With only a few hours left in 2006, the year of the Dog, you (like me) are preparing for your evening celebration. My husband and I are planning on ringing in the new year in our apartment, but only after a delicious dinner out this evening. We have a whole evening planned of playing board games and watching movies. I've already written up my resolutions for 2007 (read previous post) and I will be starting tomorrow off with the noon Bikram yoga class.
Yes, it's been a "charmed" life I've led for the past few months. And it "carefree" life ends tomorrow. Because Tuesday it is back to the "scheduled" life. And I can not wait!
Happy New Year to all of you!
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Can 2007 Be About Me Again?
Time Magazine said the 2006 Person(s) of the Year was "You" (me too.) And it's kinda true. 2006 was a "Missus" year. I really focused on trying to get rid of the "toxicity" in my life. But it's really an "on-going" project; and I will need most of 2007 as well. 2007 won't be a year about everyone else. It's going to be, again, "all about me.
In 2006, I started actively writing this blog. But most people don't know that I initially registered this blog in January 2005. It took a full year of writing entries, but I never felt happy with what I wrote. So I didn't begin publishing until 2006. (And that's something you should all know... I start way more blog entries than I actually publish.)
Also in 2006, I decided I was "over" the long work week. I don't work at a law firm. I don't need "account" for my day in 6-minute increments. And I don't need to spend 15 minutes of every day "logging" the hours I spend working on each of my clients. That's a sign to the creative agency you're working at that "Gee, maybe our employees shouldn't have as many clients as we give them to work on... Perhaps we should actually hire more people?"
And that brings up a small subject I would like to segue to right now... A few weeks ago, after I wrote that I was going to be going back to work at a new agency, someone left an anonymous comment on my blog. But because I have "veto" power over which comments get posted, I didn't publish it. Why? Well, because the comment was "bitchy" and I was trying my best to not give in to the bitchiness. I didn't want to spew any venom, because the comment "read" as though someone I previously worked with had written it; though I don't know who.
What did the comment say? Here you go:
"Congratulations on your new job. Perhaps though, you should be careful about what you write in your blog when you start at it. You wouldn't want it to get banned in your new work place. Blogs tend to get people into more trouble with their employers than you might think they do."
Now, only a few people know I figured out the blog was banned at my former work place (because, I didn't realize, many people there read it regularly. And I had done a posting on a friend of mine who left his job there for another agency.) In fact, the only people who know the blog was banned are people who worked there. So the comment was obviously left by someone who also works there. And I'd like to take this brief moment to let the person who wrote the comment the following:
I got my new job BECAUSE of my blog.
Yep. You read that correctly. The new company I am working for knew NOTHING of my career as a search marketing pirate. They came across a freelance writing listing I have on a freelancer's website. They were looking for creative writers. They read my writing samples. They saw my blog listed on it. They read my blog. The actually liked what I had written. That's why they hired me. And I was absolutely flattered. "Someone thinks I can write???? And they want to pay me to do it every day????"
I can still hardly believe it. I am very excited about the career change.
And this allows me to segue into why 2007 needs to be about "ME" again.
In 2007, not only will I be starting a new career... I will also be turning 30 this year. Or as I like to call it "The New 20." And I believe that when you hit a milestone birthday, the celebration should last all year.
So, I am just letting you all know out there... 2007 is about "me." I will be easing up on the fast-paced lifestyle and relaxing more. And with that declaration, I give you all my New Year's Resolutions...
1. No long work hours. If something can't get done in 40 to 45 hours in the office, then it doesn't need to get done by me.
2. No giving clients my AIM screen name. They can just email me.
3. Bring lunch to work most days. I'm on this whole kick lately of getting all the nutrients I need for each day. And surprisingly, the best sources to help make sure you are getting your daily minerals and vitamins is by adding an apple, carrots, chocolate pudding and potatoes to your food intake. The best way to do that is to pack your own lunch.
4. Go to yoga four times a week. I've done the 30 day challenge. I know I can go day-after-day. And one of the most appealing things about my new job is it's location to the Bikram yoga studio. And, also, with my new declaration of "no long work hours," I should have no problem finding the time to go.
5. Only two cups of coffee a day allowed. No more living on coffee.
6. Water plants every week. I have killed many plants. The ones I currently have are surviving. Hopefully I will be able to remember to water them in the new year.
7. No more "Felicity" DVDs from Netflix. (But, you should know, I am already into the 4th season of the show in my rental queue. So this one will get done by "default.")
8. Less anger. Less spewing venom with my acid tongue.
9. Continue to focus on more personal writing.
10. Spend more time with friends.
11. Call mum every week.
In 2006, I started actively writing this blog. But most people don't know that I initially registered this blog in January 2005. It took a full year of writing entries, but I never felt happy with what I wrote. So I didn't begin publishing until 2006. (And that's something you should all know... I start way more blog entries than I actually publish.)
Also in 2006, I decided I was "over" the long work week. I don't work at a law firm. I don't need "account" for my day in 6-minute increments. And I don't need to spend 15 minutes of every day "logging" the hours I spend working on each of my clients. That's a sign to the creative agency you're working at that "Gee, maybe our employees shouldn't have as many clients as we give them to work on... Perhaps we should actually hire more people?"
And that brings up a small subject I would like to segue to right now... A few weeks ago, after I wrote that I was going to be going back to work at a new agency, someone left an anonymous comment on my blog. But because I have "veto" power over which comments get posted, I didn't publish it. Why? Well, because the comment was "bitchy" and I was trying my best to not give in to the bitchiness. I didn't want to spew any venom, because the comment "read" as though someone I previously worked with had written it; though I don't know who.
What did the comment say? Here you go:
"Congratulations on your new job. Perhaps though, you should be careful about what you write in your blog when you start at it. You wouldn't want it to get banned in your new work place. Blogs tend to get people into more trouble with their employers than you might think they do."
Now, only a few people know I figured out the blog was banned at my former work place (because, I didn't realize, many people there read it regularly. And I had done a posting on a friend of mine who left his job there for another agency.) In fact, the only people who know the blog was banned are people who worked there. So the comment was obviously left by someone who also works there. And I'd like to take this brief moment to let the person who wrote the comment the following:
I got my new job BECAUSE of my blog.
Yep. You read that correctly. The new company I am working for knew NOTHING of my career as a search marketing pirate. They came across a freelance writing listing I have on a freelancer's website. They were looking for creative writers. They read my writing samples. They saw my blog listed on it. They read my blog. The actually liked what I had written. That's why they hired me. And I was absolutely flattered. "Someone thinks I can write???? And they want to pay me to do it every day????"
I can still hardly believe it. I am very excited about the career change.
And this allows me to segue into why 2007 needs to be about "ME" again.
In 2007, not only will I be starting a new career... I will also be turning 30 this year. Or as I like to call it "The New 20." And I believe that when you hit a milestone birthday, the celebration should last all year.
So, I am just letting you all know out there... 2007 is about "me." I will be easing up on the fast-paced lifestyle and relaxing more. And with that declaration, I give you all my New Year's Resolutions...
1. No long work hours. If something can't get done in 40 to 45 hours in the office, then it doesn't need to get done by me.
2. No giving clients my AIM screen name. They can just email me.
3. Bring lunch to work most days. I'm on this whole kick lately of getting all the nutrients I need for each day. And surprisingly, the best sources to help make sure you are getting your daily minerals and vitamins is by adding an apple, carrots, chocolate pudding and potatoes to your food intake. The best way to do that is to pack your own lunch.
4. Go to yoga four times a week. I've done the 30 day challenge. I know I can go day-after-day. And one of the most appealing things about my new job is it's location to the Bikram yoga studio. And, also, with my new declaration of "no long work hours," I should have no problem finding the time to go.
5. Only two cups of coffee a day allowed. No more living on coffee.
6. Water plants every week. I have killed many plants. The ones I currently have are surviving. Hopefully I will be able to remember to water them in the new year.
7. No more "Felicity" DVDs from Netflix. (But, you should know, I am already into the 4th season of the show in my rental queue. So this one will get done by "default.")
8. Less anger. Less spewing venom with my acid tongue.
9. Continue to focus on more personal writing.
10. Spend more time with friends.
11. Call mum every week.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
What's Your Poison?
New Year's Eve is only a few days away... And before you get your "celebration" on, you really need to choose your "poison" of choice for the evening. (Because we all know what happens when you mix your beer, wine and liquor in the wrong combination!)
In general, beyond the New Years celebration festivities, you should have a drink that is your signature "go-to" drink. For my husband, it's a gin and tonic (preferably with Bombay Sapphire gin.) For another friend of mine, he prefers martinis. Another friend of mine prefers dark rum drinks. Another friend of mine used to have a taste for espresso martinis... Till she got violently ill on them.
For me though, my drink of choice evolves every few years:
At 21, it was Hornsby Cider Beer, then Midori Sours, then Margaritas. (Things that don't taste like alcohol.)
At 22, it was Riesling wine and Tom Collins (gin and sweet and sour.)
At 23, I was poor and living in Brooklyn. I preferred Guinness (warm), Stoli Vanilla with Diet Coke and Shiraz wine.
At 24, I didn't really drink much. But if I did, it was Shiraz wine, Sapphire and Tonic or a Margarita.
And my tastes pretty much have stayed the same since. Although, I have replaced the Sapphire and Tonic with a Manhattan; and I have also added Prosecco to the list.
It's good to have a drink in each "genre" of alcohol that you can go to, depending on which "alcohol venue" you are at.
For example, if you are at the local pub down the street, you probably wouldn't order a glass of Shiraz. You'd order a beer. If you were at a fancy restaurant, you're more likely to go with the hard liquors and wine. But if you're on vacation at the beach, you're gonna want the margarita, or a Mexican or Caribbean beer. (You wouldn't ask for a glass of wine or a gin and tonic at the beach.)
For New Year's celebrations, the poisons are likely to be sparkling wines (like Champagne or Prosecco) and hard liquors. For me, my husband and I are going to dinner at my favorite restaurant in the city (Sibling Rivalry.) I will probably start dinner with a Manhattan and switch to a glass of water while eating. After dinner, we will probably celebrate with a wee bit of Prosecco.
What's your poison????
In general, beyond the New Years celebration festivities, you should have a drink that is your signature "go-to" drink. For my husband, it's a gin and tonic (preferably with Bombay Sapphire gin.) For another friend of mine, he prefers martinis. Another friend of mine prefers dark rum drinks. Another friend of mine used to have a taste for espresso martinis... Till she got violently ill on them.
For me though, my drink of choice evolves every few years:
At 21, it was Hornsby Cider Beer, then Midori Sours, then Margaritas. (Things that don't taste like alcohol.)
At 22, it was Riesling wine and Tom Collins (gin and sweet and sour.)
At 23, I was poor and living in Brooklyn. I preferred Guinness (warm), Stoli Vanilla with Diet Coke and Shiraz wine.
At 24, I didn't really drink much. But if I did, it was Shiraz wine, Sapphire and Tonic or a Margarita.
And my tastes pretty much have stayed the same since. Although, I have replaced the Sapphire and Tonic with a Manhattan; and I have also added Prosecco to the list.
It's good to have a drink in each "genre" of alcohol that you can go to, depending on which "alcohol venue" you are at.
For example, if you are at the local pub down the street, you probably wouldn't order a glass of Shiraz. You'd order a beer. If you were at a fancy restaurant, you're more likely to go with the hard liquors and wine. But if you're on vacation at the beach, you're gonna want the margarita, or a Mexican or Caribbean beer. (You wouldn't ask for a glass of wine or a gin and tonic at the beach.)
For New Year's celebrations, the poisons are likely to be sparkling wines (like Champagne or Prosecco) and hard liquors. For me, my husband and I are going to dinner at my favorite restaurant in the city (Sibling Rivalry.) I will probably start dinner with a Manhattan and switch to a glass of water while eating. After dinner, we will probably celebrate with a wee bit of Prosecco.
What's your poison????
Release Date?: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
While on my daily "Internet Site Path" this morning, I read on The Leaky Cauldron that the release date for the seventh Harry Potter book is going to be July 31, 2007.
