tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9408510971979121302012-02-11T19:53:00.478-08:00obsessions, musings, and whatever else strikes my fancyalrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.comBlogger801100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-70748785263190221202009-04-06T23:21:00.001-07:002009-04-06T23:48:16.148-07:00

Wow, it's been over a month since I wrote here. What can I say - I'm a busy bee and also just enjoying pregnancy. But here are a few updates:1. The Mister and I went on a little weekend getaway a few weeks ago, to a small coastal town, and loved every moment. We stayed in a spacious suite complete with wood burning fireplace, deck, trail access to ocean bluffs, and delicious breakfasts. We saw

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com54tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-13971137882722372912009-02-22T15:10:00.000-08:002009-02-22T15:31:22.765-08:00

There are a few cult favorite beauty products out there such as Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Black Honey (I think they discontinued this line EXCEPT for Black Honey which speaks to its popularity), Maybelline's Great Lash mascara, and Shu Uemura's lash curler.NARS' blush in Orgasm is probably the most famous blush and boasts to be universally flattering on all skin tones. I have been fascinated

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-74433608899536173542009-02-13T10:12:00.000-08:002009-02-13T10:23:35.191-08:00

Dining on Turkish appetizers and desserts - dolmas, cevizli ezme, baklava amongst othersTangerines - the big bags of Cuties at Trader Joe'sCupcakes - but thankfully these are on their way out of my obsession radarLooking for my fave earrings which I haven't seen in monthsFantasizing about a weekend getawayBabycenter.com, sleeping with extra pillows, elastic waist bands - yes, I'm pregnant...which

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-33135991242730831062009-01-20T09:23:00.000-08:002009-01-20T10:45:23.834-08:00

It’s official - 12pm est, Barack Obama is our new president! When Barack Obama won the election to become the 44th POTUS, I felt a sense of renewed hope and possibility for our nation. I know there are a lot of haters out there, but I hope they will give Obama a chance, recognize he is human and no one is perfect, stop interpreting his views inaccurately, and realize coming times have got to be

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-68308808573345273852009-01-15T22:47:00.000-08:002009-01-20T12:05:19.234-08:00

I didn't plan anything for my birthday this year but thought it would be worthwhile to acknowledge it. It's hard to believe a whole year has passed since my big 30th birthday bash! It has been a fabulous year full of great friends and great fun - probably one of my best ever. So it's true, life gets better and better and the 30s are indeed the new 20s.I'm not doing anything fancy this year

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-87072434972765793942009-01-06T18:50:00.000-08:002009-01-06T18:59:44.935-08:00

For the first time in seven years, I finally bought new glasses thanks to the fortuitous timing of having two consecutive jobs that included VSP insurance in 2008. I have an exceptionally wide face so when I went shopping for glasses there were literally THREE pairs that fit out of hundreds. The first two were hideous and the silver lining is the pair pictured above.At first, I wasn't too keen

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-5758515359269659862008-12-29T18:35:00.000-08:002008-12-29T18:38:47.324-08:00

Just when I thought I was going to coast into the New Year, home free and chillin', we decide to visit our family in Southern California last minute. Okay, so it's for my mother-in-law's birthday and they asked us to come down (less than a week from the day of, mind you). We have got to stop doing these last-minute flights because they are expensive. Plus, it takes up three of my vacation days of

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-50196701098829970652008-12-25T10:08:00.000-08:002008-12-25T10:27:05.530-08:00

M*E*R*R*Y C*H*R*I*S*T*M*A*S!I wish you a happy holiday of cheer, merriment, love, and lightness.The Today Show has been talking about the Christmas story, religion, JESUS and not in a PC-heavy or ironic way. It is nice to see the meaning of the season embraced so publicly.In this natural time of looking back before looking forward, I think about how at the beginning of the year I thought 2008

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-83148168164702482742008-12-19T20:38:00.001-08:002008-12-19T21:04:30.435-08:00

I love Christmas, it was my favorite holiday. It still may be. But, it's no secret that the season is tangled up in major consumer culture, materialsm, and political correctness. Add to that pre-vacation pushes at work, sugar overload, and fun parties that take place weeks before the actual holiday. What I have at the end of a whirlwind first three weeks of December is exhaustion. But perhaps it

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-12601287295025172722008-12-08T21:18:00.000-08:002008-12-08T21:43:07.746-08:00

