Ring! Ring!

For starters - I really hate coming up with titles for my posts.  I'm not creative, which should be evident by my awesome titles.  While not the point of this post, it is still something of note.

I have had a cell phone for about 9 years.  It has never once gone off in an inappropriate place like church or the movies.  Why then, do I still hear them ring in such places?  Why are reminders at the movies necessary?  And my favorite question - after such reminders, why do people still not silence them???

While in New York my sisters and I went and saw "Phantom of the Opera" on Broadway (holler!).  There was the standard reminder and the ushers were even scolding people who were texting, etc right before it started.  How is it possible that THREE cell phones rang during the performance?  And how is it possible that I didn't get up and slap the woman who let hers go to voicemail?

Am I alone in this?  Yes, the occasional accident is fine but after you hear one go off, shouldn't that make everyone in the audience take a moment, back track in that forgetful mind of theirs and conjure up the memory of silencing or not silencing their phone?

There are far too many questions in the post.

Peace Out

This gorgeous gal will be spending the next 25 months in China with the Peace Corp.  I still can't believe she's gone!  Meghan is the best friend, sister, aunt anyone could ask for.  I hope she has a great time but I'm going to be selfish for a minute and say that I hope her time flies by!

Anyone want to go to China with me over Christmas break?

My Meghan leaves for China today.  She doesn't want a big hoopla at the airport so she has requested that only mom and dad drive her down.  I have no idea how to say goodbye to my best friend for two years. 

I'm feeling a little empty right about now.

Go Green! Eventually!

Am I the only one who finds the timing of Kleenex's new line of one use hand towels a little odd?  In a world where marketers are doing everything possible to promote healthy, recyclable, sustainable living products - we now have in home use Kleenex one use hand towels.

HUH?

Where Are Your Pants?

The last few years have brought an onslaught of new, young female singers (entertainers?) and with the introduction of every new one, they introduce us to crazier and crazier "fashions".

Granted, Madonna has always been kind of out there in left field, but when it came to costumes, she was in a league of her own.  Gone are the days of bubble gum pop and now it's all about the weird, wacky and bizarre.  I'm sure you recognize some of these ladies.....

I'm sure you're used to seeing a lot more of Lady Gaga's flesh.  My apologies.

Christina has always tried to push the envelope, but now this married mother seems to be losing her fight against conformity.  I would love her SO much more if she would just sing like we know she can!

You may not be familiar with Solange, but you're definitely familiar with her big sister, Beyonce.  I've heard her sing and she's definitely talented....are the clothes a distraction or an attempt to step out of someone's shadow?

Any guesses on how old Taylor Momsen is?

16.

Yep.  Yikes.  She typically wears torn lingerie and raccoon mascara eyes when she performs with her band.

Yikes.

Rihanna has only started stepping into the crazy the last year or so.  She never used to dress like this until her most recent album was released.  It's been all about those leotard jumpsuit things lately.  Ummm....

Oh hey there Ke$ha.  I believe it's pronounce Kesha, not Ke-dollar sign-ha.  She is trying her best to bring the crazy and I think she is definitely succeeding.  (Give yourself a pat on the back)  Her recent appearance on Saturday Night Live featured her in neon glow-in-the-dark body paint.  

When will the madness end?  I hope this doesn't influence the country music scene....

NYC Highlights

My sisters and I went to New York City for a few days for a quick "sister trip" before my sister, Meghan, leaves for China for 2 years.  It was amazing!  I want to go back right now!  It can be hard traveling with four different personalities but we made it back alive with a lot of memories and great photos.  It was fantastic to spend my birthday there as well!  28 has had a great start!

Trinity Church - it was beautiful!  I think it's neat that this church is smack dab in the middle of skyscrapers and the hustle and bustle of the NY Stock Exchange.

The Bronx Botanical Garden was amazing!  I wish I had a better camera to capture what we saw.

Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) was incredible!  I discovered two new artists to love and made my mom green with envy that we saw "Starry Night" and lots of Jackson Pollock's!  In the top photo the chair is actually mounted high up on the wall - rad.  The bottom one is an installation made with dinnerware.  Awesome!

