What up, Traycina?

What are you doing New Years

2011-12-29T21:55:00.000-08:00

This is exactly what I want for the end/start of a year! Woop woop!!! Oh wait... no thanks.

We had originally planned on heading to Stevens Point, WI to a cabin with friends Joel & Kelsey for a fun filled weekend of hot tubbing, good food, lots of funny moments and our fair share of alcoholic beverages. But now we're not.

INSERT SAD FACE.

Because of our need for budgeting with home-buying on the horizon, we opted out of this magnificent event. And we're totally missing out. I hope they don't have any fun without us.

Instead, we are partaking in the repeat of one of my favorite NYE ever, the Adult Pajama Party at Kate & Tyge's. I don't think the recreation will surpass the greatness of the first (NYE 2009) but I think it'll be pretty awesome. The pajamas were totally my idea, btw. Because I'm a lazy motherf*cker who loves a good pair of flannel pants. Kate's planning a "Vices" theme with stations set up -- shots at one, sweets at another, cigars on the deck, hookers in the guest room..... could be a good time!

Possibly one of the greatest parts of this NYE is the fact that I TOOK SATURDAY OFF!!!!! ***head explodes***

Who wants to give me a high five? Aw, thanks Olive!

Say hello to my lil' frien.

2011-12-29T20:52:00.000-08:00

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Oh hey! I wrote a blog post and it disappeared.

%69*#&$(*)&(*&

So, what's new with you?

To the point. I have a list on my right menu of blogs that I follow. Most of them are people I know, one of them is ridiculously awesome, and it happens to be the one on the very bottom that last updated TWO YEARS AGO. I am Lemish.... well, SHE is Lemish, and she is my favorite!

Lemish is a bff that I met a few years ago in a really dorky way. Let's skip that. She is one of my favorite people on Earth, and I demand you read her hilarious insanity and encourage her to return to the internetz. I shouldn't even say that as if she's left because she's RIGHT THERE. Every day. Hi Lemish. Wave to the nice people. I know you're watching.

Lemish posted this to me a few weeks back regarding my own blogging:

"So eventually there will be dinosaurs on your dinosaur tour, right? Replace the first dinosaur with blog posts, and the second dinosaur with blog. Oh, and get rid of tour. Also, dinosaurs."

Here's where you should start: this post about funny stuff. Or this post about Jesus and dinosaurs and other stuff.

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Lemish

Obligatory Christmas Post.

2011-12-26T16:44:00.000-08:00

Christmas happened, and now it's over. And I'm kinda... sorta... glad. I've busted my arse for work, hosted inlaws, attended two separate Christmas gatherings and churched it up. I can't tell you how good it feels to hang out on the couch with my husband and not do a thing! (Well, we're watching LOTR, so that counts as something!)

All dramatics aside, we had a great Christmas. Lots of family, lots of fun and a moving and beautiful church service (summary below). Here are some pictures, all from my iPhone (the old kind), and all but one at my Uncle Russ' farm in Lonsdale, MN. Rest in peace, Russ.

Basilica of St Mary, Minneapolis - a gorgeous midnight Mass!! It started with the choir singing our engagement song and wedding processional, Ave Maria (Franz Biebl), which made us both tear up. The church started dark but all in attendance held a candle and shared the light with those surrounding. But the combination of the choir, the organ and the brass was what truly lit the cavernous church. Father Bauer spoke saying something along the lines of "Whatever brings you here, whether it's tradition, personal need, curiousity or just to appease a family member WELCOME HOME."

The Farm - Lonsdale, MN

This statue of Mary holding a rosary has been there for decades. It's both adorable (she's in a little house!) and meaningful, and what a flashback it was to visit her.

We all abandoned the bonfire to enjoy the gorgeous sunset -- a 45 degree day in Minnesota on Christmas? Lovely.

It's a funny story....

2011-12-18T23:15:00.000-08:00

:::sobs:::

So, I lost my wedding ring.

Yep.

I recently concluded that wearing my ring is a major pain in the ass whenever I try to put on gloves at work before applying or washing out a hair color, which is to say VERY OFTEN. Every time I would pull one on my left hand, my ENORMOUS DIAMOND would slice a major hole in it, I'd be too busy to get a new one, I'd end up with a big brown color blotch on my hand. I looked like I had the bubonic plague (or perhaps had been wearing the Resurrection Stone a la Dumbledore. No? Sorry).

Then came Thursday. In a whirlwind with my last client (she's family, love her, but her hair was a bit of a project that night), I'd removed my ring and put it either on my station (we have a tool tray that we use so we don't accidentally knock things over) OR in my pocket. That day we were allowed to wear jeans for a special charity event. I thought I'd put it in my jeans.... or had I?

Friday morning, I went to get ready for work and noticed I didn't have it... looked in the usual places and concluded that I'd just set it at work and would find it there smiling, sparkling, happy to see me. It wasn't. So then I told myself that it was at home, happy, content, waiting for my return. It wasn't. I told my husband my dilemma and he, like me, was teetering between "I'm sure it'll turn up!" and "HOLY SHIT." He looked in my usual places and once again, we decided it must be at work.

I showed up for work Saturday with a knot in my stomach and a confused left hand. I checked my station, knowing I wouldn't find it, and it truly then hit me: my ring was L O S T. I had to reach out - I went into our breakroom and wrote on our white board "Urgent: Has anyone seen my wedding ring?! -Traycina" and left it at that. My coworkers freaked out, asking me about it all day. "Is this a joke?" "Did you find it?" "I bet it's in the laundry!" "OMG! What are you going to DO?!" (gotta love the ones who ask questions like that in a stressful situation.) I even had a coworker kind of awkwardly try to hide it from my husband when he stopped in later, not knowing that I'd told him. She's the one I'll ask to help hide a dead body someday ;-)

We came home after my super long day and my spirits were pretty low. I'd forget about it for a few minutes and then remember and get REALLY sad. We decided to check the laundry again, but this time go through it SUPER thoroughly. We pulled out every item one by one, shook it, checked pockets, and shook it again.

FUNNY SIDE STORY: 2 years ago, B lost his ring in our last apartment. It was gone. We searched, same deal, didn't find it, ordered a replacement after about 2 weeks. Mere days after ordering it, he finds the ring in the pocket of a clean pair of dress pants, which had been washed, dried, and hanging upside down in the closet for that entire time..... so we were meticulous about the laundry, as you can imagine.

We didn't find my ring, though. I kept trying to find that glimmer of "I'm sure it'll turn up!" but it was dim. I said a prayer to Saint Anthony, because my Catholic guilt made me. My rings, after all, had been blessed by a priest in a Catholic church! Shouldn't there be some sort of tracking device?

B tried to cheer me up today, which was nice -- making jokes, being goofy. We turned on Love Actually and wrapped presents, getting a little Christmas spirit going. B, standing behind me, starts to whine about his hands hurting. He has horribly dry hands from being a big hand-washer, and was complaining about how cracked they were. I started to lecture him, looked down at his leprous knuckles, and saw a sparkly diamond ring...

:::sobs:::

He found it clanking around in the dryer (my husband does laundry, and no you can't have him). Once again, he saves me from myself. I cried, he cried, it was like a second proposal (except without the choir and the rainbows (yep, I had those at my proposal because I'm AWESOME)).

I said yes :-)

This.

2011-12-13T22:25:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite bloggers going through something I know all too well:

Hyperbole and a Half presents "Adventures in Depression"

(Don't worry, there are cartoons to make it less sad)

And if you like her, you simply must read this HILARIOUS and totally identifiable post about being an adult and this about the joy of cake.

The science of belief.

2011-12-13T22:13:00.000-08:00

"Our virtues and our failings are inseparable, like force and matter. When they separate, man is no more." - Nikola Tesla

I love this quote. While geeking out with my husband and watching some super cool History Channel shows, we heard this. It spoke to me.... crazy Tesla spoke to me (a fellow-crazy). I love the idea that we are not able to be one without the other. We, as imperfect human creatures, are expected both to be our "sparkly best" (for some reason that description stuck in my head and I could NOT come up with anything else), and also to fail at it. And that's great because we fail quite frequently!

Brian and I do really love to geek out. Some of our favorite topics of conversation include science, physics, Metaphysics and religion/spirituality. It's one of the things about my husband that immediately attracted me to him. He understood and shared my scientific and logical mind, and the very sure opinion that science and discovery bring us closer to God and not further away. He operates more in the philosophical side of this, and I in the psychological, but it sparks some great conversations!

So tonight, when scrolling through the tv listings and seeing History's "Proving God", we both looked at each other with a little glimmer in our eyes :-) Brian, in fact, immediately shut his laptop (we were co-computing as good married couples do), situated on the couch and focused ALL attention on the show. I was floored! Even Badger games are viewed with the laptop open....

The show went through various aspects of this concept, but one area of this subject that I've always found fascinating is the neurophysiological study of how our mind believes. A book that I read years ago (when Brian and I first started dating, actually!) called Why God Won't Go Away: Brain Science and the Biology of Belief outlined many of these same concepts, showing the effects that spirituality had on our biological functions.

I think it's very enlightening to sit down and really ponder these mysteries. If you're someone that prays or meditates (even if just in yoga class), how does it make you feel? How does it affect your body? And if you think of that physiological change, what sort of affect does it's enemy, STRESS have on the body? We've all heard (and felt) that stress is bad for your health and exacerbates many conditions, but how many times have they told you that the best way to counter stress is through spirituality?

I think we've all lost concept of the word PEACE and what that means. Inner peace, outer peace, rest in peace, "peace be with you".... it's become nothing but words words blah blah words. My God! Isn't the season of Christmas the time when we send out cards wishing each other peace, but feel it the very LEAST?! As someone who suffers from some MAJOR anxiety (more on that in a blog post that I've written many times (adhd) but never posted), I have my own tug-of-war going with Peace. It's as if I actually have an angel and a devil on my shoulders, but one is my "shiny happy people mode" and the other is "motherfucking crazy person mode." So I guess I'm not in any position to truly advise others on how to find Peace (try soft rock). We need to be aware of it's affect on us, and how we can bring it into our own lives and help to bring it to others. Lord knows we could all use a little more peacefulness.

More on the other science-y stuff another day. This turned into a hippy dippy peace and love fest, which wasn't at all where I was going with it :-)

And now for the thrilling conclusion: Brian just came over to me to say goodnight and said that he'd like to leave me with a joke! About meditating! Oh good, what a great end to my story! Except that it's SO totally dorky and I didn't get the punch line :-) All great jokes have to be explained, right??......

"A Buddhist monk goes into the dentist, and finds out he needs a root canal. 'As long as you don't give me anesthetic, Doctor' the monk says. The dentist argues, 'My God man, you'll be in terrible pain! Are you sure?!' The monk quietly and surely says 'Most certainly. I'll just transcend dental medication.'" [See: Transcendental Meditation]

Hahaha! (eyeroll)

Let's get real, shall we?

2011-12-06T21:48:00.000-08:00

This makeup video is amazing. If you've ever suffered from acne or a generally poor complexion, or if you've ever had an insecurity, this is both educational and inspiring. How brave, to put yourself and your biggest insecurity out for the internet to judge.

As someone who has acne-prone skin, there's a point of acceptance in life that you will only leave the house with full foundation on. And it fucking SUCKS. You don't get to do the natural, effortless, "I only need mascara and lip gloss" routine. Instead, you get the "oh my GOD, there's too much natural lighting here" or "I wonder if they'll judge me for wearing makeup at the cabin" or "gee, I hope my disguise doesn't melt off my face by the end of the workday/date/party."

It's not like other body insecurities that you can cover with clothing -- unless a burqa is your thing -- because it's really hard to hide your face and people are so judgmental about it! Do you judge if you see a girl in a long sleeve shirt? Perhaps she's got a major complex about giggly arms. (Or jiggly... yeah that's it.) Believe me, I wish I could get away with a bikini's amount of makeup, but the burqa-coverage is how it's gotta be.

So add that to my list -- what are your insecurities?

Thanks, Life!

2011-12-01T18:06:00.001-08:00

So I was just bitching the other day about how hard I'm working at my job to try to get to my next step..... Well, guess what kids? I made it!! They gave me the good gnus Monday and I'm totes excited.

It's not a price increase yet (they don't do that until you hit the fourth level) but rather a commission percentage increase to the third level. This means I get an extra 5% of what the client is charged. Example:

1. Client pays $110 for cut color (not an actual price quote btw).
2. Salon takes out product charge for cost of color, styling products, electricity, other overhead of $10.
3. Salon & stylist each take their percentage of the remaining $100. I'm now at 50% which would mean I make $50 out of the $110.

Are you perchance surprised to know that a stylist doesn't take home the amount you pay? I get looks of shock every time I tell someone that I get $9.90 (before taxes) from my $27 women's haircuts. Well... now I'll get a whopping $11! Yay!!! (Important note: we get every dime of our tips, so no need to worry that The Man is taking part of those.)

So anyway, thanks to those of you that come to see me, whether yearly or monthly, and for sending in family and friends my way! I'm so grateful for the support and hope y'all have enjoyed your cuts / colors :-)

xoxo
Traycina

P.S. First time posting a photo through my iPhone blogger app.... Hope it looks ok!

Words blah blah words blah.

2011-11-23T15:35:00.000-08:00

If you couldn't tell from the heading of this post, there isn't really a true purpose to this train of thought. And this train is prone to stalling mid-journey. So watch yourself.