Not sure how accurate this potential release date is though. Typically, the Harry Potter books are released in Summertime on a Saturday. But, as all Harry Potter fans know, July 31st is a very important date in each of the books. So I could understand why this date would be the chosen one for the final book.
If it does get released on a Tuesday, I will have to take a day or two off from work. For the last two Harry Potter book releases, I have the same "tradition." I go to Barnes and Noble at midnight to pick up my reserved copy. I go straight home, make a huge pot of coffee and read the book straight through. It takes me about 10 hours to get through it. And if needed, I take small "cat naps."
After I get through the book one, I read it straight through again. Just to re-absorb everything.
So you can see why the days off from work will be needed.
This is exciting!
Not sure how accurate this potential release date is though. Typically, the Harry Potter books are released in Summertime on a Saturday. But, as all Harry Potter fans know, July 31st is a very important date in each of the books. So I could understand why this date would be the chosen one for the final book.
If it does get released on a Tuesday, I will have to take a day or two off from work. For the last two Harry Potter book releases, I have the same "tradition." I go to Barnes and Noble at midnight to pick up my reserved copy. I go straight home, make a huge pot of coffee and read the book straight through. It takes me about 10 hours to get through it. And if needed, I take small "cat naps."
After I get through the book one, I read it straight through again. Just to re-absorb everything.
So you can see why the days off from work will be needed.
This is exciting!
Worst Trend in 2006?
I was over on Boston.com a few minutes ago reading the message boards and saw this posting inquiring what readers thought the worst trends in 2006 were.
My pick for the worst trend in 2006...
SKINNY JEANS!!!!!
Ugh! I'm sorry, but unless you are ridiculously skinny, these WILL NOT look good on you. (I don't care what the fashion magazines say!) Even if you are 5'6" and weigh 120 pounds, these will not look good on you. Additionally, the only way to make them look remotely good on someone is to wear them with flat shoes. So the whole look is very casual... Never could skinny jeans be dressy. And I prefer things to be versatile enough to be dressy or casual.
Occasionally, when there are no new American fashion magazines out, I will pick up the British editions of magazines. And the British versions are ALWAYS a step ahead of the American versions in reporting what are the new trends. And according to the UK versions, Skinny Jeans are very much on their way out.
So what's coming in??? WIDE LEG PANTS. (Thank GOD!)
So, if Skinny Jeans were the worst trend in 2006, what was the best trend?
LEGGINGS!!!!
I know, many people disagree with me. But I will hold fast to leggings being the best "retro" trend. Finally, one can wear the mini skirts and dresses comfortably! No fear of things you don't want exposed being shown to the whole world. And this trend will continue into 2007.
As an secondary "WORST TREND" in 2006, I nominate the "NO PANTIES UNDER SHORT DRESSES LOOK."
Britney, Paris, Lindsay... You know the guilty parties! It's a trashy look. There's NEVER a reason to go panty-less under your clothes. There are MANY products on the market that make it inexcusable to not wear them.
My favorite alternatives to the "NO PANTIES..." look:
Hanky Panky Panties.
I'm very much looking forward to the fashion in 2007.
My pick for the worst trend in 2006...
SKINNY JEANS!!!!!
Ugh! I'm sorry, but unless you are ridiculously skinny, these WILL NOT look good on you. (I don't care what the fashion magazines say!) Even if you are 5'6" and weigh 120 pounds, these will not look good on you. Additionally, the only way to make them look remotely good on someone is to wear them with flat shoes. So the whole look is very casual... Never could skinny jeans be dressy. And I prefer things to be versatile enough to be dressy or casual.
Occasionally, when there are no new American fashion magazines out, I will pick up the British editions of magazines. And the British versions are ALWAYS a step ahead of the American versions in reporting what are the new trends. And according to the UK versions, Skinny Jeans are very much on their way out.
So what's coming in??? WIDE LEG PANTS. (Thank GOD!)
So, if Skinny Jeans were the worst trend in 2006, what was the best trend?
LEGGINGS!!!!
I know, many people disagree with me. But I will hold fast to leggings being the best "retro" trend. Finally, one can wear the mini skirts and dresses comfortably! No fear of things you don't want exposed being shown to the whole world. And this trend will continue into 2007.
As an secondary "WORST TREND" in 2006, I nominate the "NO PANTIES UNDER SHORT DRESSES LOOK."
Britney, Paris, Lindsay... You know the guilty parties! It's a trashy look. There's NEVER a reason to go panty-less under your clothes. There are MANY products on the market that make it inexcusable to not wear them.
My favorite alternatives to the "NO PANTIES..." look:
Hanky Panky Panties.
I'm very much looking forward to the fashion in 2007.
I Found It!
Yay! I figured out where I put my iPod Nano!!!
I forgot, while out shopping on Sunday, I tucked it into the zip-pocket in my purse for safe-keeping.
Duh!
I forgot, while out shopping on Sunday, I tucked it into the zip-pocket in my purse for safe-keeping.
Duh!
Missing: iPod Nano.
The last time I used my iPod Nano was on Sunday, Christmas Eve. I wore it while out shopping. I thought it was in my purse. And when I went to look into my purse today to re-charge it, it wasn't there.
So where the heck is it???
I searched the apartment high and low this morning. For the past few days, I have been on a cleaning and organizing rampage. Things that have lain about for weeks finally have a home, and I have purged things that I don't need or use anymore.
I am hoping I did not purge the iPod Nano though. That would totally suck.
I'm going to keep looking, but I have already looked everywhere I can think of to look.
It would figure, though, that it could be gone for good. I usually go through one iPod a year... Ever since I got my first one in 2003 I go through one a year. So it would be time to get one for 2006. This one would have lasted me the longest though... A while 14 months. They usually only last about 11 months with me.
So where the heck is it???
I searched the apartment high and low this morning. For the past few days, I have been on a cleaning and organizing rampage. Things that have lain about for weeks finally have a home, and I have purged things that I don't need or use anymore.
I am hoping I did not purge the iPod Nano though. That would totally suck.
I'm going to keep looking, but I have already looked everywhere I can think of to look.
It would figure, though, that it could be gone for good. I usually go through one iPod a year... Ever since I got my first one in 2003 I go through one a year. So it would be time to get one for 2006. This one would have lasted me the longest though... A while 14 months. They usually only last about 11 months with me.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
PSA: Clean Your Make-Up Brushes.
I had a facial yesterday morning. I wanted to have some microdermafusion (which is where they sandblast your skin to remove the top later to make it softer), but I couldn't.
Since coming back from the Turks and Caicos, my skin has gone into some small breakouts in areas. If I wear make-up, you can't see it. But my facialist at Exhale didn't want to irritate the broken-out areas. So she recommended doing laser light therapy instead of the micro.
During the facial we tried to figure out what could have caused the breakout. She deduced that it may be my make-up brushes and their "lack of being cleansed on a regular basis."
It's true. I'm totally guilty. I have not cleaned my make-up brushes since I bought them last year. So my mission for the afternoon was to rectify the situation. I had to clean my brushes straight away!
But how does one do it? I had vaguely recalled seeing some "make-up brush cleanser" at Sephora once; but I had been bothered to really let it "sink" in when I saw it.
Off to Sephora I went... And I spotted a bottle near the Clinique section. I brought it home and pulled out my brushes. At first, it was a bit intimidating. Make-up brushes aren't cheap. And getting them wet and not drying them properly could ruin them. But the instructions on the bottle were easy to follow:
1. Spray the bristles as they point downwards.
2. Massage gently.
3. Rinse until the soap is out, with the bristles still pointing down.
4. Blot with tissues to get excess water out and dry while lying flat.
By this morning, my brushes were all clean and the bristles looked great. Now, hopefully I will have scared away any out breaks from them.
Since coming back from the Turks and Caicos, my skin has gone into some small breakouts in areas. If I wear make-up, you can't see it. But my facialist at Exhale didn't want to irritate the broken-out areas. So she recommended doing laser light therapy instead of the micro.
During the facial we tried to figure out what could have caused the breakout. She deduced that it may be my make-up brushes and their "lack of being cleansed on a regular basis."
It's true. I'm totally guilty. I have not cleaned my make-up brushes since I bought them last year. So my mission for the afternoon was to rectify the situation. I had to clean my brushes straight away!
But how does one do it? I had vaguely recalled seeing some "make-up brush cleanser" at Sephora once; but I had been bothered to really let it "sink" in when I saw it.
Off to Sephora I went... And I spotted a bottle near the Clinique section. I brought it home and pulled out my brushes. At first, it was a bit intimidating. Make-up brushes aren't cheap. And getting them wet and not drying them properly could ruin them. But the instructions on the bottle were easy to follow:
1. Spray the bristles as they point downwards.
2. Massage gently.
3. Rinse until the soap is out, with the bristles still pointing down.
4. Blot with tissues to get excess water out and dry while lying flat.
By this morning, my brushes were all clean and the bristles looked great. Now, hopefully I will have scared away any out breaks from them.
Attempting to Be Healthy...
But my attempt was ruined from the "get-go."
While out grocery shopping yesterday, I saw a bag of frozen tropical fruits. It looked de-lish, and I got the urge for a smoothie for breakfast. It's been quite a while since I had a smoothie, and with the new year just around the corner, I thought it would be fun to start drinking them.
Well, I rolled out of bed this morning and began loading ingredients into the Kitchen Aid blender I bought for super cheap from the Evil Empire. But when I tried to turn the blender on, it wasn't turning the blade and blending.
"What the heck????" I thought.
Turns out, the bottom part if the blender, which the pitcher sits on, has been worn down and is no longer turning the blade. Therefore, the blender is useless.
So now I must go buy a new blender if I want to fulfill my smoothie craving.
It's a good thing my brother and his fiance gave us a gift certificate to Crate and Barrel for Christmas. Now we can go get us a new blender.
While out grocery shopping yesterday, I saw a bag of frozen tropical fruits. It looked de-lish, and I got the urge for a smoothie for breakfast. It's been quite a while since I had a smoothie, and with the new year just around the corner, I thought it would be fun to start drinking them.
Well, I rolled out of bed this morning and began loading ingredients into the Kitchen Aid blender I bought for super cheap from the Evil Empire. But when I tried to turn the blender on, it wasn't turning the blade and blending.
"What the heck????" I thought.
Turns out, the bottom part if the blender, which the pitcher sits on, has been worn down and is no longer turning the blade. Therefore, the blender is useless.
So now I must go buy a new blender if I want to fulfill my smoothie craving.
It's a good thing my brother and his fiance gave us a gift certificate to Crate and Barrel for Christmas. Now we can go get us a new blender.
Monday, December 25, 2006
So Full...
Another Christmas season is done. Just New Year's to get through and then a new era starts in my life. I just finished an afternoon of cooking the Christmas feast and ate what I could... Which wasn't much; but was still filling. Now my husband and I are doing laundry and watching one of our favorite movies on Comedy Central, "Trading Places."
As for Christmas presents, that was a ton of fun.
I got my Dirt Devil Broom Vac in Pink, as well as my Dirt Devil KONE vac in pink too.(These were from my parents.) My sister got me one of the best gifts I got... Pink Hello Kitty panties, Hello Kitty lunch bags and some pink and black socks with skulls and crossbones on them. (She knows what I like!)
Other than the Diane vonFurstenberg dress, my husband got me a gift certificate to my favorite spa (Exhale), a gift certificate to Barnes and Noble, a gift certificate to Starbucks, some bubble bath and a sweater-vest from J. Crew.
My husband got a bunch of pairs of black socks, some cufflinks, a pair of jeans, a polo shirt for Summer and three black sweaters. But they weren't the same black sweaters. One was a half-zip pullover. One was a v-neck. The last one was a crew neck.
Now that Christmas is over, I will be taking down the decorations and packing them away starting tonight. Time to start winding down my carefree lifestyle and start gearing up for the "working" girl lifestyle.
As for Christmas presents, that was a ton of fun.
I got my Dirt Devil Broom Vac in Pink, as well as my Dirt Devil KONE vac in pink too.(These were from my parents.) My sister got me one of the best gifts I got... Pink Hello Kitty panties, Hello Kitty lunch bags and some pink and black socks with skulls and crossbones on them. (She knows what I like!)
