90's Hitz

It's a flashback to the past today!  Remembering the most baller songs from our elementary school days!  I'm making this list mostly based on my own tastes and what I remember rocking out to with all my friends in the back seat of the car as a 10 year old thinking we were the shit with butch hair cuts, overalls, tech vests, and our awkward selves. With that being said, these are mostly late 90's because we were toddlers in the early 90's and therefore Raffi was the man back then, but some classics snuck in there.  It was super hard trying to decide which songs to put on here, because there are a LOT of classics, including All Star, ALL Jock Jams songs, Boyz II Men, Vanilla Ice, MC Hammer, and TLC.  But, alas--- this is my final decision. (In no particular order)

1. The Macarena - Los Del Rio - 1995
I think the title says it all.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSIkDyqm0UQ&feature=fvst

2. Black or White - Michael Jackson - 1991
I didn't actually discover this gem til WAY later in life, but it's a killer song and legit lyrics.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2AitTPI5U0&ob=av2e

3. Blue - Eiffel 65 - 1999
JUST found out they are Italian.  AWESOME.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zA52uNzx7Y4

4. Wannabe - Spice Girls - 1997
My first CD that I ever owned was the Wannabe single! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJLIiF15wjQ&ob=av2e

5. Livin' La Vida Loca - Ricky Martin - 1999
Ever since this song came out--- my dad asks about once every 1.5 -2 years (SUPER RANDOMLY) "Whats that 'Bon-Bon guy' up to now? (If you'll remember Ricky had another single called 'shake your bon-bon')."  "Uh-- you mean Ricky Martin dad?"  "YEAH! HIM!"  And its always out of NOWHERE.  We'll be eating dinner or on vacation or doing something that has literally nothing to do with music, latin things, or bon-bons--- but without fail, he ALWAYS asks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p47fEXGabaY&ob=av2e

6. Baby Got Back - Sir-Mix-A-Lot - 1992
After seeing Charlie's Angles it became my mission to learn EVERY WORD.  Mission completed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reTx5sqvVJ4

7. MMMBop - Hanson - 1997
Never had a poster of them or anything, but this song was legit as shit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHozn0YXAeE&ob=av2e


8. My Heart Will Go On - Celine Dion - 1997
Titanic, Jack Dawson, siggghhhhhhhh

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saalGKY7ifU

9. Tubthumping (I Get Knocked Down) - Chumbawumba -1997
This song will literally NEVER get old. Always fought over if it was "kissin the night away" or "pissin the night away...!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kS-zK1S5Dws

10. Everybody (Backstreets Back) - Backstreet Boys -1998
BSB fan 4 life!  <3  Nick Carter was my first love. Went to two concerts.  They are phenom. Also, so is this music vid.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6XE1XRiLeY

11. Barbie Girl - Acqua - 1997

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyhrYis509A&ob=av2e

12. Baby One More Time - Britney Spears 1998
The Pop Princess.  She's an icon, and it all started with this song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itRjwo6djkc

Honorable Mention:
Mambo #5 - Lou Bega - 1999
I was always sad Katie wasn't in the song. 


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbbGwO_uJn8

Useful Qualities in a husband

I'm posting another for today for the fun of it.  :)

I in no way expect one person to have all of these qualities. Mostly I'm sure this person doesn't exist, and if he did exist--- he'd be WAY out of my league.  So this is just 12 things that are attractive in a man that can be picked and chosen.  They are in no particular order.

1.The ability to grow a beard.  You don't have to have one (altho usually sexy), but the ability to grow one gets you points.

2. The ability to rock both sweats and a suit.  If you can't rock a suit, then you probably don't have a decent job.  Even if you DO have a decent job that doesn't require suits (there are lots) if you can't clean up well, then thats gross. If you can't rock sweats, I will forever be uncomfortable around you, since I always wear sweats.

3. Bilingual.  Someone who speaks more than one language--- oh so sexy.  Accents--- EVEN SEXIER. Altho it's weird because there are lots of cases where if you speak two languages but DON'T have an accent when you speak English--- it's even hotter.

4. Bears fan.  This is a must.  If you're not a bears fan, I suppose it's okay, as long as you never say anything negative, and anything Bears/Chicago related sports takes precedence over anything you have to say or want to watch on TV.

5. The ability to cook. It's nice.  That's all.

6. Makes me laugh instead of cry.  But doesn't get annoyed if I do cry.

7. Has similar taste in movies.

8. Doesn't get grossed out that I think showering every day is overrated and therefore-- don't do it.

9. Good with kids.  I still hold to my "I don't want kids" stance.  However, the ability to be good with kids is super attractive.

10. Brings out the best in me.

11. Knows when its okay to make fun of me and knows when he just needs to be there and supportive.

12. Knows not to talk to me in the morning.  or touch me.  Unless its sexual favors, I want nothing to do with you in the morning. leave me alone.

