It's reminiscent of my high school prom dress (except mine was in red, and also circa 1998), but you can tell it's totally my style. Too bad I would never have an event to go to in which this dress would be appropriate! *tears*
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Carrie Underwood at CMA
It's reminiscent of my high school prom dress (except mine was in red, and also circa 1998), but you can tell it's totally my style. Too bad I would never have an event to go to in which this dress would be appropriate! *tears*
I'm feeling good from my head to my shoes...
I work out in the mornings before work because if I don’t work out in the morning, it just ain’t going to happen. There’s a Y in my building, which is VERY convenient. The only downside is the disapproving glare of the Eye of Sauron that glares at me on the days I don’t work out. (Yes, I compared the button for the third floor YMCA to the eye in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, but sometimes I feel the gym is just as evil, if not more so).
Today, after I finished putting on my makeup, I went to put on a new blouse I bought for work. When I looked at the finished product, I thought I looked pretty darn good. Yes! Today was a good day. I was feeling skinny, my face was having a good day, my hair looked great, and my new outfit was cute! As I headed out of the locker room, I had a slight bounce to my step (or was that due to my boot?), today was going to be a good day! However, the feeling didn’t last long. As I stepped off on the 10th floor into my office, I realized, “there’s no body here to impress. No one is going to care that I look good today besides D.” Basically, all the time I spend flat ironing my hair, buying cute clothes, and worrying about make up is lost in my office. And my bounce immediately stopped and became a limp (due to my boot, of course).
There are three reasons why anyone would want to look good at work.
1. You have a crush on someone in the office and want to look good for them. This was the case not so long ago, but with OC gone, the eligible bachelors at my office are far and few between. They’re either way too young, are married, are total geeks, or a combination of the above. Pathetic isn’t it? That’s the number one thing I hear from well meaning aunts and friends “Isn’t there anyone at your office.” I usually spit up whatever I’m drinking at the time, or if I’m not drinking, manage to make a very unladylike snort, which probably leaves them thinking that’s the reason I’m still single.
2. You want to look good when you go out for lunch in case you run into another professional cutie. But ever since D and I got on our super healthy kick, we go out to lunch very rarely. We usually bring our lunch and eat our measly salad in our breakroom. When we want a change of scenery, we’ll eat in the Atrium, but usually the meat market there is comprised of middle aged men, usually balding. Also, even if we did see a cute guy and he thought you were too, what’s he going to do about it? Tell his boss and coworkers, “excuse me. I’m going to go over to that girl I don’t know, who is surrounding by her boss and her coworkers, and introduce myself to her and see if she wants to go out on a date with me.” I don’t know why I thought working downtown would be an easy place to find a date.
3. (And probably the most important reason to look good at work). It helps further your career when you’re sharply dressed. You’ve heard the old adage, “dress for the job you want, not the one you have”. While it’s tough to hear that your qualifications aren’t all employers look at, it’s the truth. Your personality, ability to work with others, and overall appearance all play a role.
So, the question is, how much, and to what level, does appearance count? Let’s assume 5 is enough to ensure you’re safe. Your clothes allow your work to be the focus. You look good, put together, and are professional and client ready. Now, the question is, how much more do you get for each step above a 5? For example, is looking a 7 going to give you this same as a 5? As a 10? Or once you’re a 5, is that it? Once you’re to a point where your appearance allows your work speaks for itself, is there no incentive to look any better? If that’s the case, what’s the bare minimum I need? What is the point where anything above does not pay dividends? What constitutes a 5? Could I get away with just a smear of mascara? Is someone wearing a tapered leg suit getting the same respect as me with my suit with the most current leg cut just because we both look “put together”? I guess no matter how smart and a good worker someone is, if they look like a homeless bum, people aren’t going to take them serious. Once you’re to a point to be taken serious, is that it? No more is needed? So, therefore, what’s the point of looking good, when looking average will suffice? Think of all the money I could save if I never had to buy new work clothes!
