Thursday, December 31, 2009
It's not a resolution, it's a better way of living
Don't forget, tomorrow starts the 12 Months of Wellness!!! Are you in?
IT Girls of the 2000s
As I reflect back on the year, do I ponder what the most memorable technological advancements were? The most memorable national/global events? Turning points in American History? Events we'll never forget and will tell our grandkids "I remember where I was when..."? Important political figures? Prolific, meaningful movies or books? Or anything prolific at all for that matter? No! I ponder of the IT girls of the decade because I'm a silly girl with a blog.
Each year, there seemed to be another IT girl that we as a society just couldn't get enough of. We wanted to know every sordid detail of her life. Who she was, what she wore, who she was dating, what she weighed. These were the girls that either had the most amazing year, most scandalous year, or just was hands down the hottest, most talked about girl of the year. Here's my informal list.
2000 - Britney Spears - her single "Oops I Did It Again" debuted this year and officially landed her on her quick path (albeit rocky) to pop stardom. Obviously Britney stays near the top in each year of the following decades, and unless you were under a rock the past 10 years, you'd know it too.
2002 - ? - Honestly, I can't think of anyone to go here! Can you believe it!? I need help! Who was all the rage in 2002?
2003 - Kate Hudson. The relatively unknown, beautiful daughter of Goldie Hawn burst onto the scene in 2003 with "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" and we were hooked. We loved this bubbly, quirky, cute girl like the girl next door. Nevermind her greasy husband or child with hair longer than hers, we were in love. Flashforward 6 years, and now she's just a pathetic slut. Sorry, I said it.
2004 - Paris Hilton. The year when the tabloids and paparazzi got out of control. The year when it was socially acceptable to be considered a celebrity for doing nothing. The year of the Paris Hilton Sex Tape Scandal. The Paris Hilton obsession quickly became a nightmare, and as I posted in an earlier post, I think her time is up, even though she's been done for a looooong time.
2006 - Anne Hathaway. She'd been on our radar for many years, a strikingly beautifully, yet somehow adorable at the same time, brunette with big eyes and and mouth. But 2007 propelled her into bonafide stardom with The Devil Wears Prada. Little did we know what was in store for her in the upcoming years with her felony Italian boyfriend. But we cheered her on as she over came it and stayed just as pulled together and gorgeous as before.
2007 - Lauren Conrad. While "The Hills" officially premiered in 2006, it wasn't until 2007 when it became a full out phenomenon for the dying MTV. It revitalized MTV, and at the same time, made stars out of ordinary people. Once again, we were obsessed with someone with little talent to speak of, a somewhat self-righteous attitude towards her friends, but killer clothes. Lauren Conrad was the new it girl for tweens, high schoolers, college, and early-professional females alike. We coveted her clothes, her hair, her life. Not only did we want to be her friend, we wanted to be her.
Each year, there seemed to be another IT girl that we as a society just couldn't get enough of. We wanted to know every sordid detail of her life. Who she was, what she wore, who she was dating, what she weighed. These were the girls that either had the most amazing year, most scandalous year, or just was hands down the hottest, most talked about girl of the year. Here's my informal list.
2000 - Britney Spears - her single "Oops I Did It Again" debuted this year and officially landed her on her quick path (albeit rocky) to pop stardom. Obviously Britney stays near the top in each year of the following decades, and unless you were under a rock the past 10 years, you'd know it too.
2001 - J LO - Her album J LO was one of the hottest album of the decade, with I'm Real, Play, and Love Don't Cost a Thing. This was J LO's year where she officially became a bonafide hottie. She wore the most outrageous bling and dated the hottest men in Hollywood. Of course, we all know she's tamed down and is a beautiful, wife and mother now known as Jennifer Lopez, but 2001 will always be known as the year J LO "was".
2002 - ? - Honestly, I can't think of anyone to go here! Can you believe it!? I need help! Who was all the rage in 2002?
2003 - Kate Hudson. The relatively unknown, beautiful daughter of Goldie Hawn burst onto the scene in 2003 with "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" and we were hooked. We loved this bubbly, quirky, cute girl like the girl next door. Nevermind her greasy husband or child with hair longer than hers, we were in love. Flashforward 6 years, and now she's just a pathetic slut. Sorry, I said it.
2004 - Paris Hilton. The year when the tabloids and paparazzi got out of control. The year when it was socially acceptable to be considered a celebrity for doing nothing. The year of the Paris Hilton Sex Tape Scandal. The Paris Hilton obsession quickly became a nightmare, and as I posted in an earlier post, I think her time is up, even though she's been done for a looooong time.
RollingStone
2005 - Jessica Simpson. When a dumb bubbly blonde entered our living rooms via "The Newlyweds", we were torn in half. It was a love-her or hate-her type relationship. Was she cute and charming, or just downright stupid and annoying? However, no one can deny the obsession that ensued in 2005 when rumors that her and Nick were having marital issues. Was it her dad? Was Jessica cheating? Was Nick threatened by her success? Regardless, in 2005, they officially filed for divorce and the gossip magazines had a field day.
Fred Prouser/ Reuters
2006 - Anne Hathaway. She'd been on our radar for many years, a strikingly beautifully, yet somehow adorable at the same time, brunette with big eyes and and mouth. But 2007 propelled her into bonafide stardom with The Devil Wears Prada. Little did we know what was in store for her in the upcoming years with her felony Italian boyfriend. But we cheered her on as she over came it and stayed just as pulled together and gorgeous as before.
wildaboutmovies.com
celebrity-gossip.net
2008 - Michelle Obama. Perhaps the easiest to pick on this whole list. Without going to my personal thoughts about the Obamas, who I voted for, what I really think of her (hint: not a fan), there's no denying the frenzy of media attention on Michelle Obama. News correspondents were likening her to the next Jackie O. She made J Crew and Gap hot once again for middle Americans across the nation. She was someone moms could look up to and realize if she could look put together, they can throw out those mom jeans and look polished too!
Getty Images/Mark Wilson
Notable females missing: Lindsay Lohan, Hillary Clinton, Britney Spears in every year, Olsen twins, Heidi Klum, Jennifer Aniston, Kim Kardashian, Sarah Palin, Christina Aguilara, Lady Gaga, Angelina Jolie, Ashley Dupre, Sienna Miller, and Megan Fox. But hey, I can only pick 10, and there they are.
So, what do you think? Thoughts on 2002? Who do you agree with? Disagree with?
Disclaimer: I am not and do not claim to be a professional entertainment blogger. This list is simply my own thoughts. I did not research at all (other than rake my brain) to determine who truly was the most searched, most sought-after female celebrity that year.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
For RAP - Emma Watons looking mighty fine
I'm not trying to steal RAP's thunder, but this was my all time favorite Emma Watson look. What do you think?
Burberry at London Fashion Week, September 2009
Burberry at London Fashion Week, September 2009
Photos from getty images
Office Griches and their Unsavory Smells
So, yesterday I forgot to post my Grinch and I have such an amazing story, I'm posting it a day late.
Monday morning, as I am walking off the elevator, there is a faint, but extremely putrid smell. Like death rotting. As I walk towards the kitchen, the smell is getting stronger. As I open the refrigerator to put my lunch in, I'm hit in the face with a terrible rotting smell. Something has literally died in that fridge.
Now, there weren't many people in the office because of the holidays, but I go and get D so we can investigate. We determine it's coming from these really nice glass containers. The smell is so putrid and foul it is actually penetrating through glass containers! In order to confirm this is where the smell comes from, D tentatively lifts the lid and suddenly it's like an atomic bomb went off in the kitchen. The smell quickly filled the kitchen and moved throughout the office at an alarming speed. Death by toxic gas immediately went through my head.
At this point, the kitchen is filled with other people wanting to know WTF is that smell? It literally seeped out of the kitchen and into their offices and cubes. Some as far as a good 50 feet away! yes! The smell was THAT FOUL!
So, a group of us decide we need to dispose of this health hazard. We were debating whether to throw it away, expensive Pyrex container and all, but decided that no, we wanted the guilty culprit to look us in the eye and admit it was theirs. So, D empties the containers and we sextuple-bag the offending food and throw it in the garbage. Even bagged 6 times, the smell was still in the kitchen and hit you in the face like a sucker punch every time you opened the trash can. We had to call the property manager to have them send someone up to empty our trash. SICK! IT WAS SICK!
So, I'm washing the containers, and the smell isn't going away. The water is scalding hot, we have soap, etc., but the smell had permeated so far into the container that even with washing it wasn't going away. At this point, we throw it in the dishwasher downstairs and decide we'll see what happens next.
The fridge, however, is also still smelling from the stench. I guess the smell had holed up in there. At this point, I was FUMING! This is not my job description, to be some sort of maid for my sick effing co-workers. But when it gets to the point where the whole office is suffering, something has to be done. D and I find some Clorox bleach wipes and clean out the fridge. Yes, like we're unpaid maids or slaves at the office. Man, was I hot. HOT I tell you! I just wanted that guilty person to walk in and watch out, they would have gotten it!