Other than the Diane vonFurstenberg dress, my husband got me a gift certificate to my favorite spa (Exhale), a gift certificate to Barnes and Noble, a gift certificate to Starbucks, some bubble bath and a sweater-vest from J. Crew.
My husband got a bunch of pairs of black socks, some cufflinks, a pair of jeans, a polo shirt for Summer and three black sweaters. But they weren't the same black sweaters. One was a half-zip pullover. One was a v-neck. The last one was a crew neck.
Now that Christmas is over, I will be taking down the decorations and packing them away starting tonight. Time to start winding down my carefree lifestyle and start gearing up for the "working" girl lifestyle.
"I Guess He Didn't 'Feel Good.'"
This is what my husband said to me when I told him this morning that James Brown died early this morning from pneumonia.
My husband has a very "dry" sense of humor. He delivered the line with the most "plain" look on his face. But he did intend it to be funny. And it was.
That then reminded me of the years that I spent as a cheerleader in high school. We had a cheer routine (as did all other cheerleading squads at the time) that had clips in it from the song "James Brown is Dead."
I guess the song is finally acurate... After 15 years.
Rest in peace "Godfather."
My husband has a very "dry" sense of humor. He delivered the line with the most "plain" look on his face. But he did intend it to be funny. And it was.
That then reminded me of the years that I spent as a cheerleader in high school. We had a cheer routine (as did all other cheerleading squads at the time) that had clips in it from the song "James Brown is Dead."
I guess the song is finally acurate... After 15 years.
Rest in peace "Godfather."
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Yay Christmas Gifts!!!
Since it is Christmas Eve, my husband let me open one of his gifts.
I decided to open the biggest box I had under the tree from him. And in it was a Diane vonFurstenberg wrap dress!!!!
I LOVE it. And it was very unexpected. Such a classic piece; and I've never owned a DVF dress before. He got it for me because we have at least three weddings to go to over the next year and a half. Also, it can be dressed down to wear to my new jobby-job.
I'm gonna wear it for our New Year's Eve date next weekend. I'm still in shock at the thought he put into this gift. Secretly, I've wanted one for ages.
I decided to open the biggest box I had under the tree from him. And in it was a Diane vonFurstenberg wrap dress!!!!
I LOVE it. And it was very unexpected. Such a classic piece; and I've never owned a DVF dress before. He got it for me because we have at least three weddings to go to over the next year and a half. Also, it can be dressed down to wear to my new jobby-job.
I'm gonna wear it for our New Year's Eve date next weekend. I'm still in shock at the thought he put into this gift. Secretly, I've wanted one for ages.
Happy Christmas.
Don't know if I will have a chance to post before Christmas officially arrives, but I wanted to wish everyone out there on the Internet a "Happy Christmas!"
-The Missus
-The Missus
Friday, December 22, 2006
Christmas Survey.
My friend McCrack had this survey posted on her MySpace page. I thought it was appropriate for the holidays and have copied the questions over with my responses. Enjoy!
1. The number one thing you would love to get this year?
I don't know. I had a hard time putting together a list this year, to be honest. I really wanted the KONE dust buster by DirtDevil... And I know for a FACT that I got it.
2. Have you finished all your shopping yet?
Yes. I am anal about holiday shopping. When you have me buying for you, stuff gets done.
3. Easiest person to shop for?
My husband... And most of my family.
4. Hardest person to shop for?
Probably my Mum. She'll appreciate whatever you buy her... But I would prefer to get her something she really wants.
5. Snow. Like it, Love it or Hate it?
LOVE IT!!! If it has to be cold outside (which in Boston, it does), then it better be snowing.
6. If you got a gift you really didn't like, and you opened it in front of the person who bought it for you, would you pretend you liked it anyway?
Nope. I would not pretend. But to be honest... I make incredibly detailed lists for people who want to buy me gifts, so it is impossible for them to buy me something I don't like.
True story - though not Christmas-related: For my 20th birthday, my boyfriend (at the time) bought me some peach-scented bubble bath and Hard Candy nail polish. Now, I HATE peaches (despite being a "Georgia Peach" and all) and I don't wear nail polish. And at the time of my 20th birthday, I didn't even wear nail polish on my toes. And I couldn't pretend that I liked the gift. I am a very honest person. I thanked him, graciously, and told him "You know... I'm not sure dark purple is really my nail color. And, remember that time you wanted to buy me a 'Fuzzy Navel' at the bar? Well, remember, I hate peaches."
Ultimately, it was a sign that he CLEARLY did not know me that well... Despite having been together for a few months.
What can I say? I tend to wear my emotions on my sleeve.
7. What if they weren't there?
I wouldn't tell them. I would find some way to enjoy the gift or re-gift it.
8. Is it really the thought that counts?
Yes. Ultimately, it is the "thought" that counts. But I am not subtle, nowadays, with what I like and don't like. (Hello... You can tell what I like and don't like by reading this blog!) So, I make it very difficult to buy me gifts I don't like.
Remind me to tell you people about the time my husband went to Starbucks for me on a cold Winter's night... That was one of the best gifts ever!
9. Did you give someone your heart last Christmas, who gave it away the very next day?
Hell no. I have only truly "given" my heart to three people in my life... And none were around Christmas time...
My first boyfriend Ryan (who crushed my heart a day AFTER our year anniversary), my second boyfriend Ryan (who broke my heart because he was uncomfortable and felt he wasn't good enough for someone like me because I was in college and he wasn't... I didn't care though, because I know you didn't have to go to college to be successful in life) and my husband (who never fails to make me laugh with his dry humor.)
So, "no. No one has given my heart away at Christmas."
10. Best Christmas song?
Umm... I like quite a few.
The Muppets' rendition of "Twelve Days of Christmas" ROCKS.
Bruce Springsteen's "Santa Clause is Coming to Town" is top notch as well.
Britney Spears' "My Only Wish" is a guilty pleasure.
And who doesn't love Frank Sinatra's "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas?"
I also like "Last Christmas" by Jimmy Eat World.
11. Do you still make snowmen?
I don't make them. But I do date them.
Canadians count as snowmen because of the cold weather, right?
12. How about snow angels?
No angels.
14. Do you have a Christmas sweetheart this year?
Yes. Just one though.
15. Are you spending the day with them?
16. Who's cooking dinner?
Um... ME! Only I have the skills for cooking the spread we have planned. My husband does eat the dinner though. But I don't know that that really says anything.. Because I am a pretty good cook.
17. Favorite Christmas food?
You know... I don't know. I don't know that I even have a favorite food, period. I really like pizza w/proscuitto and red wine. I also like McDonald's french fries. And please, if you are a regular reader of this blog, you know I obsess over TACO BELL!!!
But as far as a Christmas food, I don't know.
18. Drink?
A Christmas drink.... Hmm... Well, seeing as it I have a very low tolerance for alcohol... I never get to try too many drinks before I am very drunk. And I don't get drunk except maybe two or three times a year. (And since I don't work at an agency right now, I don't get drunk at all.)
I like red wine though. A Shiraz or a Burgundy. And Prosecco and Champagne are always big hits with me.
19. Is it acceptable to get drunk on Christmas?
Sure. Why not? Just don't drive or try to hit anyone.
20. And lastly, greatest Christmas movie is...?
The movies my parents took us to see Christmas Eve 1983... "A Christmas Story."
I love that TBS airs 24 straight hours of it starting on Christmas Eve. My younger brother and I seem to be big fans of it. My husband, however, is not. He has never seen his movie straight through. I find that shocking. He find it shocking that I've never seen "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer" all the way though or have even heard of "Nester, The Long-Eared Donkey." So we're even.
1. The number one thing you would love to get this year?
I don't know. I had a hard time putting together a list this year, to be honest. I really wanted the KONE dust buster by DirtDevil... And I know for a FACT that I got it.
2. Have you finished all your shopping yet?
Yes. I am anal about holiday shopping. When you have me buying for you, stuff gets done.
3. Easiest person to shop for?
My husband... And most of my family.
4. Hardest person to shop for?
Probably my Mum. She'll appreciate whatever you buy her... But I would prefer to get her something she really wants.
5. Snow. Like it, Love it or Hate it?
LOVE IT!!! If it has to be cold outside (which in Boston, it does), then it better be snowing.
6. If you got a gift you really didn't like, and you opened it in front of the person who bought it for you, would you pretend you liked it anyway?
Nope. I would not pretend. But to be honest... I make incredibly detailed lists for people who want to buy me gifts, so it is impossible for them to buy me something I don't like.
True story - though not Christmas-related: For my 20th birthday, my boyfriend (at the time) bought me some peach-scented bubble bath and Hard Candy nail polish. Now, I HATE peaches (despite being a "Georgia Peach" and all) and I don't wear nail polish. And at the time of my 20th birthday, I didn't even wear nail polish on my toes. And I couldn't pretend that I liked the gift. I am a very honest person. I thanked him, graciously, and told him "You know... I'm not sure dark purple is really my nail color. And, remember that time you wanted to buy me a 'Fuzzy Navel' at the bar? Well, remember, I hate peaches."
Ultimately, it was a sign that he CLEARLY did not know me that well... Despite having been together for a few months.
What can I say? I tend to wear my emotions on my sleeve.
7. What if they weren't there?
I wouldn't tell them. I would find some way to enjoy the gift or re-gift it.
8. Is it really the thought that counts?
Yes. Ultimately, it is the "thought" that counts. But I am not subtle, nowadays, with what I like and don't like. (Hello... You can tell what I like and don't like by reading this blog!) So, I make it very difficult to buy me gifts I don't like.
Remind me to tell you people about the time my husband went to Starbucks for me on a cold Winter's night... That was one of the best gifts ever!
9. Did you give someone your heart last Christmas, who gave it away the very next day?
Hell no. I have only truly "given" my heart to three people in my life... And none were around Christmas time...
My first boyfriend Ryan (who crushed my heart a day AFTER our year anniversary), my second boyfriend Ryan (who broke my heart because he was uncomfortable and felt he wasn't good enough for someone like me because I was in college and he wasn't... I didn't care though, because I know you didn't have to go to college to be successful in life) and my husband (who never fails to make me laugh with his dry humor.)
So, "no. No one has given my heart away at Christmas."
10. Best Christmas song?
Umm... I like quite a few.
The Muppets' rendition of "Twelve Days of Christmas" ROCKS.
Bruce Springsteen's "Santa Clause is Coming to Town" is top notch as well.
Britney Spears' "My Only Wish" is a guilty pleasure.
And who doesn't love Frank Sinatra's "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas?"
I also like "Last Christmas" by Jimmy Eat World.
11. Do you still make snowmen?
I don't make them. But I do date them.
Canadians count as snowmen because of the cold weather, right?
12. How about snow angels?
No angels.
14. Do you have a Christmas sweetheart this year?
Yes. Just one though.
15. Are you spending the day with them?
16. Who's cooking dinner?
Um... ME! Only I have the skills for cooking the spread we have planned. My husband does eat the dinner though. But I don't know that that really says anything.. Because I am a pretty good cook.
17. Favorite Christmas food?
You know... I don't know. I don't know that I even have a favorite food, period. I really like pizza w/proscuitto and red wine. I also like McDonald's french fries. And please, if you are a regular reader of this blog, you know I obsess over TACO BELL!!!
But as far as a Christmas food, I don't know.
18. Drink?
A Christmas drink.... Hmm... Well, seeing as it I have a very low tolerance for alcohol... I never get to try too many drinks before I am very drunk. And I don't get drunk except maybe two or three times a year. (And since I don't work at an agency right now, I don't get drunk at all.)
I like red wine though. A Shiraz or a Burgundy. And Prosecco and Champagne are always big hits with me.
19. Is it acceptable to get drunk on Christmas?
Sure. Why not? Just don't drive or try to hit anyone.
20. And lastly, greatest Christmas movie is...?
The movies my parents took us to see Christmas Eve 1983... "A Christmas Story."
I love that TBS airs 24 straight hours of it starting on Christmas Eve. My younger brother and I seem to be big fans of it. My husband, however, is not. He has never seen his movie straight through. I find that shocking. He find it shocking that I've never seen "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer" all the way though or have even heard of "Nester, The Long-Eared Donkey." So we're even.
Donald Trump Is A Moron.
