London...As An Existentialist

Why does it seem that when you have all this time on your hands to choose how your day is going to go, it slips through your fingers. However, when you allow yourself to make plans, you often go from place to place as opportunities arise -- and sometimes are let down by the prospect of turning out more exciting than they are in actuality?

Traditional existentialists dressed in black and "mourned" the life they were shrouded in. Wondering if these societal constraints were a mere construct of a life imposed, never chosen. The existentialist chooses her way to live each day. Consequently, those most spontaneous things should be the best part of life right? I agree! Hence, I am not much of a planner these days. I enjoy the idea of waking up wondering what is going to happen next.

Reminds me of those "Choose Your Own Adventure" books. Rememeber those? (woops. side note)

I hate the anticipation of a planned event that turns out the less exciting. A highly awaited kiss, a promotion at that job you slave over, the vacation that gets rained out, a stolen suitcase, a friend that gets married (then divorced), and the unhappiness that often follows when a party that was supposed to be fabulous is a sweaty soiree. (Sad, sad day when the sweaty soiree happens. Haha) In any case, I hope that not planning my vacation in its entirety, when I leave for London in two weeks will actually improve my chances of pure enjoyment. PURA VIDA.

Ciao.

Music Video: See Vesper Rock!

We just recently had a Marketing "offsite", which included different teams posing as musicians in a "Battle of the Bands"...If you want to see this funny music video, check the link below and click on the first video for the musicians (Technology Blitz), ContraBand. ContraBand Rocks!

______________________________________________
From: Thai, Doan
Subject: RE: Rally Winners and Q3 Goals

And here is this week's hotseat...

Read it quick before my team kills me for posting this! (must have Flash and speakers)
http://marketinghotseat.blogspot.com/2008/06/q3-marketing-rally-customer-and.html

Addendum to Films That Make Me...

Im not sure I have quite done justice to the many amazing films I've seen over the years. A friend recently corrected me on not including some of those I've mentioned as favs and affected me truly. The following notations are in no way intended to substitute for the in-depth conversations I hope to have with all of you about whether you have or have not seen these films, how, why, and whether it was a choice you made to become a different person, know more of yourself, or just saw a bit of real life in that film...But to spur on those conversations.

I hope not to exclude more important movies that I have not mentioned here, and I am certain I have inadverdently skipped over those of significance. I have done my darndest to give it my best subjective account of films that mean something.

Films That Shocked and Surprised Me
(Because they were that amazing!)

The Hours
The Departed
Sylvia
Beyond Borders
Collateral
Memento
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Requiem For A Dream
Fight Club
The Golden Bowl
Vanilla Sky
How To Make An American Quilt


Emotional Films (Maybe not in the way you assume...)

We Don't Live Here Anymore
Snow Falling On Cedars
The Red Violin
Diarios De Motocicleta
The Golden Bowl
Great Expectations
Taking Lives
Fracture
Unfaithful

Those Classic Witty Ones

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
To Catch A Thief
The Gods Must Be Crazy
Bend It Like Beckham
10 Things I Hate About You
Robin Hood: Men In Tights
Toy Story

Films For Laughter and Tears

I was bored today and decided to think of several movies that have impacted my life is some small way. I've been discussing the films I like a lot lately with different people and it has made me start thinking. Comment if you have or have not seen and what makes you tick. Also, there are plenty of these movies that cross-over, plus it is always a work in progress. As far as television shows I like, I've only placed in one category because they are separate

Poignant Films

Gladiator
Before Sunrise/Before Sunset
Passion of The Christ
Saving Private Ryan
Dead Poets Society
Good Will Hunting
Life is Beautiful
Braveheart
The Lives of Others
The Count of Monte Cristo

Films That Make Me Think/Philosophical/
Feminist/Ethical Theorist

Igby Goes Down
Gattaca
Dot The i
The Four Feathers
Emperor's Club
Brick
Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2
Donnie Darko
Meet Joe Black
Sunshine

Films That Make Me Laugh

How To Lose Your Lover
Van Wilder
Star Wars: Episodes IV - VI
The Princess Bride

Intense Films

Mystic River
The Usual Suspects
Heat

Films About Love

Roman Holiday
Love In the Afternoon
What Dreams May Come
Closer
The Hottest State

Televison That Rocks

Damages
My So-Called Life
LOST
24

Independence Day

The weekend was long and the sunshine was beautiful, but I am exhausted. From Thursday to Sunday, there was always something to participate in. I feel assured that I did all I could to cram as many activities into one weekend as possible. Some of the days were longer than others, but my favorite part was having Iva stay for two whole days, swap stories and get to know her. She comes highly recommended from my sister and I’m glad we spent so much time together Thursday, Friday, and Saturday morning! Phew. Lucky me. Long weekend, though. Happy Independence Day for all of my fellow American patriots. Americans really like to celebrate, for that matter, Newportians really like to celebrate. I’m surrounded by enthusiasm and fervor. Exhausting and not ready to come back to the daily grind, but here I am. Can’t wait to get some of my remaining energy out during tennis practice tonight, and followed by restful sleep, I do hope to have. I can’t wait to spend a date with my pillow on a Monday evening. (With the window open – It is so hot in my house these days!)

I Love Radiohead