4. Yes, I know I said there was only 4, but as I was writing this, it dawned on me, that I don’t really get dressed up for people at my work. I do it for myself. I feel good about myself when I know I look good. Therefore, I have a more positive attitude and am more confident which translates into a positive vibe in both into my professional and personal life. And that’s enough for me! So, I guess despite all the reasons to not care, I’ll continue with my current habits. And who knows, you never know when that cute brown haired boy in the building next door will notice me!
Today, after I finished putting on my makeup, I went to put on a new blouse I bought for work. When I looked at the finished product, I thought I looked pretty darn good. Yes! Today was a good day. I was feeling skinny, my face was having a good day, my hair looked great, and my new outfit was cute! As I headed out of the locker room, I had a slight bounce to my step (or was that due to my boot?), today was going to be a good day! However, the feeling didn’t last long. As I stepped off on the 10th floor into my office, I realized, “there’s no body here to impress. No one is going to care that I look good today besides D.” Basically, all the time I spend flat ironing my hair, buying cute clothes, and worrying about make up is lost in my office. And my bounce immediately stopped and became a limp (due to my boot, of course).
There are three reasons why anyone would want to look good at work.
1. You have a crush on someone in the office and want to look good for them. This was the case not so long ago, but with OC gone, the eligible bachelors at my office are far and few between. They’re either way too young, are married, are total geeks, or a combination of the above. Pathetic isn’t it? That’s the number one thing I hear from well meaning aunts and friends “Isn’t there anyone at your office.” I usually spit up whatever I’m drinking at the time, or if I’m not drinking, manage to make a very unladylike snort, which probably leaves them thinking that’s the reason I’m still single.
2. You want to look good when you go out for lunch in case you run into another professional cutie. But ever since D and I got on our super healthy kick, we go out to lunch very rarely. We usually bring our lunch and eat our measly salad in our breakroom. When we want a change of scenery, we’ll eat in the Atrium, but usually the meat market there is comprised of middle aged men, usually balding. Also, even if we did see a cute guy and he thought you were too, what’s he going to do about it? Tell his boss and coworkers, “excuse me. I’m going to go over to that girl I don’t know, who is surrounding by her boss and her coworkers, and introduce myself to her and see if she wants to go out on a date with me.” I don’t know why I thought working downtown would be an easy place to find a date.
3. (And probably the most important reason to look good at work). It helps further your career when you’re sharply dressed. You’ve heard the old adage, “dress for the job you want, not the one you have”. While it’s tough to hear that your qualifications aren’t all employers look at, it’s the truth. Your personality, ability to work with others, and overall appearance all play a role.
So, the question is, how much, and to what level, does appearance count? Let’s assume 5 is enough to ensure you’re safe. Your clothes allow your work to be the focus. You look good, put together, and are professional and client ready. Now, the question is, how much more do you get for each step above a 5? For example, is looking a 7 going to give you this same as a 5? As a 10? Or once you’re a 5, is that it? Once you’re to a point where your appearance allows your work speaks for itself, is there no incentive to look any better? If that’s the case, what’s the bare minimum I need? What is the point where anything above does not pay dividends? What constitutes a 5? Could I get away with just a smear of mascara? Is someone wearing a tapered leg suit getting the same respect as me with my suit with the most current leg cut just because we both look “put together”? I guess no matter how smart and a good worker someone is, if they look like a homeless bum, people aren’t going to take them serious. Once you’re to a point to be taken serious, is that it? No more is needed? So, therefore, what’s the point of looking good, when looking average will suffice? Think of all the money I could save if I never had to buy new work clothes!
4. Yes, I know I said there was only 4, but as I was writing this, it dawned on me, that I don’t really get dressed up for people at my work. I do it for myself. I feel good about myself when I know I look good. Therefore, I have a more positive attitude and am more confident which translates into a positive vibe in both into my professional and personal life. And that’s enough for me! So, I guess despite all the reasons to not care, I’ll continue with my current habits. And who knows, you never know when that cute brown haired boy in the building next door will notice me!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Seattle: More than just Rain and Granolas
As you probably inferred from a few posts back, I was in Seattle recently, and I have to say, despite the whirlwind trip, Seattle is a great place. Apparently all the rumors about the rain and it being cold are just that, rumors. The weather was gorgeous while I was there. Apparently there is a rainy season that can be a little miserable, but other than that, not too shabby. On the other Seattle stereotype, all preconceived notions you may have of tree huggers wearing Baja Hoodies and Teva sandals are spot on. Seattle was definitely a green and healthy city full of yoga going young professionals. Most of the women didn't wear makeup and I was the only fool to be seen in a suit and leather (horrors, I know!) pumps.