Chrismakkuh comes early in the form of holiday parties.12/4 - Over the Rhine concert in SF was totally worth trekking to the city on a work night. It was really strange hearing the band talk so openly about Christmas, sing Christmas songs (albeit more melancholy style ones), and have a World Vision booth there - this is SF we're talking about. It was awesome.12/5 - The Mister's holiday party took

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-87294592501054547962008-11-27T00:37:00.000-08:002008-11-27T01:02:54.485-08:00

It's Thanksgiving already, and all I can think about is...how tired I am!But I'm thankful for:1. Health2. Family (primarily the Mister)3. Friends4. Home5. PetsAnd the many awesome things that have occurred so far in 2008 -- like turning 3-0, several fun times w/ girlfriends (my faves notably being dancing and tea), getting a beauty writing gig, getting a better job, traveling, and the day to day

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-18823622881994820502008-11-14T00:54:00.001-08:002008-11-14T01:56:03.422-08:00

I go through phases of restlessness. They often come in times of mild bouts of depression. I've never been diagnosed with clinical depression, but in college my counselor said I should have been when I was in the fourth grade. Alas, I've stumbled through the past thirty years okay but with waves of lows. This is not a case of cause and effect. Really, I don't have complaints about my life and

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-84459721985855400512008-11-10T10:36:00.000-08:002008-11-10T22:34:58.638-08:00

Meditating on this today. It's not new, but it is powerful and timeless to me.For lyrics, click here.

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-35976220845667316102008-11-04T20:42:00.001-08:002008-11-10T22:51:10.540-08:00

"Yes we can" - YES WE WILL. YES WE DID.Yes, in this lifetime.Yes, right now.Yes, Barack Obama is our next president.Obama didn't just win a campaign, he didn't just become president-elect. He inspired people to hope again, made us remember that change is within reach, made us CARE. He shows us our country's bright potential. This victory has revived so many weary souls.We will never forget

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-45971813519085491412008-10-27T22:36:00.001-07:002008-10-27T22:57:01.323-07:00

I didn't grow up going to rock concerts - opera, plays, jazz, symphony, sure, but not le rock - so I was rather deprived in that way. I went to a few small random shows in college and that was cool but not really my flavor (particularly that patchouli layered over B.O. scent that permeates in Santa Cruz). In recent years I have gone to more live shows and as I bought tickets online for Over the

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-88941947787377768852008-10-26T22:44:00.001-07:002008-10-26T23:12:15.628-07:00

I had a lot of freshy fresh fun this weekend, and it has breathed a little bit of new life in me. Even though I'm naturally an introvert, I do need people to help me get out of my head, to laugh with, to express and process feelings, to enjoy life, to dance. The Mister, an extrovert, has been a great influence in bringing me out of my shell and showing me through example what value it is to be

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-15089690923564403692008-10-25T12:24:00.000-07:002008-10-25T13:30:49.828-07:00

I've been in a sort of funk lately, and finally am getting some clues as to why. As many people experience, exercising and eating well contribute greatly to feeling good. They also help prevent depression and boost energy levels.For the past month, I've been more tired and irritable than usual. Things that normally don't bother me - or thought I had moved past - creep under my skin. I found

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-65237700248352000262008-10-07T21:10:00.001-07:002008-10-07T21:20:38.078-07:00

My library has a kick-ass selection of music and I have been taking full advantage (i.e. The Duke Spirit, Ray LaMontagne, The Raveonettes, Edith Piaf). Today's goodies in no particular order:Stars - Set Yourself on FireCat Power - JukeboxDuffy - RockferryThe Red Violin soundtrackThe Piano soundtrackThe New Pornographers - ChallengersRatatat - ClassicsGlenn Miller - The Lost RecordingsAll this

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-59340461787085601282008-10-02T19:43:00.000-07:002008-10-02T20:32:53.008-07:00

Well hello there.Last I left you, I was off to go on an adventure. I left the very busy month of August with idealism and brightness for my first trip overseas.I have been back since mid-September and have not had the energy to update. So to catch you up on so many things, a post full of lists is what I leave you today.Peru/Argentina - a.k.a. my first time overseas. This trip was more hard work

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-52204586054826538462008-08-19T19:50:00.000-07:002008-08-19T20:26:16.283-07:00