Now, I don't want to be known as the fridge Nazi, but someone has to send an email out at this point. Everyone in the office was wondering what that smell was. It wafted through double doors, around corners, into closed offices, it was that stank and that toxic! So, I send out the following email. Mind you, this was totally toned down from what I wanted to say (vocab words such as foul, filthy, disgusting, ashamed of yourself and rotten food not included were all removed).
When things are found growing in containers, I unfortunately am a likely suspect. I often bring healthy creations from home, then some evil person temps me with Jo Jo's or carts, and I totally forget about my lunch. My only defense is that a have anosmia and do not smell, so I don't notice the torture I place on my fellow workers. I admire your bravery for entering a fridge with rotted food! I will come over to retreive my pyrex soon.
I don't know, what do you think? I think it sounds a little flippant. Like, she wants to come across as being the bigger person and admitting guilt, but somehow it's like "there's no big deal here, chill out." YES! There was a huge effing big deal! The entire office stank because of you! The fridge will never be the same. I will never look at cauliflower or a spinach salad again without wanting to hurl!
I could totally get into how foul my office coworkers are on a regular basis in that fridge, but I'm sure it's no different than any other office in America. Plus this blog is already long as it is, but I'm interested in knowing, do you have any sick fridge stories, ones that really top the rest of the narstiness that happens year-round? If so, please share!!
I told her the dishes were downstairs soaking in the sink. When I left yesterday, I stopped by the floor, and wouldn't you know it, they were still in there! It's out of my hands now, I don't care what happens to those dishes. But forever in my heart, the 2009 Holiday season will be known as the year where Santa left us a present worse than coal!
Monday morning, as I am walking off the elevator, there is a faint, but extremely putrid smell. Like death rotting. As I walk towards the kitchen, the smell is getting stronger. As I open the refrigerator to put my lunch in, I'm hit in the face with a terrible rotting smell. Something has literally died in that fridge.
Now, there weren't many people in the office because of the holidays, but I go and get D so we can investigate. We determine it's coming from these really nice glass containers. The smell is so putrid and foul it is actually penetrating through glass containers! In order to confirm this is where the smell comes from, D tentatively lifts the lid and suddenly it's like an atomic bomb went off in the kitchen. The smell quickly filled the kitchen and moved throughout the office at an alarming speed. Death by toxic gas immediately went through my head.
At this point, the kitchen is filled with other people wanting to know WTF is that smell? It literally seeped out of the kitchen and into their offices and cubes. Some as far as a good 50 feet away! yes! The smell was THAT FOUL!
So, a group of us decide we need to dispose of this health hazard. We were debating whether to throw it away, expensive Pyrex container and all, but decided that no, we wanted the guilty culprit to look us in the eye and admit it was theirs. So, D empties the containers and we sextuple-bag the offending food and throw it in the garbage. Even bagged 6 times, the smell was still in the kitchen and hit you in the face like a sucker punch every time you opened the trash can. We had to call the property manager to have them send someone up to empty our trash. SICK! IT WAS SICK!
So, I'm washing the containers, and the smell isn't going away. The water is scalding hot, we have soap, etc., but the smell had permeated so far into the container that even with washing it wasn't going away. At this point, we throw it in the dishwasher downstairs and decide we'll see what happens next.
The fridge, however, is also still smelling from the stench. I guess the smell had holed up in there. At this point, I was FUMING! This is not my job description, to be some sort of maid for my sick effing co-workers. But when it gets to the point where the whole office is suffering, something has to be done. D and I find some Clorox bleach wipes and clean out the fridge. Yes, like we're unpaid maids or slaves at the office. Man, was I hot. HOT I tell you! I just wanted that guilty person to walk in and watch out, they would have gotten it!
Now, I don't want to be known as the fridge Nazi, but someone has to send an email out at this point. Everyone in the office was wondering what that smell was. It wafted through double doors, around corners, into closed offices, it was that stank and that toxic! So, I send out the following email. Mind you, this was totally toned down from what I wanted to say (vocab words such as foul, filthy, disgusting, ashamed of yourself and rotten food not included were all removed).
With the holiday season, some items may have been inadvertently forgotten in the refrigerator during vacation time. This morning, what had started off as an odor contained to inside the fridge had permeated out of the fridge and into the kitchen, common area and surrounding offices and cubes. The offending food items were identified and several of your coworkers put their own health at risk to empty out these containers and wash them. If you are the proud owner of red Pyrex containers which at one time contained spinach salad, cauliflower and minestrone soup, you may come see me to collect your belongings.
I really doubted anyone would come collect their belongings, but wow, did this woman have some kind of brass balls! She REPLIED ALL!!! So, not only did she look me in the eyes and admit it was her's, she looked everyone in the whole office in the eyes.
I don't know, what do you think? I think it sounds a little flippant. Like, she wants to come across as being the bigger person and admitting guilt, but somehow it's like "there's no big deal here, chill out." YES! There was a huge effing big deal! The entire office stank because of you! The fridge will never be the same. I will never look at cauliflower or a spinach salad again without wanting to hurl!
I could totally get into how foul my office coworkers are on a regular basis in that fridge, but I'm sure it's no different than any other office in America. Plus this blog is already long as it is, but I'm interested in knowing, do you have any sick fridge stories, ones that really top the rest of the narstiness that happens year-round? If so, please share!!
I told her the dishes were downstairs soaking in the sink. When I left yesterday, I stopped by the floor, and wouldn't you know it, they were still in there! It's out of my hands now, I don't care what happens to those dishes. But forever in my heart, the 2009 Holiday season will be known as the year where Santa left us a present worse than coal!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Regular Blake Fix
Blake in Dolce and Gabbana at the Sherlock Holmes premiere.
I think RAP posted this dress earlier, but if you recall, my thing was whenever I stumble across a pic of Blake, it's getting posted, so technically, I should have posted the 2 RAP posted. I'll get more on track of that.
I think RAP posted this dress earlier, but if you recall, my thing was whenever I stumble across a pic of Blake, it's getting posted, so technically, I should have posted the 2 RAP posted. I'll get more on track of that.
I'm definitely digging the lace overlay, the mile high legs, and the minimal accessories.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Today is Santa! Day 28
Today would have been the perfect Grinch day, but I will save that for tomorrow. I am getting back on track here. Today goes out to all the Santa's who take the week between Christmas and New Year's off. Although I'm insanely jealous and wish I could have the week off too, it's so nice in the office. Only the other low men on the todem pole are in the office, and it's amazing how much work you can get done without your boss breathing down your neck, throwing new more important, top priority stuff on your desk, and then wondering why you never got to that project earlier. Sheesh! I'm only one person. But this week is so peaceful. You shave plenty of time to converse with other coworkers, have an extra long lunch, and still manage to be twice as productive as any other week of the year. I think not having your email blowing up helps as well. This week is so peaceful, it almost makes you wish the weekend wouldn't come. Almost.
Lady? Gaga
Totally random, I know, but I swear the more photos I see of Lady Gaga, the more I wonder about those rumors of her being a man. Her cheekbones are just too structured. I know it doesn't matter, and either way, she's an amazing singer, but I'm just saying, as of late, the photos are looking more and more manly. Plus, doesn't anyone else think it's suspect she's always so over the top?
Sunday, December 27, 2009
New Year's Resolution
This year it's an intense one! I'm warning you! I started another blog (look at me, I'm a blogging machine), because this one I want to be sort of pseudo-anonymous, although I think at this point, if you are reading this, you definitely know who I am. But anyways, idea for the other blog was born at my office's holiday party, and I talked too much about it not to do it! So, I'm writing it for my coworkers, for my friends, and for my family members, who all agreed to do this new year's resolution with me. And I'll know if they do it or not. So, check it out if you want, the link's here and you can read what that blog is all about. Basically, my New Year's Resolution is to do that blog. And of course lose 20 lbs.
Seriously though, New Year's Resolutions
1. Do Wellness Blog
2. Lose 20 lbs (trite, but hey, one year, I've got to achieve it right? Eventually statistically, it's got to come true!?)
3. Start swimming until my foot completely heals and I can run again.
4. Be more financially responsible with my money
5. Stop drinking sodas (HUGE for me!! I'm not giving them up completely, just making them less prevalent in my life, perhaps one a week, rather than 3 a day)
6. Go to church at least once a month
So, what are your resolutions? Or do you have any at all? Have you ever been successful at a resolution? And really, what are "resolutions" other than things we should be doing all year, tell ourselves we're going to do all year, but decide that since it's the beginning of a new year, it's "time to get serious." All of the above are things I attempt at least once a month and fail. But I'm feeling it now, I am feeling 2010 is going to be a great year, where I attain my personal goals, and am successful in all aspects of my life. Change is coming, I can feel it, and I am ready! Here's to 2010!
