Ponyo and Alice: The Bastard Children

(I'm starting to notice that when I create blog posts with
controversial titles, way more people bother to read them.)

One very important thing to know about me is that I'm a huge Disney fan. In fact, I'm convinced that I'd totally kick A working as a princess in Disneyland/world. I mean, not to be conceited or anything, but I totally have the face for it:



I could pass for 15/16, which is the age of most Disney princesses.
Gotta teach our little girls to whore it up young, right?

Anyway, if you're starting to pin me as a Disney fanatic, you are srsly erred. My love of Disney is far surpassed by my adulation and devotion to Hayao Miyazaki, the co-founder of Studio Ghibli (which is basically the Japanese version of Disney only a MILLION times cooler), and Tim Burton.



The following are some of my all-time favorite movies,
which are brain babies Miyazaki:


My Neighbor Totoro

Spirited Away


Howl's Moving Castle

My favorite Tim Burton Movies include:

Edward Scissorhands
Coraline
9 (that's the whole title)

The great thing about Disney is they're totally open to having love children with other production companies. At risk of sounding like Hannah Montana, you get the best of both worlds. I have long awaited the following co-produced movies...

... and I'm seeing them both TODAY!!

Ponyo: Bastard Child of Disney and Miyazaki



Alice in Wonderland:
Bastard Child of Disney and Burton



...And you should see them too. Peace, homies.

Sometimes I'm Kinda Dumb

As some of you may know, I work as a Golf Vacation Reservationist, meaning I help people who call in looking to book hotel rooms and tee times within our little resort town.

Part of my job is calling each course and booking tee times on behalf of the client. Yesterday I was booking on behalf of a gentleman with the last name Vaughn. The conversation I had with a guy at the golf course went as follows:

Jessica: Hi, this is Jessica with the call center. I'd like to book a tee time on such-and-such a date at such-and-such a time for a party of 4.

Golf Course Guy: Okay, and what is the lead's name?

Jessica: Last name: Vaughn. V-a-u-g-h-n.

Golf Course Guy: Alright, and first name?

Jessica: *is trying to input the tee time information, where the client's name is not viewable. I'm relatively sure I remember his first name anyway* Uh.. Vince. V-i-n-c-e.

Golf Course Guy: His name is Vince Vaughn? Like the actor?

Jessica: Oh, I don't know. I've never heard of him.

Golf Course Guy: You've never heard of Vince Vaughn?!

Jessica: Maybe he was before my time?

Golf Course Guy: No, he's definitely in your time. Don't you watch TV? Y'know, like the Swingers?

Jessica: Uhh.. Doesn't ring any bells. I'll have to Google him.

Golf Course Guy: Yeah, you should. Anyway, to confirm: Vince Vaughn, party of 4, on such-and-such date for such-and-such time.

Jessica: Okay, thanks!

[Call ends and I double-check the guy's name. It's Brad.]

I Google Image "Vince Vaughn" and find this:

The light-bulb clicks on. DOH!

Jessica: *sheepishly calls the golf course back* Hi, Golf Course Guy. This is Jessica with the call center again...

Golf Course Guy: Hi, Jessica. What's up?

Jessica: Apparently I have heard of Vince Vaughn, because that customer's name is actually Brad.

[Coworkers note that I've turned bright red.]

Golf Course Guy: *suppresses laughter* Oh, okay. I'll make the change.

Jessica: Okay, thanks.

Jessica: *hangs up the phone and dies*

And that is all. Just thought I'd share.

Preparations of Epic Proportions

Have you heard the news?





According to their website, the following individuals should attend CBC:

* The person who knows nothing about blogging, but wants to learn. By the end of the conference they will not only know HOW to start a blog, but how to design it, photograph for it and have inspiring posts.

* The person who wants to take their writing or photography to the next level but just does not know how. This conference has some of the best teachers in the industry available to help you learn the basics all the way to "the real deal".

* The woman who feels she is "just a mommy blogger". There is no such thing as "just" a mommy. This conference will offer her opportunities to see that her life has power as a mommy blogger.

* The person who wants to learn more about design, programming, and the importance of backing up your blog.

* The person who has a small business and wants to get different ideas on how to market better using social media. CBC'10 has something for everyone!

I know, you may be thinking: "Jessica, you're already fantastic at blogging, writing, photography, AND social networking, not to mention you're not a mommy. Why in the world would you need to attend CBC?"



Well, to answer your brilliantly insightful question, CBC is a killer opportunity to market myself to my target demographic. (whew, is it just me, or am I using big words today?)

CBC also happens to fall the weekend of my birthday, so we're making it into quite the affair. My best friends Tylynn (left) and Lacey (right) are both forking out $155 for tickets and we're all taking a road trip up to Sandy, UT just for CBC.



I did everything within my power to score a free ticket, but to no avail. (I'm not bitter or anything. Actually, I am. Very. I guess I'm just not "in" with the right people.) So, with an estimated investment of $250ish per member of my posse, you can bet your bottom that I'm pulling out all the marketing stops I can while I'm there.



My marketing preparations include:

1. Business cards.

2. Brochures.

3. T-shirts for me and my ultra-cool groupies.

...and last but not least...

A brand new look for A Blog to Brag About.

Be watching for my next post where I'll spill the deets!
(that is slang for "details," which I just invented.)