Life has been quite a whirlwind lately, and I am so looking forward to respite. I found that I was overloading myself this month -- lots of extra work, continuing with the Sparkle*Shelf gig, and still having some social life (very important).In an attempt to get my life back to zen (and I use that term very loosely), I have decided to put the Sparkle*Shelf gig on hold until October and not obsess

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-69964825061731745582008-08-09T17:05:00.000-07:002008-08-09T17:28:17.243-07:00

SERIOUSLY?!So Real Cru got the most votes?! Did anyone else see Super Cr3w's Superman routine and Fanny Pak's Get Your Freak On number?! So Real Cru is boring. Not very innovative and no crazy tricks.This is what I HATE about shows that require viewer votes.Super Cr3w and Fanny Pak should have been top 2. Props to both - they both brought everything to the 80s challenge.But please don't let So

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-29536660148015295702008-07-24T18:46:00.000-07:002008-07-24T18:59:47.386-07:00

I've been busy and unmotivated to blog lately, partly because I don't really blog about work with a few exceptions yet work is what is keeping me busy. I'll just say this: I started a new job on July 1 and I love it. I do not dread Monday mornings, start getting gloomy on Sunday nights, count the minutes until I get to leave. These are all good things. Also good are warm/smart/cool people,

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-1594022025919064562008-07-04T22:29:00.000-07:002008-07-04T22:36:26.714-07:00

SUPER CR3W.I think Super Cr3w needs to battle with Jabba Wockees. Did you see them do their Superman routine?SC and Fanny Pak are my faves this season.

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-12251672774022791812008-06-21T19:01:00.000-07:002008-06-21T19:10:31.670-07:00

Why were Fanny Pak and Distorted X in the bottom two? They were both way better than a handful of the other crews! Ugh, that's the downside of reality shows that depend on audience voting.Did anyone else hate the pop-ups? I wanted to see the entire routine and hear the music, but that pop-up obstructed a good chunk of the bottom left corner.Vote off the cheerleaders, save the show.

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-22147950505776385932008-06-11T22:58:00.000-07:002008-06-11T23:07:01.202-07:00

One day, nearly two years ago I sensed this and blogged it on MySpace: Thursday, August 31, 2006 infinite stretches of land and sky "You will find

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-23956047088799631792008-06-07T10:06:00.000-07:002008-06-07T10:30:06.475-07:00

It's kind of funny that I still refer to my mom's house as "home" but I guess it always will be in some ways.When I stepped out of the airport into the warm, balmy So Cal night, I felt a sense of familiarity. There's a certain scent in the air - a slightly pungent humidity, cool relief from the hot day, and a constant energy hanging about. Since there was no traffic on my drive home, I felt a

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-40850544149588380562008-06-06T12:53:00.000-07:002008-06-06T12:57:25.035-07:00

It looks like Sparkle*Shelf added the "Digg" button on the blogs, so you can express your approval with a quick click. So, if you Digg our articles show us bloggers some love. If you don't like mine, leave a scathing comment, 'cuz I can take it as well as I dish it. =)The latest:First Ladies of Style

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-13974937281784088922008-05-29T17:03:00.001-07:002008-05-29T17:20:45.450-07:00

Hearst Castle. I went on one of the five tours (at $24.00 a pop - bastards!), and though it was a bit rushed through, I fell in love with the Enchanted Castle on the Hill (or whatever they call it). Hearst was eccentric and controlling, no doubt, but he also had great vision, scope, and taste. I plan on finding the juiciest and most scandalous bio I can get my mitts on. And I hope to find a book

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-30586410591857824792008-05-19T07:28:00.000-07:002008-05-21T09:32:15.633-07:00

I started blogging for a brand new beauty site launching today. Please check it out and show me some love!I've only started last week and have a couple of articles up so far, but will be posting twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays.http://sparkleshelf.com/blogger/ann

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-42305465725568583942008-05-17T17:18:00.000-07:002008-05-17T17:36:37.642-07:00

Today the weather is being a bit kinder, and a breeze offers sweet relief to the blistering heat we've experienced for the past week. And the timing is good, because due to my Yosemite withdrawals, I am jonesing for outdoors time.I have been doing a lot of writing lately (like, right now I am writing to take a break from other writing), and have found that sitting on the couch with the laptop, I

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-13281909054351777542008-05-15T20:13:00.000-07:002008-05-16T07:56:54.830-07:00