Seriously though, New Year's Resolutions
1. Do Wellness Blog
3. Start swimming until my foot completely heals and I can run again.
4. Be more financially responsible with my money
5. Stop drinking sodas (HUGE for me!! I'm not giving them up completely, just making them less prevalent in my life, perhaps one a week, rather than 3 a day)
6. Go to church at least once a month
So, what are your resolutions? Or do you have any at all? Have you ever been successful at a resolution? And really, what are "resolutions" other than things we should be doing all year, tell ourselves we're going to do all year, but decide that since it's the beginning of a new year, it's "time to get serious." All of the above are things I attempt at least once a month and fail. But I'm feeling it now, I am feeling 2010 is going to be a great year, where I attain my personal goals, and am successful in all aspects of my life. Change is coming, I can feel it, and I am ready! Here's to 2010!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus
So, I know I'm all over the place with missing days, picking Santas or Grinches depending on my mood, but today is the day after Christmas and it is a Santa day, so I'm getting back on track.
Today's Santa is Christmas in general.
- Christmas Eve - I always love Christmas Eve more than Christmas day. There's a special feeling in the air, you're snuggled in with your family, it's dark and quiet out, there's a stillness in the air that only comes on Christmas Eve. I love Christmas Eve candlelight service, and that sleepy time where you're sitting around the fire place with your family, no one wants to be the first one to go to bed because you're just so happy and comfortable in this very moment.
- Egg nog - yummy, especially homemade with my grandpa's recipe, not that nasty stuff bought at the store
- The real reason for the Season - Jesus' birthday, duh
- Presents - but really, I know it sounds trite, but now that I'm older, it's more about the giving, rather than receiving. I get more excited knowing someone's going to open the perfect gift I spent time thinking about and I just know they'll love it
- All the lights - I really wish we could have the lights up year round. The neighborhoods look so beautiful with lights up. There's a special "fan" light look that I am in love with. I've never seen lights like this in any city, or even in Richmond outside of the fan. I'll try to take some photos and post up, but it's the random lights that are strung together that don't match, but looks so beautiful together. Like there's be a row of colored lights, next to a string of white, next to a solid line of red, next to a string of big balls. I can't really describe it in justice, but it's very Richmond, and very beautiful. I also love downtown when the skyline is illuminated.
- Time with family. I'm sure your family is pretty great, but mine is awesome. I love spending time with them, but it's sad that we can't do it more than once or twice a year.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
23 thousand Grinches out today
So, I realize I'm not being very Christmasy. Every day I get around to blogging, it's a Grinch day, or I make it such. I think by now the Grinch's heart would have grown three sizes by now. But not mine! I took vacation days for today and tomorrow to spend with my family, but first, I had to do some Christmas shopping since I couldn't get out this weekend.
I'd done the bulk of my shopping, and thank goodness, because I wanted to donkey punch every single person today and may have gotten into an altercation if I'd have had to stay out longer. Did the entire city of Richmond take off work today and wanted to go to the exact same stores I wanted to go to? It took me hours to get from one end of town to the other. When I got to the parking lot, of the store there were limited spaces because the tow trucks only plowed about one half of each spot, and then shoved the snow into the other half of the parking lot. Once inside, the shelves were empty and when you finally found a few items that together could resemble a decent Christmas gift, you were rewarded by 3 cashiers and about 100 customers in line.
But I'm at my parents home now, so I can take a deep breath and hope that the days of Grinching are behind me, and I'll be filled with Santa's for the rest of the year.
I'd done the bulk of my shopping, and thank goodness, because I wanted to donkey punch every single person today and may have gotten into an altercation if I'd have had to stay out longer. Did the entire city of Richmond take off work today and wanted to go to the exact same stores I wanted to go to? It took me hours to get from one end of town to the other. When I got to the parking lot, of the store there were limited spaces because the tow trucks only plowed about one half of each spot, and then shoved the snow into the other half of the parking lot. Once inside, the shelves were empty and when you finally found a few items that together could resemble a decent Christmas gift, you were rewarded by 3 cashiers and about 100 customers in line.
But I'm at my parents home now, so I can take a deep breath and hope that the days of Grinching are behind me, and I'll be filled with Santa's for the rest of the year.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Breaking News! Brittany Murphy dead at age 32!!
According to Access Hollywood, Brittany Murphy is dead! At age 32! There's no further information about the cause right now, and to respect the dead, I don't want to speculate. That is crazy sad! She was such a cute actress. I loved her in Clueless, 8 Mile, Uptown Girls, and Just Married. And while Oscar-worthy she may not have been, she was still cute in the movie genre that suited her. Sad sad. Hope to get some new information soon!
Photo credit: Access Hollywood
Day 20 of Grinches and snow shoveling etiquette
I know I'm technically supposed to write a Santa post today, but I want to grinch a little, so I'm going to go with it. People have no sense of common social decency when it comes to snow. I know for a fact that not only it is considered proper etiquette to shovel your sidewalk when it snows, it may even be legally required (at least it is in some counties/municipalities). I had to walk up to Kroger both yesterday and today and was shocked at the number of people who did not shovel their sidewalks. Oh sure, the walk down to their car was shoveled, but they couldn't take the time to shovel their sidewalks. If you don't want to shovel, don't buy a house! Rent or get a condo, because it is a well-known fact that you are to shovel if you own your home! I even remember in the "good old days" when a teen-aged boy would shovel the driveways of elderly, or single women to be neighborly. Those days are long gone. And past the point of just being polite, I do believe it's legally required to shovel your sidewalk in most areas. And even if it's not legally required, if someone slips and falls and hurts themselves, they can sue you. So, forget about being friendly neighbors. If you aren't willing to do it to be polite, then I sure as hope someone sues your ass, because you deserve it.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
19 inches of Grinch-like snow
Ok, now don't get me wrong, I think snow is beautiful, but that's about it. I'm going with snow as my Grinch and here's why:
1. I am not longer a kid on a school day. Work doesn't close down for me.
2. I don't have any snow appropriate clothes. Besides some boots that for some reason I hung onto from like junior year of high school, I have nothing to wear that would allow me to go outside and go sledding and enjoy the snow.
3. When it snows, you have to shovel, and that is some tough work, let me tell you! I looked online and discovered that you burn 18 calories for every minute you shovel snow! That's about equivalent to a fast run. That's a lot of hard work!
4. My road is always one of the last to get plowed since it's not a thru-way. That means either I have to walk everywhere, stay inside all day, or brave it with my 10-year old Honda Civic and pray I don't get into an accident.
5. Snow happens when it's cold. I don't like the cold.
6. When you come inside, you get the house dirty with mud and slush and snow and wet. This is the same house that you cleaned earlier that day because you were stuck at home with nothing to do.
7. It gives every person that's not from Virginia to complain about how everyone in Virginia freaks out about the snow. If the snow was so great back in NY or wherever it is you're from, then go back there! We won't mind!
8. Electricity can go out (not that mine did or is, but it's possible) and now you're stuck cold and dark.
9.For this snow specifically, it's the weekend before Christmas, and I have a TON of shopping left to do!
10. Did I mention it's cold?
So, yes it is pretty to look at and can be fun to play in, but I think the cons outweigh the pros on this one, so Mother Nature, you can keep the snow.
Bah Humbug!
Ok, ok. It is pretty...
1. I am not longer a kid on a school day. Work doesn't close down for me.
2. I don't have any snow appropriate clothes. Besides some boots that for some reason I hung onto from like junior year of high school, I have nothing to wear that would allow me to go outside and go sledding and enjoy the snow.
3. When it snows, you have to shovel, and that is some tough work, let me tell you! I looked online and discovered that you burn 18 calories for every minute you shovel snow! That's about equivalent to a fast run. That's a lot of hard work!
4. My road is always one of the last to get plowed since it's not a thru-way. That means either I have to walk everywhere, stay inside all day, or brave it with my 10-year old Honda Civic and pray I don't get into an accident.
5. Snow happens when it's cold. I don't like the cold.
6. When you come inside, you get the house dirty with mud and slush and snow and wet. This is the same house that you cleaned earlier that day because you were stuck at home with nothing to do.
7. It gives every person that's not from Virginia to complain about how everyone in Virginia freaks out about the snow. If the snow was so great back in NY or wherever it is you're from, then go back there! We won't mind!
8. Electricity can go out (not that mine did or is, but it's possible) and now you're stuck cold and dark.
9.For this snow specifically, it's the weekend before Christmas, and I have a TON of shopping left to do!
10. Did I mention it's cold?
So, yes it is pretty to look at and can be fun to play in, but I think the cons outweigh the pros on this one, so Mother Nature, you can keep the snow.
Bah Humbug!
Ok, ok. It is pretty...
Friday, December 18, 2009
Christmas with the Kardashians
So, I'm sure you've all heard about this, and because I saw this on Chelsea Lately on Tuesday, I like to pretend like I'm ahead of the other bloggers. This photo is ridic!!