"Boil em, mash em, stick em in a stew"

If you do not know what this post is about based on its title-- shame.  I suppose you'll have to be confused/curious for a few more seconds until you continue reading. This sounds like a useless and boring post--- however--- potatoes are AWESOME and you should therefore know the best ways to go about eating them.  People who have met me recently, might not know, but my nickname from all my glorious years as a swimmer is/was Tatoe.  Short for Potato.  All of the swim team community called me Tatoe--- even the parents.  People from other swim teams would know me by tatoe instead of Katie--- and some people didn't even know my real name because Tatoe was my name. and thats final.  Why, do you ask?  Because I love potatoes--- and I'm a CHAMP at eating them. Now, this is just a normal potato, none of that sweet potato nonsense--- just a good old fashion potato. Also, please note that it was SUPER hard to rank these--- and being near the bottom of the list isn't a bad thing.  there are just so many delicious ways to eat a potato.

12. Potato chips.  A delicious snack that I tend to not indulge in because--- Pringles says it best: "Once you pop, the fun don't stop" And I just don't need to get enormous off of potato chips.  Salt and vinegar is also the best flavor. by far.

11.  Potato salad. As I was ranking these--- I was sad that potato salad was all the way at 11, because it's a delicious and refreshing summer necessity.

10. Raclette.  This is actually a type of French cheese... but you put it on potatoes.  There is this special grill thingy that you melt the cheese in and then you scrape it off onto the potatoes.  While it is delicious and super fun and makes you feel super fancy--- it's a LOT of work and a lot of dishes when the cheese can melt on its own from the potato that just got cooked.  Why do the french make everything so complicated?  However, its fun and fancy and tasty.

9. On a pizza.  Potatoes on a pizza is prime.  Fratelli di Bufala does one with potatoes and sausage called Mugnanse. Get it every time.  Ian's does Steak and Fries.

8. Gnocchi.  Didn't like it before coming to Italy--- but it is in fact, delicious.

7. Mixed in with things-- such as in a stew. or, OMG. BREAKFAST BURRITOS.

6. Fries.  Also try not to indulge in fries because--- they're freaking delicious.  Loaded fries--- o dear lord.  you put some bacon bits, cheese, onions, sour cream--- anything and everything you can imagine--- orgasm in your mouth.  Then you go to Belgium where you get REAL french fries--- you slap some coleslaw, ketchup and mayo on there---you'll never want to leave.  Or simply even some McDonald's fries with some classic BBQ sauce is a win.

5. Potato skins.  It's like loaded french fries but in the SHAPE of a potato, making it that much cooler.  God bless American appetizers.

4.  Hash browns.

3. Potato casserole. My mom-- I believe she got the recipe from mt grandma?-- makes a KILLER potato casserole.  In a useful blog, this is the part where I'd share the recipe--- but this isn't a useful blog--- and I just don't have it.  Maybe I'll do a post about the 12 best recipes and then share them one day.

2. Baked.  As all my roommates know---I sorta rock at baked potatoes.  Stick that sucker in the microwave for a few minutes--- then you put cottage cheese, green onions, a butt ton of salt and pepper, and sriracha to your liking. (aka a butt ton of sriracha) It's amazing and somewhat healthy.

1. Mashed potatoes.  This is where I got my nickname from.  I ate so many mashed potatoes one night at the Bergstrom household that they started calling me Tatoe. Who doesn't get all warm and fuzzy inside when thinking about Thanksgiving day and shoving mashed potatoes and gravy in your mouth, alongside your turkey, stuffing, etc.  I like it with the skin and with chunks, because it adds a bit of texture-- as well as garlic or something.  but seriously, they stand alone.  I would eat them with nothing at all.  The Shold family used to make me mashed potatoes for breakfast when I'd sleep over at their house.  Mashed potatoes are the foundation of family. of life. of tradition.  Mashed potatoes can save lives.

ok, that might have been a bit dramatic, but mashed potatoes are REALLY, REALLY good.

Pedestrians you should move for

I walk a lot around Milan.  And I find myself frustrated ALL of the time because pedestrians SUCK AT LIFE.  They just do.  And I am in no way discluding myself from this either.  So, here is a list, in order of importance, of the people that you should move for while walking down the street.

12:  Smokers.  If you are on your smoking break and smoking in the middle of the sidewalk--- I will walk into you.  Smoking kills.  Get out of my way.

11: Multi-taskers.  If you can't eat, drink, smoke, talk on the phone, text, read a book, or hold a conversation while walking--- THEN DON'T DO IT.  I'm an AWFUL multitasker.  Which is why I don't eat, drink, or read while walking.

10: Window Shoppers. Who doesn't love window shopping? Everybody does it.  Just don't do it from the middle of the sidewalk.  Move closer to the window.  This way, you can see better AND you're not just abruptly stopping in the middle of the sidewalk. I'm not going to move for you otherwise.