A fantastic ending to a loooooong day!

Happy birthday to me!  It was AMAZING!  I do not sing, dance, play an instrument, etc but I appreciate music and theater.  I am grateful for those people who have honed their skills and are willing to share them with those of us who need to feel what they can give.  I get really emotional at plays.  Weird, I know.  I always cry during the applause for the cast.  I think it's because I can't imagine the work they have had to put in to get them to where they are.  

TMI.  I apologize.

Call me if you ever need a travel buddy to NYC!  I need a trip back there ASAP!

Trashtastic Fun

Last Friday I went on a date to the drag races.  I'm not sure why I agreed because I had no idea what I would be in for.  It was LOUD.  We sat front and center - I got hearing damage and black flecks of rubber all over my bod.  Awesome.

Let's talk about the type of crowd the drag races attracts -

the mullet, and the see through shirt with the black bra; a match made in Heaven

Americans love free stuff.  They were all trying to get the weird bobcat/wolf/mountain lion looking mascot to shoot the T-shirt gun at them.  I was nearly knocked over by a child scrambling after a glow stick

I tried to get more photos of the attendees but my date was slightly horrified that I was taking their pictures in the first place, so I abstained.  Unfortunately.  I saw LOTS of flesh.  I wish I had the words to expound on the word LOTS but that will have to suffice until I'm smarter.  Most people walked around with a beer in each hand with their kid wandering around somewhere behind them.  It was a great night for people watching.  I wish I got more pictures!

Next time.  Yeah right!  There won't be a next time.

In honor of my pops who sent me this joke!  Happy Father's Day to all the past, present and future fathers who love their families and are not shy about sharing it!

A little old lady answered a knock on the door one day, to be confronted by a well-dressed young man carrying a vacuum cleaner.

'Good morning,' said the young man. 'If I could take a couple minutes of your time, I would like to demonstrate the very latest in high-powered vacuum cleaners...

'Go away!' said the old lady. ''I'm broke and haven't got any money!'and she proceeded to close the door.

Quick as a flash, the young man wedged his foot in the door and pushed it wide open...'Don't be too hasty!' he said. 'Not until you have at least seen my demonstration.'

And with that, he emptied a bucket of horse manure onto her hallway carpet. 'Now, if this vacuum cleaner does not remove all traces of this horse manure from your carpet, Madam, I will personally eat the remainder.'

The old lady stepped back and said, 'Well let me get you a fork, 'cause they cut off my electricity this morning.'

"Know yourself. Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful."

- Ann Landers

Letter Time

Dear Dressing Room Designers,

What is wrong with you?  Could your choices in lighting design be more awful?  (Go back and say that last sentence like Chandler Bing.  Now)  The answer to that question is: NO, definitely not.  Although I enjoy trying on clothes in a tiny cubicle in which I typically bang an elbow or stub a toe, the part I don't like is how you have succeeded in making even the most perfect model look dimply, pasty and chunky in your little box.  Maybe you don't read my blog but I have decided to like myself at all times, and in all things and in all places.  Please - let me like myself in a dressing room.  Get on it.

Thanks,
Rachel

*Borrowed* but Credited

I love that this whole creepy blog/Facebook era has lead to restraining orders new connections.  I love that I can read what people all over the world have to say.  Everyone has an opinion and I'm grateful to those who are willing to share it, especially if it's in an articulate, non-bigoted manner.

Speaking of - a fellow Rachel found my blog and was awesome enough to "out" herself and leave a comment!  I will admit, I don't leave comments where I lurk.  Thanks Rachel!  When I hopped over to check out her blog (click it!) I found a good one!  She's rad (and she lives in the UK!  Tell me, what American isn't a sucker for an accent?!?)  As I perused her old posts one struck me, so I would like to share it with all 7 of you who read this nutty blog.

Here is the original article/blog post where she found it.  L.O.V.E.  Sit down, read it with your full attention.  And just BE.

1. True living is more than just keeping your heart beating and a roof over your head. Don’t fool yourself into thinking that is “just how life goes.” There’s way more possibilities, and, yes, IT IS WORTH GOING AFTER. Be daring.