I have not abandoned this blog, but have been very busy and will have to figure out how to parcel my time and focus. FOCUS, FOCUS, FOCUS. So until I have time to write a decent (or at least more meaty) post and upload supporting photos, here are the highlights:Dermatology (Un)revelations - I'm considering switching up my skincare regimen and when I started looking into products I got overwhelmed

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-50309264797680974052008-05-02T09:05:00.000-07:002008-05-02T09:21:14.180-07:00

Sat: The Swell Season show - want to elaborate, but fear sounding trite. And really, should've covered it that night when the feelings were freshy-fresh.Sun: Stroll to breakfast joint, reading in the park, plain tart fro-yo w/ the Mister, Justin, Yoonie.Mon: Hip hop class (Elevator by Flo Rida feat. Timba on repeat now)Tues: Plain tart fro-yo again and curling up to a movie (Atonement).Wed:

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-40354763064752479832008-04-22T19:10:00.000-07:002008-04-25T13:28:08.511-07:00

Once in a while I get miserably sick and I think it's God's way of reminding me of how good I have it the other 99.5% of the year. It's very easy for healthy people to take health for granted. (Ha, I almost said "granite" and I haven't even taken meds yet). First the base of my neck and shoulders started bugging me to the point I had to go see a chiropractor yesterday. Then today I woke up with a

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-9740504652065727762008-04-21T18:59:00.001-07:002008-04-21T19:14:17.887-07:00

I experimented with Everyday Minerals to see how it would hold up against Bare Minerals, and the winner is:Tried and True BM. I wanted to like EM, really I did. Who wouldn't rather spend 50% less on makeup? But it didn't work for me. That's not to say that it won't work for others. EM actually has a large following and there are a lot of great reviews. Here's the rundown on my experiences:The

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-2311952987230742012008-04-14T21:23:00.001-07:002008-04-14T21:45:44.973-07:00

A little over three years ago, I stumbled upon a store called Bare Escentuals. Being the makeup junkie that I am, I walked in to take a look and thus began my relationship with mineral makeup. Shortly after my discovery, Bare Minerals foundation made the jump from QVC darling to one of Sephora's (my candy store) best sellers. BM eye shadows are actually my real obsession - they have tons of

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-89155623483506634472008-04-09T19:29:00.000-07:002008-04-10T09:53:15.541-07:00

Apparently these have been growing in popularity for the past couple of years, but I just stumbled upon Tofu Shirataki Noodles in a Chinese market. These noodles are made from tofu and yam flour, are low carb, and have VERY little calories! There is another healthy Japanese noodle, konjac, that is made of yam flour (but apparently this "yam" is not related to what we typically know as yams -

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-38671619166500588292008-03-27T20:37:00.001-07:002008-03-27T20:37:28.609-07:00

Which Jane Austen Character are You? (For Females) Long Quiz!!!created with QuizFarm.com You scored as Elizabeth BennetAs one of Austen's most beloved characters, Elizabeth Bennet represents what most women would like to become: strong, independent, and loyal. Of course, she has her faults including a stubborn will of iron and a clinging to first impressions. Overall, Lizzie is bright

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-80204006821766393612008-03-16T20:22:00.000-07:002008-03-16T20:52:08.045-07:00

Winter has thawed into Spring, and with the transition blooms many social events to look forward to! The past couple of months have been fun with birthday, visits, dinners, etc. - pre-cursors to the flurry that Spring promises to be. Here are some highlights:- Chillin' with the fab girls of my former employ. We seem to gather around good food, which I suppose is a tribute to our publishing

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-35597725190018751902008-03-06T22:34:00.001-08:002008-03-06T23:56:14.533-08:00

I AM A FRUIT ROLL-UP. I am what happens to fruit when it is smashed and dehydrated. I am a fruit roll-up.This cryptic message may be explained later. Then again maybe not.I AM A FRUIT ROLL-UP, she shouted to the ceilings with raised, emphatic arms.