Maybe this should be another bullet point post! I really love bullet points. I'm obsessed with them. They're all I think about.

1. My husband is leaving me for Thanksgiving. He has the week off and is heading to see his folks because it's the nice thing to do. They're coming up here for Christmas anyway, so it's a fair trade, but I have to stay here and work tonight until 9pm and Friday at 9am, so no trip for me. I'll head to my cousin's solo, which will still be fun. But..... this coupled with the fact that I've stopped wearing my ring to work (it cuts open my gloves when I color), and that Brian will go back down to Madison for his extended family Christmas alone will certainly make folks wonder about our marriage. Ha!

2. I'm super pumped about our NYE plans (sorry Melinda - avert your eyes!). We met our new friends Kelsey & Joel last fall when they moved in downstairs in our duplex. Being the SUPER extroverted people they are (they're like puppies!), they just knocked on the door and asked if we wanted to hang out and we've been friends since! Well, K&J decided to scope out a rental cabin with a hot tub in Stevens Point, WI, so the four of us along with their friends Tim & Kendra will head out there for the weekend! It's going to be so fun!!! They all love to cook, and we're getting there, so we're planning to do some seriously delicious meals, and some serious drinking. So no babies until 2012 ;-)

3. It's nearly official that I'll be getting myself a sweet Macbook Pro for Christmas this year! HOORAY!!!! I expect personal tutoring sessions (Erin). I haven't purchased a computer EVER, so this is big news. Any advice for the buying process? And I plan to buy at Best Buy - is that kosher??

4. I'm trying SO HARD to reach my next level through work, but it's been majorly frustrating! Basically, they track how many people I have booked with me each week that asked to see me - we call them request clients. I'm working toward 25 a week and need to have 25 or more for 6 weeks in any 8 week period. I was SO CLOSE this past weekend. I booked in early and late on Saturday, and would have been willing to work over my lunch....BUT some lady cancelled last minute on Saturday and came in on Monday instead. She let slip that it was because she wanted to sleep in..... great. So if you have anyone in the area that needs a new hairdresser (I take men women and kids too!), send them my way please!

Alright, it's come to the end of our show. Sorry for the super random tangeants... think of it as buffet-style! I hope that you're out there reading this, and enjoying my overdue return to the keyboard.

xoxo
Traycina

P.S. Any ideas for things I should write about?

Smart phone, genius gloves

2011-11-20T22:22:00.000-08:00

Um, WOW. Don't ask me how they work because I don't know.

Isotoner SmarTouch Gloves

These super fancy, magical gloves work on touch screen devices that usually respond to body heat. And the wonderful thing is, you don't have to look like a hobo! (I'm lookin' at you, fingerless gloves.)

I picked mine up at Herbergers where they were quite nicely discounted. They do run pretty tight (or "fitted") so me and my man hands stopped in the men's department to find the same cool gloves. And you don't have to get the "TRON-trim" color... I got basic black. They also have leather if you're classy.

Another fabulous feature to note: the grippy palms and fingers! And it's not done through a thick layer of leather, but rather an interesting webbing of.... let's call it rubber strings... or let's not. Here, how about a photo!

Totally rubber strings

So that's my good story for the day. If you have any sort of touch screen device, these are majorly handy gloves. Saves me a winter of using my nose to dial my husband, that's for sure.

Overused word of the day.....

2011-11-20T21:46:00.000-08:00

OBSESSED

I've come to hate the word. If you're truly obsessed with something, it's all you think about. So how is it then that so many people are "obsessed" with fifteen things at a time?!

This little obsession with being obsessed seems to have found increased popularity with the cool new website Pinterest (omg I'm obsessed with it). Have you tried it? It's a delightful site where people post things that catch their attention as if to a bulletin board; fashion, home decor/crafts and really delicious recipes seem to be the most "repinned" items. All that greatness aside, people will post a picture (or five) of boots and on every one of them say "OMG I'm obsessed with boots right now." But we shant blame Pinterest for this.... the problem started long before. Rachel Zoe definitely contributed.

Here's a tidbit for you: the key to being interesting, whether in conversation or in writing, is variance. There are so many ways to convey your thoughts, opinions or stories without being so repetetive. Oh hey, look at this cool guide (ironically found on Pinterest).

"Express yourself." -Madonna

That's right.

2011-11-16T20:51:00.000-08:00

Yes, I AM back to blogging. I've been desperate to get back here lately. I miss you, internetz!

I know some people have real purpose to their blogs (which is maybe why they write more than semi-annually?) but I'm kind of a special snowflake of a person and therefore a special snowflake of a blog! You're not getting housey stuff, or recipe stuff, or family stuff.... This isn't one of those (weird) blogs where people post pictures of every outfit they wear (and you should be thankful because I'm wearing flannel and a sweatshirt right now....and a scrunchie in my hair (yes I said scrunchie)).

Here's the latest:
1. I love being a hairstylist! My job is great, but a little surprising....
2. We're still renting a place we really like in NE Mpls, but we're considering the "great" world of home ownership
3. Praise little baby Jesus my husband got a promotion! Going back to school at 27 cost a lot of money and put a lot of our dreams on hold (see #2, 4), so this really really needed to happen for us to move forward and get on track (and my career seems to be a slow-to-grow kind of gig)
4. The baby train is en route our direction, but just ask Erin about how fast trains go.... not sure if we'll decide to board the train or get ourselves into a house first
5. I really need a new computer and kinda want a Mac, though I've never had an Apple computer before - anyone have some advice?
6. I'd never read them before but I finished ALL seven Harry Potter books in like two months! And I LOVE THEM

OK, super good story. More bloggery to come, I promise, so keep checking back.

xo,
Traycina

Things I wish I could do: Sewing

2011-04-20T08:23:00.000-07:00

This is a new feature! Instead of being another one of those how-to blogs, I've decided to write a "teach me how-to".....?

So today, my chosen magical skill is sewing. I wish I could sew. And also, the word sew is kind of weird, considering it's pronounciation. Anyway... I totally wish I could sew stuff! I often walk through places like Bed Bath & Beyond and, when unable to find a shower curtain that meets my needs, throw out the "if only I could sew."

Here are a few more examples:

- Hemming pants. I can't buy regulars because they're too short, but sometimes the longs are ridiculously long! Hence my need.

- Taking in dress shirts for Brian - dude has XL shoulders and neck, with L arms and waist.

- Crafting pillows, curtains, other home decor. This craving surfaces quite often.

- Someday baby bedding - that stuff is ridiculously expensive for seemingly no reason.

- And on that note, some baby clothes! I'm not going to pretend that I could manage to sew clothes for myself, but making a little dress for a 2 year old is probably not that hard.

- Sewing leads well into other crafty things.

Wasn't that exciting? OK, maybe not.

A common theme amongst MN bloggers today.....

2011-03-23T21:10:00.000-07:00

Snow sucks. It totally fucking sucks. And yes, we are all OVER IT.

You know what else I'm over? Living in my current place. My car was broken into on Sunday night and the $30 worth of stuff they took was apparently worth the $226 cost to replace my window, and the additional damage to my door frame. Add this to the two snow emergency tows and accompanying parking tickets and the not-budgeted-for-category "things happening outside" has cost us a good chunk of change.

Then there's a small.... very, very small.... issue of not having enough space. We have plenty of stuff, and a big creepy basement to stash it in, but that will give the stalker/serial killers something to hide behind (TOO MUCH CRIMINAL MINDS). Plus, it makes stuff smell basementy and cramming your stuff into a hole just makes your piles grow and makes you use LESS of it. AKA hoarding (but I NEED those candy wrapperssss!!!).

Not-so-lastly (and this is kind of ridiculous), my bathroom leaves a little something to be desired. Or a big something. Made of whatever - grandiose granite or mediocre formica. I'm talking a countertop here, folks. A pedestal sink is no way to a woman's heart, let me tell you what. Especially if said woman could fill an entire room with her beauty junkie habit. And boyyyyy could she ever. But we're back to me. So there's this sink with no counter, and an inset medicine cabinet for a mirror that, if standing up straight, displays from my chin to my chest. This doesn't exactly serve me well when it comes to getting ready "from the chin up," if you will. "How then" you ask, "do you look so amazing every day, K?" Very good question. I wake up looking gorgeous, pull on some pants and head out the door. Apparently topless. No no, you see I've made some creative arrangements..... my hair stuff (it's a tower) sits atop my husband's dresser in our "guestroom" (videogame room), and my makeup is displayed prominently at our dining table. But not the whole table. Only half. (That makes it better, right?)

And there, folks, you have an honest-to-goodness CRISIS. Won't you please help those in need? Kidding, that link goes to the Red Cross. Please be generous, as the earthquake/tsunami (actual crisis) has caused millions of very vain people to be without bathroom counters to put their makeup and hair products on (and who are now extra crabby because they don't look as pretty). And for the non-vain people too. Give $10 extra if you laughed.

That's all, folks. Thanks for keeping me on your Google Reader after like 234 months of not posting.

I'm going to complain about how I hate people that complain....

2010-11-09T19:20:00.000-08:00

I'm probably not the only one in the world who has ever been annoyed by someone else's Facebook status. And not even in the sense that someone has been passive-aggressively referring to something I did, or insulting my opinions or beliefs. I'm talking about the no-holds-barred COMPLAINING.

You know the people - they do it on Facebook, they do it in person, they talk to you on the phone and spend 10 minutes bitching in your ear. Ever the pessimists, they'll instantly see negative in anything. The world is out to get me!!!

I was a bit inspired by this recently shared blog post about being Comfortable to share it, and also my thoughts about our comfort and often the complaining that comes right along with it. The truth of the matter comes down to this: we have very little to really complain about, but we are also more "heard" these days, what with our abilities to so instantly share our thoughts with the masses.

So here's a question for you..... if people are "hearing" you more now, what exactly are you saying?? Are you a facebook user? Probably. Go back through your status updates just to see what you've been saying lately. Regardless of what you've been saying, you could probably benefit from a little rose-colored-glasses therapy.

Here's my challenge list:

1. Say something you love about your job, coworkers, or even your commute.

2. Get excited about 2-3 things about winter -- a new coat, hot chocolate, Christmas decorations, fresh snow when it sparkles, going sledding with a kid....

3. If you hate -or are just bored with- your wardrobe or accessories, arrange an exchange with a friend or 10.

4. Pick 5 things about yourself that you like, and similarly, learn to accept a compliment!!

5. Read about how Mpls-St.Paul is America's Most Relaxed City and contemplate all the reasons you love your house, city, area, state.

6. Thank EVERYONE who does something for you as if they'd just given you a kidney and a second chance to live. Over-tip your waitstaff, barista or hairstylist.... jkkkkk.

OK so now I'm just falling asleep, so I'll call it quits here....

x0x0

I have a good memory. And also, I am smart.

2010-11-04T18:56:00.001-07:00

I opened up my blog with the intent to write a post about how awesome we are about not yet turning on our heat. Turns out I not only already posted about that, but it was mere days ago. Guess what's on my mind right now? The fact that I can't feel my toes. Hence my "inspiration."

Huh.... now what should I talk about?

Important news update: I put slippers and a blanket on. I'm less cold.

I have an idea for a post now, but clearly I can't combine it with this one. So "refresh" and enjoy post #2 for the evening.

Energy savings according to me.

2010-10-27T21:35:00.000-07:00

It has been colder than a morgue lately and our super leaky house just loves to invite the breeze inside. And there's plennnnnty of breeze to go around. But I just sort of can't turn on the heat yet..... for one, I don't like the *smell* of heat. Call me weird. I'm really sensitive to hot air, and especially hate when it's in my face (I HATE getting into other people's cars when they have the heat on full blast). Additionally, heating is expensive - need I remind you my house is old and leaky? - and also it costs a lot of money.

So, my basic plan of keeping warm is this:
1. Apply flannel evenly to lower half
2. Apply cotton t-shirt to upper half
3. Apply cotton/comfy fuzzy sherpa insidey hoodie to upper half
4. Apply sock 1 to foot A and sock 2 to foot B
5. Insert foot A into slipper C and foot B into slipper D
6. While seated in recliner (not included), spread thin layer of cotton blanket evenly from chest down

And finally.....
You know what's a kind-of-cheaper and much more fun than turning up the thermostat? Red wine. Seriously. Have a glass or two or three and you'll feel flush, warm and toasty, regardless of what degree your thermostat may have fallen to... ///56 DEGREES??? I need more wine.\\\

Oh, I bought a sweet new parka. It will get it's own post after I have the chance to test-drive it outside.

An update.... and an attempted return to bloggery.

2010-10-27T20:18:00.001-07:00

Hi folks! It's about that time for another mediocre attempt at returning to my blog! Huzzah!!!

Things are excellent -- I started my new job at Cole's Salon at Eagan Station on Sept 7th and have been totally and completely happy with my decision to work there. I'm chock-full of reasons why it's a great company, and I'd love to share:

1. They're extremely successful.
Cole's Salons have been in business for 31 years now. That's a long time. And the company is littered with people who've been there for 20, 25, 30 years who love what they do, and love for whom they do it. In fact, Star Tribune listed Cole's as the #2 Mid-size company to work for in Minnesota. And because of the ESOP program, we all get to have shares in the company stock. Cole's is 44% employee owned. We work our butts off AND reap the rewards.

