found my niche in it yet. And I'll never find it, if I don't try other things. My life has been so static lately, it's time to switch it up a bit. I need to actively and aggressively regain control of the direction of my life...I can't just fly on auto-pilot anymore, as easy as that is. I know it won't be easy...and that will just drive me to work all the more harder...to have a focus in life, to achieve these goals, to turn my dreams into my reality. (Have I been watching too much of the Olympics?) Today is the beginning of the rest of my life.

Correction

Okay, so the games (women's beach volleyball and women's soccer) are not at 11:00am. Beach volleyball will be shown (probably hacked and then glued together) today in primetime. The bronze medal match is going on now on Telemundo...between Uh-merica and Australia. Women's soccer will be shown at 12:30pm on Telemundo on Thursday. But what does this new information do for me? NOTHING. My boss is out today and so we checked her TV to see if the games were on...and get this...she doesn't even get MSNBC or Telemundo. Ricockulous! I can't watch ANYTHING! I'm secretly crying inside.

Are you wondering where all this obsession and enthusiasm for the Olympics came from? I think it started with the Visa commercial with Misty May and Kerri Walsh playing volleyball in the snow. That ad was awesome. From that point on, I knew I'd watch them in the Olympics. ...That and probably watching all of the Today Show's boo-hoo profiles on the atheletes. That stuff gets to me...serrrsly.

It's Bushit!

Well, the Olympics are almost over...(sigh). I have been addicted to these games. I was watching the softball game this weekend and I felt a moment of ridiculousness when I realized it was 4:30am. Yeah. But you know what? It's the Olympics...and these athletes deserve all the recognition and support...may it be from their parents in the stands or from their fellow country peeps sitting on their couches at home...yeah, that's me. Well, the U.S. Softball team did it...they won GOLD! Yes, I know this is old news to yall, but I'm really excited. Softball is over, swimming is over, synchronized diving is over. All that is left is Women's Soccer and Women's Beach Volleyball. The U.S. of A. is in the finals for the gold medal in both sports, both going up against Brazil. I'm so excited...I can't wait. Tonight I looked at the TV schedule to find out what time each game is at, and can you believe it? Both are at 11:00am PST....whaaa? That's horsesh*t! I can't watch either! Blast that work! Maybe I'll be coincidentally sick...Tuesday and Thursday...but only in the morning. Eh hem.

I think this is a great time to discuss my annoyance for the way the Olympics are being covered. I hate this whole 4 hour highlight special that NBC does at night. I understand that it's difficult to air the games live...considering they are 10 hours ahead. But really...I don't need any of this "speed-Olympics." It's like watching MTV...it's ridiculous! I hate MTV! Tonight I watched half of the events in the Decathlon...all in like 5 minutes! That's so absurd! How can this be? And one of my favorite events this year...beach volleyball with Misty May and Kerri Walsh...they were in the semi-finals playing against the other U.S. team, Holly McPeak and Elaine Youngs, and they only showed the 2nd game! Can you believe that? They completely forewent (did I make that word up?) the first game of the match! I wanted to see the whole game and I didn't get to. I was really upset...and extremely annoyed. And now I'm not going to get to see the game for gold. I know NBC will play at least part of the game in primetime, but I don't want to watch the Olympic games for the schizophrenic. They jump from sport to sport so quickly I swear you'd have to be schizophrenic to keep up. And then they don't even show the whole thing! I want to see the whole game...in its entirety. Oh bloody hell! I need TiVO.

Where am I to go? What am I to do?

So, "they" say that every 3 months or so a person will question the direction of her or his life...if this is on average, I must be balancing out the person who never second guesses her or his purpose in life. Honestly, I think I go through this at least once a week...no kidding. Who am I? Where am I? But then, as schizophrenic as I am, I get distracted by something and I shrug off my whole crisis...