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-49868504129793158612008-03-05T21:20:00.001-08:002008-03-06T22:57:01.915-08:00

Writers must be masochists. How else can one explain choosing into this passion?Sliced cucumbers are delicious in hummus sandwiches.I think I could be interested in being a nutritionist, if it weren't for all that intimidating and cringe-worthy science.Sitting out in the sun is one of the greatest simple pleasures. Memory lingers in the heat of my hair.I foresee some pampering in the near future

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-40890612861262035452008-02-28T23:14:00.000-08:002008-02-28T23:51:29.411-08:00

One book that changed my life: Strawberry Shortcake's Sunny Day PoemsOne book that I've read more than once: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott FitzgeraldOne book that I'd want on a desert island: Assuming stranded? Surely nothing practical like "Raft-Building for Dummies" or one of those "Worst Case Scenario" books...either the fattest collection of Pablo Neruda poetry or Daughter of Fortune by Isabel

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-9525738437005881282008-02-25T21:22:00.000-08:002008-02-25T22:16:15.142-08:00

No.I went to hip hop class tonight after skipping for way too long. To my dismay, not only was the studio steaming with the sweat and B.O. of the previous class, but there was a sub. The class had already started with some strange stretching and I was very distracted by the instructor's overly wide track pants. He had old music on too - the kind that sounds familiar, but not noteworthy enough to

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-79665866525568362972008-02-24T23:35:00.000-08:002008-02-25T00:20:41.752-08:00

Hot Bangs: Kristin ChenowethCovetous eye-shadow: Marion CotillardHuman Chandelier: Nicole KidmanFreshest Look: Diablo CodyAmiss: Jessica AlbaCan't Decide: Cate Blanchett, Jennifer GarnerThe Classic: George ClooneyThe Favorite: Johnny DeppHot on the Scene: James McAvoy, Javier BardemBest Overall: Penelope CruzTrends: Red; One-shoulder gownsNotable: Anne Hathaway, Ellen Page, Katherine

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-49611454996573513692008-02-24T22:11:00.000-08:002008-02-24T22:42:18.864-08:00

An Old Friend from Far Away: The Practice of Writing Memoir by Natalie Goldberg[Excerpt]"The author Willa Cather believed that if you had a wish for something from a young age -- for example, being an opera singer -- and you continually made effort at it, you would live a fulfilled life. It didn't matter if you were on stage at the Metropolitan; maybe you sang in a local theater; perhaps you took

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-87470113171676682182008-02-19T20:29:00.001-08:002008-02-19T21:20:17.608-08:00

TV: Jon & Kate + 8; LOST (in HD). John & Kate have a set of twins and a set of sextuplets. I am mesmerized by the parents' organizational skills, fascinated that the kids are only a quarter Korean but look Hawaiian, and am smitten with the kids (Cara and Alexis are my favorite, Mady is a diva...but I see glimpses of myself - oy).LOST is off to a good start in their new season, and oh-so-beautiful

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-45046424718096386742008-02-07T20:35:00.000-08:002008-02-07T20:36:57.400-08:00

I added a music feature to this blog, and you can find the player at the bottom of the page. It will have to do until I can find a template with a better layout, since I am not versed in HTML.

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-74383673333027205632008-01-20T11:07:00.001-08:002008-01-20T11:40:03.954-08:00

my turquoise candelabras | i got these beauties from home goods. turquoise is the color of my aura (and no, i don't really believe this). but they give a chandelier-like quality to the dining table. i love turquoise and i love chandeliers. FABULOUS.d'anjou pears | yummy, juicy, sweet, soft. all good qualities in fruit."bring it to me" by sia | b-side from her recent album and incidentally the

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-52801218518902933392008-01-20T10:51:00.000-08:002008-01-20T11:00:25.426-08:00

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-91020146544123242882008-01-15T21:58:00.000-08:002008-01-16T22:07:27.742-08:00

A lot of people see their 30th birthday milestone as a reason to look back and cringe. Not to mention be a basket case, teetering between breakdown and being "fabulous and flirty". It's easy to focus on regrets, what hasn't been accomplished, what one doesn't have, etc. But I find myself doing none of these things. I am grateful for the life I have and for the love that fills it. Those who know

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-54689148101489096892008-01-07T19:32:00.000-08:002008-02-19T20:29:03.140-08:00

Update: Capoeira wins. I may revisit breakdance fighting again some other time, but find that I am unable to be dedicated at this time, and this is the sort of thing that requires dedication. I'm going to start with some more attainable goals, like being consistent with what I already enjoy and am good at.Yes, I'm okay with quitting. You should be too.* * *Oh my freaking goodness. If I can't

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-23977884789526322072008-01-06T11:23:00.000-08:002008-01-06T11:33:46.960-08:00

All the activity in the past few months was bound to catch up with me! Shortly after New Year's was but a fading memory, I caught a cold. Then passed it on to the Mister. As much as I dislike feeling sub-par, it has been good to be forced to slow down. Good to sleep a lot, curl up in robes and blankets, order in, not feel guilty about missing the gym, and deliciously do nothing all day long!