I think the big ruckus over this photo is why Ryan Seacrest is in it?! Apparently it got printed and sent without anyone actually looking at it? Although, based on what you see on TV, I can only imagine each family member did "proof" it, and by "proof", I mean they looked at themselves and that was it. So, it's really no surprise that Ryan was overlooked on the family photo.
What I'm more shocked about is that the whole family is peculiarly tiny! It's odd, isn't it? We all know Kim's about 5'2", and I thought Khloe was around 5'9", but she looks so small. Then Ryan is about as munchkin as a dude can get. The whole family looks tiny, including Rob and Bruce. Lamar looks like a giant, like Hagrid or Goliath! He looks freaking huge compared to these mini-people! And while I understand he's a tall basketball player, I just don't get why everyone else looks miniaturized! It's not just their height, but the whole body is so small. It sort of really freaks me out, like the photo is an optical illusion.
I think the big ruckus over this photo is why Ryan Seacrest is in it?! Apparently it got printed and sent without anyone actually looking at it? Although, based on what you see on TV, I can only imagine each family member did "proof" it, and by "proof", I mean they looked at themselves and that was it. So, it's really no surprise that Ryan was overlooked on the family photo.
What I'm more shocked about is that the whole family is peculiarly tiny! It's odd, isn't it? We all know Kim's about 5'2", and I thought Khloe was around 5'9", but she looks so small. Then Ryan is about as munchkin as a dude can get. The whole family looks tiny, including Rob and Bruce. Lamar looks like a giant, like Hagrid or Goliath! He looks freaking huge compared to these mini-people! And while I understand he's a tall basketball player, I just don't get why everyone else looks miniaturized! It's not just their height, but the whole body is so small. It sort of really freaks me out, like the photo is an optical illusion.
Photo from kimkardashian.com
Thursday, December 17, 2009
The tale of Officer Grinch and Judge Santa
A few months ago, I was driving home from my parents’ house along a stretch of road that is notorious for the constantly changing speed limits. Now, I’m usually a conscientious driver, but excuse me for going 71 in a 60, when I got pulled over for being at the bottom of a hill just feet after the sign had changed. Honestly, the sign literally changed at the top of the hill, and Officer Grinch was waiting for me at the bottom. Sneaky sneaky. I know this is notorious for police officers to do, especially in small towns like the one I was pulled over in, but I was pissed! Pissed I tell you! But not so much at the police officer. So, maybe it’s not completely fair that I call him Officer Grinch, but I need to have this story tie in with the 15th and 16th Grinch/Santa entries that I haven’t completed, so we’ll leave his name as is. Anyways, I was more upset at the fact that my last ticket was April 2005, so I was just months shy of having a totally clean record and reaping the benefits from my car insurance (side note: having a ticket in 4.5 years, and not having one in 5 years literally knocks $5 off a 6-month premium with GEICO, so I’m not sure how I was mislead into thinking this would change it by hundreds of dollars per year). Anyways, determined not to have my car insurance sky rocket, I went to my court date to beg for mercy.
Here’s where Judge Santa comes in. Apparently, he hands out reductions in tickets left and right. I can’t believe I spent the night before in a nervous panic, perfecting my speech on how I was so upset to learn I had been speeding because I am a very conscientious driver, and fully understand the importance of safe driving, blah-blah-blah. Turns out I could have gone in there and picked my nose and he would have offered driving school in lieu of the speeding charge. While on one hand, I found this to be a very nice gesture, and believe you me, was thrilled with the outcome, on the other, I was a little upset, because it meant that I had no chance in him saying something like “well, just don’t get another ticket for 1 year, and we’ll forget about this” as I know other judges in other counties have been known to do. He was fair, that’s for sure, but sometimes you don’t want them to be quite so fair and to be able to use your cuteness to your advantage. Anyways, I won’t complain however, because he was willing to reduce the charge to a non-moving violation, which won’t affect my car insurance. So, all in all, it was worth it, and I am very grateful to Judge Santa for being so compassionate to all these crazy speeders!
The funny thing was, the Officer had to give his testimony and he had VERBATIM what I had said! It was so funny, I don’t know why I found it funny, but I did. So, just be careful what you say, it’ll come back to bit you in the butt. And don’t ever admit you were speeding. (Oh, and side note, something I learned from Chelsea Handler, but hope you never need it, don’t ever admit you’ve been drinking either. You don’t say “just one” or “a few a few hours ago” you say “no.” Now I know why.)
Judge: Did Ms. S admit guilt?
Officer: No
Judge: What did Ms. S say?
Officer: She said “I can’t have been going that fast” and when I told her she was going 71, she said “I thought the speed limit was 65.”
I don’t know, just hearing my exact words like that replay from his mouth amused me to no end!
So, I’m planning on going to traffic school sometime, and debating between the online course and the course actually in-person. While I think off hand, the online would be ideal, I have heard from other people that sometimes the in-person course gets let out hours early, while the online is not self-guided, but rather you sit and watch videos, so I have that decision to make.
Now for the fun stuff. I’ve been to traffic court before, but this court, probably due to the fact it was in a small county, combined traffic with the general court. I got there promptly at 9 am like my summons said, and didn’t get called up until nearly 11. Here’s why:
Men in jump suits apparently get first billing. Yes, they were actually in orange jumpsuits with handcuffs. I felt odd knowing I was in the presence of someone who was accused of such a serious crime. These men were appointed their court-appointed lawyer and told what day their pre-trial case would be held.
Next came the DUIs. There were a few, but one in particular really made me laugh. From where I was sitting, I could only see the top of this guy’s head. He looked pretty normal, nothing special. He had a lawyer with him who did all the talking. Apparently this guy was charged with a DUI and the judge was going to give him a restricted license and started asking him a couple of questions. Turns out he was hurt in the accident that resulted from this charge, and needed the license to get to medical treatment. The judge says ok, then asks how he gets to work. He ain’t got no job. Ok, then you can use the license to get to and from job interviews only. And for transportation to ASAP class. Ok, we’re good here? Oh wait, uh oh, he ain’t got no car insurance. Seems it’s hard to get car insurance when you’re an unemployed alcoholic that got arrested for a DUI. Seems like he ain’t got no license (restricted or not) until he finds some car insurance. Once he was finished, the guy sort of shuffles back and I get my first real glimpse at him. This guy has to be a raging alcoholic! He is so skinny, I mean skin and bones, but he has the most gi-normous beer gut I’ve ever seen! Literally looked like a 13 year old with a basketball under his shirt. Now, there’s only one think that I know that will simultaneously make you skin and bones while putting all excess weight straight to your belly and that is beer! I can’t believe the judge was even contemplating a restricted license. This guy was probably drunk right now in court!
Next came the traffic cases, all were like me, speeding and the judge gave them a reduced ticket if they either did community service or traffic school.
$121 dollars later, with traffic court and more costs to be incurred looming in my future, I start heading home and thus ends the day of Officer Grinch and Judge Santa, complete with all sorts of alcoholic and degenerate elves to boot.
Here’s where Judge Santa comes in. Apparently, he hands out reductions in tickets left and right. I can’t believe I spent the night before in a nervous panic, perfecting my speech on how I was so upset to learn I had been speeding because I am a very conscientious driver, and fully understand the importance of safe driving, blah-blah-blah. Turns out I could have gone in there and picked my nose and he would have offered driving school in lieu of the speeding charge. While on one hand, I found this to be a very nice gesture, and believe you me, was thrilled with the outcome, on the other, I was a little upset, because it meant that I had no chance in him saying something like “well, just don’t get another ticket for 1 year, and we’ll forget about this” as I know other judges in other counties have been known to do. He was fair, that’s for sure, but sometimes you don’t want them to be quite so fair and to be able to use your cuteness to your advantage. Anyways, I won’t complain however, because he was willing to reduce the charge to a non-moving violation, which won’t affect my car insurance. So, all in all, it was worth it, and I am very grateful to Judge Santa for being so compassionate to all these crazy speeders!
The funny thing was, the Officer had to give his testimony and he had VERBATIM what I had said! It was so funny, I don’t know why I found it funny, but I did. So, just be careful what you say, it’ll come back to bit you in the butt. And don’t ever admit you were speeding. (Oh, and side note, something I learned from Chelsea Handler, but hope you never need it, don’t ever admit you’ve been drinking either. You don’t say “just one” or “a few a few hours ago” you say “no.” Now I know why.)
Judge: Did Ms. S admit guilt?
Officer: No
Judge: What did Ms. S say?
Officer: She said “I can’t have been going that fast” and when I told her she was going 71, she said “I thought the speed limit was 65.”
I don’t know, just hearing my exact words like that replay from his mouth amused me to no end!