The Donald was on Larry King last night. Perez Hilton posted the transcript of Larry King's interview with Donald... And I think it really shows what a moron Donald Trump really is.
First of all... I was watching the episode earlier this week where Rosie O'Donnell made a comment about the whole "Miss USA" thing and "The Donald." And yes, Rosie has had a tendency lately to go slightly "overboard" with her comments in some people's tastes (not mine, I LOVE it!)... But guess what people??? The show is called "The View." And each and every host on the show has one. And they are paid to "toe the line" when discussing topics. If they didn't "toe" that line, the show would suck.
So maybe Rosie mouthed off a little and made it a personal attack on Donald. But, Donald Trump, you're a personal figure. If you don't like other people making fun of you and calling out issues from your past (regardless of whether or not she stated complete facts), get the hell out of show business.
And I think it's very weak that ALL Donald Trump has to say about Rosie O'Donnell (besides noting that she is "fat,") is that her magazine failed and that her Broadway show failed and that her talk show was unsuccessful. It is especially weak because only ONE of those items (if you look at all the facts) is actually true. Her Broadway show did fail. Her magazine only went under because of her "differences with the editorial direction dictated by the publishers." As soon as she was unhappy with that direction, she pulled out. She didn't want her name associated with it. Her talk show never failed. It was VERY successful. It had the kind of success Donald WISHES he could have with "The Apprentice."
So, as far as Donald Trump's attempt to question Rosie's "morality" by saying she is the one with "questionable" morality, it does send the message to me that he is homo-phobic. He HASN'T bothered to say what else he is referring to. And Rosie is a very outspoken gay public figure. It is my nature to assume, since he hasn't said what specifically is immoral about her, that the only thing he could be talking about is her sexual preference - and I only assume this because there are many Americans who oppose homosexuality still.
Rosie has kept her mouth shut since her initial statements earlier this week. Donald keeps dragging it out. And it's quite clear why; it's all in preparation for the L.A. version of "The Apprentice" which begins in early January. Which fewer people will probably be watching because the show has sucked since season two.
First of all... I was watching the episode earlier this week where Rosie O'Donnell made a comment about the whole "Miss USA" thing and "The Donald." And yes, Rosie has had a tendency lately to go slightly "overboard" with her comments in some people's tastes (not mine, I LOVE it!)... But guess what people??? The show is called "The View." And each and every host on the show has one. And they are paid to "toe the line" when discussing topics. If they didn't "toe" that line, the show would suck.
So maybe Rosie mouthed off a little and made it a personal attack on Donald. But, Donald Trump, you're a personal figure. If you don't like other people making fun of you and calling out issues from your past (regardless of whether or not she stated complete facts), get the hell out of show business.
And I think it's very weak that ALL Donald Trump has to say about Rosie O'Donnell (besides noting that she is "fat,") is that her magazine failed and that her Broadway show failed and that her talk show was unsuccessful. It is especially weak because only ONE of those items (if you look at all the facts) is actually true. Her Broadway show did fail. Her magazine only went under because of her "differences with the editorial direction dictated by the publishers." As soon as she was unhappy with that direction, she pulled out. She didn't want her name associated with it. Her talk show never failed. It was VERY successful. It had the kind of success Donald WISHES he could have with "The Apprentice."
So, as far as Donald Trump's attempt to question Rosie's "morality" by saying she is the one with "questionable" morality, it does send the message to me that he is homo-phobic. He HASN'T bothered to say what else he is referring to. And Rosie is a very outspoken gay public figure. It is my nature to assume, since he hasn't said what specifically is immoral about her, that the only thing he could be talking about is her sexual preference - and I only assume this because there are many Americans who oppose homosexuality still.
Rosie has kept her mouth shut since her initial statements earlier this week. Donald keeps dragging it out. And it's quite clear why; it's all in preparation for the L.A. version of "The Apprentice" which begins in early January. Which fewer people will probably be watching because the show has sucked since season two.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
The END Is Near, People!!!!
Holy crap! What a wonderful Christmas this will be!!!
I JUST read online that we have the title of the seventh and final Harry Potter book!!!!! Yay! Thanks Jo Rowling!!!!!!!
The seventh book will be called "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows."
Sounds AWESOME!!!
(Sorry... You all may not have known I am a HUGE Harry Potter fan. HUGE!)
I JUST read online that we have the title of the seventh and final Harry Potter book!!!!! Yay! Thanks Jo Rowling!!!!!!!
The seventh book will be called "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows."
Sounds AWESOME!!!
(Sorry... You all may not have known I am a HUGE Harry Potter fan. HUGE!)
The Shortest Day of the Year.
The Winter Solstice is today, which means Winter is officially here. (Where's my snow at, yo?) Also, it means that today is the shortest day of the year. The sun will set here in Boston today at 4:15PM. That's a bit early for darkness, but it'll get better after today.
It could be worse though... I could be in a very Northern European country, like my friend Brevitt is right now. He was telling me that he only has about four hours of daylight where he is on a business trip. And those three hours of daylight are really more like "dusk-light." The sun rose there today at a little after 11AM and set (already) at about 3:30PM. "Good times" for him.
But yay! Winter is here! And even if there is no snow or "really" cold weather yet here in the Northeast... There is a positive side to all this warmth... It keeps gas prices down in the short-term.
(Random fact, I know.)
It could be worse though... I could be in a very Northern European country, like my friend Brevitt is right now. He was telling me that he only has about four hours of daylight where he is on a business trip. And those three hours of daylight are really more like "dusk-light." The sun rose there today at a little after 11AM and set (already) at about 3:30PM. "Good times" for him.
But yay! Winter is here! And even if there is no snow or "really" cold weather yet here in the Northeast... There is a positive side to all this warmth... It keeps gas prices down in the short-term.
(Random fact, I know.)
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Finished!
Yay! I just finished the last of my holiday shopping this afternoon. It feels great to be done! I even finished up my husband's Christmas stocking.
Now I can sit back and relax for a few days!
Now I can sit back and relax for a few days!
Sights From The South End: Santa's Little Helpers????
I was out getting some coffee this morning when I walked past on of my favorite shop windows to visit in the neighborhood, Motley. Out front were these little garden gnomes hanging out in the flower pots.
How adorable! Makes me wish I had a garden. How convenient that these are around just before Christmas... Are these Santa's little helpers?
I'm sure my friend kT will enjoy seeing them. She loves little creatures! ;)
How adorable! Makes me wish I had a garden. How convenient that these are around just before Christmas... Are these Santa's little helpers?
I'm sure my friend kT will enjoy seeing them. She loves little creatures! ;)
You Know What I Love?
I love it when you go on vacation and accidentally forget to put sun-block on the miniscule-ly exposed parts of your scalp; thus resulting in an attractive sunburn in those areas, and lovely peeling a week later.
It looks like I have dandruff! (Which I don't!)
Argh!!!!!
It looks like I have dandruff! (Which I don't!)
Argh!!!!!
They Got Da Wrong "Hoff."
So, I am online this AM taking a poll on Boston.com on who would win in fights between fictional characters.
Well, one of the last questions on the poll features this picture:
And it asks who would win between Tek Jansen and Mitch Bucannon. MITCH BUCANNON!
But that is clearly a picture of David Hasselhoff as Michael Knight!!!!!
Get it right Boston.com!!!!! Learn your "Hoff!" If you're gonna bring up the "Hoff," get it right!
I don't mess around when it comes to the "Hoff."
Well, one of the last questions on the poll features this picture:
And it asks who would win between Tek Jansen and Mitch Bucannon. MITCH BUCANNON!
But that is clearly a picture of David Hasselhoff as Michael Knight!!!!!
Get it right Boston.com!!!!! Learn your "Hoff!" If you're gonna bring up the "Hoff," get it right!
I don't mess around when it comes to the "Hoff."
When The "Rehab" Excuse Is "B.S."
Yes... Everyone loves a comeback story. But I think lately the "rehab" card is being thrown around a little too freely by many in the public eye.
Who has used the "rehab" or "seeking treatment" excuse lately? Check it out:
*Nicole Richie - Entered "rehab" for her weight issue. Was arrested weeks later for driving the wrong way on the freeway under the influence of pot and prescription drugs.
*Lindsay Lohan - Apparently she's been going to AA meetings for over a year because it is "a really positive thing." (Which I don't doubt.) Yet, she has had numerous pictures taken with alcohol in her hands over the past year.
*Courtney Love - Has entered rehab, supposedly "repeatedly," for alcohol and illegal drugs. However, she was allegedly on a flight recently where she took prescription drugs and passed out to sleep. She was discombobulated when she woke. (So I guess all the rehab for her addictions didn't include prescription drugs.)
*Tara Conner, Miss USA - This is what this blog entry stems from. She is claiming that moving from a small town in Kentucky over-whelmed her and caused he to do things that are crazy and that she wouldn't normally do.
What a bunch of B.S.
I'm sorry, but I moved from a very small town to NYC too when I was in my early 20s. I didn't go crazy. Neither did any of my friends who also moved from quiet towns. I think it's important that the public realize that they need to seriously stop idolizing these types of people until they actually show remorse and clean themselves up. I am all for second chances; but only if that person appears to be serious about taking steps to get their acts together.
But lately, the "rehab" excuse really seems to be just a quick P.R. fix.
Who has used the "rehab" or "seeking treatment" excuse lately? Check it out:
*Nicole Richie - Entered "rehab" for her weight issue. Was arrested weeks later for driving the wrong way on the freeway under the influence of pot and prescription drugs.
*Lindsay Lohan - Apparently she's been going to AA meetings for over a year because it is "a really positive thing." (Which I don't doubt.) Yet, she has had numerous pictures taken with alcohol in her hands over the past year.
*Courtney Love - Has entered rehab, supposedly "repeatedly," for alcohol and illegal drugs. However, she was allegedly on a flight recently where she took prescription drugs and passed out to sleep. She was discombobulated when she woke. (So I guess all the rehab for her addictions didn't include prescription drugs.)
*Tara Conner, Miss USA - This is what this blog entry stems from. She is claiming that moving from a small town in Kentucky over-whelmed her and caused he to do things that are crazy and that she wouldn't normally do.
What a bunch of B.S.
I'm sorry, but I moved from a very small town to NYC too when I was in my early 20s. I didn't go crazy. Neither did any of my friends who also moved from quiet towns. I think it's important that the public realize that they need to seriously stop idolizing these types of people until they actually show remorse and clean themselves up. I am all for second chances; but only if that person appears to be serious about taking steps to get their acts together.
But lately, the "rehab" excuse really seems to be just a quick P.R. fix.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Christmas Planning.
My husband and I decided this year that we would not go to either family's home for Christmas. Instead, we will be spending it here in Boston together.
This is the second time, since being married, that we have done this. So we do have some "traditions" when it comes to Christmas together.
First, on Christmas Eve we always do the same thing. We go to dinner at P.F. Cheng's, then we see a movie. After that, we come home and we get to open one present from each other.
Second, on Christmas Day, we get up, open presents and then eat an elaborate breakfast I make. (Usually pancakes. Maybe this year I will do French toast though.) Then, there is no lunch. But I make an elaborate dinner and cocktails for us in the early evening. The last time we did this, I made Beef Burgundy. (Yummy!) This year, I am going all out though and have planned the following...
In case you have trouble reading my handwriting, it says we are having lamb, a salad, potato pancakes, prosecco and cranberry cocktails, mashed potatoes and sticky toffee pudding for dessert.
Hurray for the holidays!
This is the second time, since being married, that we have done this. So we do have some "traditions" when it comes to Christmas together.
First, on Christmas Eve we always do the same thing. We go to dinner at P.F. Cheng's, then we see a movie. After that, we come home and we get to open one present from each other.
Second, on Christmas Day, we get up, open presents and then eat an elaborate breakfast I make. (Usually pancakes. Maybe this year I will do French toast though.) Then, there is no lunch. But I make an elaborate dinner and cocktails for us in the early evening. The last time we did this, I made Beef Burgundy. (Yummy!) This year, I am going all out though and have planned the following...
In case you have trouble reading my handwriting, it says we are having lamb, a salad, potato pancakes, prosecco and cranberry cocktails, mashed potatoes and sticky toffee pudding for dessert.