So, I've been really getting into the Olympics this year. I swear I'm obsessed! It's funny because I've never really been into the Olympics...especially the summer games...maybe at most, I'd watch the gymnastics...but that's it. This year, however, I've been so into it...I've been watching gymnastics (women and men), softball, soccer, synchronized diving, swimming, beach volleyball, and volleyball. I love the Olympics! I just found out that the 2010 Olympics are going to be in Vancouver...Oh Canada!!! Right here and now, I've decided...come the 2010 games...I'm going! I'm going to Canadia! I love Canadians! Too bad, it'll be the winter games though...I think I'd enjoy the summer games more....eh, the Olympics are the Olympics, right? It shouldn't matter, right? Maybe while I'm there I'll meet a HOT French Canadian and fall in love and end up staying there and never return....ha! Okay, back to the Olympics...I'm so in awe of all these athletes...their strength and talent amazes me. If only I had that kind of skill and determination....sigh. If I had to redo life, I would make the Olympics my life-long goal. I would train like crazy in something like...swimming! Ha! I can't even swim now. Imagine that! Mollie Gamo wins gold in the 200m Fly! Heh heh. I know...dream on. But watching all these athletes has really inspired me to get in shape and be really healthy...I'm going to do it...starting this weekend I'm gonna tear it up. I'm determined!

I know, I know. We'll see how long this lasts...before I know it, I'll find something else to distract me. It sucks to have a short attention span...

Do's & Dun'ts

This month's Viceland is a special Dos & Don'ts Issue. It's Viceland telling you how to behave, dress, smell, and exist. It's hilarious...and not just because with each point you can think of someone who is in direct guilt of that very point, but because you know that you yourself are guilty of just the same. It's awesome. Reading the gazillions of Viceland rules of life has sparked a conversation here in the office about our own personal Dos & Dun'ts here.

1. Dun't be an an overwinker. Winking is okay and if used properly and in moderation, it can be quite the charmer. People who wink too much discredit the whole idea of the wink. Instead it becomes a question of "is he/she trying to be cute? or do they just have a twitch in their eye?" The idea is to be cute. However, if you're a single man over the age of 40, who lives alone with a cat, consider it against the law. Think about it...you're just creepy.

2. Do lend a helping hand. If you're sitting at your desk picking your nose and you notice the guy you work with slaving away...oh, i don't know...at the copy machine...do go over to him and ask if he needs help. Now, in the same way...if you are the one in need of help, please feel free to ask for it. However...dun't think you can take advantage of the poor soul who helps you with your bitchwork. Divie it up, spread out the work...don't make one guy do 50 coffee runs. Hmmm.

3. Dun't make your business everybody else's business. If your workspace isn't exactly private, dun't go blaring your problems into the phone. I don't care if your plummer didn't arrive at your house late or that you've lost 60 pounds on some low carb diet shit. I dun't give a rat's ass. If you feel the absolute need to converse about such things, keep it at a 3 please.

4. Do play nice and small talk with people you interact with at work. Whether they are providing a service for you or just constantly around, it's nice to feel noticed and appreciated. On the other hand, dun't be too personal...for any hint of something personal may compel them to feel as though they are on a certain level with you...one you probably are not comfortable with.

5. Dun't "babe" anyone who you haven't established a relationship with. Period.

6. Do feel free to theme your days or weeks. It helps to keep things interesting and provides a kind of lightheartedness around the office. It's okay to add a little fun to your work atmosphere...as long as it does not interfere with your daily duties in any way. Right.

7. Dun't wear cologne or perfume in the office. For the most part, you shouldn't be sweatin' up a stink...we work in an office...so anything more than deodorant and a light body spray is too much. We don't need the whole hallway smelling like Drakkar Noir or some shit like that. Nobody likes a Pepe Lepieaux...or however the fuzz you spell it.

**Please note that this office guide is in no way a direct reflection of my office.

In the Waiting Line

Wait in line
'Till your time
Ticking clock
Everyone stop

Everyone's saying different things to me
Different things to me
Everyone's saying different things to me
Different things to me

Woooohh
Do you believe
In what you see
There doesn't seem to be anybody else who agrees with me

Do you believe
In what you see
Motionless wheel
Nothing is real
Wasting my time
In the waiting line
Do you believe in
What you see

Nine to five
Living lies
Everyday
Stealing time
Everyone's taking everything they can
Everything they can
Everyone's taking everything they can
Everything they can

Woooohh
Do you believe
In what you feel
It doesn't seem to be anybody else who agrees with me

Do you believe
In what you see
Motionless wheel
Nothing is real
Wasting my time
In the waiting line
Do you believe
In what you see

Ah and I'll shout and I'll scream
But I'd rather not have seen
And I'll hide away for another day

Do you believe
In what you see
Motionless wheel
Nothing is real
Wasting my time
In the waiting line
Do you believe
In what you see

Everyone's saying different things to me
Different things to me
Different things to me
Different things to me
Different things to me
Everyone's taking everything they can
Everything they can

-Zero 7

Here's to Gypsy Boots...