So, I’m planning on going to traffic school sometime, and debating between the online course and the course actually in-person. While I think off hand, the online would be ideal, I have heard from other people that sometimes the in-person course gets let out hours early, while the online is not self-guided, but rather you sit and watch videos, so I have that decision to make.
Now for the fun stuff. I’ve been to traffic court before, but this court, probably due to the fact it was in a small county, combined traffic with the general court. I got there promptly at 9 am like my summons said, and didn’t get called up until nearly 11. Here’s why:
Men in jump suits apparently get first billing. Yes, they were actually in orange jumpsuits with handcuffs. I felt odd knowing I was in the presence of someone who was accused of such a serious crime. These men were appointed their court-appointed lawyer and told what day their pre-trial case would be held.
Next came the DUIs. There were a few, but one in particular really made me laugh. From where I was sitting, I could only see the top of this guy’s head. He looked pretty normal, nothing special. He had a lawyer with him who did all the talking. Apparently this guy was charged with a DUI and the judge was going to give him a restricted license and started asking him a couple of questions. Turns out he was hurt in the accident that resulted from this charge, and needed the license to get to medical treatment. The judge says ok, then asks how he gets to work. He ain’t got no job. Ok, then you can use the license to get to and from job interviews only. And for transportation to ASAP class. Ok, we’re good here? Oh wait, uh oh, he ain’t got no car insurance. Seems it’s hard to get car insurance when you’re an unemployed alcoholic that got arrested for a DUI. Seems like he ain’t got no license (restricted or not) until he finds some car insurance. Once he was finished, the guy sort of shuffles back and I get my first real glimpse at him. This guy has to be a raging alcoholic! He is so skinny, I mean skin and bones, but he has the most gi-normous beer gut I’ve ever seen! Literally looked like a 13 year old with a basketball under his shirt. Now, there’s only one think that I know that will simultaneously make you skin and bones while putting all excess weight straight to your belly and that is beer! I can’t believe the judge was even contemplating a restricted license. This guy was probably drunk right now in court!
Next came the traffic cases, all were like me, speeding and the judge gave them a reduced ticket if they either did community service or traffic school.
$121 dollars later, with traffic court and more costs to be incurred looming in my future, I start heading home and thus ends the day of Officer Grinch and Judge Santa, complete with all sorts of alcoholic and degenerate elves to boot.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
14 smiling customer service Santas
RAP started a whole blogging trend about customer service, and wow did she have some crazy bad service stories. You can read all about them here and here. But yesterday, she decided it was time to give those customer care representatives some accolades if they deserve it. Too often we are caught up in how terrible a sales representative is, that we can totally forget and gloss over the times when we receive good customer service.
So, the first thing to define is "good customer service." What constitutes this? Is it just when they do their job? Like when they go in the back when you ask if they have this in another size rather than just blindly saying "no."? Is it when they apologize and comp a salad with a piece of balloon in it rather than sighing loudly and making a big scene when they take it away, and still manage to charge you for the second salad? When they take a shirt off a mannequin rather than saying "no! You can have another shirt! Ooook!?"? Or when they say hi to you when you come into the store rather than glare at you with disdain then turn back to their coworker and continue their conversation about the skank who was trying to hit on her man last night? I think it's more than that, it's more than just doing what they are supposed to do, and it's a sad day in our society that we give credit for being a "good" customer service representative when all someone is doing is their job. To truly be given an award of "good customer service", I think they need to go above and beyond what is expected in their job description.
Ironically enough, my best customer service experiences have been in grocery stores. Interesting, I know, it doesn't really scream "I'm happy to be working here!" but apparently they treat their employees right and in turn, they treat their customers with respect. A month or two ago, I was at the Food Lion, and I was searching for green peppers. The green peppers were okay in there, I could have taken one, but none looked quite as fresh as I wanted. Well, I guess I was standing there for a good while, because eventually a produce worker came up to me and asked if there was anything he could help me with. I sort of shrugged him off and said "oh, no thanks, I'm just looking for a good green pepper," and instead of walking away, he asked "would you like me to go in the back and bring out some more?" Now considering the three baskets were already overflowing (with what I deemed only somewhat acceptable green peppers), I was very grateful. I said "yes, please" and of course thanked him profusely when he returned. In my opinion, he went above by suggesting he could get me more, rather than waiting for me to ask, or just left me alone (after all, I did say no thanks).
Since that incident only happened recently, it's one of the only ones I can remember, but I do make sure whenever I receive good customer service to let the manager know. Too often the manager is beaten down by disgruntled customers and they are genuinely shocked and happy to hear a positive comment. It's my hope that by giving credit where credit is due, this employee continues to give good service and the number of instances with bad employee service would dwindle.
This skit from MadTV is honestly one of the most HILAROUS things about "customer service" I've ever seen.
I know I'm posting this late. Last night I had almost completed when Pool Shark came over and it turned into one of those perfect random weeknights where you have a bottle of wine and make fun of all the whack-jobs we know, talk about boooooooys, and make plans to do a power hour!
So, the first thing to define is "good customer service." What constitutes this? Is it just when they do their job? Like when they go in the back when you ask if they have this in another size rather than just blindly saying "no."? Is it when they apologize and comp a salad with a piece of balloon in it rather than sighing loudly and making a big scene when they take it away, and still manage to charge you for the second salad? When they take a shirt off a mannequin rather than saying "no! You can have another shirt! Ooook!?"? Or when they say hi to you when you come into the store rather than glare at you with disdain then turn back to their coworker and continue their conversation about the skank who was trying to hit on her man last night? I think it's more than that, it's more than just doing what they are supposed to do, and it's a sad day in our society that we give credit for being a "good" customer service representative when all someone is doing is their job. To truly be given an award of "good customer service", I think they need to go above and beyond what is expected in their job description.
Ironically enough, my best customer service experiences have been in grocery stores. Interesting, I know, it doesn't really scream "I'm happy to be working here!" but apparently they treat their employees right and in turn, they treat their customers with respect. A month or two ago, I was at the Food Lion, and I was searching for green peppers. The green peppers were okay in there, I could have taken one, but none looked quite as fresh as I wanted. Well, I guess I was standing there for a good while, because eventually a produce worker came up to me and asked if there was anything he could help me with. I sort of shrugged him off and said "oh, no thanks, I'm just looking for a good green pepper," and instead of walking away, he asked "would you like me to go in the back and bring out some more?" Now considering the three baskets were already overflowing (with what I deemed only somewhat acceptable green peppers), I was very grateful. I said "yes, please" and of course thanked him profusely when he returned. In my opinion, he went above by suggesting he could get me more, rather than waiting for me to ask, or just left me alone (after all, I did say no thanks).
Since that incident only happened recently, it's one of the only ones I can remember, but I do make sure whenever I receive good customer service to let the manager know. Too often the manager is beaten down by disgruntled customers and they are genuinely shocked and happy to hear a positive comment. It's my hope that by giving credit where credit is due, this employee continues to give good service and the number of instances with bad employee service would dwindle.
This skit from MadTV is honestly one of the most HILAROUS things about "customer service" I've ever seen.
I know I'm posting this late. Last night I had almost completed when Pool Shark came over and it turned into one of those perfect random weeknights where you have a bottle of wine and make fun of all the whack-jobs we know, talk about boooooooys, and make plans to do a power hour!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Grinch the 13th
My Grinch today is this damned plantar fasciitis that for the love of Christmas will not go away! I feel like every weekend I get a massive flare up, and it's really getting old. I guess it makes sense, you do more walking on the weekends, but I don't get why it's not getting any better! I haven't run or done any sort of weight baring exercise in 3 months. I wish this PF Grinch would have a change of heart and decide it wants to feel all better for Christmas.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Santa? Or Grinch?
The one thing that gets me in the mood these days...
Bad Romance by Lady Gaga. Whenever I go out, I have to request this song. Love it! So catchy! Great beat and music! I just love this song. It's my favorite song of the moment. See reference here.
Today's Santa is the song Bad romance. The video is sooooooo ridic I can't even start to get into it, but the song is amazing!
(Editor's note: drunken ramble about Bad Romance to follow)
I will admit though, the reason I started loving this song was because of the GG episode. Seriously, at the end of this episode, I was thinking (no joke, no exaggeration) "How am I going to live my life without knowing what happens next!? My life never officially started until GG entered it. This was the pivital scene where Chuck goes from bastard to hard shell exterior/caring interior, Serena went from the ex-druggie/alcoholic/slut you were rooting for to straight up slut, Jenny went from sweet innocent "going to change the Queen Bee status at St. Gertrudes" to worse than Blair manipulative, Nate's true feelings about Serena were finally surfaced and Dan admits to himself that he is in love with Vanessa (although, I'm a big fan of Hilary Duff's charceter Olivia on GG). It was a super moving episode. Really amazing character building.
Rah-rah-ah-ahhah! I am totally in need of a bad romance!