9: People walking in groups of 3+.  It's fantastic that you have friends.  But when you're in a group of more than 3, you just DON'T have to walk ALL IN A ROW.  This becomes more and more true the narrower the sidewalk is.  If I'm on my side of the sidewalk, I expect you to move for ME since you're on the wrong side.

8: Old people.  Usually you just have to maneuver around them, since you're walking faster than them.  But if they're walking in the opposite direction as you, a) they're all old and takes them longer to change course and b) they've already decided what way they are going, and they are NOT going to change their mind.  But I find it annoying that that has to happen, which is why they aren't a priority of people to get out of the way for.

7:  Dog Walkers/People walking with slow moving small children. They have an accessory with them, just be careful when you move around them because their accessory makes them think they won't have to move for you.  When in reality, they should most likely just leave their child at home.  (kidding.)

6: Tourists.  Tour groups are annoying.  But as a tourist, I get annoyed when people are in my pictures, so-- I make an effort to get out of their way.  As long as they don't stop in the middle of the street trying to take a picture of some random church that means literally NOTHING to them, then let them have their moment and get out of their way.

5: Police Officers/Officers of the law in general.  There is really no reason for this, I'm very rarely doing anything against the law.  But I figure it couldn't hurt avoiding them.

4: Bikers.  Bikers who bike on the sidewalk and get mad at pedestrians are just stupid.  Ride on the street.  However, most bikers who ride on the sidewalk, realize that, and are therefore willing to stop frequently when pedestrians get in their way.  They are mostly so high on this list because, let's be honest, in a fight--- the biker would win.

3: Runners.  Not a HUGE deal to have to stop while running, gives one an excuse to, well, not be running.  But, as a runner myself, (when I say runner I mostly mean someone who does that activity from time to time.  I would never claim to be a "runner"--- just making that clear) I get SUPER annoyed when I have to stop in the middle of my run because pedestrians don't pay attention to whatever is happening around them. So, get out of my way.

2: People with wheels.  These people generally are carrying important things.  Most likely a heavy load of something on a dolly or a stroller with a small child in it. Get out of the way so the man with the giant load of stuff doesn't a) drop all his stuff on you or b) drop all stuff on HIM and die. People with strollers aren't as flexible in the whole agility department--- so just move, because it's easier for you than it is for those with strollers.

1: People running to catch a tram/bus/metro/etc.  These people actually have consequences if you don't get out of their way.  So move. They have places to be.

My Boys

This is the list that started all of the lists.  Started it in middle school, making a list of the ten most delicious celebs out there.  I have kept it updated because, quite frankly, its really fuckin fun.  Some of the past #1's have included names such as Nick Carter, Josh Hartnett, and Orlando Bloom.  This is my most current list.  As I've grown up, I take into account looks, talent, AND anything I know about them from seeing interviews or behind the scene shit from them.  (yes, this is very scientific) Enjoy. 

12.  Trey Songz. Singer/songwriter/rapper etc.  "Bottoms Up" is my jam. 

11. Bradley Cooper.  If you don't know who he is, I cannot help you.

10. James Franco.  It was actually Pineapple Express that put him on this list.  He is one delicious looking  pot head.

9. Chris Brown. Look at his smile.  Yes, I know he beat Rhianna. Not okay.  But have you seen him dance? 

8. Derrick Rose. Last Season's NBA MVP. Just awesome in general. <3

7.  Devin Hester. Father of my children. Best return man in the history of the NFL.  Go Bears. 

6. Dominic Monoghan.  Fell in love with him as "Merry" in Lord of the Rings.  He's adorable and as a GIANT lotr nerd-- watching hours of behind the scenes footage--- he's fucking hilarious. And the ONLY reason I started watching Lost.  In the end tho, he wasn't the only reason i KEPT watching. obviously. 

5. Elijah Wood.  PHENOM actor.  LOTR and Greenstreet Hooligans have to be my faves of his.  Also a hilarious dude from everything I've seen of him. and who can resist those eyes?

4. Shaun White. No intro needed.  He's the man.

3. Mikey P.  It's the swimmer in me.  He's hottest when he's in the pool. 

2. Novak Djokovic.  #1 Tennis player in the world. Hilarious. I will be moving to Serbia shortly to stalk him.

1. Ryan Lochte. Six time Olympic medalist (swimmer), and will be looking to kick ass in London. He's giving Mikey a run for his money in the IM.
 
The list changes seasonally.  During football season, DH is usually number one.  During the winter, Shaun is usually number one. During the Olympics, (summer) or when any large televised meet is on tv, Mikey and Ryan are numbers 1&2.  so, at THIS point in time, this is how the numbers fall.  But subject to change-- pretty much every day.  

Who's on your list?