(If I could have my way, I'd beef up their website and marketing, expand further INTO the cities - say Bloomington, even - and really make COLE'S known as a high-end group of salons. We sell amazing products, and staff extremely talented people! Let's tell the world!!!! My biggest pet-peeve is when people hear "Cole's" and think "Kohls"......)

2. I fit there very very well.
There's just something so perfectly balanced about it.... laid-back, but high-quality... family-friendly, but theraputic.... efficient, but personal.... Cole's has mastered the art of treating clients like family. Growing up in the area and going to Cole's as a child, I experienced this first hand. We have many clients under the age of 18.... and many under the age of 8. They see the same hairdresser from their first day of Kindergarten until their high school prom, and beyond. Some now bring their own children with them. And that is EXACTLY the kind of place I want to be. I want to bring my own friends and family who are now my clients into a place where they feel welcomed, served, and treated like guests. I can't tell you how many trainers I've had tell me "your station is your home, and your client is your guest - bring them in, and always ask them back."

The thing about my coworkers is that I not only enjoy them personally, but I also get a great deal of guidance and mentorship from them professionally. These ladies (we have no guys at our location!) know how to WORK. IT. OUT. I'm not kidding you. It's intimidating and inspiring. And also intimidating.

3. They are committed to ME. As an employee and a PERSON!
There's a big piece of our new staff training where they talk about being a "lifelong learner" and developing yourself personally and professionally. The beauty industry is not one that likes to stay the same for very long, so that concept is extremely important professionally. But on a personal level, Cole's has something called "Golden Nuggets." When I started, they provided me with a small "nugget" notebook and the book Life's Greatest Lessons by Hal Urban (READ IT). Every day, we spend time reading this or other books of the self-help, inspirational, motivational sort. And as we read, we are encouraged to write down statements from the book that resonate. As we add more and more, we go back and read them, and continue to develop ourselves, whether it be bettering our habits, philosophies on life or achieving goals. It's a wonderful practice, and I like to add that tidbit of inspiration to my workday, if only to fend off a case of the Mondays.

A favorite Golden Nugget: "Pain is inevitable..... but misery is optional."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Now, I need to address another piece of this, and that's Spalon Montage. While I did interview there, and was "in process" as an applicant from March to August, I was turned down for a position. By email. ? I interviewed very well, I've never ever ever had a problem connecting with someone in an interview, and I had a *fantastic* resume for a new graduate from beauty school. And, after being told in one interview that they don't do technical interviews but hire based on personality (a philosophy I support), it stung a bit.... The only reason that I could think for not being selected is that I would not fit in with their aesthetic..... 50th & France can't employ anyone that can't fit into Anthropologie's overpriced-yet-girlishly-adorable offerings. Pfffft. So what if I want to wear MuMus to work and smell like fried chicken??!? lol lol

But honestly, I really don't care! I'm SOOO happy at my salon, and I'm happy to work for a company for which I'm truly passionate. I'm PROUD of the work we do, the people we staff, the clients we serve and the ways we do it.

So here's my suggestion for our new marketing campaign:

Cole's Salons: Turning Clients into Family since 1979

:-)

OOOH, and #4 - the products are the BEST: Aveda, Bumble & bumble and Oribe? Yes please!

The Taste of Summer.

2010-04-12T07:19:00.001-07:00

As many of you have experienced and shared, I love me some delightful summer cocktails whilst enjoying delightful summer sunshine. There's nothing better than that cool, refreshing beverage in hand while you (and friends) partake in patio time, sit on a deck or -best of all- lounge by a pool.

An aside: I no longer live at my apartment complex and it KILLS me that I won't be able to host pool time this summer. For the first time since.... 2004 :-(

Have you ever indulged in a Blojito? A delicious summer cocktail option invented by my brother. A trait that seems to run in the family, as my dad loves to make up his own drinks as well. Being a gal who loves to create her own tasty beverages, I often will make up random concoctions; every so often, a classic is born.

I give you the Blue Lemon.

Stoli Blueberry, like other Stoli flavors, is a really good interpretation of the intended flavor. It seems very natural and light (unlike our friends at UV). San Pellegrino's Limonata has a similar feeling - an airy, crisp lemon taste, just enough carbonation, and those adorable little cans! Paired together, you get a delicious, light cocktail with just enough flavor for summer - nothing heavy or syrupy here.

While you're not likely to find bars that can serve this treat, I do have an alternative: order yourself a Stoli blue with lemonade AND soda, and you'll have a remix that's close enough for government work.

Cheers!

(If you're curious - the Blojito recipe: vodka, Simply Limeade blender-ed with fresh mint leaves, and Archer Farms Blood Orange Italian Soda)

Mystery!

2010-03-10T16:06:00.001-08:00

I'm sure a few of you saw that last post where I mentioned my interest in Spalon Montage. I'm sure a few of you also saw the comment from a mysterious stranger named Robbin Julien. I know I did!

Incase you're curious (which I know you are), I emailed Mr. Julien to a) clarify that my name is actually NOT Traycina, and b) follow-up on the connection and send my resume. It was a fruitful networking moment, as he then forwarded my resume to Mitchell Wherley, CEO of Spalon Montage.... who then, in turn, called me yesterday!

I've called him back, but no reply as of yet. Will keep you posted on my search :-)

[ Submit ]

2010-03-04T19:53:00.000-08:00

I clicked it. I've officially applied to Spalon Montage. Woot!

After the passing of the first 19 weeks of school, I've decided it's time to get serious about my job hunting. So I came home, finished tidying up my resume, thoughtfully prepared my online application and poof! I'm done!

When considering where I might find myself come licensure and graduation, a few factors have come to mind:

1. I'd like to stay central - no Blaine, no Maple Grove, no Apple Valley (NO!) for me. I need to stay in the Minneapolis area, or at least the first tier suburbs. I think. Brian works in NE Minneapolis these days, and we'll be looking for a home (NOT in Apple Valley (sorry dad)), and settling down somewhere between our two places of employment, so the thought of being "commuters" really isn't our scene.

2. I want to be a generalist - I don't want to have to choose between cutting and color/chemical services. As a stylist, especially a new stylist, I want to really hone both sets of skills and be able to provide for my client's every hair need. Besides - we're not doctors, people. Physicians specialize because they have to learn [-------- this much --------] information about their specialty. I'm pretty sure I can handle the amount of information I need to know about both hair color/chem and cutting.

3. I'm really seeking a professional, high quality vibe. At this point in school, and at this point in life, I feel like I've really put in some good work, and that I kind of deserve to work in that sort of environment. And I'm not the kind of person to eff-up and find herself on Tabitha, so I've got that going for me.....

4. I enjoy the marriage of spa and salon atmospheres. I think that hair services can be very theraputic, relaxing and rejuvenating, and fit well into that ideaology. It also comes back to the idea of a one-stop-shop for all your beauty pampering needs.

5. I hope for the kind of place that attracts a regular clientele - aka NOT a hotel salon. While that idea sounds fun, I really want to have the kind of career where I see people all week long that I look forward to catching up with, and many of whom I could consider my friends. I want to hear updates on life, babies, relationships, jobs, travels, etc. and I don't want to have to small talk my way through the days.

What salon or type of salon do you frequent? I'm all ears!

My, what a shapely bum you have.

2010-02-22T22:56:00.000-08:00

After 4 months of hanging around with 18-22 year olds all day, every day, I've felt a little lackluster in the fashion department.

Enter a new pair of black leggings.

Now, I know what you're thinking... oh God, black leggings. Are you wearing your ugg boots with them?

But some of you have come to appreciate what leggings can add to a wardrobe - options. Too cold for a dress? Add leggings and you're set. Have skinny boots that don't fit over jeans? Put 'em over leggings. Negative 20 windchill and heading out in dress pants? Leggings as long underwear. Ate too much and can't wear pants that zip? Leggings, baby! Wear them for lounging, casual wear, dress them up a little or even for working out. Now that's versatility!

Don't make the mistake of calling them "stretch pants"..... Despite being the same, "those" have been out for awhile. (Although have you seen all the stirrup pants that have popped up lately?)

My experience with leggings thus far has simply been under a particular dress that I wear in the summertime. And I love that combo. It has a very "I'm wearing pajamas out of the house and getting away with it" feel, which is quite freeing. But Saturday, I took a risk.....

...and I think it paid off.

(cut off my head because I had a stupid expression on my face)

So, the proof, as they say, is in the pudding. Maybe I shouldn't reference pudding when talking about my bum.... but anyways, I felt good and my friends showered me with much-appreciated approval and praise. And my husband....

Brinner.

2010-01-20T16:31:00.001-08:00

I just realized that I have a post label titled "pancakes." And now I'm hungry for... you guessed it... pancakes.

Time to call Erin & Angie and have some brinner.

So, this one time... in beauty school....

2010-01-20T15:59:00.000-08:00

(Please notice my attempt at increased frequency. Or then again maybe don't notice so I don't feel obligated to keep it up!)

I know plenty of people that I talk to these days want to hear my tales of beauty school: what we learn about, what we master, where we are now, when we take clients, etc. It's fun to share, because honestly I never knew these things either before starting school! So, here are some fun facts:

What we learn
hair cutting, coloring, chemical services (perms and relaxers), makeup application, facial cleansing and waxing, nails (natural and artificial)

How the program works
We start out 100% classroom and complete 8-week cycles. Every 8 weeks we move up a step and a new class starts at the beginning: The Circle of Life. The program lasts as long as it takes us to fulfill our required 1550 hours of Cosmo school to become licensed (plus exams) -- there are, however, attendance requirements set by the school so it shouldn't take anyone more than a year to complete unless they take a leave of absence or something. I am "scheduled" to be done on August 24th, but due to planned absences (aka: weddings) hope to be done just a few days after. Will definitely be done by August 31st.

Learning
So far, at week.... 14?...we've covered just about everything. As we learn various techniques, we have a "model day" where we bring in a real person to work on - these have happened over the past 7 Saturdays that we've been in school. Starting at 15 weeks, we take our first paying client (if you're keeping track, that's NEXT WEEK), but still have classroom time 1-2 days a week to keep up on "other" skills that we don't always get to practice on the clinic floor.

How to be a client
Why, what a great question! I'm so glad you asked!! ;-) To be a client of mine, just follow these steps:
1. Call Aveda to make an appointment, sometime within my hours (Tu-Sat from 8:30-5pm)
2. Text/email/FB me to let me know when and for what you're coming so I can get you on MY calendar
3. When you check in that day, say you'd like to request Katrina M #67636 -- I will have notified my instructors that I have a request coming in, so magic should occur :-)

Life lessons at Aveda
1. I wish I had done this 9 years ago instead of waiting
2. ...BUT, I'm very glad not to be 18 and doing this, because those kids just don't appreciate it the same way as we "old folks" do
3. Cosmetologists / cosmo students are not the most intelligent people one might find in the world

And so so so much more.

That's all I have to say for now - lots of other things to talk about and discuss, so hopefully I get readers again soon. And a shoutout to Kelley who happened to check and comment on my anticipated return :-)

...and then it was January.

2010-01-17T22:03:00.001-08:00

So, remember back in the day when I used to blog? Neither do I.

A few things have happened since I last blogged three months ago. Most notably - I got new curtains for my living room. And they're beautiful and energy-saving! Yay! Oh, and I do hair now.

School has been good, great, okay, interesting, frustrating.... all those things that school usually is. I enjoy delving into my chosen trade, and the learning process therein. But of course there are ups and downs, high points and low points, days I love it and days I just want to get the hell out of there.

When one comes into my house, there are a few key indicators of life as I know it these days:
1. My miscellaneous "traditional" school supplies - textbooks, my book bag, and items I've used for some of our recent projects (I cut pictures out of magazines in my school... Academia at its finest).
2. Indicators of new study habits - aka scissors, a cape, clips, spray bottles, etc. all from doing cuts and colors outside of school. Not exactly studying, but kind of.
3. A closet full of black clothes
4. A distinct scent of Aveda - it's in my hair, on my face, and all around the house. In my shower right now, one would find ALL of the following: rosemary mint shampoo, smoothing body polish, rosemary mint body wash, carribean therapy body cleanser, carribean therapy body scrub, pure abundance shampoo & conditioner, and black malva shampoo & conditioner. Oh, and soothing bath salts. This doesn't count any of the skin care or hair styling products.

But I've noticed some other changes that I don't love:
1. I've become a communication ritard - you see, I no longer sit in front of a computer bored out of my mind all day, nor am I within reach of my cell phone. I miss calls, emails and texts, or I have just enough time to see that I've received a text, but not enough to actually reply.... and couple that with my awful short-term memory and you get ritard-status.
2. Somehow I'm more of a home body introvert once I walk in my house. There are a few other factors in play, here, but those dig a bit too deep for right now.
3. I spend my day standing in front of a mirror.... you can imagine the effect that has....

And there it is.

It's now 1:00am and I'm over-thinking this blog entry, so I must to bed. Hopefully this is the first in a long streak of blog entries.... and hopefully those future entries are much more awesome than this half-asleep snooze-fest.

It's me, evil twin Traycina.

2009-10-14T16:42:00.000-07:00

I just switched this blog magically from one gmail account to another. Phew! I've been wondering how I could manage that without changing my blog address. Success achieved.

Now, being that my blog corresponds with my most used gmail account, it'll be easier for me to post more frequently!

Aren't you luckyyyy....