Link to GG scene
Photo credit: amygrindhouse.com
Just because I'm in a GG mood, this scene gave me another new favorite song (other than Bad Romance). I always liked this song "Whatcha Say" by Jason De Rulo, but this song quickly catapulted it into my top five favs of the moment.
Ok, so don't know if this offically counts since I skipped over the Grinch for today, but I wasn't feeling in a particulary Grinchy mood today
Happy GG Christmas!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Taylor Swift new do Part Two
Photo Credit: Eternally Fixated via INFDaily
Thursday, December 10, 2009
10 Santas hanging up Christmas lights
The first Christmas in my house was three years ago, and I was excited to have a house to decorate! After putting up my mini-tree, hanging some garland and putting out my few decorations, I went outside with a strand of bulbs to hang in the tree. Much to my dismay, I discovered I didn't have an outdoor plug! I only got frustrated for a moment, then, being the ever clever girl that I am, I hung up lights around my window on the inside, but they were still visible from the street. As the days counted down to Christmas, I kept waiting for neighbors to put lights up, but that never came. For the entire month of December, and a little bit into January, I was the only house on my block that had lights up, and that disappointed me sorely. I dubbed my street "Bah Humbug Ave."
The next year, my neighbor got engaged, and his finance moved in. They have put a lot of money and time into their house, including central air, underground water system, new fence, etc. So, it didn't surprise me that they would have an outdoor outlet. One day I came home to find them putting up lights outside! I was ecstatic! Finally someone else would join me on Bah Humbug Ave and try to brighten up the holidays. That Christmas, two lonely houses lite the way for Santa on my block.
This year, however! Things have changed! I like to think I started the trend, either that or the Scrooges have moved out, but already there are 6 total houses with lights! What's funny is they are all right next door to each other, one to the right of me, and 4 to the left. None across the street, nor none at the end of the block. But it is so much more pleasant coming home and seeing the bright lights of Christmas. No one really got out of control, and I don't think it's asking too much to have a few lights hung up, one house just has candles in the window, and another has a wreath with lights on the front door, but still, it brightens up the neighborhood and helps put you in a holly jolly mood. So, today I'm calling out the Santas that live on my street that decided it was time to put forth the effort to make out street cozy for Christmas.
The next year, my neighbor got engaged, and his finance moved in. They have put a lot of money and time into their house, including central air, underground water system, new fence, etc. So, it didn't surprise me that they would have an outdoor outlet. One day I came home to find them putting up lights outside! I was ecstatic! Finally someone else would join me on Bah Humbug Ave and try to brighten up the holidays. That Christmas, two lonely houses lite the way for Santa on my block.
This year, however! Things have changed! I like to think I started the trend, either that or the Scrooges have moved out, but already there are 6 total houses with lights! What's funny is they are all right next door to each other, one to the right of me, and 4 to the left. None across the street, nor none at the end of the block. But it is so much more pleasant coming home and seeing the bright lights of Christmas. No one really got out of control, and I don't think it's asking too much to have a few lights hung up, one house just has candles in the window, and another has a wreath with lights on the front door, but still, it brightens up the neighborhood and helps put you in a holly jolly mood. So, today I'm calling out the Santas that live on my street that decided it was time to put forth the effort to make out street cozy for Christmas.
Taylor Swift's new do
So, I guess lately I'm all about the new do's these young celebs are sporting, but I just don't know what I think about this! I think her face looks odd. I may need to see a better photo, or one where she's not giving a sinister/Lindsey Lohan look to the camera, but I think it makes her look very plain jane. Just any girl you'd see on the street.
Photo credit: US Magazine online
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
9 lonely Grinches at the Bar
Sooooo, today, I was supposed to come home from a nice, productive day at work and proceed to watch my DVR filled with GG, Melrose, Hills, The City, The Office, 30 Rock, Ugly Betty, and who knows what else classic TV. However, we had a department happy hour and D and I ended up wanting to go out after.
Here we are at 7 pm on a Wednesday wanting to get into shenanigans. So, yea, basically, that didn't happen. That is why today's Grinch is the fact that in Richmond, if you want to go out on a random work night (which, I will add that I rarely do anymore), you can't. Because no one is out. How come I specifically recall being 25 and there being tons of people out on a Wednesday and I would be at the bar wondering "what on earth do all these people do that they can be out on a Wednesday!?" but of course ignoring the fact that I too was out on a Wednesday. So, here I am, a few years later and everyone's hibernating for life. It sucks. I should be able to go to a bar where there are a good number of people on a Wednesday night. I really don't think that is asking too much. I'm open to suggestions. And don't say Champps at Stony Point. I know they have karaoke on Wednesdays, but E-dee ruined that place for me for life. And even then, it wasn't fun, only because I was drunk on a Wednesday with E-dee.
Ok, that last part of the paragraph totally digressed. It just really puts a damper on your spirits to be in a mood to want to go out and then actually be out there and it's totally dead. Boooo Grinch of Richmond Bars on Wednesday night.
Here we are at 7 pm on a Wednesday wanting to get into shenanigans. So, yea, basically, that didn't happen. That is why today's Grinch is the fact that in Richmond, if you want to go out on a random work night (which, I will add that I rarely do anymore), you can't. Because no one is out. How come I specifically recall being 25 and there being tons of people out on a Wednesday and I would be at the bar wondering "what on earth do all these people do that they can be out on a Wednesday!?" but of course ignoring the fact that I too was out on a Wednesday. So, here I am, a few years later and everyone's hibernating for life. It sucks. I should be able to go to a bar where there are a good number of people on a Wednesday night. I really don't think that is asking too much. I'm open to suggestions. And don't say Champps at Stony Point. I know they have karaoke on Wednesdays, but E-dee ruined that place for me for life. And even then, it wasn't fun, only because I was drunk on a Wednesday with E-dee.
Ok, that last part of the paragraph totally digressed. It just really puts a damper on your spirits to be in a mood to want to go out and then actually be out there and it's totally dead. Boooo Grinch of Richmond Bars on Wednesday night.
phot credit: markydeedroppics flickr
Random Blake Lively's for the day
After hosting SNL this past weekend, Blake heads out for a night on the town.
Not sure I'm too crazy about her eye liner, however. Too much of the cat eye, and the lipstick looks a little bit clownish with the eyes, but whatevs, I'd still take looking like her anyday.
Two of my favs in one place rocking this seasons hottest lip color.
Photo credit: People.com
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
8 Santas
This one's going to be short since I'm sure to have bored everyone to death yesterday with three posts! Today's Santas are the women in my Bible Study group. I was totally dragging there today. "I have a million things I need to get done instead!" was reverberating in my head, but I was glad I went. These women are so kind and so wonderful that they really put me in a good mood, and that's just what Santa ordered this time of year!
Monday, December 7, 2009
On the 7th day of Grinches
The biggest Grinch I can possibly think of is "the man." There is nothing that will take away your Christmas mojo (or anytime of the year mojo for that matter) than going to work. Monday, Tuesday, Friday, it don't matter. Work sucks! Why can't I be independently wealthy? I think I've more than put in my dues, and really, winning the lottery or marrying a wealthy guy so I don't have to work is only fair and what I DESERVE!
Blake Lively Tiger Woods SNL Skit
Looks like Blake Lively was a guest on SNL last weekend. I haven't watched that show since high school, but we all know my Blake obsession. The skit was okay, but kind of in bad form if you want my opinion. Elin is really portrayed as a monster, when really, can you blame her!? Her husband was cheating on her and the women are crawling out of the woodwork! The count was up to 10 last time I checked today! Who knows what the count will be tomorrow! A guy at work and I were joking about taking polls on the final tally.
I do feel bad for Elin, I mean really, she probably found out about one of the affairs, or who knows, got an STD (US Weekly, for what that's worth, is reporting that Tiger didn't use condoms with two of the women) and flipped her shit. I can see him running away and her being like "Don't you run away from me! You get back here!" And chasing him in her shocked, hurt and angry state. Now, I'm not saying that she's allowed to abuse him because of that... no wait, I'd say that's fair.
In Tiger's defense, I will say I'm not sure how many women will come out and say they had an affair and it won't be true. I feel like Tiger was untouchable before, he wasn't anyone someone would lie about because he was so private, but now that the doors are open for 10+ ladies, I know the crazies will be soon to follow. I guess as far as our pool is concerned, we'll just have to go with alleged mistresses, since we'll never know the truth. Although, the truth that is known is that even if a guy has the most beautiful wife in the world, if he's a cheater, it don't matter.
My thought is he was a loser growing up, and now that he's famous and can get all these beautiful (although some of them, I'd hardly use the word even attractive. Some look real used and weathered!) women, he doesn't know how to keep it in his pants.
I do feel bad for Elin, I mean really, she probably found out about one of the affairs, or who knows, got an STD (US Weekly, for what that's worth, is reporting that Tiger didn't use condoms with two of the women) and flipped her shit. I can see him running away and her being like "Don't you run away from me! You get back here!" And chasing him in her shocked, hurt and angry state. Now, I'm not saying that she's allowed to abuse him because of that... no wait, I'd say that's fair.