2. Stop blowing yourself off; we get so upset when others blow off our ideas and desires, but we have no problem doing it to ourselves. Take your ideas, feelings, wants, wishes, yearns & urges seriously–those are your only true guide. Other people have no idea what’s best for you, so stop seeking their validation. Do what you need to do for you. Be confident.

3. Stop doing everything by the book. It’s time to start drafting your own revised edition. Rules don’t always exist in the name of the greatest good; more often than not, they exist because someone wants to establish or maintain power. And that’s just not a good enough reason. Be inquisitive.

4. Life is a series of choices. You choose every single direction that your life takes. Use it to your advantage. Be deliberate.

5. There will be people out there who won’t support what you’re doing. Who cares. Trust yourself more, trust others less. That includes significant others. Be brave.

6. Figure out what you value, and make the necessary changes to align your life with those values. If you value time more than money, stop working 60 hour work weeks. The only way you’ll get more time, is by doing less. It’s simple math. Be introspective.

7. Speaking of money, IT ISN’T AS IMPORTANT AS WE’RE TAUGHT TO THINK IT IS. Money comes, and money goes, and it provides little value itself until you actually exchange it for something that is valuable to you. So, ask yourself that question. What do you value? That’s where the majority of the money you spend should be going. Be prudent.

8. Having good intentions doesn’t yield results. Get off your rear and make it happen. Be zealous.

9. Life isn’t meant to be taken so seriously. In the scheme of things, if you’re going to be late to work, it doesn’t really matter. If you don’t get an A, it doesn’t really matter. If you’re proven wrong about something, it doesn’t really matter. If your house isn’t as nice as your best friend’s, it doesn’t really matter. Relax, and enjoy the ride. Think big picture, not details. Will this matter in 100 years? Be panoramic.

10. The world is not judging you as much as you think they are. Most people are too wrapped up in themselves to even notice what you’re doing. Drop the pride and have a little fun. Be lighthearted.

11. Perhaps one of the greatest goals we can seek for ourselves is exhilaration. Are you exhilarated by your life? Be stimulated.

12. When making decisions, always ask what’s more important. Thinking about canceling on an invitation to a friend’s baby shower or birthday party because you have too much work to do? Get your head out of your ass. Your friend is more important; work can always be done later. Nothing is that urgent. Relationships, however, are your foundation and you’d be lost without other human connections, so value them. And show it. Be thoughtful.

13. You don’t just need to love yourself; you need to respect yourself. You’ll garner that respect by accomplishing things you’ve set out to do. Be relentless.

14. Being content with your life and being proud to call it yours are two different things. Strive for the latter. Be courageous.

15. Last but not least, wine should be drank with meals. Preferably Argentinian Malbec. It’s freaking delicious. Be delighted. *

*Ok, I don't drink alcohol so #15 is a no go, but the Be Delighted part - absolutely!  Mine shall come in the form of a DrumStick ice cream cone.  Nightly.

I Like Me

As most ladies know - we are our own worst enemies (There are the rare few women who find no fault with themselves...I don't know any of those women).  I'm so sick of picking myself apart and only focusing on what I see as flaws.  Sometimes what we hate is what others love about us.  Case and point - I have a gap between my two front teeth that I would rather not have but I have several friends who would never speak to me again if I "corrected" it.

What I have decided to do is to always accept compliments (I shoot them down far too often) and on this very blog I am going to list the things that I LIKE about myself.  Please don't think I'm fishing for more, what I would love to see is my amazing, talented, gorgeous, funny, intellectual blogging community do the same.  You're amazing, now go tell everyone!  Here goes nothing - I like:

-my lips.  Good shape, good volume, rarely chapped

-the field I work in but what I love is that I don't let it define me

-my humor, I'm pretty funny (in person, not so much in writing) (boo)

-my legs.  Killer calves

-my hair most days

-that I have attracted good people into my life

-that I have a strong desire to learn something new everyday

-that while I am terrified of change I don't let it hold me back from moving on and moving up

-that I'm sentimental

-that I get into shape really quickly (thanks for the good genes mom and dad!)