The greatest thing about going to USC was being part of the Trojan Cult...oops, I mean Family...parading around campus with a great sense of Trojan pride, throwing out that victory sign to any friendly face you saw and knowing that it would be reciprocated. At the football games, you were swimming in a sea of cardinal and gold, cheering on the team in the great Colliseum. In reaching back to those moments during the games, I remember Traveler racing around the field celebrating our latest touchdown, the torch being lit at the start of each game, those pokey yell leaders doing their knee march while the Trojan Marching Band played "Tusk". And as important as these emblems of USC were, so were it's fans. You'd have the "USCSYCO" in the front row on the 50 yard line, the sorostitutes in their USC t-shirts-turned-tank tops to the left of the band, the alumni and old rich guys on the opposite side on the 50 yard line, and Gypsy Boots marching up and down the steps hootin' and hollarin' for SC with that crazy bell. Gypsy Boots was awesome...everybody knew his name. As Gypsy would cheer on the Trojans, people would cheer on Gypsy. He would get the crowd all riled up, often starting cheers and waves of enthusiasm. He was a USC steeple. And last Sunday, Gypsy Boots passed away. I'll be quite honest and say I had no idea about the kind of life he lead or what impact he had made in society and the people around him. To be quite frank, I just thought he was a crazy old die-hard SC fan...and please...I mean no disrespect in saying that. But reading about him now...the man is quite an inspiration. I'm not saying he was a saint...and I'm also not saying he wasn't a saint, but rather he seemed to live his life in a way that most people only dream about. He seemed to take all that he was passionate about and just live through that passion to his fullest ability. He went out into the world and shared his ideas and his perceptions of life with others. He didn't care what other people thought, or how other people lived their lives, but he just wanted to give them another perspective of life. Gypsy Boots seems to me like a prime example of someone who lived life to its fullest and that alone makes him an inspiration to me. So goodbye Gypsy Boots and thanks for the memories. Here, here!

Hopping on the Bandwagon

I just saw GARDEN STATE and I am a HUGE fan. This kind of movie is right up my alley...it's my type of film. It's quirky, it's funny, it's aboot a twentysomething dealing with the reality of his life and learning to take control over what matters. The movie just speaks to me. I can totally relate to the themes and the ideas that it brings up. I'm all aboot the realization of self right now. The movie is just awesome. It just might be one of the best films I've seen this year...actually, let me re-phrase that. I'd say it is one of the top two movies I've seen this year...the other one being HERO. But I can't say one is better than the other because they are two very different movies. The more I think of it, the more I LOVE this movie. It's so sincere and has just enough of those offbeat moments to make it feel realistic, funny, and something you can relate to. And all the little jokes are so subtle. Zach Braff doesn't beat you over the head with them over and over like most directors do today. I must say I am truly impressed with him and his directorial debut. He wrote it too. It kind of makes me a bigger fan of his. He and Natalie Portman are just so charmingly quirky...I love it. She's adorable in this movie. Oh! And the soundtrack...there are so many good songs on the soundtrack. I want it now! But it won't be released until tomorrow...hmmm. This is one of those films that remind me why I love movies so much. It's these kinds of thought-provoking movies that make me want to continue to work in this business. If I could be a part of creating a movie like this, then it would all be worth it. I think there is some truth in what I'm saying...this is the core of what drives me to this business...but maybe I'm going a little overboard...maybe it's just because I really enjoyed this movie and felt like I could relate to these characters...I don't know...take it however you want. I just loved it. I keep thinking about it...I'm replaying all these scenes in my head...shoot, I'm writing a blog aboot it! Man! I LOVE THIS MOVIE! Everyone must go see it...NOW!

Whoa, I just read those last few sentences...and eesh...can you tell I'm going through a "what do I do with my life?" crisis?

HAPPY 100th TO ME!

HIP HIP HUZZAH for my 100th entry! This requires a celebration! All drinks on me!...err, yeah. Anywho...

My friend Cynthia has started her own blog and in one of her entries, she lists all the jobs she has had. The girl has has 22 JOBS! Inconceivable! Her entry has prompted me to make my own entry with the list of jobs I have had. So here goes:

1. Coffee Barista
2. Money Grubbing Telefundraiser
3. Telephone Operator
4. Party Escort
5. Express snoot
6. Sheep in movies
7. Professional Intern
8. Dealer
9. Ticket Sales Representative
10. Radio Street Teamer
11. Professional Paper Pusher (Assistant)

Yup. I guess that's aboot it...it's not very many. Some of these lasted longer than others...and were a pain in my ars...but altogether I wouldn't take any of them back. I consider them all learning experiences. Man, lists are fun.