While there, I got to enjoy the world famous Pike's Place Market. I really wish I could have been there on a Saturday to see more of the "show" it's famous for, but I did see a few fish being tossed through the air by the suspiciously attractive fish farmers. There was some sort of chant or song they all sang, but I wasn't able to understand them. I also, of course, had to get a cup of java (ok okay, hot chocolate, everyone knows I don't care for coffee) at the original Starbucks. I bought this tall White Hot Chocolate knowing full well I was buying into a total tourist trap that Starbucks, founded in the original city known to love the locals and hate the big bad wolves that come in and close down the mom and pop stores, milks for all it's worth. I wasn't able to go up in the Space Needle, but I did get to walk around the base. I'm sure it would have been a lot cooler up in the Needle, down below, it was neat and all, but maybe not worth the walk on my injured foot.
One thing I noticed is how residential friendly the city was. All the condos/apartments were gorgeous! Richmond's trying, with the lofts on the Canal, but we still have a ways to go. These apartment complexes were so gorgeous, you could easily forget about the gorgeous mountain and water view. Ok, I won't get carried away, but I think you can get the general idea. Here's a picture I took of Mt. Rainer.
Since it's getting late and I took the red eye home this morning and basically just now washed my face for the first time in over 36 hours, I think it's time for me to head off to bed.
Hope you all have a great Friday tomorrow!
xo, S
While there, I got to enjoy the world famous Pike's Place Market. I really wish I could have been there on a Saturday to see more of the "show" it's famous for, but I did see a few fish being tossed through the air by the suspiciously attractive fish farmers. There was some sort of chant or song they all sang, but I wasn't able to understand them. I also, of course, had to get a cup of java (ok okay, hot chocolate, everyone knows I don't care for coffee) at the original Starbucks. I bought this tall White Hot Chocolate knowing full well I was buying into a total tourist trap that Starbucks, founded in the original city known to love the locals and hate the big bad wolves that come in and close down the mom and pop stores, milks for all it's worth. I wasn't able to go up in the Space Needle, but I did get to walk around the base. I'm sure it would have been a lot cooler up in the Needle, down below, it was neat and all, but maybe not worth the walk on my injured foot.
Since it's getting late and I took the red eye home this morning and basically just now washed my face for the first time in over 36 hours, I think it's time for me to head off to bed.
Hope you all have a great Friday tomorrow!
xo, S
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
McDonnell Leads Sweep of Statewide Races
That was the title of today's Times Dispatch front page, and it made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside! Really restored my faith in Virginians after the whole 2008 Presidential debacle.
Last fall, for the first time in 44 years, Virginia voted for a Democratic President. Virginians, like the rest of the country, were excited for change. "Yes we Can!" While I did not vote for Obama, I have to admit, it was an exciting time to be alive. Record number of voters, people excited, the whirlwind of emotions and sense of excitement was intoxicating. Little did we know how hard the crash would be. I don't need to get into the details, we all know Obama's ratings have dropped tremendously over the past few months. Rather than the Agent of Change, he's the Agent of Do Nothing. People, Democrats and Republicans alike are upset. Where was this promised change? Where was the man they all voted for? The real issue was who was the man they voted for to begin with? Someone with a proven record of change? I think not. Obama made a political career of doing nothing. Are we really that surprised? His whole career was spent trying to get to the next level, forgoing all duties at his current level. Now that he's at the top, he has nowhere to go and is actually (gasp) expected to do something. Expected to do something great! Of which he's miserably failed. Prior to the election, many Republicans would warn "not all change is good change." Now, we can say we were right, and Obama agrees, hence proving why he's lacked in making any change at all.