Stop the bus, I'm getting off!

2009-10-14T16:23:00.000-07:00

Bus = Fairview.

I'm done! Wow!! I've been working there full time for over seven years. It's a bit unfathomable that I won't be doing the daily grind anymore. I won't be seeing the same faces, or doing my open enrollment, or coordinating the Holiday Giving Program (one of my favorite parts), or getting my benefits, or carpooling in the mornings with my hubby....

It's the end of an era.

And I'm going to sleep in tomorrow like I've never slept in before. Ahhhh.

Psych.

2009-10-14T15:56:00.000-07:00

Here's an interesting article....

Someone posted it on the Nest and it sparked a bit of conversation today, from the legality of abortion to our own stance on the issue to our thoughts on addiction.

Here's my opinion... FYI, it's copied and pasted from the discussion. It's a lazy way to get a blog post out. :-)

This woman is nuts. Fucking nuts. And this situation bothers me a great deal.

While I don't consider it "murder" in the legal sense, it gives me a similar pit-of-the-stomach feeling when I hear of women abandoning their new born babies or murdering their children. So obviously this is my emotional response to the subject.

The thing that really bothers me is the fact that she is entertaining this odd control fantasy and almost "playing God" by conceiving and then killing a life. And she's doing it in a strange revenge sort of way that makes it even more concerning.

I think she needs SERIOUS psychological help. I'd consider her behavior to be beyond addiction and quite sociopathic. She has an unhealthy obsession with life and death and what lies in between.

-----------------

What do you think?

Consider me orientated.

2009-10-14T06:36:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know that's incorrect.

Went to orientation yesterday to get me orientamated. Woo hoo. I was super anxious before getting there and then I realized it was just a boring school orientation :-)

Here's the breakdown:
- Check-in
- Pay kit fee (sadly, we didn't get the kits)
- Awkwardly look for seat
- Introduce self to girl sitting next to me
- ....and her mother... ? Oh, she's 18, got it
- Look around room
- Judge people (see below)
- Watch DVD about Aveda
- Play getting to know you game (see below)
- Listen to admissions lady talk about policies, dress code, blah blah blah
- Take ID picture (good thing I look decent)
- Done more than 1.5 hours before it's supposed to "end" (nice scheduling, folks)

First, I'd like to address the "getting to know you game." You've all played it before. It's a piece of paper that has a grid with boxes in which are phrases like "Has been to Europe" and "Has never broken a bone." You go around to see who's name you can fit in the boxes. Except they made theirs into a bingo, and made it a competition.... so it was done in like 2 minutes, if that. Wow, because I really got to know so many people (the three at my table and three-four others) during that process.

FAIL.

Secondly, the people..... the judging... You could feel the eyes glaring around the room giving each other the once-over. I like to think that when I do such things, pan across a group and judge people, at least I look fairly pleasant and normal doing so. Not so for Ms. Stink Eye over there.... couple that with the overdramatic hair toss and I'm practically laughing aloud at the ridiculousness. And the hairstyles... my my, the hairstyles....

To be honest, the judgmental behavior is a bit of my concern for my new career. While I'm a self-declared amiable person, I wonder what it'll be like to be surrounded on a daily basis by vanity and cattiness. Will I constantly have to endure characters straight out of "The Plastics?"

OK, I'm thinking too hard about this post.... ciao for now!

New Neighbor!

2009-10-05T13:49:00.000-07:00

I had a date Saturday at 11am with a good friend of mine over at the Original Pancake House. YUM. I'd been craving it since the last (and only other) time I had been there with my lovely cousin. I'll say that despite the very long wait, the Pumpkin Pancakes were TOTALLY WORTH IT. I got a half order with the pecans on top, then added a little butter, little syrup and the very tiny side of whip cream it comes with and was practically drooling WHILE I ate them.

But alas, this is not the intent of my post. Although I seriously wish I could have some of those pancakes RIGHT NOW.

I left my house at about 10:40 that morning (ok, it was more like 10:45 which made me a bit late to Plymouth despite driving 72mph in the carpool lane) and mere moments before I walked out the door, my landlord had come and gone unbeknownst to me. When I stepped out the door and saw the "FOR RENT" sign in the lawn, I was totally bewildered! Huh? I'm being kicked out? Oh, maybe it's the people downstairs... yeah, that's it. I wonder what the new neighbors will be like.....

So off I went to OPH to indulge in delicious hot pumpkin pancakes with said pancake friend (she went bananas...banana pancakes, that is). During our 45-50 minute wait and outpouring of conversation (we like to talk), she mentioned the fact that she's looking for apartments. HEY! I have one of those! I mean.... one that I know is open! And..... it happens to be next door! (If it's below you, is it still considered "next door?")

We discussed things like her fear of change (she's a suburban girl, you know), proximity to her job, traffic, blahblahblah, and it started to sound like she was willing to consider it! YAY!

So, after breakfast, she followed me home to take a good look around my place and LOVED it! I told her I had no idea what the downstairs would look like, but I kind of gave her my forecast. She was so excited at the prospect, she immediately emailed our landlord and ended up scheduling a showing for Sunday (yesterday!) at 12:30.....

Well, the lease is all but signed!!! I'm going to have an awesome, fun, wonderful, great, super, lovely, cool new neighbor!!!!! And I'm PUMPED!

Earworm.

2009-10-05T07:40:00.001-07:00

If you haven't figured it out, my newest TV love is GLEE. It's a funny, highly entertaining, slightly inappropriate show (nothing like a high school choir singing "Push It" by Salt n' Pepa) about a high school show choir. (It's creator, Ryan Murphy, also created an old fave, Popular.)

There is, however, one slight problem.....

I CAN'T GET THE SONGS OUT OF MY HEAD!!!!!

Last week's episode, The Rhodes Not Taken, ended with a jaw-dropping rendition of Queen's Somebody to Love. I'm not lying to you when I say that I've listened to this about 100 times since the show aired....

Click here for video with sound. Now, tell me you don't want to listen to that a hundred more times!

I'm looking forward to this week's episode partly so I can get this song out of my head and replace it with a new one. Prior to the rockin' Queen song, I was all about this one.

Who knows what's on the docket for this week? I can't wait to find out!

You were always on my mind.

2009-10-04T16:44:00.000-07:00

It's a simple fact of adulthood that life can be tough, crappy and downright awful at times. And the reality is that there are many among us enduring such situations. Those close to me have certainly been on my mind lately.

When I pray for someone, I always visualize the person I'm praying for curled up and sleeping peacefully in big, soft, cozy, caring hands. God's hands. No aches, no pains, no anxieties, no fears. Just peace, comfort, love and much-needed solace from whatever may be troubling them.

It looks a little something like this....

You may find it strange or lame or cheesy, and that's okay. You do what you do, and I'll do what I do. The imagery is very emotionally effective to me. I sometimes will think of myself in the same position when the world has me down. It's a very peaceful thought.

Anyways, as I mentioned above, there are a number of friends and family members that are on my mind and in my prayers. Job losses, relationship troubles, new babies, financial woes, mental and physical health issues, etc. I hope they find the peace they're seeking.

photos courtesy of sewell photography

It's a good day.

2009-10-01T06:02:00.000-07:00

My hubby is 36 today!

He doesn't look it at all - no grays, bright eyes, youthful disposition, video games... - but his wisdom gives him away. I mean, he'll initially talk gaming geekery, college football and beer, indicating that perhaps he is a twenty-something, but get him drunk and he talks metaphysics, spirtituality, religion and existentialism. (Note that he'll talk about those when sober, too, it's just a bit of an outpouring when he's in his cups...)

I'm sure I don't really NEED to tell all of you, but I feel like it anyway.... I love this man. From the big beautiful brown eyes and long eyelashes (that I know he'll give to our babies someday), to the little curl in his widow's peak, to the tips of his toes, I love him. It's funny - a few years back he got his "birth certificate" (the souvenier version the hospital gives you) from his mom and hit had his lil' baby footprints on it..... SO CUTE! His tiny feet looked exactly the same (but mini!) as his feet do now :-)

But, there's a lot more to love than just his pretty face and baby feet.... He's a wonderful husband, a good friend and a great person. The rest, I'll save for him!

Miscellaneous thoughts for a Wednesday afternoon.

2009-09-30T08:49:00.000-07:00

1. I can't handle crazy people.

2. This website cracks me up -- who doesn't feel like they could start their own blog of this nature? www.myhusbandisannoying.com (love you, Bri)

3. I thoroughly enjoy having heart-to-hearts with friends. I crave it sometimes.... neigh, often. It makes me feel like a good friend to be entrusted with intimate details and listen while they talk things out. I love my friends and like feeling close to them.

4. I just caught up with episodes of GLEE and totally love it. If you haven't watched it yet, check out the pilot episode on hulu.

5. It's time for me to leave work! Hooray!

Finally.

2009-09-30T08:45:00.000-07:00

I have officially secured funding for my entire Aveda Institute tuition.

So suck it, Financial Aid process.

As it should be.

2009-09-24T11:05:00.000-07:00

Financial Aid is frickin' difficult. The process is complicated, confusing, and *just for amusement* a pain in the ass. Here's my latest:

Aveda: Go to this website and apply for your Stafford Loan.

Stafford site: Sign your loan with your handy dandy PIN.

Me: <<enters PIN>> Huh, this was *surprisingly* easy.

Stafford site: Oh shoot, your last name on your App and your last name on your PIN don't match. Go apply for a new PIN.

Me: Futher muckers.

PIN site: I will fuck your shit up.

Me: Yeah, I know...

PIN site: Click here to apply for a PIN.... fill in all this information... and this... enter your SSN 6 times... oh wait, it looks like you already have a PIN. You can't do this then. Sorry!

Me: So.... ok back to main menu, how about Update PIN info...

PIN site: Thanks for coming in to update! Change anything but your last name and SSN!

Me: BALLS.

PIN site: If you want to change your name, you'll have to update it with the Social Security Administration. Then after you do that, you'll see rainbows and fairies and puppies and ice cream!! And we'll give you a LOAN! Hooray!!!

Me: .....I did that in JANUARY...

.....

So then, I decide mayhaps I should email their customer service peeps to see what the fug is up. And I get copy & pasted responses THREE SEPARATE TIMES telling me to apply for a new PIN. APPLY FOR A NEW PIN they say.... sheesh, what a clever idea except it's NOTFUCKINGWORKINGSGSHDKFJHKSDF.

::::shoots self in face::::

Back in action.

2009-09-23T10:16:00.000-07:00

After a nice lonnng weekend, an adventure to Chicago and a crazy return back to work, I am here. Have thought a few times about blogging, but I'm not entirely sure that I have a true theme for this post.... it might be one of those boring life updates where I tell you about the lame minutae of my days and "this is what I ate for breakfast kind of crap." Lucky you.

But, in actuality, it's just going to be this teaser of a post. Things are just nuts here and I can barely formulate a thought, and those I can muster up are to be used for figuring out my financials for school.

Did you know I go to Orientation in TWENTY days?!? omg. And school starts a week after that! Craziness!

HHH.

2009-09-17T08:31:00.000-07:00

I'm here at the MSP airport typey typing on my Blackberry. I don't usually utilize my phone like this because... I'm not sure why not. I think it costs me everytime I use the interwebz, and I pay a bajilliondy dollars to begin with, but hey I'd pay as much or more for an Us Weekly, so there.

If you're unawares, I'm heading off for a long-overdue trip to Chicago to visit friends Kelly and Dana. I've only been "hoping" to visit since we parted ways from Drake 7 years ago... Well, they moved to Chicago post-grad in 05.

So anyway, I've sadly never been to Chicago. I'm a bit of a homebody, if you didn't know, and haven't done nearly enough adventuring. I hate the assumptions people make about those who are not well-traveled.... Like I'm some kind of Midwestern country bumpkin. Hrmphf. I've been to Europe, bitches, leave me alone! (Granted I was 17 and had my entire trip planned out for me...)

Anywhodiddles, I best be finishing my cold press so I can mosey to my terminal.

:::looks at clock:::

I have 50 minutes before scheduled departure. Perhaps you'll see a second Post in a bit...

OK byeeeee

Ask, and ye shall receive.

2009-09-16T06:24:00.001-07:00

Dammmmn, I'm on a roll! Three in 24 hours? Awesome. And just watch, I'll stop then for like two weeks. Hehhh.

Did you know that I'm off to CHICAGO tomorrow? Yep! TOMORROW!!!!! I haven't even started packing. Whoops. But I'm going to visit old friends, and while they're very cool and stylish, I'm sure they won't mind if I look like normal old me ;-)

I'll be visiting Kelly and Dana, college friends from yesteryear. Kelly lives in Lincoln Park, with her fluffy kitty Zek and her pup Drake (clever, yes?) - I'm looking forward to simple moments of sitting on the couch laughing and chatting, and of course looking forward to exploring Chi-town, USA.

Any of you have favorite places in Chicago? I'm thinking I might need to see their M.A.C store!

Kelly is also super fashion gal. I'm going to feel like a total slob standing next to her, but that's okay! I figure I'll just do awesome makeup to compensate. And speaking of fashion, how great are these adorable booties???

All in all, I'm really excited for the trip and surprisingly not anxious or nervous like I normally would be. I know these girls will make me feel right at home :-)

Now.... off to the ATM for some spending money!! Teeheehee...

That felt good. How about another?