Hurray for the holidays!
"You're Not Fired": Apparently Doing Cocaine Is Okay With "The Donald."
Yes, I agree that forgiveness is important. And I think that everyone deserves the opportunity to get another chance after they make a mistake; because we ALL make mistakes. However, I really feel Miss USA, Tara Conner, should have been fired by Donald Trump.
For those of you out of the "loop" on this story, Miss USA (Tara Conner) was seen out in NYC a few weeks ago drinking (she was under-age at the time) and making out with another female pageant winner. Also, she allegedly tested positive for cocaine and has allegedly snuck males into her apartment at Trump Plaza.
Now, with the exception of the cocaine use, one could "trump" all of Conner's wild antics up to typical "youth." But, it needs to be kept in mind that this is Miss USA. And Miss USA is chosen to be a role model for many young women in America. Miss USA has to set an example and (from what I understand) is required to sign some kind of "morality" agreement.
So the under-age drinking (which most of us did) and the public display of affections are not appropriate for Miss USA. And the cocaine use, DEFINITELY not okay.
She should be fired. I am totally fine with Donald Trump kindly sending her off to rehab, but she should still be fired.
When you choose to step into the public limelight (as a celebrity, politician, or even Miss USA) you need to realize you will be watched closely. And whether you like it or not, people are going to criticize you. And to some extent, you are a role model in the public eye. So be prepared to have people try to knock you down.
And as for the Miss USA role, she chose to enter the pageant. She chose to accept the crown when she won. She chose to accept the responsibilities that come with it. She chose to not hold up her end of the deal. She should be tossed out.
But hey... Mr. Trump was probably thinking all about ratings. And his pageants have not been performing well in the ratings on TV for many years. This little incident may have been what was needed to pump some "fire" back into this event.
The next Miss USA could be a "bad girl" too. And we all like to watch bad and wild girls go crazy on TV!
Instead of the standard interview questions asked of the finalists, the hosts next year will ask each contestant to snort a line, do a shot and kiss another female contestant. Whoever does it the fastest gets the most points for that category.
For those of you out of the "loop" on this story, Miss USA (Tara Conner) was seen out in NYC a few weeks ago drinking (she was under-age at the time) and making out with another female pageant winner. Also, she allegedly tested positive for cocaine and has allegedly snuck males into her apartment at Trump Plaza.
Now, with the exception of the cocaine use, one could "trump" all of Conner's wild antics up to typical "youth." But, it needs to be kept in mind that this is Miss USA. And Miss USA is chosen to be a role model for many young women in America. Miss USA has to set an example and (from what I understand) is required to sign some kind of "morality" agreement.
So the under-age drinking (which most of us did) and the public display of affections are not appropriate for Miss USA. And the cocaine use, DEFINITELY not okay.
She should be fired. I am totally fine with Donald Trump kindly sending her off to rehab, but she should still be fired.
When you choose to step into the public limelight (as a celebrity, politician, or even Miss USA) you need to realize you will be watched closely. And whether you like it or not, people are going to criticize you. And to some extent, you are a role model in the public eye. So be prepared to have people try to knock you down.
And as for the Miss USA role, she chose to enter the pageant. She chose to accept the crown when she won. She chose to accept the responsibilities that come with it. She chose to not hold up her end of the deal. She should be tossed out.
But hey... Mr. Trump was probably thinking all about ratings. And his pageants have not been performing well in the ratings on TV for many years. This little incident may have been what was needed to pump some "fire" back into this event.
The next Miss USA could be a "bad girl" too. And we all like to watch bad and wild girls go crazy on TV!
Instead of the standard interview questions asked of the finalists, the hosts next year will ask each contestant to snort a line, do a shot and kiss another female contestant. Whoever does it the fastest gets the most points for that category.
Crazy Dreams.
Okay. Back when I was working at my last job I would have the same dream-theme at least once every few weeks.
I would dream that I was still waiting tables at the Outback Steakhouse (where I worked back in college.) However, I would get really far behind on taking care of my tables. Even though I was running around at a quick pace doing things (taking orders, dropping off drinks, running food), I would find myself still behind with all my tables. Eventually, I would just run out of the restaurant and leave everything unfinished. Then I would wake up.
I used to have this dream back when I worked at the Evil Empire. In both cases (my last job and the Evil Empire) I never stopped working. My days were long and jam-packed with stuff to do. So I always interpreted the dream as my sub-conscious's way of telling me I was working at a crazy pace. (Funny how the body can alert you to these things.)
Well, since I am not working (yet) I had a crazy dream last night. But it wasn't the "waiting tables" dream. It was about work though. And it was kinda funny, in my fine opinion.
I dreamed that I stopped by my last place of employment to visit with some of my friends who work there still. When I got there though, for some reason everyone there thought I was returning to work there. I still had a desk there. My old boss stopped by to tell me that our demanding client was on the phone and wanted to chat. I pick up the phone and start talking to the client and give her some advice on SEO. Then my boss's boss stops by and chats with me about my recent vacation. And other people keep stopping by to say "Hi."
It was as though they didn't realize I had left there and didn't work with them anymore!!!
And I kept trying to tell the bosses that "I don't work for you anymore. I am going to be starting at Dxxxxxx in a few days."
But no one listened. They just kept asking me questions about SEO and kept acting like nothing had ever happened and I had never left in the first place.
In the dream, I had fun while I visited there. But eventually I left the place. After all, I had another job to go to.
I would dream that I was still waiting tables at the Outback Steakhouse (where I worked back in college.) However, I would get really far behind on taking care of my tables. Even though I was running around at a quick pace doing things (taking orders, dropping off drinks, running food), I would find myself still behind with all my tables. Eventually, I would just run out of the restaurant and leave everything unfinished. Then I would wake up.
I used to have this dream back when I worked at the Evil Empire. In both cases (my last job and the Evil Empire) I never stopped working. My days were long and jam-packed with stuff to do. So I always interpreted the dream as my sub-conscious's way of telling me I was working at a crazy pace. (Funny how the body can alert you to these things.)
Well, since I am not working (yet) I had a crazy dream last night. But it wasn't the "waiting tables" dream. It was about work though. And it was kinda funny, in my fine opinion.
I dreamed that I stopped by my last place of employment to visit with some of my friends who work there still. When I got there though, for some reason everyone there thought I was returning to work there. I still had a desk there. My old boss stopped by to tell me that our demanding client was on the phone and wanted to chat. I pick up the phone and start talking to the client and give her some advice on SEO. Then my boss's boss stops by and chats with me about my recent vacation. And other people keep stopping by to say "Hi."
It was as though they didn't realize I had left there and didn't work with them anymore!!!
And I kept trying to tell the bosses that "I don't work for you anymore. I am going to be starting at Dxxxxxx in a few days."
But no one listened. They just kept asking me questions about SEO and kept acting like nothing had ever happened and I had never left in the first place.
In the dream, I had fun while I visited there. But eventually I left the place. After all, I had another job to go to.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Life Sucked Yesterday. But It's Better Today.
I am never forgetful. I remember everything. I can remember what I made for dinner one of my first nights in Boston. (Salmon, baked with a mustard sauce. This is when I found out I hate salmon.) I can tell you the exact day I met someone. (My friend Jeanette, September 6, 2000 on a train from Columbus Circle to 14th Street... About 6pm in the evening. I had just left a Radiohead Kid A listening party.) I can remember most people's birthdays off the top of my head; and I even remember phone numbers pretty well.
Bottom line is, I am not forgetful. If you need something remembered, I am your person.
Except for yesterday, that is.
Yesterday, I was stupidly forgetful. And I am still today beating myself up over it.
I got a free card in the mail when I was at my parents' house over Thanksgiving (yes, I still get mail there despite not having lived in the house for ten years now) for a free panty from Victoria's Secret. (SWEET!) So yesterday, I decided to go to "Vicki's" and make claim on my panty.
Well, after I left "Vicki's" I did some more shopping at the Prudential Center. Eventually I found my way over to the Shaws grocery store to pick up some Captain Crunch cereal, which I was massively craving. (I haven't had it in years. It was time to indulge.)
Anyway... So, I go to the self-checkout to scan my cereal. But the self-checkout is being very temper-mental (as usual) and I am forced to put all belongings down on the ground to re-scan my groceries. Eventually, I am able to pay and leave with the groceries.
But it wasn't until I got home that I realized I had left my bag with my free panty on the ground at Shaws!!!!
I lost my free panty!
I will go back to Shaws tomorrow to see if anyone turned it into the "Lost and Found." But my husband thinks that is a crazy idea.
"Wouldn't you be embarrassed to tell them you left you panties there?" he asked.
He obviously doesn't understand how comfortable the panties from Victoria's Secret are.
I guess my memory is fading a little.
Bottom line is, I am not forgetful. If you need something remembered, I am your person.
Except for yesterday, that is.
Yesterday, I was stupidly forgetful. And I am still today beating myself up over it.
I got a free card in the mail when I was at my parents' house over Thanksgiving (yes, I still get mail there despite not having lived in the house for ten years now) for a free panty from Victoria's Secret. (SWEET!) So yesterday, I decided to go to "Vicki's" and make claim on my panty.
Well, after I left "Vicki's" I did some more shopping at the Prudential Center. Eventually I found my way over to the Shaws grocery store to pick up some Captain Crunch cereal, which I was massively craving. (I haven't had it in years. It was time to indulge.)
Anyway... So, I go to the self-checkout to scan my cereal. But the self-checkout is being very temper-mental (as usual) and I am forced to put all belongings down on the ground to re-scan my groceries. Eventually, I am able to pay and leave with the groceries.
But it wasn't until I got home that I realized I had left my bag with my free panty on the ground at Shaws!!!!
I lost my free panty!
I will go back to Shaws tomorrow to see if anyone turned it into the "Lost and Found." But my husband thinks that is a crazy idea.
"Wouldn't you be embarrassed to tell them you left you panties there?" he asked.
He obviously doesn't understand how comfortable the panties from Victoria's Secret are.
I guess my memory is fading a little.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Vacation!
Finally... I can post to my blog once again!
I tried many, many times at the resort in the T&C all week; but was unable to. Not sure why. But every time I tried, it ended in complete failure.
Anyways....
The vacation was awesome. All I did was eat, sleep, sun on the beach, sun by the pool... And that was it. The best beaches, in my opinion, are in the Turks and Caicos. And the resort we stayed at, the Royal West Indies, is even better than the last place we stayed when we went down their earlier this year.
And I had such a good time on vacation that I eventually got over the whole "incident" we had with American Airlines at check-in. From now on though, we will ONLY fly direct to Providenciales in the T&C. We will NOT do the whole "connection through Miami" thing. There were just too many freaking people who are connecting to other islands (mostly P.R. and the the D.R.) through Miami International.
Below are some pictures I took of the resort. I have a few more to post later on this weekend when I get a chance.
I tried many, many times at the resort in the T&C all week; but was unable to. Not sure why. But every time I tried, it ended in complete failure.
Anyways....
The vacation was awesome. All I did was eat, sleep, sun on the beach, sun by the pool... And that was it. The best beaches, in my opinion, are in the Turks and Caicos. And the resort we stayed at, the Royal West Indies, is even better than the last place we stayed when we went down their earlier this year.
And I had such a good time on vacation that I eventually got over the whole "incident" we had with American Airlines at check-in. From now on though, we will ONLY fly direct to Providenciales in the T&C. We will NOT do the whole "connection through Miami" thing. There were just too many freaking people who are connecting to other islands (mostly P.R. and the the D.R.) through Miami International.
Below are some pictures I took of the resort. I have a few more to post later on this weekend when I get a chance.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
American Airlines Customer Service, You Suck Ass.
American Airlines is the most "sh&t-tasic" airline ever. They hire incompetent people who have no idea what the word "customer service" means.
Well, to be fair, I personally brought out the worst in them when it comes to "customer service."
My husband and I are leaving today for our vacation in the Turks and Caicos. We left our apartment early this morning for our 7am flight. When we got to the airport though, it seemed everyone flying internationally through a Miami connection was checking in with three or more bags per person.