This is why I'm proud that McDonnell won by a landslide. Virginians are making a stand. I don't care that the White House says these election results aren't about Obama. How come the Democratic Senate landslide in 2008 was because of Obama, but now you feel as though you can claim the opposite true? How convenient. If they were so sure it wasn't any fault of Obama, then why did he "throw Creigh Deeds under a bus?" He wanted to make sure he was as far removed from the race as he could be, while still appearing to support Deeds. He wanted everyone to know that if Deeds loses, it's not because of any connection with Obama, it's because he's not as slick as McDonnell.
Ok, this blog is getting off target. I wanted to say it's a good day to be a Virginian! Take back the Governor’s mansion, and let's get this state headed back in the right direction!
Last fall, for the first time in 44 years, Virginia voted for a Democratic President. Virginians, like the rest of the country, were excited for change. "Yes we Can!" While I did not vote for Obama, I have to admit, it was an exciting time to be alive. Record number of voters, people excited, the whirlwind of emotions and sense of excitement was intoxicating. Little did we know how hard the crash would be. I don't need to get into the details, we all know Obama's ratings have dropped tremendously over the past few months. Rather than the Agent of Change, he's the Agent of Do Nothing. People, Democrats and Republicans alike are upset. Where was this promised change? Where was the man they all voted for? The real issue was who was the man they voted for to begin with? Someone with a proven record of change? I think not. Obama made a political career of doing nothing. Are we really that surprised? His whole career was spent trying to get to the next level, forgoing all duties at his current level. Now that he's at the top, he has nowhere to go and is actually (gasp) expected to do something. Expected to do something great! Of which he's miserably failed. Prior to the election, many Republicans would warn "not all change is good change." Now, we can say we were right, and Obama agrees, hence proving why he's lacked in making any change at all.
This is why I'm proud that McDonnell won by a landslide. Virginians are making a stand. I don't care that the White House says these election results aren't about Obama. How come the Democratic Senate landslide in 2008 was because of Obama, but now you feel as though you can claim the opposite true? How convenient. If they were so sure it wasn't any fault of Obama, then why did he "throw Creigh Deeds under a bus?" He wanted to make sure he was as far removed from the race as he could be, while still appearing to support Deeds. He wanted everyone to know that if Deeds loses, it's not because of any connection with Obama, it's because he's not as slick as McDonnell.
Ok, this blog is getting off target. I wanted to say it's a good day to be a Virginian! Take back the Governor’s mansion, and let's get this state headed back in the right direction!
Plane Etiquette for Travelers and Airline Management Alike
I’ve had the recent pleasure lately of doing some traveling for work. The prospect of traveling was well received by me for many reasons. First (and I guess on paper, the most important), I was excited about what this meant for my career. While I am always welcome at client meetings that are in driving distance and require little time from me, it is not very often I get to travel to a client site. With the CEO breathing (or should I say screaming) “MORE BILLABLE HOURS” down my everyone’s throat, time spent traveling is time not spent billing. Also, with the obvious cost sensitivity clients feel these days, it wasn’t necessarily justified. However, as I am invited to more client meetings that require travel, it is apparent that I am in fact an important part of the team, and am a valuable resource at these meetings. Gosh, it sounds so much like work gobbledygook doesn’t it? (Can you believe gobbledygook was in the spelling dictionary?!) The other reason being the more obvious; traveling is fun! I really enjoy seeing new cities and exploring while I’m there, even if it is for a few brief hours.
In the past two months, I’ve been to California twice, Cincinnati, Baltimore, and I am currently somewhere over the Midwest flying to Seattle. So, needless to say, in the past two months, I’ve been on a plane quite a bit, and a few things really irk me nerves. Here are my top three annoyances of flying in order of least annoying to most.
Why do people think it’s okay to fart on a plane? Disgusting! Just because we’re 30,000 miles up doesn’t mean your stinky funk disappears into the atmosphere. No! We smell it and we are disgusted!
The most important rule of travel: Don't talk to me. No one wants to talk to a stranger on a plane. We want to watch the movie, catch up on a good book, take a nap, or even just sit quietly and stare ahead. We do not want to talk to you! Sitting next to someone on a plane does not give you the right to talk to them. Simple as that.
Specifically, there are three types of people that will talk to you on a plane.