2009-09-15T20:12:00.000-07:00

I enjoy writing. And I also enjoy communicating with people. So it's safe to assume that I enjoy blogging. Although they say that "assumptions make an ASS out of U and .... MPTION" (?), in this case it is truth.

Now, it's no secret, however, that I struggle from time to time with nailing down a topic or really committing to a post. I'll start writing something and whaddya know, I'll drift away (mentally or otherwise) never to return again. Sighhhhh. I blame ADHD. And a lot of blinky lights and move-y things in our house. OK not really, but sometimes the TV is on, and damn that Brian for trying to talk to me while I'm on the computer! Oh and those very very few occasions that I try to bust out a post while at work. It's hard to allow free flowing thought while minimizing your window every 90-120 seconds. (They're watching meeee!)

OK, so there's a relatively interesting intro.... now what? Do I tell you about my awesome writing skillz? Or about my long struggle with ADHD and how it's BLINKY LIGHT!

I'm sorry, where was I....

Nah, I think for now I'll really just ramble a bit until I decide that my eyes are too blurry to see through and I best be getting to bed so I can more easily drag my butt out of bed tomorrow. Did you know that I am sooooooososososo not a morning person? Ask my husband. And my mom.

I get a good amount of motivation to post knowing that others are checking. I don't know how often you check or who you are always, but toss up a comment so I know I'm not writing to dead air space. I find that readers make me feel a bit more accountable for providing entertainment. I make no guarantees that the posts are, in fact, entertaining, but at least I'll typey type out a few coherent thoughts and hit the post button. (Ahh if only it were that simple.)

Speaking of ADHD and typey type, have you tried Twitter? It's like blogging for the ADHD mind -- short form, one sentence, here's my thought, annnnnd DONE. You can do it once a day or once every 30 minutes, depending on how many thoughts you have circling your brain. And NO, it's not like FB status updates where you merely tell people what you're doing at any given time... it's more like the "other" updates where you say interesting things like "Rachel Zoe is totally bananas, but needs to eat, you know, cheeseburgers" and "Would you rather be the top scientist in your field, or have mad cow?"

So I guess what I'm saying is that my blog will be about everything, and yet nothing. Whoa. <--Keanu-style

OK byeeeeeeee.
_____________________________

OMG UPDATE: I tried to post this and it went all FAIL on me and I thought I'd lost the WHOLE THING (which is like, crazy bad, because this was the prologue to my autobiography), and I was about to say "f_ck this sh_t, I'm never f__ing blogging again because this is clearly a sign from GOD that it's not meant to be, and my career as a blogger/writer is over!!!" and then throw my computer down and go wash my face and brush my teeth and get ready for bed. Booyah.

But it turns out it's okay! I'm gonna copy this before I try hitting "publish post" again..... juuuust incase.

If this post and I don't make it thru the night..... come find me on twitter.

Hmmm.... which is best?

2009-09-15T19:53:00.000-07:00

So here's a question only you fine folks can help me answer....

When I'm in school, after I've completed the "alpha phase" (first 16 weeks), we have the option of going to the second shift, meaning M-F from 12noon to 9pm. This would be instead of the Tu-Sat 8:30 to 5pm "standard" schedule. I honestly don't know which one I'm leaning towards....

Initially, I'm tempted to say the second shift: I'd have my Saturdays free! But the thought of losing ALL my weeknights is a bit displeasing.... and honestly, would I really get ANYTHING done between waking and starting school at noon? Unless you call getting up at 9:30am, surfing the internet, watching "10 Years Younger" on TLC and putting on makeup for a good hour "getting something done." My guess is no.

The other part to this pros v cons conundrum is a big motivator: TIPS. When you're a student at Aveda and performing services on client on the floor, you don't get any part of the flat cost, but the tips are allll yours to keep... !! That means I'm making money while in school..... to pay off my student loans of course ;-) Seriously though, do you think I'd be more successful with 5 weekday evenings, or 4 weekdays and a FULL Saturday? My inkling is toward the former, but perhaps I underestimate the power of a weekday.

Thoughts of the two options swirl around my head.

While I'm tempted by the 12-9 M-F, I honestly feel the original schedule is the better choice. It offers me weeknights (to spend time with my hubs, part time job, etc.), gets me out of bed to have a full and effective day, allows me to keep my Friday evenings, still gives me Saturday evenings and Sundays, AND I'll get full Mondays with which I may do whatever I please (exciting things like doctor/dentist appts and trips to the DMV! Hooray!).

What do you think sounds like the better option? Share your thoughts with the group?

Why hello again, 18. And hey there, 27.

2009-09-10T20:28:00.001-07:00

My skin is breaking out like MAD this past week!!! Horomones are apparently fluctuating, and I think I'm wearing my fair food on my face.... :-/ BOO! It's definitely a hinderance on my birthday week joy. I feel like a slimey greaseball and I HATE that feeling. Add that on to the warmer temps and lack of A/C at home and suddenly I'm a sweaty slimey greaseball. Yay me.

So, I've been debating what kind of present I might want from my hubby. Essentially, since we're getting tight on funds before school and since we share all funds he just asks what I want and gets it for me! I'm 50% "yay present!" and 50% "ehh that money could be better utilized..."

This is what I was touching on last post when I said that I'm caught between practicality and frivolity.... do I get something practical like comfy nice black close-toed shoes that I'll wear daily for school? Or something more fun like the home decor items that I'd picked out from Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware? OR, I could go entirely practical and tell him to transfer $100 to savings and skip the gift stuff altogether.

What might these two things have to do with one another? I ventured to Sephora tonight in the hopes of utilizing my 10% off Beauty Insider VIB coupon, spending my $20 giftcard (thanks to the Rohnes) and finding some sort of skin product that would make me feel fab. Well, wouldn't you know there was an Esthetician from MD Skincare right there in the store :-) I walked away with this cleanser and this peel system thanks to my lovely husband and his birthday gift to me -- shopping :-)

Wish me luck! I'll let you know how it goes!!

Hey, turns out you're reading this!

2009-09-09T14:54:00.000-07:00

Not sure who you are, though. Just saw on my google analytics that you're here -- some directly, some from emailing links in gmail, some from who knows where. But the good part is that you're here.

A few things:
1. I saw the Green Durango in it's usual parking spot a few weeks ago..... I shook my head.
2. School starts six weeks from yesterday and I'm freaking a bit. Trying to get loans and such in order while also maintaining some sanity.
3. My birthday is Friday and... well... I just don't feel it. This week is a bit stressful, after all. But still.... sad face at you, 27 :-(
4. The combination of financial anxiety before school and my birthday makes for a hard choice between practicality and frivolity. I try to strike a balance, but it's harrrrrrrrd. Especially considering I've been searcing websites and picking out things I love but can't have. Namely house decor and the like. Sighhhh.

OK, I'm about to crash sitting here in the recliner. Ta ta, lovely friends!

Beauty in the eye of the beholder

2009-08-31T15:03:00.000-07:00

It's no wonder that we have unrealistic beauty standards. Look at this:

Congrats to the photo editing team at Victoria's Secret for successfully airbrushing out all signs of emaciation.