This (naturally) backed up checking in quite a bit. And that's being generous. It actually backed up check-in by more than an hour. At about 6:20am, they started asking for travelers on the 7am Miami flight one at a time. By 6:35am, they stopped asking for them, even though the flight was still 25 minutes from take-off.
We knew, at that point that there was no way we were getting on the 7am to Miami or the 11:30am connecting to Providenciales in the T&C. So we waited patiently in line with everyone else. In fact, we didn't reach the counter for another 35 minutes; and that was only because they decided to see if there was anyone else who was supposed to be on the Miami flight that had already taken off.
You would think they would have done this a lot sooner. You would think that by 6:15am they would have asked if there was anyone else scheduled on the Miami flight; as they would have been able to tell by that point that quite a few people hadn't checked in for the flight.
But no. They didn't do that. And maybe that's because there were many incompetent passengers who not only had more than one bag to check per person, but also had over-stuffed the bags. There were a few people (while we were waiting in line) who we noticed pulling stuff out of one bag and stuffing it into another; in an effort to avoid the extra charges for going over 50 pounds per bag.
These people are the main reason many other passengers missed their flight. The other reason was the incompetent organization skills of American Airlines ticketing agents.
Anyhoo, once we got to the counter; we were "helped" by some idiot horribly bottled blonde bi-atch. She grabbed our passports and proceeded to tell us that we would be booked on the 1:50pm flight to Miami and would arrive in the T&C at 8pm tonight.
Well, I'm not one to keep my mouth shut so easily. Specifically when someone makes little effort to help a customer.
I had to ask the ticketing agent if there was a direct flight that would get us there sooner. (Nope, not on Tuesdays.) I had to ask her if there was a way to connect through a different city to get there sooner. (Nope. They only offer connections through Miami.) There were also no offers to book us in first class. No offers on ticket vouchers or priority seating on the flight.
I asked what the hold up in getting people checked in for the Miami flight was; and instead of apologizing for the in-covenience... The dumb bi-atch had the nerve to say "well, you're supposed to arrive two to three hours before an international flight."
Well eff that. I wasn't going to so easily be re-booked.
Here is a "sampling" of what I told (not yelled at) the dumb bi-atch (please realize that I did use swear words instead of the abbreviations below - happily):
*We were here two hours before the flight.
*We have to miss a day of our vacation because of "eff"-ing incompetent American Airlines employees.
*You people should have done a better job calling for Miami passengers sooner.
*This is bull-s&%t.
*You people are "eff"-ing incompetent.
I may have made it a more personal attack and told her she was a "bi-atch." But my husband says I did not. Either way, this was the point when the ticketing agent was a wussy and backed down from me... And said, "You can have someone else help you."
Fair enough. I said "That's fine." (I think I may have called her "incompetent" at this point.) And stepped away from the counter.
The American Airlines ticketing manager came over to us and asked what was wrong. Before we had a chance to say anything, the dumb bi-atch said "Someone else can help them. I don't have to be sworn at. She can wait out at the curb for all I care."
Before I had a chance to snipe back at her, the ticketing manager pulled us to another counter (away from the wussy bi-atch) and kindly helped us.
So, we are stuck on the flight this afternoon, which totally sucks. (And is so not our fault.) We decided to come back home (since our flight isn't for another five and a half hours) to rest. No point hanging around the airport all day.
We will NEVER fly American Airlines ever again. And if I ever see that dumbass fake blonde bi-atch who is past her prime and in obvious need of a swift kick to the head, I will kick her ass.
Well, to be fair, I personally brought out the worst in them when it comes to "customer service."
My husband and I are leaving today for our vacation in the Turks and Caicos. We left our apartment early this morning for our 7am flight. When we got to the airport though, it seemed everyone flying internationally through a Miami connection was checking in with three or more bags per person.
This (naturally) backed up checking in quite a bit. And that's being generous. It actually backed up check-in by more than an hour. At about 6:20am, they started asking for travelers on the 7am Miami flight one at a time. By 6:35am, they stopped asking for them, even though the flight was still 25 minutes from take-off.
We knew, at that point that there was no way we were getting on the 7am to Miami or the 11:30am connecting to Providenciales in the T&C. So we waited patiently in line with everyone else. In fact, we didn't reach the counter for another 35 minutes; and that was only because they decided to see if there was anyone else who was supposed to be on the Miami flight that had already taken off.
You would think they would have done this a lot sooner. You would think that by 6:15am they would have asked if there was anyone else scheduled on the Miami flight; as they would have been able to tell by that point that quite a few people hadn't checked in for the flight.
But no. They didn't do that. And maybe that's because there were many incompetent passengers who not only had more than one bag to check per person, but also had over-stuffed the bags. There were a few people (while we were waiting in line) who we noticed pulling stuff out of one bag and stuffing it into another; in an effort to avoid the extra charges for going over 50 pounds per bag.
These people are the main reason many other passengers missed their flight. The other reason was the incompetent organization skills of American Airlines ticketing agents.
Anyhoo, once we got to the counter; we were "helped" by some idiot horribly bottled blonde bi-atch. She grabbed our passports and proceeded to tell us that we would be booked on the 1:50pm flight to Miami and would arrive in the T&C at 8pm tonight.
Well, I'm not one to keep my mouth shut so easily. Specifically when someone makes little effort to help a customer.
I had to ask the ticketing agent if there was a direct flight that would get us there sooner. (Nope, not on Tuesdays.) I had to ask her if there was a way to connect through a different city to get there sooner. (Nope. They only offer connections through Miami.) There were also no offers to book us in first class. No offers on ticket vouchers or priority seating on the flight.
I asked what the hold up in getting people checked in for the Miami flight was; and instead of apologizing for the in-covenience... The dumb bi-atch had the nerve to say "well, you're supposed to arrive two to three hours before an international flight."
Well eff that. I wasn't going to so easily be re-booked.
Here is a "sampling" of what I told (not yelled at) the dumb bi-atch (please realize that I did use swear words instead of the abbreviations below - happily):
*We were here two hours before the flight.
*We have to miss a day of our vacation because of "eff"-ing incompetent American Airlines employees.
*You people should have done a better job calling for Miami passengers sooner.
*This is bull-s&%t.
*You people are "eff"-ing incompetent.
I may have made it a more personal attack and told her she was a "bi-atch." But my husband says I did not. Either way, this was the point when the ticketing agent was a wussy and backed down from me... And said, "You can have someone else help you."
Fair enough. I said "That's fine." (I think I may have called her "incompetent" at this point.) And stepped away from the counter.
The American Airlines ticketing manager came over to us and asked what was wrong. Before we had a chance to say anything, the dumb bi-atch said "Someone else can help them. I don't have to be sworn at. She can wait out at the curb for all I care."
Before I had a chance to snipe back at her, the ticketing manager pulled us to another counter (away from the wussy bi-atch) and kindly helped us.
So, we are stuck on the flight this afternoon, which totally sucks. (And is so not our fault.) We decided to come back home (since our flight isn't for another five and a half hours) to rest. No point hanging around the airport all day.
We will NEVER fly American Airlines ever again. And if I ever see that dumbass fake blonde bi-atch who is past her prime and in obvious need of a swift kick to the head, I will kick her ass.
Monday, December 11, 2006
No, It's Not Cocaine... It's Epsom Salts.
My husband just got all up in a tizzy right now. To ease his muscles after a workout, he occasionally takes a salt bath with epsom salts.
I spent the afternoon finishing up the packing for the vacation, and I decided that maybe he would want me to include some epsom salts in case he wanted to take a salt bath. But, the salts come in a half-gallon carton similar to what you buy milk in at the grocery store. And I didn't want to pack the entire carton. So I decided to just pour some of it into a plastic freezer storage bag, and I packed it in one of the suitcases.
Well, as my husband was busy throwing some of his things in the suitcase this evening he freaked out when he saw the storage bag.
"What are you thinking?" he asked.
"Huh?" I questioned.
"You're going to get us stopped at customs for cocaine!" he exclaimed.
"It's not coke," I said. "It's your epsom salts."
"I know that," said he. "But security will think we are trying to be sneaky."
Then he spent the next few minutes trying to find something less conspicuous to the salts in to take with us.
Seriously though... Other than KT's Halloween party where the TEMP offered me pot (which I didn't take), I haven't been offered drugs in my life. And I had a roommate sophomore year in college who did coke. (Her dad was a republican state governor in the mid-west. But she never offered me anything.)
How would I know it looks like drugs?
I spent the afternoon finishing up the packing for the vacation, and I decided that maybe he would want me to include some epsom salts in case he wanted to take a salt bath. But, the salts come in a half-gallon carton similar to what you buy milk in at the grocery store. And I didn't want to pack the entire carton. So I decided to just pour some of it into a plastic freezer storage bag, and I packed it in one of the suitcases.
Well, as my husband was busy throwing some of his things in the suitcase this evening he freaked out when he saw the storage bag.
"What are you thinking?" he asked.
"Huh?" I questioned.
"You're going to get us stopped at customs for cocaine!" he exclaimed.
"It's not coke," I said. "It's your epsom salts."
"I know that," said he. "But security will think we are trying to be sneaky."
Then he spent the next few minutes trying to find something less conspicuous to the salts in to take with us.
Seriously though... Other than KT's Halloween party where the TEMP offered me pot (which I didn't take), I haven't been offered drugs in my life. And I had a roommate sophomore year in college who did coke. (Her dad was a republican state governor in the mid-west. But she never offered me anything.)
How would I know it looks like drugs?
Public Service Announcement: Reading My Blog.
For those of you are unable (for reasons known) to read my blog through Internet Explorer between the hours of 8:30am and 5:30pm (actually, let's be honest... it's more like 8:30am to 7:30pm); it may interest you to know that you are in luck. You can in fact read my blog during these hours via a feedreader!
Because there are many, many different feedreaders out there on the Internet (for free, mind you), it is impossible for all of them to be blocked from being used on your desktop computer during the hours of 8:30am and 7:30pm. All one has to do is download a free feedreader, then subscribe to the feeds associated with my blog.
It's quite simple, really. And you get to read myself and many other bloggers out there who may have been banned from your version of Internet Explorer.
Cheery bye!
-The Missus
Because there are many, many different feedreaders out there on the Internet (for free, mind you), it is impossible for all of them to be blocked from being used on your desktop computer during the hours of 8:30am and 7:30pm. All one has to do is download a free feedreader, then subscribe to the feeds associated with my blog.
It's quite simple, really. And you get to read myself and many other bloggers out there who may have been banned from your version of Internet Explorer.
Cheery bye!
-The Missus
Adventures in Jean Shopping. (Designer Jeans in a Size 34???)
I had a very educational afternoon last week when I was in Kenmore Square.... I went to Jean Therapy to just browse. While I was there, another woman was shopping for jeans. She was telling the shop owner about how some jeans don't fit her properly after she wears them a few times.
The shop owner, being the denim guru she is, asked her "How do you wash them?"
The woman said she washed them in the machine (good) and then threw them in the dryer (BAD!).
As soon as the woman said "Dryer," the shop owner and I screeched out, "NO!!!!!"
The shop owner laughed at me and said that I had obviously been taught correctly that you are supposed to "AIR DRY" your jeans.
NEVER, NEVER, NEVER put them in the dryer.
It messes with the shape of the jeans. Jeans are like elastic. They fall closely back to their initial size when you wash them, and then you wear them a few times and stretch them out. Eventually, the "elasticity" quality of the denim wears out; and you need to buy a new pair.
Well, after this episode, I was talking the shop owner about Paige Denim (my favorite brand of jeans.) And I had no idea that Paige Denim offers them up to a size 34! I thought the largest size was 32, which is what I buy. Designer jeans always feel like they run smaller, so it's in my nature to always want a bigger size. Well, once I knew Paige Denim offers sizes 33 and 34, I asked the shop owner if she had any in stock to try on. She looked me up and down and said I didn't need that size; that even the 32s maybe a bit bigger than what she would recommend for me.
"You want to buy jeans in a tight fit," she said. "They will stretch out to fit."
Well, I'm not ready to give up my 32s for a smaller size. But I am curious to see how a 34 would fit. Even if I don't need the larger size, it's nice to know there is an option for it.
The shop owner, being the denim guru she is, asked her "How do you wash them?"