The first is the creepy old guy that wants to flirt. Gross. I don’t want to talk to you ever. Much less for three hours because I’m the unlucky girl that was assigned to sit next to you. I can only be rude and curt with you for so long before I want to snap.
Then we have the young (may or may not be creepy) guys who want to flirt. In addition, these guys also may or may not be cute, and if you’re one of the cute/non-creepy ones, take warning. We do not want to go on a five hour first date with you when the likelihood is very high that we will never see you again. Too much effort. If the return on my investment ain’t worth it, I ain’t putting it in. So basically, don’t talk to me either. If you happen to be cute, you have a little bit more room. Do not just jump into the conversation while we’re still sitting on the runway. A little small talk (emphasis on the small) now and then is fine, then with a few minutes left in the flight (perhaps 15 or so), you can start the conversation. Get it going, find out just enough to know if either of you want to see the other person again without actually going on the first date. I’m not talking to you for five hours without you buying me some dinner and drinks. This approach gives you both just enough to know that you want a little more.
The last category of people that talk to you is anyone else that talks because they talk too much. Listen! You are annoying! If you find the need to talk to a stranger and tell them your personal stories, you talk too much, and I bet people find you annoying in real life as well! I’m just saying! Strangers on the plane don’t care about your children, your house, your job, etc. I don’t know you and will never see you again. Don’t talk to me.
The planes with their luggage rules have to be my number one annoyance. As a result of most of the major airlines charging for checked bags, no one is checking bags anymore. I’d love to talk to the moron whose grand idea this was! Delta/American Airlines/United/US Airs/etc. Are you reading this? You charge for bags because you need to make more money, and guess what!? People stop checking bags. Duh! Instead you screw over everyone. People who legitimately only need carry-ons are screwed because everyone and their mother is bringing the hugest carry on bag I’ve ever seen. Then, since you aren’t making the revenue you thought this brilliant idea would bring, you start charging for everything else, jacking up the prices on airfare, etc. I’m ready for the day when it costs $5 to use the bathroom. And don’t get me started on the 50 lb limit for bags. Whooo boy!
Here’s the proof that this grand theory isn’t working. I’m on a plane to Seattle right now, from DC. That’s a 6 hour flight. I’d be willing to bet that the majority of people who take a cross country flight need a checked bag. Well, while I was boarding, the woman taking tickets took the carry on of every person whose final destination was Seattle and checked it. Well, let me correct that. It was more like every person after about half the people had boarded and apparently hogged up the overhead space. “Overhead space is limited” she said. Okay. So, my bag was one of the ones to go under. Do I pick it up at the gate when I get to Seattle? Heck no! I have to pick it up at the baggage claim. I’m only in Seattle for one night! I am getting there at 3 am my time, I do not want to go wait at the baggage claim for my carry on that has one suit, some work out clothes and make up. So, all this proves to me is that the majority of the majority that should have checked a bag, brought a carry one instead. And I can guarantee we wouldn’t have had that problem if it hadn’t cost $15 to check the bag! And you can bet their bags weigh more than 50 lbs! Ugh! Airline management are idiots! It really is no wonder that airlines are going broke. Shouldn’t being the CEO of a major corporation mean you’re intelligent?
Ok, my angry ramblings could go on forever I’m sure, but I’ll leave it at that. It’s 2 am, maybe I can get a little nap in before we land.
Oh, and as one last side note that really gets me worked up. Who are these airports that charge for WiFi? Cheap jerks! There are many airports where it is free, but some choose to charge. Really, how do they sleep at night?
In the past two months, I’ve been to California twice, Cincinnati, Baltimore, and I am currently somewhere over the Midwest flying to Seattle. So, needless to say, in the past two months, I’ve been on a plane quite a bit, and a few things really irk me nerves. Here are my top three annoyances of flying in order of least annoying to most.
Why do people think it’s okay to fart on a plane? Disgusting! Just because we’re 30,000 miles up doesn’t mean your stinky funk disappears into the atmosphere. No! We smell it and we are disgusted!