And don't even get me started on most mascara ads.

~~~~~~~~~~

On that note, I thought I would post images of beauty and the features I admire:

This first photo is not safe for work -- it's of model Crystal Renn. I could fill this blog with images of her, as I find her absolutely stunning. And my beauty icon (I DIE for those eyebrows). She was formerly a high fashion model but depended on eating disorders to keep her there. She walked away from it to get healthy and is now a very successful plus-size model.

OK, just a few more pics of her.....

In a stark contrast to Crystal's soft, feminine look, here are some beautiful photos of athleticism and strength.

Hilary Swank in an awesome ad/mag shoot

This chick is a javelin thrower from Paraguay... who knew! I wonder if modern medicine has perfected leg transplants yet.

Gymnasts and ballerinas astound me with their musculature and power. The balance and technique require lots of amazing, tiny muscles that my body can't comprehend.

And Gabrielle Reece is just.... I would honestly kill for this body

Others I'd like to mention (aka aspects of my friends I totally envy!):

- Erin's blue eyes, great teeth and rockin' body

- Kate's thick hair, long lashes and hourglass shape

- Micaela's runners legs and long 'n' leanness

- Bridgett's gorgeous hair and pretty hands

- Andrea's radiant skin, lovely curls and bedroomy eyes

- Ana's adorable smile, graceful neck and great legs

- Angie's perfect skin and cheekbones

I could go on and on and on and on about my beautiful friends..... and if you want me to, just ask :-)

Why, God, Why?

2009-08-28T08:47:00.000-07:00

I am STILL somehow stuck in a blog rut. I thought separating out my beauty stuff over to my new beauty blog would be helpful! But apparently not. I guess the details of my every day existence seem too mundane for the likes of y'all.... whomever you are out there.

Will pull through somehow, someday!!!

THE update:

2009-08-05T12:59:00.000-07:00

I signed my life away at Aveda the other day. Oooooo!!! It's very very exciting and very TERRRIFYING at the same time. I'm thrilled at the prospect of getting a formal education in something that's been a long-time passion, but also scared at all the risk involved in delving into a new industry, especially one as fickle and inconsistent as beauty.

A few things:

I have to wear all black all the time: full-length pants, solid black tops and close-toed shoes. This means my wardrobe needs some serious updating. I have two pairs of black pants - one that's a little tight (ehhh) and one that's 3" too long on the leg (regulars are way short and talls are too long...). I have maybe two solid black tops that will suffice. And as for pairs of shoes - there's ONE I could last in all day. OY. I forsee a couple of bucks being spent on clothes to last me my 11 months of school. Huzzah.

I messaged my stylist, Kim at Cole's Salon Eagan Station, via Facebook and told her the good news. I also asked if she had any names I could contact to inquire about potential jobs upon graduation.... WELL, Kim said that Nikki (a girl I went to HS with who has worked reception at Coles for years) had mentioned me to their manager, as had Kim, so now the manager is all excited to meet me! I haven't even STARTED school yet, and I'm already desirable. What an awesome feeling!!!

OK, that's all for now!

Wake Up!!!

2009-07-30T08:19:00.001-07:00

I found this on YouTube and HAD to share.

This piece was something we did in high school. It was an instant favorite because of the strong emotion and amazingly uplifting ending. We sang it as our final piece at our senior choir concert and cried like little girls (especially you, Katie G).

You MUST follow along with the lyrics, as the poetry is 50% of the beauty of this piece.

Your heart and soul will rejoice right along with it, I promise!

I dreamed a dream,
a silent dream of a land not far away
where no bird sang, no steeples rang, and teardrops fell like rain.

I dreamed a dream; a silent dream.
I dreamed a dream of a land so filled with pride
that every song, both weak and strong, withered and died.

I dreamed a dream
No hallelujah; not one hosanna!
No song of love, no lullaby.
And no choir sang to change the world.
No pipers played, no dancers twirled.
I dreamed a dream; a silent dream.

Awake, awake! Soli deo gloria! Awake, Awake!
Awake my soul and sing, the time for praise has come.
The silence of the night has passed, a new day has begun!

Let music never die in me; forever let my spirit sing!
Wherever emptiness is found let there be joy and glorious sound.

Let music never die in me; forever let my spirit sing!
Let all our voices join as one to praise the giver of the sun!

Awake, awake! Let music live!

Ouf.

2009-07-28T09:15:00.000-07:00

Pool time was rough on Sunday. Weather was beautifully perfect. Company was wonderful (Ana, Andrea, Alishia and Katie Z. (and hubby)). Hangover was unbelievably awful.

Yay :-/

(Let's just say that there was some vomiting involved. Kids, don't drink and hottub at the same time. It's bad for you.)

POOL TIME!

2009-07-24T06:24:00.001-07:00

This weekend marks the start of POOL TIME for me!!! I'm soooo excited.

Check your phone for a text from me and let me know if/when you're coming. I'm assuming there will be plennnnty of people out there, since it's opening weekend, but I'll get down there early to grab a good spot (our corner).

Yay sunshine!

Housing Update!

2009-07-23T13:58:00.000-07:00

OK, time to talk about something happeeeeeey!

As you may or may not know, B and I are moving mid-August. HOORAY!!! We're headed to NE Minneapolis and are thrilled at the coming change.

The purpose of our relocation is to be closer to school for me (so I can walk, bike, or bus there) and to "downsize" in terms of cost.

And also to get out of the effing Burlington.

Although I can't hate it as much now that the pool opened yesterday....!!!

Our new place is an upper unit duplex. It has refinished (aka "gleaming!) hardwood floors, original woodwork around the "archways" and windows, updated kitchen, clawfoot tub, a cute front porch and other fun. There are some really great features about this place. The rent was the cheapest we found, the landlord is great and really put together, it has free laundry, storage in the basement, good space in the kitchen.... oh yeah, and we get our own front door. Finally!

Here are a few pics for your viewing:

Front of house (duhr). We're the upstairs unit. See the cute porch? I can't wait to put flowers and chairs and a table out there :-)

Front-side: windows along the side there are living room, dining room (2), kitchen (2) and then a strange little porch. I think we'll put a trash bin there. Or recycling. Or the kitties when they're nauuuughty.

Kitchen (duhrrr): only this wall has cabinets, but there's a big original built in on the other side. Stove is gas (victory) and there's room in the center for an island/cart of some sort.

The right door leads into the bathroom, and the left door to the 2nd bedroom/"guestroom" (back right corner of house)

And here's my dorked up little floor plan (not actual size) -- you can click it to see the image full size.

Cute place, yes? We're very excited. You can certainly expect more pictures to come as we head back in once we're "tenants."

HOORAY!!!!!!!

Ponderings

2009-07-23T06:37:00.000-07:00

I'm having a hard time today. I've had a lottt to think about lately on this subject and it hasn't become any easier.

I sort of feel like I've been tossed back into grade school, what with all the friend drama and fluctuating alliances. Honestly, I didn't sign up for this, I never meant to get in this deep. I'm past grade school, past college and no longer need to entertain faux friendships. Or so I thought.

Life is seemingly all about politics. And I hate that. No, not just in your work life / professional life. Personal relationships have their own version. Some know how to play the game better than others. Some don't. It gets confusing, frustrating and often times you end up getting hurt.

But alas, at this point in the state of things, it's best to just get through things as cleanly and smoothly as possible; I need to ride it out a bit longer and then the charade can end. I want SO BADLY to deal with it now, directly, plainly, simply and maturely, but that's not what's best for those I care for.

What happened?? How did I get to this point in my life where my friends give me this much anxiety and worry? I stay up at night thinking about it, I cry because I feel lonely with no one to talk to (well, Brian listens, but I feel bad for dumping on him), and I fear what may become of certain friendships if I acknowledge my feelings aloud.

I'm very honestly and truly hurt. Why did I waste my time entertaining all of this bullshit? I knew it wasn't the real thing over a year ago, and yet here I am.

So.... if you look at your "list" and think about calling those friends in your time of need, who do you trust to pick up the phone?

I need a hug.

It's time.

2009-07-02T07:59:00.001-07:00

"I just feel like I have so much to say but no good place to share it. Oh wait, that blog thing...."

HEY, friends! It's me :-)

Bet you've stopped reading.

Well, things have been really busy. Really frickin busy. Between twice weekly softball games, trying to find a new place to live, visitors, showers, friends, clients, and family stuff, my head is kind of spinning!

The best bet for me is always an outline format. Eliminates that whole extra complication of transitions....

1. The pool is still fucking closed. Softball friend Taylor just moved to the Burlington and can see the progress (whereas my place doesn't have a view). Let's just say that there isn't any. I'm seriously furious and it's definitely caused a big hit to my emotional health.... it's the absolute foundation of my happiness in the summer months and now every nice day I get serious pangs of anxiety feeling like I should be out, by water, somewhere. Hey doc, I need a boost in my SSRI dosage.... yep.

But is there anything I can do about it? It was estimated to be finished by, well, yesterday, and clearly isn't anywhere close. I wish I could get a discounted rent, but I'm afraid to ask....

2. Business is good. Not referring to my day job, obviously. Although that's fine as well. I've booked a number of clients and just did two last week. I'm thinking of starting a separate blog through my makeup website detailing some of my work with the clients and such. Kind of make it a bit more personal and make the potentials and even those that I've already booked feel a little more "in" on the inner-most workings of the arteeest.

So, here's the schedule:
June 23rd -- did a boudoir session, super fun! I love doing these because of the extra "va va voom" factor. Everyone wants to vamp it up.

June 27th -- bride + others. Bride looked exactly like Kendra from Girls Next Door (except 35 and not annoying). Gorgeous!! Did her 15 year old daughter, and her 70 year old mother(s), so there was a good range.

July 11th -- another boudoir shoot shot by pal photographer "Callie V."
July 25th -- bride + others
August 8th -- bride + others
August 15th -- Erin's wedding!! Bride, mother, bridesmaids, self...
August 22nd -- Ashley's wedding to my cousin Mike!! Bride, bridesmaids....
September 12th -- Lisa's wedding!! Not sure of who....
September 26th -- Cretin Derham Hall homecoming girls
October 9th -- bride + others
October 17th -- bride + others

Then I start school on October 20th.... holy cow!

3. Softball is going -- and I have the MOTHER of all bruises on my right thigh. It's literally larger than my hand. It's about 6" in diameter. A fast hit, low-flying ball took a hop off the ground and nailed me. Yeeeowtch!

We WERE doing great until we had a game cancelled -- we've tanked ever since.

4. That's all I can manage for right now.... because otherwise I'll get distracted and never finish.

Hope you've enjoyed!

How to start a fun weekend.

2009-05-22T07:43:00.000-07:00

I made the mistake this morning of stepping on my scale. I hope to God I was wearing 40-lb pants.

Summer Lovin'

2009-05-21T11:43:00.000-07:00

For years, Erin and I have discussed making a list of "to dos" for the summer months. This year, we've decided to actually buckle down and do it. Here are some ten thoughts I just came up with:

1. Get a sweet tan, and some super sexy tan lines to match

2. Bar hop - high on the list are those with great patios: Stella's, Cowboy Slims, Brit's, Psycho Suzi's, Solera, Billy's..... Drink Uptown if I'm desperate ;-)

3. Attend a BBQ

4. Go to a beach in town - feel sand between my toes.

5. Bike

6. Walk

7. Grill food

8. A trip to the cabin with my fantabulous cousins

9. Have a sleepover with girlfriends

10. Go hiking with my hubby. I love being outdoors but have a hard time getting myself out the door..... I hope to change that this year!

Ask.... and ye shall receive.

2009-05-21T07:22:00.001-07:00

At the request of a reader, I am blogging more to give you some workday entertainment. I'm not sure if that's what this can be defined as, but at least it's something to do. Yah? Yah.

I'm currently reading Angels & Demons (Dan Brown) and can't put it down. I read DaVinci Code years ago, right before the movie came out, and have to say that I like this one better! It's got such a driving mystery - clues, secrets, murders, shock, suspense - and couples with great historical background on the Vatican and Catholicism, making it a very entertaining read.

Sometimes it's hard not to get wrapped up in the story and details, considering all the factual references. This, I imagine, is why there were so many crazies after the DaVinci Code came out..... It would, however, be SUPER cool to do an adventure through Rome seeing all the sites outlined in the book. Lordy Christ, I need to travel.

That's all for now. Wow, that's incredibly boring. More later.

Don't forget -- Sunday Secrets 5/17

2009-05-20T13:40:00.000-07:00

Oooops, I've missed these!

If you haven't seen it before POST SECRET is an art project - turned blog, book, and travelling art show - to which people send postcards with anonymous "secrets" written on them. (ALSO -- they post extra items on their Twitter page, so be sure to follow them there!)

I love Post Secret as it routinely makes me forget about my own problems, or makes me feel like I'm not the only one.... I'm not the only one with flaws, regrets, doubts, fears, or various idiosyncrasies or oddities. Different postcards help me reflect on different moments in my life and bring me momentary peace and "in-tunedness" with the world.... maybe it'll bring you the same.

TODAYS FAVORITES

It may not be the sender's intended message, but to me, this one represents that moment in a new relationship where some insecurities about your partner's past slowly surface. Some handle this moment better than others, of course, but it's still hard to imagine your one and only sharing intimate moments with someone else.
My mind shivers at the thought even six years later....

I love this partly for the sentiment behind it and partly for the execution. HA!
From a deeper perspective, I think of those with great bodies and terrible control issues, fear of aging, weight gain, etc., and/or are overly judgemental of others, and what might happen to that person when suddenly the body is changing before their eyes....

Remember me?

2009-05-20T05:46:00.001-07:00

It's been awhile. You've probably stopped checking to see if I've even written because it's been so long. I've successfully driven away all five of my loyal readers. SIGH.

Things have been BUSY lately! Softball started on Tuesdays & Thursdays, I still have choir Wednesdays (and Sundays obv), I confirmed a start date with Aveda finally, so discussions and prep have started for that, we made a SECOND trip down to Madison for yet another wedding (WAY less trashy, in fact, not trashy at all), I put together my website and have been receiving some contacts (yay!).... it's nutty I tell you!

I don't have much to say at this point except SORRY! I'll blog again very soon, like 24 hours, so check back for something more interesting than all of this ^^ nonsense.

Ciao!

My New Website!

2009-05-07T11:29:00.000-07:00

After discovering that my lovely friend Erin had linked my blog as my website in her wedding "vendors" listing, I decided it was time to toss something together.

Two days later and I have this:

KM makeup services

As I said, it's not a full-fledged work, and some pieces are missing, but should work well for all intents and purposes at this point in the process. I'm enjoying getting together a collection of photos of my work -- it's so fun to look back and remember those moments shared with friends.

Please let me know your thoughts and criticisms! And thanks to those that have already helped make it better :-)

xoxo,
KTM

Another Saturday, Another Gorgeous Bride!

2009-05-04T11:33:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday, I had the privilege once again of doing makeup for a bride on her wedding day. What a fun experience this is! It brings me so much joy and fulfillment to make someone look and feel beautiful, especially on such an important day while surrounded by CAMERAS!

Saturday's bride, Jen, was so sweet and had such great features to work with. A beautiful bride, that's for sure. She has the most gorgeous green eyes with caramel brown in the center and holy schamoly lashes! I'll hopefully have pictures to share soon.

Some day in the near future, I'm going to create an online photo album of befores and afters of all sorts of friends, brides, etc. So look forward to that!!

Don't Forget -- Sunday Secrets 5-3