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-38991867146663335972008-01-01T21:49:00.001-08:002008-01-01T22:15:33.487-08:00

As I'm not the type to give away the plot to movies, I won't go into too much detail but will leave you with some impressions.Charlie Wilson's War - had no interest in seeing this, but since I was overruled (2:1) and the other option was staying at home alone, I went. It helped that the Mister pitched CW as an American quasi-James Bond. I actually found that the movie was well done and definitely

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-45302626275235762472008-01-01T21:19:00.000-08:002008-01-01T21:48:54.895-08:00

"2008 is gonna be GREAT," doth sayeth my friend J.And I believe it. Not because the phrase contains a rhyme or because I think we deserve life to be GREAT, or because I'm overly optimistic. Rather it's because I have an amazing husband, wonderful friends and family, my health, and an overall very happy life. Some of my happiness is thanks due to perspective that comes with time/ experience/ age.

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-17927508281382187762007-12-28T17:35:00.000-08:002007-12-28T21:24:07.437-08:00

To continue with December...Christmas Eve: I had to work. It was painful.But then, rushed home to make a vegetable dish-thing with puff pastry for lovely potluck. Went to the Young's for a fun, "we're family-less" Christmas Eve dinner. Invited our charming new neighbors. Menu consisted of turkey, stuffing, sweet mash, cranberry sauce, veggie pastry, salad, pie, tiramisu. Settled into easy

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-32284799782067809152007-12-24T07:41:00.000-08:002008-06-15T00:43:52.448-07:00

Blink and autumn passed you by this year. I have not updated in a while, as I had hoped to do, so here is a quick fall rewind, sans pics for now (maybe never).OctoberTea Time: This was the first time I had gone to tea, and it is a lovely thing to do once in a while when you're feeling extra girly. I think it would be nice to do one at home, actually, and had meant to have one in the Fall but the

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-7437628319107518072007-11-06T17:23:00.000-08:002007-11-06T17:38:36.095-08:00

As Timbaland once said, "It's been a long time/ We shouldn't have left you/ Without a dope beat to step to." I haven't updated in a while because life has been keeping me busy with the new job, writing samples, parties, etc. But updating is on my mind, and perhaps I will soon find a little corner of time to devote to emptying the contents of recent events. But for now:Happy 3-0 to my dear friend

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-79021061112377886602007-10-22T23:10:00.000-07:002007-10-22T23:41:00.502-07:00

Spa Facials. I can't stop thinking about the facial I got on Sunday. It was my first professional facial and I can't believe what I have been missing this whole time! I can't stop caressing my own face with the backs of my fingers, because my face is so freaking smooth, soft, and pH balanced!Yes, facials cost more than a pretty penny, but it is my new fave indulgence. (Plus, you can get a

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-65098382398611046822007-10-16T07:24:00.000-07:002008-01-26T08:55:31.743-08:00

Last week, I vacationed with one side of the Mister's family. We went to Woodstone at Massanutten (that's in Virginia), and I can say with complete confidence that no one should ever go there. Please, do yourself a favor and avoid this place at all costs. It was fun to be with family, and there was much fodder at Massanutten to make sarcastic comments about. So here are the top reasons to avoid

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-8889992450944948952007-10-03T23:00:00.000-07:002007-10-04T10:47:54.565-07:00

Autumn was officially ushered in a couple weeks ago, and fittingly the season brings change. In the shortest amount of time I've experienced between submitting my resume and getting interviewed, I decided to change jobs. As much as I enjoy (the idea of) publishing, I'm excited about my new gig as a copywriter. I admit, I was scared during the decision-making process (an accelerated one at that),

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-74630588892475364192007-09-23T14:56:00.001-07:002007-09-23T15:24:35.800-07:00

Sunday matinees - I went to watch a movie alone this afternoon. I like to go to alone when it's a movie I really want to watch, or if I know it's a story that I want to get lost in. Why go with company who may not be as enthusiastic, or be tempted to twitter (which I admittedly am at times)? Why not enjoy both armrests and sink into another world for 1 hr 40 minutes?"Once" - Lyric and song are in