The most important rule of travel: Don't talk to me. No one wants to talk to a stranger on a plane. We want to watch the movie, catch up on a good book, take a nap, or even just sit quietly and stare ahead. We do not want to talk to you! Sitting next to someone on a plane does not give you the right to talk to them. Simple as that.
Specifically, there are three types of people that will talk to you on a plane.
The first is the creepy old guy that wants to flirt. Gross. I don’t want to talk to you ever. Much less for three hours because I’m the unlucky girl that was assigned to sit next to you. I can only be rude and curt with you for so long before I want to snap.
Then we have the young (may or may not be creepy) guys who want to flirt. In addition, these guys also may or may not be cute, and if you’re one of the cute/non-creepy ones, take warning. We do not want to go on a five hour first date with you when the likelihood is very high that we will never see you again. Too much effort. If the return on my investment ain’t worth it, I ain’t putting it in. So basically, don’t talk to me either. If you happen to be cute, you have a little bit more room. Do not just jump into the conversation while we’re still sitting on the runway. A little small talk (emphasis on the small) now and then is fine, then with a few minutes left in the flight (perhaps 15 or so), you can start the conversation. Get it going, find out just enough to know if either of you want to see the other person again without actually going on the first date. I’m not talking to you for five hours without you buying me some dinner and drinks. This approach gives you both just enough to know that you want a little more.
The last category of people that talk to you is anyone else that talks because they talk too much. Listen! You are annoying! If you find the need to talk to a stranger and tell them your personal stories, you talk too much, and I bet people find you annoying in real life as well! I’m just saying! Strangers on the plane don’t care about your children, your house, your job, etc. I don’t know you and will never see you again. Don’t talk to me.
The planes with their luggage rules have to be my number one annoyance. As a result of most of the major airlines charging for checked bags, no one is checking bags anymore. I’d love to talk to the moron whose grand idea this was! Delta/American Airlines/United/US Airs/etc. Are you reading this? You charge for bags because you need to make more money, and guess what!? People stop checking bags. Duh! Instead you screw over everyone. People who legitimately only need carry-ons are screwed because everyone and their mother is bringing the hugest carry on bag I’ve ever seen. Then, since you aren’t making the revenue you thought this brilliant idea would bring, you start charging for everything else, jacking up the prices on airfare, etc. I’m ready for the day when it costs $5 to use the bathroom. And don’t get me started on the 50 lb limit for bags. Whooo boy!
Here’s the proof that this grand theory isn’t working. I’m on a plane to Seattle right now, from DC. That’s a 6 hour flight. I’d be willing to bet that the majority of people who take a cross country flight need a checked bag. Well, while I was boarding, the woman taking tickets took the carry on of every person whose final destination was Seattle and checked it. Well, let me correct that. It was more like every person after about half the people had boarded and apparently hogged up the overhead space. “Overhead space is limited” she said. Okay. So, my bag was one of the ones to go under. Do I pick it up at the gate when I get to Seattle? Heck no! I have to pick it up at the baggage claim. I’m only in Seattle for one night! I am getting there at 3 am my time, I do not want to go wait at the baggage claim for my carry on that has one suit, some work out clothes and make up. So, all this proves to me is that the majority of the majority that should have checked a bag, brought a carry one instead. And I can guarantee we wouldn’t have had that problem if it hadn’t cost $15 to check the bag! And you can bet their bags weigh more than 50 lbs! Ugh! Airline management are idiots! It really is no wonder that airlines are going broke. Shouldn’t being the CEO of a major corporation mean you’re intelligent?
Ok, my angry ramblings could go on forever I’m sure, but I’ll leave it at that. It’s 2 am, maybe I can get a little nap in before we land.
Oh, and as one last side note that really gets me worked up. Who are these airports that charge for WiFi? Cheap jerks! There are many airports where it is free, but some choose to charge. Really, how do they sleep at night?
Monday, November 2, 2009
Ugh, I may have made a HUGE mistake...
One of my friends is doing this totally amazing Peace Corps trip to Lesotho, and she started a blog to document her travels. Awesome! I love it and can't wait to hear and see about her amazing adventure.