2009-05-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

This week's secrets are up!

Because I routinely forget, I post weekly reminders about Post Secret's "Sunday Secrets" ...to remind YOU to check them out!

TODAYS FAVORITES

This one is because I secrely hope this was submitted by my friend Andrea.
Cuz' that would be awesome.

Night cheese.

2009-04-29T17:38:00.000-07:00

How can you not love a TV show where Salma Hayek turns to Tina Fey and says "isn't there a Slanket somewhere you should be filling with your farts?"

Oh, and Tina Fey sings a song about night cheese.

Genious.

I look really good in shoulder pads!

2009-04-29T16:30:00.000-07:00

Admittedly, I used to love watching the Golden Girls. Nothing better than a summer day as a 12-year old, sitting on the couch with a bowl of Ramen and "catching up" on Golden Girls, Murder She Wrote and Hogan's Heroes.

But somewhere along the way, I've forgotten that love. The Ramen noodles and oldies of my youth were replaced with the more grown-up choices like Pasta Roni and TLC / Bravo.

And then Bea Arthur passed. I've since found myself longing for the thrilling goings on of the fab four - hair styled with a pick, large costume earrings, and drapey nightgowns. So tonight, when I saw it on the TV listings, I couldn't NOT turn it on. Brian rolled his eyes. I felt my heart melt a little for the nostalgia.

I can't help but wonder what my days as a retired gal might be like. How long will my ol' man live? Where will I be? How can I get my salt and pepper locks to hold curl and puff up/feather out so my gold dangly earrings show??

I think it would be a wonderful thing, if widowed, to move in and live it up a bit with my girlfriends. I would certainly be sad to lose my husband, but it'd be fun to have a lil' ol' blue hair sorority! I sometimes get a bit sad that I never had the opportunity to live with girlfriends, but the prospect of doing so in my "golden years" brings a smile to my face. Ohhhh the shenanigans we'll get ourselves into.....

So.... who's with me??

We're years past "shotgun"...

2009-04-27T14:51:00.000-07:00

This is killing you. You can't take it anymore. You're dying to know, aren't you.....

Alright then, here's the as-promised story of the WHITE TRASH WEDDING.

Background: this is Brian's 26-year old cousin that knocked up his girlfriend when they were 18 and then again at 20. While still living at home. Fast forward to Saturday.

To start, the ceremony was at 2pm at the courthouse. One could expect a 20-minute wedding, if that. The reception start time was listed as 6pm. Super. We skipped out on the tiny courthouse deal, and let Brian's parents go without us and hit the reception part. There was likely no way that all of the invited guests could fit at a courthouse wedding anyway.

So, onto the reception at the Monona Community Center. Picture it if you will: A small, 70's style gymnasium type room with a few strands of icicle lights, cafeteria tables lined up with plastic chairs, plastic table"cloths", fake lavender rose petals strewn across them with random glass containers in which swam purple beta fish.

Hope that set the tone and the ambience appropriately for you.

Now how about the food & beverage situation?? Always important in the wedding world. The tiny bar had a little soda station (the old kind with the four tappers you used to see at high school football games) set up next to it with plastic cups. Kids surrounded the machine. The bar itself was serving complementary Miller High Life in plastic cups. The champagne of beers if you will (which WAS consumed by the bridal party out of champagne glasses. Ironic, no?). Other than that, it was cash only.

It came time for the buffet, so folks started lining up..... we finally arrived at the buffet table to find styrofoam plates and plastic "silverware." They had run out of napkins. A couple of veggies & dip trays, followed by giant containers of potato salad (heavy on the mayo), pasta salad (very heavy on the mayo), and coleslaw (guess what? MAYO). A box of buns, and two trays with meat -- BBQ pulled pork and pulled turkey -- completed the spread. I ate all my veggies and one small pork sandwich. I didn't bother with the mayo-plus salads.

The cake, prominently displayed by the buffet, was an instant throwback to 1988. Tiers offset with little "bridges" in between upon which stood the little plastic (purple) bridal party, leading up to the top tier featuring the plastic bride and groom. And don't forget a red wine fountain positioned beneath the top tier. Everyone raved at how beautiful and what a masterpiece this cake was. The bride's neighborlady had made it. I'm pretty sure her name was Barb or Kathy or something.

But the real treat was the interesting crew of guests in attendance..... I can sum it up in one word: babymomma. OK, maybe that's two and maybe a few more words are necessary.... such as JEANS, t-shirts, baseball caps, drunks, flip flops, cigarettes, (short) sun dresses, unfortunate English usage, tattoos, hoop earrings, tennis shoes, "pimp hats"...... the list goes on. And LOTS of kids. My favorite was the 8 months pregnant girl (19 maybe?) wearing a SHORT blue sundress (spaghetti straps no less) with silver flip flops slow dancing with her man (baby daddy? not sure) while he grabbed her butt. Score dude, high five.

The highlights of the evening:

MUCH TO MY JOY, the cake was frickin' delicious. WAY TO GO, Connie!!!! or whatever your name was. Perfectly delightful lemon poppyseed with white buttercream. Yummmm. I had two pieces. But hey, I didn't have much dinner :-/

And the night was MADE when the DJ announced that the bride and groom requested that guests not clink their glasses to get them to kiss, but instead sing yadda yadda..... clink our glasses, you say? Um, excuse me... Mr. DJ.... may I briefly hearken back to the part in the story where I mentioned plastic cups and plastic "silverware?" Not much clinking to be done, eh?

We left still laughing....

HOWEVER, I do have to say that when budgets get cut, some otherwise "classy" brides & grooms eliminate things for their guests such as dinner, free alcohol / soda / bevs of any sort, dessert, and dancing while still expecting people to show up with gifts. This couple made sure to provide those items while remaining within their means, which is definitely worthy of praise. So CHEERS, Chris & April!

ADHD about blogging: a collection of mini-updates

2009-04-26T17:14:00.000-07:00

There are many times each week where I think of an idea for a blog post, but become so overwhelmed with the idea of said post that I just nix it all together. And then times where I have 10 potential ideas and don't know where to start.

This is the story of my life.

So rather than topical, organized posts.... I thought maybe I could just word vomit (in an outlined format, of course) about various stuff and things all in one place. Okay? Okay.

#1: Things are almost set for me to start school at Aveda on October 20th. HOORAY!

I'm really pumped at the thought of being a stylist! Colors, cuts, straightening, curling, men, women, children. I love hair! I cut Brian's hair the other night, and while it was a new "style" and new process (from his usual crew cuts), I think it worked out pretty well! The longer hair definitely hides mistakes better, which is nice ;-)

#2: Our six-month anniversary was yesterday. HOORAY!

We celebrated by spending two nights at my in-laws house on twin beds and going to the most white-trash wedding I have ever seen. OH, and 8 hours in a car together. FUN!!! I did get some sweet throw pillows out of the deal though.... so glad I told him that YES it's standard to get your wife a gift for your 6-month.

#3: I really love shopping.

My budget does not support my passion, however. This can be annoying at times. I did get a FANTASTIC new spring windbreaker the other day from, surprisingly, NY & Company. I'd written the place off as the sizing can be weird and the tops aren't big enough in the bust. But thanks to Melinda, we ventured in and I found this gem:

Cute right??

OK, that's all for now. More to come later tonight or tomorrow, including the fantastic tale of yesterdays super white-trash wedding!! I KNOW you want to hear all about it.... ;-)

Don't Forget -- Sunday Secrets 4-26

2009-04-26T17:09:00.000-07:00

This week's secrets are up!

Because I routinely forget, I post weekly reminders about Post Secret's "Sunday Secrets" ...to remind YOU to check them out!

TODAYS FAVORITES

New look!

2009-04-21T08:17:00.001-07:00

What do you think?

Thank you, North Carolina....

2009-04-20T06:04:00.000-07:00

...for not being a total fry in the Miss USA competition last night, unlike your friends Miss Arizona and Miss California.

The top 5 went into the Q&A segment. The first questions were easy and the second were more difficult, such as the questions asked of Arizona and California....

Miss Arizona: Keenan Thompson, celebrity pageant judge, asked if the USA should have healthcare coverage as a right of citizenship.

I can't find a quote, but she essentially dodged the question entirely, talking about politics and how she doesn't get into those arguements or something. It was weird.

Miss California: Perez Hilton, celebrity pageant judge, asked what her thoughts were on legalizing gay marriage in the US.

Her response: "We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage. And you know what, I think in my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there, but that's how I was raised."

Which of course was met with mixed reactions from the crowd -- some certainly booed but others, being they were in Texas, cheered. It was really quite appauling.

First of all, NO. People can't choose same-sex marriage. That's the point of the question. (And WTF is opposite marriage??)

I understand that you feel in your church that marriage should be between a man and a woman - no government will force churches to start marrying gays. BUT, from a legal right perspective, don't you think the courts can allow them to marry?

Oh, and honey you may want to watch your back. There are plenty of gays in the pageant circuit, likely including but not limited to: your stylist, your hair dresser, your makeup artist, the pageant producers, etc. Not to mention the fact that you represent CALIFORNIA and they'll likely have a bit of backlash for you..... Good luck with that.

Don't Forget -- Sunday Secrets

2009-04-19T16:34:00.000-07:00

REPOST -- This week's secrets are up!

Because I routinely forget, I've decided that I'm going to post weekly reminders about Post Secret's "Sunday Secrets" ...to remind YOU to check them out!

If you haven't seen it before POST SECRET is an art project - turned blog, book, and travelling art show - to which people send in postcards with anonymous "secrets" written on them. (ALSO -- they post extra items on their Twitter page, so be sure to follow them there!)

TODAYS FAVORITES

Camera Ready: A Product Spotlight AND Technique Tutorial!

2009-04-17T06:23:00.000-07:00

There are so many people who just don't seem to get it when it comes to mascara and curling eyelashes. I find lashes to be a fairly important feature when it comes to makeup. Like the icing on the cake.... Cue blog post.

I consider myself to be a bit of a LASH MASTER. You can tell me how you have short, stubby or really thin lashes, but somehow I'll still make you look like this ----->

What's that you say? You don't WANT to look like you're wearing feathers on your eyelids? Oh come on. Incase of dusting emergencies!! Eeew.

Alright fine. I'll tone it down a bit for you.

There are three important aspects to fab lashes: curling the lashes, mascara and application technique. Let's delve into all three, shall we?

CURLING

Most men and makeup-challenged women will look at an eyelash curler and see a medieval torturing device. BE NOT AFRAID. If 12 year-olds can do it, so can you.

The tool of choice: The shu uemura. It is, as their site states, emblematic.

Curling should be done before any eye makeup is applied. Open the curler, position the silver top bar right down along the lash line and against the lid, take a few seconds to make sure all the lashes are in between and then press together. This spot on the lashes is where you want the most bend, as it will make your lashes appear longer from straight on.

BUT, don't stop there! Move the curler out a bit on the lashes and pinch them there gently, move it out a little further and pinch there too. Look closely at your eyelashes, though, as you don't want the tips to be pointing back towards the lids. That indicates you've curled too much at the midpoints.

MASCARA

Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to mascara. I, for one, can't wear anything but waterproof. I can't explain it, but NON waterproof makes my pre-curled lashes straighten back out. Frustration ensues. So, I don't fight it and stick to the WP formulas.

While it's difficult to find that one kind that works well on everyone, I think I may have found a contender or two....

#1 Budget Fave: CoverGirl Lash Blast - While I tire of the "Fat tube = FAT lashes!" concept, I absolutely love this stuff - both the formula and the brush. (Although it's a bit TOO fat at the end for those little lashes.)

#2 Splurge Fave: Chanel Inimitable - Ahhhh perfection. For a mere $29 a tube, it can be yours. :::pauses::: My thoughts exactly.

APPLICATION

For many mascaras, a brand new tube means too much product comes out on the brush. A quick swipe through a piece of paper, paper towel or rough (so as not to leave lint) tissue/toilet paper should solve those goopy messy woes of a new tube.

Wiggle the brush side to side at the roots of the lashes to get the bristles in between them. Move the brush outward, continuing a little of the side-t0-side to get a good coating. Add a couple more swipes to complete the first coat.

After you've finished up the "first coat," it's important to take this moment to separate your lashes while they're still tacky from the mascara.

I SWEAR by metal eyelash combs a la the one at right by Sonia Kashuk (Target!). Nothing works better to really get in there, separate the lashes, get rid of gobs and make them look feathery.

Once you've done some separating, you can apply another coat. Annnnnd again, grab your comb and separate. This repetition will build up the thickness of the lashes while maintaining the separation.

Voila. Hope this brings you to a new level of lashiness.

The sun'll come ooooout tooooomorrow.... and the day after, and the day after.

2009-04-15T05:52:00.000-07:00

I am so freaking happy about the weather lately. This is absolute perfection. Glorious sunshine, temperate 60's, and Minnesotans curing their cabin fever, outside in droves.... seriously, there are SO. MANY. PEOPLE. outside!!!

A few years ago, a relative from Texas was up here visiting in the spring / summer / fall (clearly I've forgotten). She could not get over how many people there were outdoors.... everywhere. Walking the paths, biking, running, playgrounds full of kids, softball diamonds, soccer fields, picnic tables, mini malls, people everywhere. Happy people. I was surprised by this. Wait just a darn sec, you live in Austin, TX where people can and SHOULD be out all the time. Why is this shocking?

I think that here up Nort' we have a particular appreciation for sunshine and tolerable temps (this varies)... it's as if life outside beckons us out of our homes, especially come April. Our cabin fever drives us to near incapacitating levels of crazy, so we burst out the doors like we've been imprisoned for decades.... and sometimes it sure feels like it!

This weather has prompted me to make my own sort of commitment to the great outdoors (and it truly is great) -- I want to see more of it, enjoy more of it and soak in every possible drop of beautiful earth, water and sky I possibly can. What does that mean exactly? It means happy hours on patios, cleaning off that bike on the balcony and using it, cleaning off the BALCONY so we can actually sit out there, softball two nights a week, POOL time as often as possible with whomever may care to join me, walking around Como, Saints games, more than one trip up to the lake, playing outside with my freakishly adorable nephew, BBQs (but not at our place sorry!), petitioning for an invite to Andrea's family boat (K. Syrah), hell even sitting out on a blanket with a friend and a bottle of wine (or Boone's Farm as we did in college, watching the boys play football... sighhhh).

SO..... care to join me??

I rock.

2009-04-10T07:45:00.000-07:00

Would you take a look at this? I mean, granted some credit can be given to Dan, Candy and GOD, but the makeup.... all me, baby. And can you believe how gorgeous she is???

Doing makeup for weddings is on the top of my list of things that make me happy. There's nothing greater than making a bride feel AMAZING on her wedding day. And when I step away and watch them look at themselves in a mirror, that's one of my favorite moments. Or when they turn to their mother, best friends, etc. and they all bask in her glow and rave about her beauty, I know I've made it happen for that bride. One of the UTMOST important thing about any woman's wedding day is that she feel stunning, radiant and gorgeous.

My process for preparing for the day always involves finding out more about the bride's usual makeup, what she wants to accentuate, her trouble spots, and a photo helps too. Every woman who wears makeup has their "it" things, whether it be flawless looking, non-oily skin, lots of bronzer, mascara mascara mascara, beautifully blushed cheeks or a pension for heavy eyeliner. Taking those into consideration immediately puts her at ease to know someone is going to give the same time and attention to those as she would for a special occasion.