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-76697132180835983412007-09-18T22:30:00.000-07:002007-09-19T10:20:28.303-07:00

Okay Miss Polly, you called and I will answer. This is my first "tag" so I feel a bit giggly and like I'm being further inducted into the phenomenon that is blogging. 4 Jobs I've Held: (the ones most interesting to me)1. Associate DE/Assistant Editor/Editorial Assistant at Cengage formerly Thomson - though the content I'm working with is so not sexy, I owe my break in publishing and promotion to

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-17035371748134035302007-09-16T10:11:00.001-07:002007-09-16T13:55:05.048-07:00

By popular request, I am posting pictures of my new digs. There is still much to do, so this will be a story in progress as projects get tackled and completed.Before: The bare bones look prior to move-in. The hardwood floors are in beautiful condition, but the vertical blinds and stark white walls have got to go.After: When it came to paint color, I fell in love with nature-inspired neutrals.

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-44909929733011867232007-09-12T23:38:00.001-07:002007-09-13T09:44:39.407-07:00

"I felt every ounce of me screaming out/ But the sound was trapped deep in me/ All I wanted just sped right past me/ While I was rooted fast to the earth" - Snow Patrol, Signal FireDo you ever get a sense, that you suspect is coming from your soul but throbs somewhere in the vicinity of your heart, that something is missing? Sometimes I feel like I'm suffocating, and something deep inside me is

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-15079551403804174262007-09-09T14:56:00.001-07:002007-09-16T09:14:33.426-07:00

Current obsessions:1. Extra long shirts2. Speculating about Britney's VMA appearance3. Coconut flakesCurrent turn-offs:1. Impatient drivers2. Back fat3. HeadachesI spent a good portion of the morning wanting to chill but feeling guilty about it. Why is American culture so driven by going non-stop? In college, I was one of those people that slept in until 1pm but now I feel like I need to fill my

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-70437865851637284122007-09-05T08:00:00.000-07:002007-09-05T10:21:39.042-07:00

Yesterday, my biggest diversion was Facebook. I had no intention of joining, but my friend made it sound so fun and I had to be a part of it. I didn't think there were a lot of friends my age on it, but it turns out there are -- you people have been holding out on me! I've arrived on Facebook so please add me as your "friend." Now if only all my friends would blog, I'd have all sorts of

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-68570554806151899872007-08-30T08:00:00.000-07:002007-08-30T15:18:14.548-07:00

There are some things that just stick to me, whether it's a movie that haunts me for months, a song that plays itself over in my head all day, or a book that becomes one of my favorites. So, in honor of the fact that I generally end up checking out library books three at a time, here are some recent "threes" that have left their impression:Books: finishing a good book is bittersweet. I become so

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-70522117911846812502007-08-27T18:00:00.000-07:002007-08-28T11:25:42.548-07:00

So, as you may have noticed, I beefed up my meager blog offerings with entries past. (I just set up this blogspot account on Aug. 22.) These were plucked out of the other networking sites I used to write on, and I omitted the majority of day-to-day "dear diary" types that no longer seem relevant. Which leads me to ask the question, "what is the purpose of my blog?" Could it be a space to do

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-18308016238430163022007-08-24T16:01:00.000-07:002007-08-24T17:25:59.802-07:00

Yes, it's true. Target wants me to go broke, and for my head to explode. I went to pick up a few things, paper goods to be specific. I'm absolutely crazy about graphic prints and patterns, and letterpress. There are textiles and paper designs out there that are art. I'm in love with contemporary bird and floral patterns. Stepping into high-end stationery stores is torturous because inevitably I

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-52844361778843757142007-08-22T14:36:00.000-07:002007-08-30T15:14:28.365-07:00

Fresh mint - love the look, love the smell, love it in iced tea, love to gently rub a leaf between my fingers when I'm at the market so I can have some of that heavenly scent on my hand.Hot pink - this has been my new favorite color (with glassy turquoise a close second) since I watched that yawn of a movie "Marie Antoinette" last year. Love the brightness and intensity of the color. It's got the