I promptly commented on her first post, and realized, a little too late, that I was logged in with this account! Next to my comment will be access to this blog! I'm pretty sure she sent this link to all her friends, which several I'm sure include people I work with! Yikes! I know!! So, now I'm in this dilemma of what to do with my blog. Do I just delete it and pretend it never happened? Or do I continue onward with my self-importance, just knowing now that I need to be a little more censored? Why do I see this not ending well?!?
I promptly commented on her first post, and realized, a little too late, that I was logged in with this account! Next to my comment will be access to this blog! I'm pretty sure she sent this link to all her friends, which several I'm sure include people I work with! Yikes! I know!! So, now I'm in this dilemma of what to do with my blog. Do I just delete it and pretend it never happened? Or do I continue onward with my self-importance, just knowing now that I need to be a little more censored? Why do I see this not ending well?!?
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Choices for awesome Halloween costumes: Skanks or Douchebags
Characters in my life you will be introduced to today; Pool Shark - have known for years, I went to college with her sister, who although is still a very good friend, is married and has babies, so needless to say Pool Shark and I do more of the weekend hanging out. Plays pool almost religiously. Most of her going outs revolve around whether or not there is a pool table there (if out with pool friends), or a dance floor (if out with me). D - we work together, and honestly do almost everything together.
Last night, I realized that I am no longer the appropriate demographic for bars at Halloween. This has nothing to do with my age, but more with the fact that I am neither a skanky slut, nor a douche bag male, which apparently come out in droves on Halloween. While they are always out, not discriminating between the fan or downtown, the sheer numbers that come out on Halloween is impressive. Last night proved to be no Halloween exception.
The night started off with the typical pre-gaming, music playing, excitement about wanting to get into shenanigans that night. (Shenanigans meaning making out with random guys at bars. But that’s where we, or at least most of my friends, stop. We’re more down with the teasing of these guys than the actual following through, hey, that’s what makes it shenanigans rather than promiscuity.)
When we arrive at our first location, the ever popular on holidays bar Banditos, the place was packed. Banditos, in my ever loyal opinion, had been having some off days in the recent months, so we were pleased to see it packed. The bar was pumping, the music was awesome, people were dancing, it seemed to promise a good time. We head out to the dance follow, requisite bottle of Miller Lite in hand, and started getting our dance on. As we surveyed the situation, I recalled some reasons why Halloween is never as much fun as you think it will be.
What are people doing wearing these giant boxes? I hate these people that wear the giant boxes. What are you dressed up as? And good for you for being creative, but have some respect for the fact you’re heading out to a crowded bar. These boxes jam into people, and make maneuvering difficult, therefore pissing off everyone in the bar as you lumber down the crowded bar and drunkenly dance bumping into everyone. A few years ago someone went as a giant Mona Lisa. To give you some perspective, the face was to size as the person’s actual face, and there was a giant cardboard box around the person that served as the rest of the painting and frame. Clever, I’ll give them that, but it was obnoxious as all get out! Last night a group of drunken college students dressed up as some sort of cars or something. I have no idea what they went as. Maybe Mario Cart? I seem to recall seeing a Luigi, but who knows. That’s the first problem with their costumes. If it’s going to be obnoxious and piss everyone off, make sure they at least get it. Then, they were all trying to dance with each other, but due to the boxes, couldn’t really dance down and dirty as apparently they wanted to do, so they started bouncing off each other, then bouncing off the other people in the bar, basically taking up the same amount of space on the dance floor as the entire cast on Day 1 of The Biggest Loser.
The other observation is that only douche bag guys or guys that get forced to dress up by their girlfriends are out on Halloween. Self-respecting guys either go to a house party where they don’t have to dress up, or stay in and watch football. So, our eligible male pool with which to make out was very limited, as the majority of guys were already with their girlfriends, or were hitting on the skanks, due to their douchebagery. We, having chose to dress sexily, but age appropriate and in real costumes nonetheless, were not the target mark for a Halloween booty call.