Retirement Here I Come!

I feel so grown up. As of yesterday, I have officially started my ROTH IRA. I am on my way to retirement! Huzzah! My friend Andreas is a Senior Rep for Primerica and he helped me get started. It's awesome. I've got my 401 K and my ROTH IRA off and running...I'm going to be a rich retiree! Now I just gotta make sure I keep a good job for the next 10 years....arg.

New Obsessions....by Mollie Gamo

I LOVE obsessions...I truly do. It's a hobby, really. There is nothing more gratifying than to completely indulge yourself in something you truly enjoy. Most of the time I become obsessed with things that inspire me or stimulate me....and nooo, I don't mean that in that way. I'm talking about something that is intellectually stimulating or something that challenges me physically. Lately, I've included the following in my list of obsessions:

1) Skateboarding
2) Tofu
3) "Wonder Woman", original series starring the-one-and-only Lynda Carter
4) rocking chairs & crochet
5) Weekend trips
6) k.d. lang
7) lists

1) I've bought a longboard and I am determined to be the next female Tony Hawk...Antonia Hawk, as you will. I'm comfortable enough for curves and minor bumps in the sidewalk...it's just turning corners that has me stumped. Eventually I want to be able to skateboard to work...all the while doing this and not be sweaty walking into the office. The idea is to be really good at it so that it becomes my primary mode of transportation (for local spots, anyhow). I want people to get so used to the idea of seeing me with my skateboard that when I don't have it with me, they ask where it is.

2) Please see previous entry.

3) I just bought the first season on DVD, and man, is it bad. Truthfully, the show is cheesy as hell, but really, you gotta love it for that. I mean, a woman who comes and saves the good ol' U.S. of A. from the Nazis...it's pretty baaadaaasss. She ricochets bullets and makes people tell the truth with her golden lasso...plus, she flies an invisible plane! Lynda Carter rules...just like O'Doyle!

4) I recently invested in a green rocking chair. Oh man! I love it! I was inspired by the easy-kicked-back way of life in Hawaii. While on vacation, Kelly and I would just go and hang out in front of the white hotel and rock in their rocking chairs, sipping on our gin and juice and people watch. Now that was the way of life. It was just so relaxing and so soothing that I just wanted to take that part of Hawaii home with me....so I purchased a rocking chair. Now, I know that crochet is part of this list item, and I'll be honest to say that I just threw it on there because it seemed to go perfectly, but really, I think I need to get back into the sport. It's a lot of fun...and I still need to finish that darned blanket...

5) I recently took a weekend trip to Novato (woo woo!) to visit Laurel and gee whiz was it fun! I've decided I need to do more of these mini trips...whether it be San Diego, San Francisco, or New York....whatever the fuzz ever. Bottom line...life is too short and money is just money...weekend trips are now mandatory.

6) This weekend I went and saw k.d. lang and Rufus Wainwright at the Hollywood Bowl and I had a FANTASTIC time. I LOVE the Hollywood Bowl, and I am now HUGELY obsessed with k.d. She has such an amazing voice. It's flawless. And the woman is just cool. Someone yelled out, "I love you k.d.!" In which she replied, "I love me too." She was so funny and she really made it feel like an intimate concert even though the bowl is huge. She danced around the stage barefoot belting out songs from the likes of Patsy Cline and Neil Young. She sang Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" and it was soo good! I was so in awe that I just had to get her cd the following morning...Hymns of the 49th Parallel. It's funny...she said, "If this election doesn't go the way we hope, consider this your personal invitation to move to Canada." Everyone cheered. It was awesome. She's Canadian! I love Canadians! See...it was just meant to be. And when someone yelled out "You're the woman k.d.!" She replied with "That's the idea." Haha (what is this? Am I in an im?). And Rufus Wainwright was incredible as well...he just seems to love himself...it's hilarious. I love it. No summer is complete without a trip to the Hollywood Bowl. And thanks to the most recent, I now have a bunch of cds to buy.

7) Does this really need an explanation? Look what fun this was! Three cheers to obsessions! Hip hip hooray! Hip hip hooray!