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-6017017144363209012007-05-15T23:31:00.000-07:002007-08-27T13:34:09.402-07:00

part intuition, part mystery - that's my relationship with the future.contrary to what devotchka says, i'm not sure how it ends. these little milestones in life, what i hope for versus what will happen, i just don't know. part of me thinks i do, but is it all written or not?my track record would indicate that whether the future is written or not, i don't know what will happen. i mean sure, i knew

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-77883787213795823202007-04-20T14:58:00.000-07:002007-08-27T13:35:06.581-07:00

I can tell I'm mildly depressed because I am apathetic. I don't have a desire to cook, to exercise, to make any large efforts to see people. Age has brought a softening to the harsh edges of depression, and I'm not nearly so affected as before. But, it creeps on me silently and slowly so that it's weeks before I realize that the cloud has been settling down on me, making itself comfortable. My

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-24482028222026025792007-04-11T21:48:00.000-07:002007-09-28T09:15:08.097-07:00

Tonight, I went to the most pretentious restaurant I've ever seen. And I had SO much fun. Actually, it wasn't pretentious in the attitude, so much as the impeccable detail that is rare at most places. It was worth every cent of company money.Imagine three suited, groomed men perfectly synchronized in pouring water for a party of seven. "It's raining men" sang out of the water that poured out of

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-7891453277740805932007-03-30T15:12:00.000-07:002007-08-27T13:22:53.738-07:00

After using the same bible for 14 years, I finally got a new one. The one I had was one of those gift bibles (aka. they currently retail for $8) that I got from my church when I crossed over to high school, and the book basically fell off the cover binding years ago. Still, I was attached and when I went to the Christian bookstore, I bemoaned my woes of how much I loved my old bible to the sales

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-48836803106283443282007-03-25T22:01:00.000-07:002007-08-27T11:54:18.115-07:00

The undulating waves of young adulthood areDisconnected; scribbled on a corner hereAnd stuffed underneathBefore starting a fresh bookOnly to find that the story wasn’t finishedCan’t be finished until all the pieces meetAnd agree to journey togetherNo new book will be started with this runningUnresolutionSo guide me Spirit to find the pieces of my voiceDrifting or locked upStifled

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-23452725347080790652007-01-23T19:48:00.000-08:002007-08-27T13:35:58.510-07:00

love is coming 'round when dark shadows are cast. love is in the hope. love is in shared victories. love is a closed knot of hands where there is always room for one more. love is feeding the stomach and the soul. love is bearing it. love is not being pinned down by time, and knowing that everything is going to be alright. love is a village. love is in the silence to hear the Lover's voice.

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-29178933161236634452006-10-09T20:51:00.000-07:002007-08-27T13:36:45.431-07:00

i have made time again to listen to my thoughts. i pursue solitude and contemplation like a lost love, and hunger for time passed on the other side of a turned face. i return to myself with grace. the fires i have walked through bloom back into consciousness. it's in the ashes, the ashes, that recall fires/ phoenixes/ beauty. i come with gentleness and learn to release fragments into the water.

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-77587705195028242872006-08-31T15:02:00.000-07:002007-08-27T13:37:39.546-07:00

"You will find inspiration in the desert," said the Voice.

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-65139390182688834592006-08-16T23:34:00.000-07:002007-08-27T13:41:49.742-07:00

I heard this song on Grey's Anatomy last night and it haunted me all day. This song stopped me in my tracks, struck me to the core and every fiber came alive. My heart opened up and wanted to crawl out of my mouth, like a sunflower yearning for heat. I cannot get close enough to this song, or untangled out of these words. It just so epitomizes that feeling of desire for the world to just fall

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-74683156581946319332006-08-14T23:10:00.000-07:002007-08-27T13:38:21.972-07:00

stream-of-consciousness intersects conscious self. a fog devours the midday hours; real time and memory run parallel. fragments blip across mind in the equivalent of flashing letters, scratch line between real / imagined. what words spoken, what impressions ebb and flow in faint and unreachable visions. what is real.

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-65495999177298864442006-01-02T22:47:00.000-08:002007-08-27T13:25:40.107-07:00

I saw an old friend and told her I'm not sure if I can call myself a writer anymore. She told me I have a "writer's soul". There is nothing like an old friend who knows you - even after all the time and changes, we're still essentially who we have always been. There are aspects of us that are eternal. Speaking of eternal, there's God. Interestingly enough, the shaping of my relationship with

alrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06028354724123746788noreply@blogger.com0