We left Banditos and headed down to Baja where Pool Sharks’s friends were hanging out. This was a much welcomed scene. While we love to dance, and there was none of that going on at Baja, the scene was much chiller. We were welcomed by 4 dudes calling out everyone’s outfits as they walked in with social commentary. It was cute, they were cute. When you walk into a bar and someone is there to welcome you, it makes you feel, well, welcomed. Pool Shark perched herself up with her friends while D and I mingled and flirted around the bar. There were the mandatory skanks and DBs, of course, but they were kept in line here by the usual Baja crowd. We ended up staying until about 1. The scene was good, the people were good, while by no means a shenanigan filled night, it was a good time.
Next year, I’m either staying in or having a party. What puzzles me though, is I know for a fact, I’d had fun out on Halloween before. Is this skank and DB a recent development? I find that hard to believe as I was certainly never either, and had a good time out several years running.
Last night, I realized that I am no longer the appropriate demographic for bars at Halloween. This has nothing to do with my age, but more with the fact that I am neither a skanky slut, nor a douche bag male, which apparently come out in droves on Halloween. While they are always out, not discriminating between the fan or downtown, the sheer numbers that come out on Halloween is impressive. Last night proved to be no Halloween exception.
The night started off with the typical pre-gaming, music playing, excitement about wanting to get into shenanigans that night. (Shenanigans meaning making out with random guys at bars. But that’s where we, or at least most of my friends, stop. We’re more down with the teasing of these guys than the actual following through, hey, that’s what makes it shenanigans rather than promiscuity.)
When we arrive at our first location, the ever popular on holidays bar Banditos, the place was packed. Banditos, in my ever loyal opinion, had been having some off days in the recent months, so we were pleased to see it packed. The bar was pumping, the music was awesome, people were dancing, it seemed to promise a good time. We head out to the dance follow, requisite bottle of Miller Lite in hand, and started getting our dance on. As we surveyed the situation, I recalled some reasons why Halloween is never as much fun as you think it will be.
What are people doing wearing these giant boxes? I hate these people that wear the giant boxes. What are you dressed up as? And good for you for being creative, but have some respect for the fact you’re heading out to a crowded bar. These boxes jam into people, and make maneuvering difficult, therefore pissing off everyone in the bar as you lumber down the crowded bar and drunkenly dance bumping into everyone. A few years ago someone went as a giant Mona Lisa. To give you some perspective, the face was to size as the person’s actual face, and there was a giant cardboard box around the person that served as the rest of the painting and frame. Clever, I’ll give them that, but it was obnoxious as all get out! Last night a group of drunken college students dressed up as some sort of cars or something. I have no idea what they went as. Maybe Mario Cart? I seem to recall seeing a Luigi, but who knows. That’s the first problem with their costumes. If it’s going to be obnoxious and piss everyone off, make sure they at least get it. Then, they were all trying to dance with each other, but due to the boxes, couldn’t really dance down and dirty as apparently they wanted to do, so they started bouncing off each other, then bouncing off the other people in the bar, basically taking up the same amount of space on the dance floor as the entire cast on Day 1 of The Biggest Loser.
The other observation is that only douche bag guys or guys that get forced to dress up by their girlfriends are out on Halloween. Self-respecting guys either go to a house party where they don’t have to dress up, or stay in and watch football. So, our eligible male pool with which to make out was very limited, as the majority of guys were already with their girlfriends, or were hitting on the skanks, due to their douchebagery. We, having chose to dress sexily, but age appropriate and in real costumes nonetheless, were not the target mark for a Halloween booty call.
We left Banditos and headed down to Baja where Pool Sharks’s friends were hanging out. This was a much welcomed scene. While we love to dance, and there was none of that going on at Baja, the scene was much chiller. We were welcomed by 4 dudes calling out everyone’s outfits as they walked in with social commentary. It was cute, they were cute. When you walk into a bar and someone is there to welcome you, it makes you feel, well, welcomed. Pool Shark perched herself up with her friends while D and I mingled and flirted around the bar. There were the mandatory skanks and DBs, of course, but they were kept in line here by the usual Baja crowd. We ended up staying until about 1. The scene was good, the people were good, while by no means a shenanigan filled night, it was a good time.
Next year, I’m either staying in or having a party. What puzzles me though, is I know for a fact, I’d had fun out on Halloween before. Is this skank and DB a recent development? I find that hard to believe as I was certainly never either, and had a good time out several years running.
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