The woman said she washed them in the machine (good) and then threw them in the dryer (BAD!).
As soon as the woman said "Dryer," the shop owner and I screeched out, "NO!!!!!"
The shop owner laughed at me and said that I had obviously been taught correctly that you are supposed to "AIR DRY" your jeans.
NEVER, NEVER, NEVER put them in the dryer.
It messes with the shape of the jeans. Jeans are like elastic. They fall closely back to their initial size when you wash them, and then you wear them a few times and stretch them out. Eventually, the "elasticity" quality of the denim wears out; and you need to buy a new pair.
Well, after this episode, I was talking the shop owner about Paige Denim (my favorite brand of jeans.) And I had no idea that Paige Denim offers them up to a size 34! I thought the largest size was 32, which is what I buy. Designer jeans always feel like they run smaller, so it's in my nature to always want a bigger size. Well, once I knew Paige Denim offers sizes 33 and 34, I asked the shop owner if she had any in stock to try on. She looked me up and down and said I didn't need that size; that even the 32s maybe a bit bigger than what she would recommend for me.
"You want to buy jeans in a tight fit," she said. "They will stretch out to fit."
Well, I'm not ready to give up my 32s for a smaller size. But I am curious to see how a 34 would fit. Even if I don't need the larger size, it's nice to know there is an option for it.
Hmm... Bacon...
Had a "Homer Simpson" moment this weekend.
After the 9am yoga class one morning this weekend, I stopped off at the South End Buttery for a "cap" and bagel. While ordering, I was pleased to see among the list of spreads for the bagels that there was one labeled "scallion and bacon cream cheese." And I'm not one who can refuse an opportunity to have bacon in some form for breakfast. (As long as it's not "Canadian" bacon... Yuck!)
It was the best bagel I've ever had.
After the 9am yoga class one morning this weekend, I stopped off at the South End Buttery for a "cap" and bagel. While ordering, I was pleased to see among the list of spreads for the bagels that there was one labeled "scallion and bacon cream cheese." And I'm not one who can refuse an opportunity to have bacon in some form for breakfast. (As long as it's not "Canadian" bacon... Yuck!)
It was the best bagel I've ever had.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Vacation Packing: Version 2.0.
The first time we went to the Turks and Caicos (last May) I packed a ton of crap that I didn't need. This time around, I am doing it better. I am packing what I know I will use while we are down there. So the packing list includes:
1. Two bathing suits.
2. Beach towel.
3. Free samples of shampoo and conditioner from Get Hairapy.
4. Flipflops.
5. Two tunic tops for beach.
6. Yoga capri pants (one pair).
7. Five tanktops.
8. Suncreen. (NOT the spray kind! Won't make that mistake again.)
9. Beach hat.
10. Books to read:
Son of a Witch
Jeans
The Life of Pi
Harry Potter Book 7 Theories from the Staff at Mugglenet
11. Lara Bars and Granola Bars for the beach.
12. Toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.
13. Sunglasses.
14. Laptop.
This is it. This is all I am taking. All we will be doing is laying on the beach or by the pool and reading. I may throw in some board games too.
I can't wait to get on vacation!
1. Two bathing suits.
2. Beach towel.
3. Free samples of shampoo and conditioner from Get Hairapy.
4. Flipflops.
5. Two tunic tops for beach.
6. Yoga capri pants (one pair).
7. Five tanktops.
8. Suncreen. (NOT the spray kind! Won't make that mistake again.)
9. Beach hat.
10. Books to read:
Son of a Witch
Jeans
The Life of Pi
Harry Potter Book 7 Theories from the Staff at Mugglenet
11. Lara Bars and Granola Bars for the beach.
12. Toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.
13. Sunglasses.
14. Laptop.
This is it. This is all I am taking. All we will be doing is laying on the beach or by the pool and reading. I may throw in some board games too.
I can't wait to get on vacation!
Score!
I've spent the afternoon doing laundry and packing for our vacation this week. While doing these chores, I discovered that "The Usual Suspects" has been added to the list of free movies available "On Demand" with Comcast Cable.
Sweet! I love this film, but don't own it. It's made the afternoon chores more enjoyable.
Sweet! I love this film, but don't own it. It's made the afternoon chores more enjoyable.
Friday, December 08, 2006
It's Off To Work (I Will) Go...
Since I have accepted, I can officially write about it here on the "Common Ground" that I have a new job. Yay!
Truth is, I wasn't looking for a new job. Not actively. Since leaving my last place of employment I have been taking it easy. And I have been enjoying it. But I repeatedly had "search" opportunities come my way through no energy exerted on my part. But none of the search opportunities felt "right." At least not for me and what I was looking for in a potential new job. I knew that if I did decide to go back to work someday, the company I worked for would have to meet the following requirements:
1. Be in the city of Boston. This doesn't mean "just outside Boston" or "apart of the Boston-area."
2. Be off the subway line or within walking distance of my apartment. Sorry, no busses or cars allowed for me.
3. Have a reputation for being a kick-ass place to work. The people had to be nice and the atmosphere of the place had to "reek" of no-B.S.
4. Ideally, the place had to be near my gym and my yoga studio.
5. No crazy long hours every week required. The occasional long work-week is fine. But anything that goes over 45 hours a week on a regular basis is unacceptable.
And I have found a place that meets these requirements! And you know what? I will NOT be working in search marketing. I will be copywriting. I get to write copy for a THE TOP DIGITAL AGENCY in this city; if not this industry.
So January 2nd, I report back to work. And I feel rested enough and ready to get back to the working world.
I hope the people I will be working with think I am cool.
Truth is, I wasn't looking for a new job. Not actively. Since leaving my last place of employment I have been taking it easy. And I have been enjoying it. But I repeatedly had "search" opportunities come my way through no energy exerted on my part. But none of the search opportunities felt "right." At least not for me and what I was looking for in a potential new job. I knew that if I did decide to go back to work someday, the company I worked for would have to meet the following requirements:
1. Be in the city of Boston. This doesn't mean "just outside Boston" or "apart of the Boston-area."
2. Be off the subway line or within walking distance of my apartment. Sorry, no busses or cars allowed for me.
3. Have a reputation for being a kick-ass place to work. The people had to be nice and the atmosphere of the place had to "reek" of no-B.S.
4. Ideally, the place had to be near my gym and my yoga studio.
5. No crazy long hours every week required. The occasional long work-week is fine. But anything that goes over 45 hours a week on a regular basis is unacceptable.
And I have found a place that meets these requirements! And you know what? I will NOT be working in search marketing. I will be copywriting. I get to write copy for a THE TOP DIGITAL AGENCY in this city; if not this industry.
So January 2nd, I report back to work. And I feel rested enough and ready to get back to the working world.
I hope the people I will be working with think I am cool.
Too Early For New Year's Resolutions?
I've been dilly-dallying online this morning. Mostly on iVillage. So far, I have taken an IQ test they have (I scored a 148 - that's the "gifted" level); read a message board entry about a guy who bought his fiance a small quality diamond and she promptly asked for a bigger stone; and read a number of the girlie blogs they have on the site.
One blog I came across talked about New Year's Resolutions. And I then realized that there are only three full weeks (and a few days) left in 2006. So I need to start thinking about whether or not I want to identify some resolutions for myself, and what they will be.
So far, potential resolutions include:
1. Actually using my gym membership; not just doing yoga. I pay a nice sum each month to Boston Sports Club. But I haven't used it regularly. But I don't want to give it up. Dilemma.
2. Drink less coffee. I drink way too much. I don't want to cut the coffee out of my life; just cut back.
3. Drink more water. Must replace coffee intake with water intake.
4. Stop subjecting my husband to Netflix rentals of the different seasons of "Felicity." I didn't watch this show when it was on TV years ago. I have since decided that I need to watch the entire season courtesy of Netflix. But this means my husband (who has no interest in this show) doesn't get to watch any movies with me. With every new DVD I get form Netflix he says, "I can tell you how the story goes. She has drama. She hooks up with one of those two dudes. She has lots of introspective moments in between." (But he doesn't understand that there is so much more to the story than that. And I must see it. And live it with the character.)
This is all I have come up with so far. Don't know how serious I am about any of them though. And shouldn't you be serious about your resolutions?
One blog I came across talked about New Year's Resolutions. And I then realized that there are only three full weeks (and a few days) left in 2006. So I need to start thinking about whether or not I want to identify some resolutions for myself, and what they will be.
So far, potential resolutions include:
1. Actually using my gym membership; not just doing yoga. I pay a nice sum each month to Boston Sports Club. But I haven't used it regularly. But I don't want to give it up. Dilemma.
2. Drink less coffee. I drink way too much. I don't want to cut the coffee out of my life; just cut back.
3. Drink more water. Must replace coffee intake with water intake.
4. Stop subjecting my husband to Netflix rentals of the different seasons of "Felicity." I didn't watch this show when it was on TV years ago. I have since decided that I need to watch the entire season courtesy of Netflix. But this means my husband (who has no interest in this show) doesn't get to watch any movies with me. With every new DVD I get form Netflix he says, "I can tell you how the story goes. She has drama. She hooks up with one of those two dudes. She has lots of introspective moments in between." (But he doesn't understand that there is so much more to the story than that. And I must see it. And live it with the character.)
This is all I have come up with so far. Don't know how serious I am about any of them though. And shouldn't you be serious about your resolutions?
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Danger! Danger!
The Internet is a dangerous thing. I just found these shoes on the Neiman Marcus website that I would love to buy! (But won't.)
Aren't they fantastic???? I love them!
Aren't they fantastic???? I love them!
Change Is In The Air.
No details for now people... But, surprisingly, change is in the air for The Missus. A change she wasn't expecting to make. A change that just kind of came her way.
I promise to write more after I get back from vacation next week; as things would be more definite then.
But it looks like 2007 will start off with a fresh change. And I am looking forward to the possibilities.
I promise to write more after I get back from vacation next week; as things would be more definite then.
But it looks like 2007 will start off with a fresh change. And I am looking forward to the possibilities.
Service Review: Giacomo and Rondi Spa
Ah! Clean ears! It's nice to have them! And I have them thanks to a kick-ass spa/salon in Kenmore Square that I had never tried before... Giacomo and Rondi.
Venturing off Newbury Street and even out of the South End really paid off. Normally, I get my ears candled at this place on Tremont Street here in the South End. And they are fantastic, but I am happy I strolled over to Kenmore to get it done this afternoon instead.
The service at Giacomo and Rondi was kind and efficient. I arrived promptly for my appointment and was, in turn, seen promptly for my treatment. The lady who treated me (stuck the candles in each of my ears and lit them) clearly knew what she was doing. I felt very comfortable letting her do the treatment; and I am very careful about who I let touch my ears. (I have this thing about people touching me ears.)
Not only was the service outstanding, but the cost of treatment was ideal... Only $45. There are place on Newbury Street that charge $40 more for the service; and they have bad reviews from customers. Giacomo and Rondi had only good reviews from what I saw online.
So it's the (almost) start to the Winter season people... Time for your seasonally (ear) cleaning. Book "Rhonda" at Giacomo and Rondi to get yours done.
Venturing off Newbury Street and even out of the South End really paid off. Normally, I get my ears candled at this place on Tremont Street here in the South End. And they are fantastic, but I am happy I strolled over to Kenmore to get it done this afternoon instead.
The service at Giacomo and Rondi was kind and efficient. I arrived promptly for my appointment and was, in turn, seen promptly for my treatment. The lady who treated me (stuck the candles in each of my ears and lit them) clearly knew what she was doing. I felt very comfortable letting her do the treatment; and I am very careful about who I let touch my ears. (I have this thing about people touching me ears.)
Not only was the service outstanding, but the cost of treatment was ideal... Only $45. There are place on Newbury Street that charge $40 more for the service; and they have bad reviews from customers. Giacomo and Rondi had only good reviews from what I saw online.
So it's the (almost) start to the Winter season people... Time for your seasonally (ear) cleaning. Book "Rhonda" at Giacomo and Rondi to get yours done.
Holiday Party Season - Too Many Invites.
Here's a tip for you all out there... "Don't plan a vacation during the holiday party season."