-my taste in shoes (have you seen my collection of high heels?!?) (I'm famous at church for them)

-that it takes A LOT to get me to dislike you or hold a grudge against you

-that I overuse (parentheses), :) smiley faces :) and exclamation points!

-that Disney movies make me cry (Monsters, Inc...at the end...cry fest)

-my quick wit.  Never have a battle of wits with an unarmed person.  I'm only unarmed in the early mornings.  Bring it.

-that I'm not fake, I don't try to be someone or something I'm not.  It's uncomfortable for everyone, I promise.

-my eyes.  Hazel most days, bright green when I have a good cry.

-that I'm not hairy.  My arm hair is barely visible and I only have to shave my legs once a week.  Holler!

-that you can see most of my teeth when I smile :)

-that I have scoliosis and that it makes my left shoulder super wonky

-etc

What do you like about you?  I like you :)

Stupid Pet Peeve

Yes, I'm sure to get some flack for this but do remember - this is my pet peeve and I'm not expecting everyone to agree.  Here it is:

VINTAGE vs RETRO

I am so sick and tired of girls who have the odd fashion sense to wear 7 layers in the hot sun, buy something retro from H&M and call themselves a fashionista.  If you ask them about their outfit (this has to be done layer by layer because remember, there are 7) they will describe what they are wearing as vintage, etc.

Why is it so hard to understand the difference between vintage and retro?  Vintage means the real deal, the original item and from what I have read by fashion editors - it should be from more than 20+ years ago.  If you bought a dress that looks like it is from the 50's but you bought it at Target, that is called retro.  Target doesn't carry one of a kind anything which is why they can have such excellent deals on just about everything my little heart desires.

I understand wanting to seem hip and cool and that vintage sounds way better than retro but guess what ladies - you want to be so different and unique but that doesn't come from quirky slang.  It comes from within.  

So says the most un-unique (dis-unique?) lady out there.  

Just a peeve - hopefully the vintage/layering/mismatching nonsense will be over soon.  If not, I guess I'll just have to move to Washington, DC.

(Wow!  I rarely vent on my blog, sorry if this is an annoying post!  Just keeping it real) 

(Real as in right now  i.e. not vintage)

love

I'll catch you up on my adventures from last week soon - until then please enjoy this awesome mash-up!

(If you don't know where I was last week...I was where the dancing was)  :)

Foreshadowing

When I posted the poem yesterday I had no idea that I would be getting some good news later in the afternoon.  I passed the final component of my Utah State Level II interpreting test!  I seriously considered dropping it and not trying to get certified because I'm moving but I was just one component away so I went for it.

Advice:  don't be a certification test taker like me.  Don't.  April of last year I took my Level II for the first time.  Last June I got the results that I passed 4 of the 5 (woot!).  I didn't attempt the last component again until October (procrastinator!) and I failed.  Then I again waited (ugh!) until April to take it again.  SO lazy!  It took me three tries and I could have had this done a looooong time ago if only I wasn't so lazy.  Or if I cared more.  

Oh well, that's done so now on to the NIC....hopefully by the end of the year....or the end of next year....

"Stick to your task 'til it sticks to you;

Beginners are many, but enders are few.

Honor, power, place and praise

Will always come to the one who stays.

Stick to your task 'til it sticks to you;

Bend at it, sweat at it, smile at it, too;

For out of the bend and the sweat and the smile

Will come life's victories after a while."

-Author Unknown

We're Kind of a Big Deal

We did family pictures last weekend and I am thrilled how they turned out!  We had the super talented and fabulous Heather Mildentstein work with us and she not only kept us entertained but she also made us look alright.  

Funny story - Heather grew up in Ramona, CA with some of my good friends.  When I was 10 my BFF, Nicki, and her family moved from San Diego to Ramona and I thought my world ended.  It did not and now I'm glad to know that when Nicki and her amazing sister, Erica, moved they met a great friend like Heather.  It's a small world and for that I am so glad!

Heather does fantastic work - I highly recommend her!  Check out her other work on her blog by clicking here