In Tiger's defense, I will say I'm not sure how many women will come out and say they had an affair and it won't be true. I feel like Tiger was untouchable before, he wasn't anyone someone would lie about because he was so private, but now that the doors are open for 10+ ladies, I know the crazies will be soon to follow. I guess as far as our pool is concerned, we'll just have to go with alleged mistresses, since we'll never know the truth. Although, the truth that is known is that even if a guy has the most beautiful wife in the world, if he's a cheater, it don't matter.
My thought is he was a loser growing up, and now that he's famous and can get all these beautiful (although some of them, I'd hardly use the word even attractive. Some look real used and weathered!) women, he doesn't know how to keep it in his pants.
2009 Resolutions
As the end of the year draws upon us and we're gearing up for a fabulous new year full of new hopes and expectations, it's only appropriate that I look back to my resolutions for 2009 and see how I did. I found my blog from last year (this current site is my new and rebranded blog, although they are pretty much exactly the same) Here's what I found!
Original blog in blue, current comments in black.
January. The beginning of a new year. New hopes, new promises, and the age old, new resolutions. Although, my resolutions are anything but new…
This is true, as I'll probably have the exact same resolutions for 2010, whoops.
1. Lose 20 lbs. And what goes hand in hand with losing weight? Maximizing gym utilization. Last year I was at 38% utilization, or 138 times. This year, I was at 40% or 147 times. I had set the goal for 42% or 152, so I missed it by 5 gym times. Pretty close, and I’m not upset with that at all. This year I want to strive for an average of 3 times per week, or 156 times. That’s nine times more than this past year, and I am sure I can do it! Already this year, I’ve worked out 5 times, and plan to go to the gym at lunch. I’ll already by at 120%! I feel great, and just know that this is the year I will finally lose that 20 lbs. Not gain 10 lbs like I did this year! Yikes! I’m also starting training for the 10K in March.
I feel like there were 3 things going on here: 1. Lose 20 lbs, 2. Maximize gym utilization, and 3. Run Monument 10K. I am pleased to say I hit 2 of those 3! Can you guess which one I did not do!? Ha! That's right! Lose 20lbs! I did manage to lose probably 7 lbs, although I've put on 2 of them back on in the past month. :( My gym utilization was AWESOME this year. So far, I've already gone 195 times! I totally blew that resolution out of the water! That averages out to 4 times a week! Super amazing! I will say, I am fit! I did the half marathon training, my New Rules of Lifting for Women training, and then regular workouts, however, I just couldn't manage to lose the weight. As far as the last is concerned, I did complete the Monument 10K, which was awesome, and I did it in 61 minutes! So, I managed to hit 2 of my 3 "health" goals this year. I'll have to try harder as far as weight loss. I just shudder to think what my weight would be if I hadn't worked out so much!
2. No alcohol consumption for 2 weeks. Originally, I wanted to say all of January, but thought it seemed too daunting, so I scaled back until January 15. If that all goes well, I’ll aim for the rest of the month. Little steps, right? This goal is directly related to my weight loss goal, as I am convinced I could drop the weight very rapidly if I did not drink. I cannot drink in moderation. Blake Shelton best summed it up with “Cause the more I drink, the more I drink. Yeah, I’m the world’s greatest lover and a dancin’ machine. I get loud, I get proud....and it gets worse. Well if I have one, I’ll have thirteen. Naw, there ain’t no in-between. Cause, the more I drink, the more I drink.” Yes, that is me to a tee! So, how does this fit in with weight loss? Well, if we’re talking an extra 1,000 calories every time I drink, for an average drinking of three or four times a week, that’s a lot of extra calories, that all the good days in between can’t make up. Plus, let’s not forget the late night pizza that goes hand in hand with lots of alcohol (yes, sometimes I still feel like I’m in college). So, we’ll give it a shot and see where we go.
Um, okay, so maybe this is why I did not lose the 20lbs! I didn't even make it those two weeks with no alcohol.
3. Get finances in order. This will get kicked off with a strict “no-buy” policy in January. Cat is doing this one as well. We are both not going to buy any material items for all of January. Food, basic necessities, and entertainment are allowed, just no frivolous purchases. The reason entertainment is allowed is we’re trying to be reasonable, we can still go out and live a normal life, just without new clothes, shoes, or purses. But I should save a lot more with my no alcohol working hand in hand. See how all my resolutions tie in together?
Yea, this one also did not happen. The "strict" no buy lasted about 3 days. And my money is just as out of control now as it ever was. I'm not even sure I can afford Christmas gifts this year!!
4. Meet serious boyfriend potential. No more of the foolishness that’s been going on in my life these past few years. No more dating guys that are going to leave in a few months. No more hooligans. Basically, unless the guy is someone worth dating (i.e. good person, nice, has a good and “real” job, mature, treats me well, isn’t an alcoholic, isn’t hitting on every girl in a five feet radius) then I will not even go out on one date with him. Although after typing that, I have a feeling I may have a dateless 2009! And to help with this, I will either go back on eHarmony, or try professional match maker. Not sure about professional match maker, but will give it a try. And this time, I’ll take eHarmony more serious, and not log off after one month and one date, when I paid for three months! You know, I’m almost 29, there is no shame in going on eHarmony, right?
Soooo... I did go on eHarmony, however, I was not pleased with the results. I was less than pleased with the quality of guys, they looked okay online, but once you met them in real life! Yikes! I did have a few fun dates though, a few guys I went out with more than once, and also so massive jokesters, but all in all, I would say I miserably failed on this resolution.
Why am I feeling deja vu from this post? Probably because not only have I resolved each of these every year for the past 7 years, but say them about 20 times per year. On a random July afternoon "Ok! Time to get serious! Time to work out, and not date jokesters anymore!" Then, what happens two days later? Bingefest at happy hour and giving my number out all over town. But this time, there's something in the air. I'm feeling a seriousness about it all this year. 29 is my year! I just cannot turn 30 with my life in this disarray!
So, there are my resolutions and how pathetic I was in accomplishing them. Although it's too late for the resolutions, I was a little encouraged by the last line "I just cannot turn 30 with my life in this disarray!" Fortunately I still have 4 months before I turn 30, so right now, right here, it's time to get serious!!
xoxo, S
Original blog in blue, current comments in black.
January. The beginning of a new year. New hopes, new promises, and the age old, new resolutions. Although, my resolutions are anything but new…
This is true, as I'll probably have the exact same resolutions for 2010, whoops.
1. Lose 20 lbs. And what goes hand in hand with losing weight? Maximizing gym utilization. Last year I was at 38% utilization, or 138 times. This year, I was at 40% or 147 times. I had set the goal for 42% or 152, so I missed it by 5 gym times. Pretty close, and I’m not upset with that at all. This year I want to strive for an average of 3 times per week, or 156 times. That’s nine times more than this past year, and I am sure I can do it! Already this year, I’ve worked out 5 times, and plan to go to the gym at lunch. I’ll already by at 120%! I feel great, and just know that this is the year I will finally lose that 20 lbs. Not gain 10 lbs like I did this year! Yikes! I’m also starting training for the 10K in March.
I feel like there were 3 things going on here: 1. Lose 20 lbs, 2. Maximize gym utilization, and 3. Run Monument 10K. I am pleased to say I hit 2 of those 3! Can you guess which one I did not do!? Ha! That's right! Lose 20lbs! I did manage to lose probably 7 lbs, although I've put on 2 of them back on in the past month. :( My gym utilization was AWESOME this year. So far, I've already gone 195 times! I totally blew that resolution out of the water! That averages out to 4 times a week! Super amazing! I will say, I am fit! I did the half marathon training, my New Rules of Lifting for Women training, and then regular workouts, however, I just couldn't manage to lose the weight. As far as the last is concerned, I did complete the Monument 10K, which was awesome, and I did it in 61 minutes! So, I managed to hit 2 of my 3 "health" goals this year. I'll have to try harder as far as weight loss. I just shudder to think what my weight would be if I hadn't worked out so much!
2. No alcohol consumption for 2 weeks. Originally, I wanted to say all of January, but thought it seemed too daunting, so I scaled back until January 15. If that all goes well, I’ll aim for the rest of the month. Little steps, right? This goal is directly related to my weight loss goal, as I am convinced I could drop the weight very rapidly if I did not drink. I cannot drink in moderation. Blake Shelton best summed it up with “Cause the more I drink, the more I drink. Yeah, I’m the world’s greatest lover and a dancin’ machine. I get loud, I get proud....and it gets worse. Well if I have one, I’ll have thirteen. Naw, there ain’t no in-between. Cause, the more I drink, the more I drink.” Yes, that is me to a tee! So, how does this fit in with weight loss? Well, if we’re talking an extra 1,000 calories every time I drink, for an average drinking of three or four times a week, that’s a lot of extra calories, that all the good days in between can’t make up. Plus, let’s not forget the late night pizza that goes hand in hand with lots of alcohol (yes, sometimes I still feel like I’m in college). So, we’ll give it a shot and see where we go.