Months back, my husband and I planned a vacation for the second full week in December. However, I neglected to realize that this is when everyone has their holiday parties. But because we will be out of town, I can't make most of them.
I promise, I won't do this next year people. So please invite me again next year. I will come.
Months back, my husband and I planned a vacation for the second full week in December. However, I neglected to realize that this is when everyone has their holiday parties. But because we will be out of town, I can't make most of them.
I promise, I won't do this next year people. So please invite me again next year. I will come.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
London Calling... Says "Crack Is Okay Here."
Apparently it is perfectly fine to possess heroin, crack and or cannabis in London. All you will get is a relatively small fine and have your license suspended. And to be honest, not being able to drive in London ain't exactly a rough thing. The Underground there goes enough places to still get around. And it's seriously not going to be a rough thing for U.K. rocker Pete Doherty. He was sentenced earlier this week (after his 12th arrest in two years) for possession of hard and dangerous drugs. All he got this time was a fine of less than $500 and his license suspended for four months.
Seriously though; what does one have to do in London to get arrested? Could I maybe run over to Bond Street and take what I want from the shops without paying? If so, I know where I'm booking my next vacation. Or if I ever want to try drugs, I now know Amsterdam isn't my only European option.
Seriously though; what does one have to do in London to get arrested? Could I maybe run over to Bond Street and take what I want from the shops without paying? If so, I know where I'm booking my next vacation. Or if I ever want to try drugs, I now know Amsterdam isn't my only European option.
I Need Balance.
It's been a few years since I last had my ears candled. If you're not familiar with ear candling, the basic gist is:
You lay on your side. A long, hollow bee-wax candle is placed in your ear and lit at the top. As the candle burns down, any "debris" that you have in your ear is vacuumed up onto the insides of the hallow candle. The process takes about 20 minutes per ear... And afterwards you feel really relaxed. The whole point of the treatment is to relax you, clean out your ears, heighten your senses and restore your balance; which can be affected by your hearing.
I haven't had it done in a few years because I just forgot about having it done. But with my vacation to the British West Indies next week, I want to be as relaxed before I get on the plane as possible.
This is a good treatment to have at the start of flu season, or if you feel a cold coming on, as it helps with sinuses and headaches.
I'm having my treatment at the Giacomo and Rondi Salon and Spa in Kenmore Square. There are a few places in Boston that also offer the service, but this is a new spa for me to visit. I wanted to try a new place.
Expect my review tomorrow evening of the place when I get back!
You lay on your side. A long, hollow bee-wax candle is placed in your ear and lit at the top. As the candle burns down, any "debris" that you have in your ear is vacuumed up onto the insides of the hallow candle. The process takes about 20 minutes per ear... And afterwards you feel really relaxed. The whole point of the treatment is to relax you, clean out your ears, heighten your senses and restore your balance; which can be affected by your hearing.
I haven't had it done in a few years because I just forgot about having it done. But with my vacation to the British West Indies next week, I want to be as relaxed before I get on the plane as possible.
This is a good treatment to have at the start of flu season, or if you feel a cold coming on, as it helps with sinuses and headaches.
I'm having my treatment at the Giacomo and Rondi Salon and Spa in Kenmore Square. There are a few places in Boston that also offer the service, but this is a new spa for me to visit. I wanted to try a new place.
Expect my review tomorrow evening of the place when I get back!
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
The Hallmark of a Great Show: The Theme Song.
I have developed a some-what accurate theory behind foreseeing whether or not a television show will actually last throughout a viewing season... How good the theme song is.
Think about it; throughout TV history, many of the most successful TV shows have had very appealing theme songs. Including:
The A-Team
Happy Days
Knight Rider
Miami Vice
Magnum P.I.
Cheers
Friends
The Simpsons
MASH (Even though I've never watched a full episode of it.)
Gilmore Girls (Confession: I can't not watch this show without singing the theme song OUT LOUD. My husband, for some reason, hates this show.)
My theory is that if a theme song/theme tune is catchy the first time I ever hear it; the show will last at least one full season before getting cancelled. It's the first introduction to a show that a viewer has; and it is CRITICAL. In fact, I think more thought needs to go into those opening musical bars than to (perhaps) the content of the first episode.
Why am I devoting precious blog space to this topic? Well, because I am still torn over whether or not I really like the new TBS show "My Boys."
The writing of the show is pretty decent; despite all the references to baseball. (Which I find to be an extremely boring sport.) But the theme tune of the show sucks. There's nothing catchy or memorable about it.
The writing in the show is quite funny though. Maybe I can overlook the fact that there is nothing for me to sing out loud to or hum to?
Think about it; throughout TV history, many of the most successful TV shows have had very appealing theme songs. Including:
The A-Team
Happy Days
Knight Rider
Miami Vice
Magnum P.I.
Cheers
Friends
The Simpsons
MASH (Even though I've never watched a full episode of it.)
Gilmore Girls (Confession: I can't not watch this show without singing the theme song OUT LOUD. My husband, for some reason, hates this show.)
My theory is that if a theme song/theme tune is catchy the first time I ever hear it; the show will last at least one full season before getting cancelled. It's the first introduction to a show that a viewer has; and it is CRITICAL. In fact, I think more thought needs to go into those opening musical bars than to (perhaps) the content of the first episode.
Why am I devoting precious blog space to this topic? Well, because I am still torn over whether or not I really like the new TBS show "My Boys."
The writing of the show is pretty decent; despite all the references to baseball. (Which I find to be an extremely boring sport.) But the theme tune of the show sucks. There's nothing catchy or memorable about it.
The writing in the show is quite funny though. Maybe I can overlook the fact that there is nothing for me to sing out loud to or hum to?
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Ninja Quiz Result.
I took the Ninja Quiz. Here are my results:
"You are The Crow. Brought back from the dead to avenge the death of your beloved wife/husband/kitten, you have most of the skills of a ninja, but lack a few essential ingredients. Let's start with a real mask and work from there."
"You are The Crow. Brought back from the dead to avenge the death of your beloved wife/husband/kitten, you have most of the skills of a ninja, but lack a few essential ingredients. Let's start with a real mask and work from there."
December 5th: Annual Day of the Ninja.
It's just around the corner people... Three days away... Tuesday is "Annual Day of the Ninja."
What is "Annual Day of the Ninja?" Why not Ask a Ninja? (Click the video below.)
And before you celebrate the day, you should really take the Ninja Quiz.
What is "Annual Day of the Ninja?" Why not Ask a Ninja? (Click the video below.)
And before you celebrate the day, you should really take the Ninja Quiz.
Hit Bag? I Completely Disagree.
In this weekend's NY Times Style Section, they have a piece on what has been determined to be a current "hit" designer bag: The Fendi "B" Bag.
And I guess, in a sense, they are correct. It is a popular bag. But one could easily mistake popularity with style. And this bag (in my opinion) is not a pretty bag. I have written about this atrocious bag in the past, as some of you may have read. But for those of you who did not get a chance to read that posting, I think this bag is one of the ugliest luxury bags out there.
Why?
Ugh... Where to begin?
*The buckles on the bag look like two defunct horse shoes.
*The contrasting colors/prints most of the bags are available in just don't work.
*The handle on the bag does not work either. But, you should know, I am mostly opposed to any medium to large-sized bag that has a chain handle.
Now, Fendi makes some great bags. Bags that deserve great recognition and editorial space in the top glossies. But this particular bag is not one of them.
And I guess, in a sense, they are correct. It is a popular bag. But one could easily mistake popularity with style. And this bag (in my opinion) is not a pretty bag. I have written about this atrocious bag in the past, as some of you may have read. But for those of you who did not get a chance to read that posting, I think this bag is one of the ugliest luxury bags out there.
Why?
Ugh... Where to begin?
*The buckles on the bag look like two defunct horse shoes.
*The contrasting colors/prints most of the bags are available in just don't work.
*The handle on the bag does not work either. But, you should know, I am mostly opposed to any medium to large-sized bag that has a chain handle.
Now, Fendi makes some great bags. Bags that deserve great recognition and editorial space in the top glossies. But this particular bag is not one of them.
Friday, December 01, 2006
My New Role Model.
I love the Interweb.
My friend "Just In Time" posted a YouTube video on his blog of some 1990s public television hack from Tampa, Florida named "Sondra Prill." Sondra Prill must have been on some hard drugs when shooting most of the videos. Below are my two faves I found in her YouTube collection. They are truly inspirational.
Who knew toothpaste could make your breasts grow???
Who doesn't want to "Pump Up the Jam" with hairstyles like this???
My friend "Just In Time" posted a YouTube video on his blog of some 1990s public television hack from Tampa, Florida named "Sondra Prill." Sondra Prill must have been on some hard drugs when shooting most of the videos. Below are my two faves I found in her YouTube collection. They are truly inspirational.
Who knew toothpaste could make your breasts grow???
Who doesn't want to "Pump Up the Jam" with hairstyles like this???
I Have Readers???!!!???
Who knew?
I certainly didn't.
I was looking at the analytics for traffic coming and going to my blog this week. (I get around to checking it only every few weeks.) And there was quite a surge in traffic from Tuesday into Wednesday and then Thursday. And then it dropped off a little today (Friday.)
Maybe word got out about my Christmas tree being put up; and people were dying to see it?!?!?
I mean, it couldn't be anything else. ;)
Hey, I always said I was cheeky...
I certainly didn't.
I was looking at the analytics for traffic coming and going to my blog this week. (I get around to checking it only every few weeks.) And there was quite a surge in traffic from Tuesday into Wednesday and then Thursday. And then it dropped off a little today (Friday.)
Maybe word got out about my Christmas tree being put up; and people were dying to see it?!?!?
I mean, it couldn't be anything else. ;)
Hey, I always said I was cheeky...
Product Review, Take Two: Storyville Coffee
I re-tested the Storyville Coffee beans using the coffee press I got this morning. My take on it: It's much better using the press!
The second time around, the coffee tasted much stronger. Much stronger.
The recipe I was told to use for the coffee was 1/4 cup of coarsely ground beans for a four-cup measurement (according to the side of a coffee pot). Using the press released the flavor more efficiently than the drip machine.
I give Storyville Coffee four Skull and Crossbones out of five.
The second time around, the coffee tasted much stronger. Much stronger.
The recipe I was told to use for the coffee was 1/4 cup of coarsely ground beans for a four-cup measurement (according to the side of a coffee pot). Using the press released the flavor more efficiently than the drip machine.
I give Storyville Coffee four Skull and Crossbones out of five.
Coffee Time Again.
I just received a free coffee press. Apparently, many people (who are also BzzAgents) disagreed with me on the Storyville Coffee review I gave. A few said I needed to re-test the coffee using a coffee press. So I am going to do just that in a few minutes.
It's an awfully pretty coffee press too. Here I go!
It's an awfully pretty coffee press too. Here I go!
Fine Fashionista Art.
Finally!!! I managed to find time to check out what has been one of the most anticipated exhibits here in town this season...
Fashion Show: Paris Collections 2006 at the Museum of Fine Arts.
In this exhibit, 10 designers (everything from the passionate John Galliano for Christian Dior to the classic Karl Lagerfeld's Chanel to the ultra feminine line of Viktor & Rolf) chose 8-10 of their Fall 2006 runway looks to display. These designs were on the runways in Paris in early 2006. The fashion pieces are displayed on mannequins while videos of the collections run on the wall next to them. It took me a full hour to take the 10 collections in... And the exhibit isn't that big.
This is a must-see exhibit for all those who see "shopping" as an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. Although, I think even the biggest "fashion" novice and skeptic will find the exhibit to be eye-opening.
Fashion Show: Paris Collections 2006 at the Museum of Fine Arts.
In this exhibit, 10 designers (everything from the passionate John Galliano for Christian Dior to the classic Karl Lagerfeld's Chanel to the ultra feminine line of Viktor & Rolf) chose 8-10 of their Fall 2006 runway looks to display. These designs were on the runways in Paris in early 2006. The fashion pieces are displayed on mannequins while videos of the collections run on the wall next to them. It took me a full hour to take the 10 collections in... And the exhibit isn't that big.
This is a must-see exhibit for all those who see "shopping" as an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. Although, I think even the biggest "fashion" novice and skeptic will find the exhibit to be eye-opening.
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