Um, okay, so maybe this is why I did not lose the 20lbs! I didn't even make it those two weeks with no alcohol.
3. Get finances in order. This will get kicked off with a strict “no-buy” policy in January. Cat is doing this one as well. We are both not going to buy any material items for all of January. Food, basic necessities, and entertainment are allowed, just no frivolous purchases. The reason entertainment is allowed is we’re trying to be reasonable, we can still go out and live a normal life, just without new clothes, shoes, or purses. But I should save a lot more with my no alcohol working hand in hand. See how all my resolutions tie in together?
Yea, this one also did not happen. The "strict" no buy lasted about 3 days. And my money is just as out of control now as it ever was. I'm not even sure I can afford Christmas gifts this year!!
4. Meet serious boyfriend potential. No more of the foolishness that’s been going on in my life these past few years. No more dating guys that are going to leave in a few months. No more hooligans. Basically, unless the guy is someone worth dating (i.e. good person, nice, has a good and “real” job, mature, treats me well, isn’t an alcoholic, isn’t hitting on every girl in a five feet radius) then I will not even go out on one date with him. Although after typing that, I have a feeling I may have a dateless 2009! And to help with this, I will either go back on eHarmony, or try professional match maker. Not sure about professional match maker, but will give it a try. And this time, I’ll take eHarmony more serious, and not log off after one month and one date, when I paid for three months! You know, I’m almost 29, there is no shame in going on eHarmony, right?
Soooo... I did go on eHarmony, however, I was not pleased with the results. I was less than pleased with the quality of guys, they looked okay online, but once you met them in real life! Yikes! I did have a few fun dates though, a few guys I went out with more than once, and also so massive jokesters, but all in all, I would say I miserably failed on this resolution.
Why am I feeling deja vu from this post? Probably because not only have I resolved each of these every year for the past 7 years, but say them about 20 times per year. On a random July afternoon "Ok! Time to get serious! Time to work out, and not date jokesters anymore!" Then, what happens two days later? Bingefest at happy hour and giving my number out all over town. But this time, there's something in the air. I'm feeling a seriousness about it all this year. 29 is my year! I just cannot turn 30 with my life in this disarray!
So, there are my resolutions and how pathetic I was in accomplishing them. Although it's too late for the resolutions, I was a little encouraged by the last line "I just cannot turn 30 with my life in this disarray!" Fortunately I still have 4 months before I turn 30, so right now, right here, it's time to get serious!!
xoxo, S
Sunday, December 6, 2009
6 Santa Clauses
I think we're doing even days for Santas, if not, you're getting it anyways. I missed Friday and Saturday, but it's getting late and I have work, and didn't get much sleep this weekend, so I'm just going to do today's and forget about the other two days.
My Santas are the girls that you don't know but welcome you right in. This weekend, I didn't know two of the girls that I went to Charleston with, they were friends of one of my friends and I'd never met them, but they were both just so kind and welcoming and and I always appreciate girls like that. So today's Santa shout out goes to the non-mean girls of the world!
My Santas are the girls that you don't know but welcome you right in. This weekend, I didn't know two of the girls that I went to Charleston with, they were friends of one of my friends and I'd never met them, but they were both just so kind and welcoming and and I always appreciate girls like that. So today's Santa shout out goes to the non-mean girls of the world!
Charleston Get-a-Way
I'm back, and have I got a lot to share!
I just got back from the best weekend in Charleston, SC. I went with a few other girls, all except me were married with children, but good gracious, that did not stop them from letting loose, and we had a blast!
When we arrived Friday afternoon, we did a tour of the city, then came back to the hotel to get ready and opened up the first of many bottles of wine. That night we had the most amazing dinner at Coast, very good stuff and you must get the sangria if you go! That night we went out to a bar down at the market place, they had a great live band, so we danced, talked with cute boys, and in general got totally bombed.
The next morning, the old married hags were hurting, but after a brunch at a local dive, some shopping and some sightseeing, we rally up to go grab dinner. I wasn't impressed with the meal the second night, maybe I give it a C, but afterwards, me and two other girls head back out to the downtown scene where we ran into the cutest Aussies! I could barely understand them, but they were cute, and I did have a mini-smoochfest with one of them!
So, here's my opinion. Basically, Charleston is so freaking adorable, I can't even stand it. It was odd though seeing this bright blue sky with palmetto trees, you'd expect it to be warm, but it wasn't. Of course, we were there in December, I know that in August it's quite a different story. The architecture is so amazing, the city is so cute and so quaint and so gorgeous on the water. But I will tell you, I was not pleased with the social scene. Yes, I had a great time, but because I was with a group of girls. The guys there were not that great. I'd barely even classify them as "cute enough." Although, on that other hand, the girls were not great either! They just weren't! A lot were chunky (which, I loved, I felt so thin and gorgeous!), and just weren't all in all very attractive. It was odd, I was expecting the city to be full of attractive people. I'm not sure what it was that made them all so very plain. I can definitely see the draw why Charleston's one of those cities that everyone raves about and loves. It definitely had tons of charm, and nice, warm weather most of the time, but between the humidity and heat in the summer and lack of attractive social scene, I'm not going to put it on my list of potential places I'd like to move to when/if I can get my butt in gear and move.
Other than the city aspect, I had such fun with the girls I went with. Even though they were a few years older and in a totally different life stage, I had a blast. They were fun, they were dancing, talking with boys, having a blast. It always makes me laugh though to hear them say "oh, girls weekend, so fun! Woooooo!" when I'm over here like "yea, every weekend is girls weekend!" But it wasn't so much about the girls weekend for me so much as it was nice to get out of Richmond, get a change of scenery and just enjoy the company of girls I don't really hang out with that often.
Ok, here's some photos from this weekend:
Rainbow Row, a famous series of colorful houses. Everywhere I went in Charleston, there were photos and paintings of this street.
There were so many amazing gardens and beautifully manicured yards. And the houses were all so cute and unique, and totally "Charleston."
Sort of the "quintessential Charleston home"
King Street decorated for Christmas.
I just got back from the best weekend in Charleston, SC. I went with a few other girls, all except me were married with children, but good gracious, that did not stop them from letting loose, and we had a blast!
When we arrived Friday afternoon, we did a tour of the city, then came back to the hotel to get ready and opened up the first of many bottles of wine. That night we had the most amazing dinner at Coast, very good stuff and you must get the sangria if you go! That night we went out to a bar down at the market place, they had a great live band, so we danced, talked with cute boys, and in general got totally bombed.
The next morning, the old married hags were hurting, but after a brunch at a local dive, some shopping and some sightseeing, we rally up to go grab dinner. I wasn't impressed with the meal the second night, maybe I give it a C, but afterwards, me and two other girls head back out to the downtown scene where we ran into the cutest Aussies! I could barely understand them, but they were cute, and I did have a mini-smoochfest with one of them!
So, here's my opinion. Basically, Charleston is so freaking adorable, I can't even stand it. It was odd though seeing this bright blue sky with palmetto trees, you'd expect it to be warm, but it wasn't. Of course, we were there in December, I know that in August it's quite a different story. The architecture is so amazing, the city is so cute and so quaint and so gorgeous on the water. But I will tell you, I was not pleased with the social scene. Yes, I had a great time, but because I was with a group of girls. The guys there were not that great. I'd barely even classify them as "cute enough." Although, on that other hand, the girls were not great either! They just weren't! A lot were chunky (which, I loved, I felt so thin and gorgeous!), and just weren't all in all very attractive. It was odd, I was expecting the city to be full of attractive people. I'm not sure what it was that made them all so very plain. I can definitely see the draw why Charleston's one of those cities that everyone raves about and loves. It definitely had tons of charm, and nice, warm weather most of the time, but between the humidity and heat in the summer and lack of attractive social scene, I'm not going to put it on my list of potential places I'd like to move to when/if I can get my butt in gear and move.
Other than the city aspect, I had such fun with the girls I went with. Even though they were a few years older and in a totally different life stage, I had a blast. They were fun, they were dancing, talking with boys, having a blast. It always makes me laugh though to hear them say "oh, girls weekend, so fun! Woooooo!" when I'm over here like "yea, every weekend is girls weekend!" But it wasn't so much about the girls weekend for me so much as it was nice to get out of Richmond, get a change of scenery and just enjoy the company of girls I don't really hang out with that often.
Ok, here's some photos from this weekend:
Rainbow Row, a famous series of colorful houses. Everywhere I went in Charleston, there were photos and paintings of this street.
There were so many amazing gardens and beautifully manicured yards. And the houses were all so cute and unique, and totally "Charleston."
Sort of the "quintessential Charleston home"
King Street decorated for Christmas.
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