I literally study these things and the photo(s) before the big day. I try to determine bone structure, how to best accentuate the eyes, skin tones and texture, eye color, etc. When asking for photos, I always ask for a picture that she feels she looks gorgeous in. That helps me to determine how she wants to look in photos. If she's 50lbs thinner in the picture, I'll be sure to contour her better. If she's got a nice glowing summer tan, I'm looking for where her face tans.

The point of all this? I love to do wedding day makeup and I'm fucking awesome at it. That's my point.

(But secretly, it still intimidates me just a little!)

Let's get our church on!

2009-04-08T20:46:00.000-07:00

I left the house tonight for choir feeling like total crap. The onset of a cold, horrible cramps, general malaise. Sucksville. I had taken a nap upon arrival at home and just did NOT want to get out of bed to go to choir. Le sigh.

But you know what, it's really frickin' hard to stay pouty and pitiful when surrounded by some fabulous people, making incredible music and preparing for the ultimate of spiritual experiences. It's as if God doesn't allow it. I went from mopey and near feverish this afternoon to dancing down the aisles to galavanting around the church during breaks. Thank God! ;-)

If you're not familiar with the concept of Holy week, it consists of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Tenebrae, Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday. A quick overview of each:
- Holy Thursday: the Last Supper, the washing of the feet (as Jesus did for his apostles), the last opportunity for Eucharist (communion) before Easter
- Good Friday: Jesus is crucified, Veneration of the Cross
- Tenebrae (friday also): Jesus is buried
- Easter Vigil: people gather to await the rising of Christ... starts very dark with candlelight, the great Alleluia is proclaimed again (Alleluia is not sung in the church throughout Lent), and everyone sits for a really long time as new Catholics are baptised, communed and confirmed.
- Easter Sunday: the fun parts of Vigil but in pretty pastel clothing (and little girls in frilly dresses in white patent mary janes with ruffled socks!)

While most "CAPE Catholics" (Christmas, Ashes, Palms, Easter) come for mostly the fun stuff (Ash Wednesday obv not 'fun'.... you can kinda tell by the name) - Christmas Carols, Easter lilies, rainbows, puppies, all that is happy - we in the choir know when the REALLY good stuff happens..... FRIDAY.

All Catholic churches will have a Good Friday service. This is very central to our Christianity, as it is the moment where Christ dies on a cross for us. Heavy stuff. It's a very introspective, meditative atmosphere as you ponder that reality. And then they pass the cross. Literally - it's essentially 'crowd surfed' over the congregation. From a choir perspective, we watch from above as each person bears that weight. Then everyone has the opportunity to go forward to genuflect at the cross, each silently expressing their gratitude, and leaving, singing "Stay here and keep watch with me... the hour has come."

Oh but wait.... there's more....

A very special and unique experience happens at 7pm -- The Office of Tenebrae. It's maybe not something you've heard of before, but it is a spiritual experience unlike any other.

Traditionally, Tenebrae was celebrated on Wed, Thurs and Fridays. From wiki: "Lighting was gradually reduced throughout the service. Initially 15 candles were lit and placed on a special stand known as a hearse, which were extinguished one by one after each psalm. The last candle was hidden beneath the altar, ending the service in total darkness. In some places the use of a strepitus (Latin for "great noise") was included as part of the service. The great noise was usually generated by slamming a book closed, banging a hymnal or breviary against the pew, or stomping on the floor, symbolizing the earthquake that followed Christ's death. This custom seems to have originated as a simple signal to depart in silence. Following the great noise a single candle, which had been hidden from view, was returned to the top of the hearse, signifying the return of Christ to the world with the Resurrection."

It's seriously unbelievable.... but you can't forget MUSIC.....

At Tenebrae, the Basilica Chamber Choir sings the Miserere by Allegri. Now, this piece is absolutely beautiful and instantly gives the feeling of meditation. But there's more to that story.... a pretty cool history, in fact (from wiki again):

Miserere by Italian composer Gregorio Allegri is a setting of Psalm 51 (50) composed during the reign of Pope Urban VIII, probably during the 1630s, for use in the Sistine Chapel during matins on Wednesday and Friday of Holy Week. It was the last of twelve falsobordone Miserere settings composed and chanted at the service since 1514 and the most popular: at some point, it became forbidden to transcribe the music and it was only allowed to be performed at those particular services, adding to the mystery surrounding it. Writing it down or performing it elsewhere was punishable by excommunication.

Although there were a handful of supposed transcriptions in various royal courts in Europe, none of them succeeded in capturing the beauty of the Miserere as performed annually in the Sistine Chapel. According to the popular story (backed up by family letters), the fourteen-year-old Mozart was visiting Rome, when he first heard the piece during the Wednesday service. Later that day, he wrote it down entirely from memory, returning to the Chapel that Friday to make minor corrections. Some time during his travels, he met the British historian Dr Charles Burney, who obtained the piece from him and took it to London, where it was published in 1771. Once published, the ban was lifted and Allegri's Miserere has since become one of the most popular a cappella choral works now performed.

Mozart was summoned to Rome by the Pope, only instead of excommunicating the boy, the Pope showered praises on him for his feat of musical genius.

All in all, it's an amazing experience and, in my opinion, the best service of the entire year. I've managed to get Andrea and Ana to commit to joining us, so hopefully it'll live up to my hype!

And there you have it.

Baby steps....

2009-04-05T20:35:00.000-07:00

Literally.

We enjoyed a pre-Easter Easter Brunch this morning after church with the family and got some great time with our favorite nephew Luke. As of yesterday, this cool dude is 1 year and 3 months old. Now lil' P (short for Peanut!) is a smart cookie. And unbelievably adorable. But as much as he loves to move and shake, scoot and play, he just hasn't yet mastered walking. Why walk when one can be carried? Mom's arms are getting tired, lil' dude!!!

GENIUS. Youngest IT manager ever. (photo not in India, FYI)

So we gave it a concentrated effort today, getting some steps in with all his fans watching in anticipation. It's so much fun to watch and even more fun to get in on the action. I'd grab him, face him towards mom or dad (his favorite people in the whole world) and put my arms out like bumpers at a bowling alley. He'd get himself balanced on his feet, clap for himself and lurch forward, sometimes with his feet first.... other times just leaning forward (the face-plant method is less successful). I can imagine his difficulty trying to balance being that he's so TALL these days - those 10 month olds have a much lower center of gravity - but he enjoys the process.

My favorite part of the whole process was... well TWO favorites. First was the fact that he started every attempt with a round of applause for himself. Self-affirmation is a very good way to take on a new endeavor! And it's frickin' cute. Claps and a smile before starting off in his new direction. Have you tried this method lately?

My second favorite was bonding with my lil' pal. He doesn't exactly recognize me at first sight, and I know that. So instead, I slowly try to engage with him. Walking into a household for one of our family gatherings, you're immediately struck by loud voices and conversations. He gets overwhelmed and clings to mom and dad. So rather than get all up in his business and offend his delicate sensibilities (like some unnamed family members), I start to talk to him quietly, let him stare at me a bit while he figures me out and slowly start to play with him after he's warmed up a bit. And that's when the fun starts!

As time passes, I know his recognition and engagement will only get better and better.... but I so enjoy every morsel of love, affection and happiness he shares with me at this point in his development because I feel like I'm earning it. Not to say that I won't enjoy the day that he sees me walk in the door and runs over to give me a big bear hug..... Man, it's gonna be fun to watch Luke grow!!!

Kid tested. Luke approved.

I'm watching you.

2009-04-04T16:12:00.000-07:00

I just installed Google Analytics. Holy crap. It's nuts how much it can tell me.... I don't even know 80% of what it's telling me, but DO know that it's telling me something. Catch all that?

More to come....

Back on the Blog Horse, I'm Lame, Kate's Wedding

2009-04-03T10:35:00.001-07:00

OK, so it's been awhile.... specifically 2.5 weeks. Have you missed me?? And by "you" I mean the 6 of you readers that cared to comment on my Roll Call post below. So, Erin, Ali, Melinda, Brian, Missy and Tom - THANK YOU. This is for you, friends!

Life as of late has been.... interesting. And by interesting I mean dull. Oh, and I was in a wedding. I am a homebody that loves to stay put. I somehow manage to keep friends despite the fact that I'd surprisingly rather be in my pajamas on my couch. Did you know that I'm a bit of an introvert? Yeah.... everyone thinks I'm really extroverted, but I'm just really chatty out of nervousness.

Back to what's new.... Kate's wedding was a really grand time. I don't know if you have seen pictures or what not, but she was an unbelievably gorgeous bride. Katie has timeless good looks -- beautiful bright eyes, great bone structure, long lashes and big lips... can't go wrong, right? Seriously though, she looked stunning.

I myself looked awesomely tan. Hooray!!! A victory in and of itself. I've found the cocktail of electric beaching plus self-tanning two days before = the perfect bronze goddess look.

Here are a few other notes from the big day:

1. Kate & Tyge are a cute couple -- they also have very good looking friends.

2. Christos Union Depot is beautiful!!

3. WHY can't the bridal party sit down at some of these weddings? My feet were numb. I had eventually stopped listening to the goings on because I was so focused on rediscovering my toes. I even considered if anyone would notice me sliding my foot out of my shoe and standing barefoot on the altar. It was bad.

4. I love being a bridesmaid.

5. I am annoyed easily. But we'll leave that one cryptically disguised.

6. I never cried on my own wedding day... is that bad?

7. I may not be the most gorgeous bridesmaid, but I am satisfied hearing that people think I'm "so hilarious" and clearly awesome at taking pictures....

All in all, it was a great wedding. I'm entirely jealous and want to plan my OWN again, because that's how I roll, but I'm so happy that K & T had the wedding of their dreams.

Unfortunate discovery. And a HAPPY THOUGHT!

2009-03-18T11:14:00.000-07:00

My stories aren't very good! I'm pretty okay with talking about thoughts, opinions, philosphies, experiences, etc... but when it comes to stories, none can compare to the crazy, deranged tales of Miss Melinda (my evil twin). I suppose I'm okay with that, though. I mean, some of us entertain via reality, while others require excessive embellishment and far-out exaggerations (like a soap opera or telemundo).

It is a bit pathetic that my most entertaining story details my feelings and actions against a violator of simple parking law..... but the interest in this tale has been surprising! Apparently people enjoy boring tales of vigil ante justice :-)

Meanwhile, I've been dreaming of pool time. With the warm weather approaching and thoughts of tanning (for Kate's wedding next week), I've been very jazzed about spending some good, quality time by the pool this summer with some of my favorite people:

- Erin will be done with her L2 year of law school (and will probably appear at my doorstep drunk after her last final in a swimsuit) and needing some SUNSHINE. Ali will be with her.
- Kate will be an old married lady with FINALLY some more time on her hands to spend with ME
- Angie's finally a MN resident again
- Micaela and I will be hanging out three days a week with softball Tues & Thurs
- Melinda will come despite the vegitation in her drink last year (it's just MINT, sheesh)
- Andrea will take a break from her hip, fun life living in uptown and being a comedianne
- Ana will find a break from earning all that Pharmacist $$$ between weird shift rotations at the hospital and casual work in Winona
- Bridgett will hopefully come (with or without baby Harper)
- And maybe, JUST MAYBE, Tom & Kathryn will bring Luke over for some fun in the sun.... or drop him with grandma Lois and go nuts ;-)
- Oh, don't forget about "gay or European?" and his 'girlfriend' "Tits on a Stick"

GOODNESS, this is going to be a busy summer! Thank God I have such fabulous people in my life to share it with. Mark your calendars, clean out your coolers and go buy yourself some new flip flops!

Now.... I'm gonna start work on an iPod poolside mix ;-) I'm thinking some oldies, some pop tunes, some fun country.... AHHHHH, it'll be great!

ROLL CALL

2009-03-18T08:57:00.000-07:00

If you are reading this post, please comment below! Even if you are a complete stranger, I want to see who's with me!

(I wonder if Blogger will let me do a one answer poll..... hmmmm....)

And.... GO.

Edit: yes indeed you CAN do a one answer poll. Google is dumm like that. See the top right. Please answer, but do so wisely.... (:::cue Monty Python quote::: WHAT is your favorite color??)

Incase you've found yourself wondering....

2009-03-17T12:52:00.001-07:00

.....NO, I have NOT seen the Green Durango since the day those fire trucks appeared.

"What happened???" you might ask yourself.... but we will never know. The world will never know.

Until next time, Green Durango..... next time....

Not the Durango in question, but a photographic representation.

Pressure is on!

2009-03-17T10:33:00.000-07:00

Let me preface by saying that I am so not very funny on my blog. I tried funny, but I became so overwhelmed at the thought of having to "perform" here that I just ultimately stopped posting. Once I took a deep breath and realized that it's MY blog and I can write whateverIwantsodontjudgeme, it lifted the burden!

Also, I'm way funnier in person. It involves a lot of jazz hands, weird facial expressions and strange voices. Here I'm just.... words. :-/

My heart skipped a bit of a beat when my blog was publicly outted by my fab wedding florist, Jackie (LOVE HER! Just Bloomed) over on her lovely flowery blog (love the idea of a florist's blog! Who doesn't love to look at beautiful flowers??). OMG she said my blog was funny and then LINKED it. So, a slightly awkward helloooooo to anyone who's come here from there thinking "who is this WEIRDO??"

In all seriousity, I really think that Jackie is phenomenal at what she does. I love flowers and I love pretty wedding bouquets, but it's a really really difficult thing to arrange flowers WELL. She is so creative, coming up with superb bouquets in both a modern style and a romantic style. Two favorites:

See? Beautiful. And this is reason enough for a fabulous flower blog.

Angry models.

2009-03-13T21:14:00.000-07:00

I'm HUNGRY. I started a two-week diet yesterday in prep for a friends wedding in... two weeks!.... and I'm really getting in tune with my own hunger. It's an interesting feeling.

But seriously, now I know why models are so bitchy most of the time.... THE PANGS. Gah. I just want to eat a big bowl of pasta, french fries, a bag of chips..... but noooo.

So this diet, you ask [assumption].... well, I decided on a whim the other day to stop at SuperTarget and get carrots, spinach, celery, cucumbers, green peppers, spinach, strawberries and oranges, "salad spritzer" dressing and chicken breasts. Add in eggs, whole wheat bread(the really chunky kind), and some Lean Cuisines... and LOTS OF WATER.... and you have a really really shitty cake.... kidding, you have my daily intake. Granted, this is the end of day two :-)

Sustainable? Nope. Effective? Yeah, you know it! Add in some workouts and I should see some pounds fall off pretty quick. It may be a nice jumpstart into a habit of healthy eating that IS sustainable, however! It's pretty good for the overall awareness to get a better idea of what calories you're ingesting, what your body feels like when you eat a, b and c vs. x, y, and z, etc. I've found that I can be more disciplined than I thought I could. I've found that sometimes more water can solve my issues better than more (craptastic) food. I've also found that a nap is a great cure for nearly intolerable cravings!

Now, weekdays are a different story than weekends -- and tomorrow marks weekend day one. I do have plans to meet the fabulous Melinda for lunch at the Olive Garden (OMG I want a bowl of alfredo and a spooooon), but I've pre-scoped the menu and nutrition info online for a decent choice(s). They have Garden Fare options which are essentially some usual entrees with vegetables replacing the usual potato side. My plan is for the Pork Filettino -- 350 calories for "Grilled pork tenderloin marinated in extra-virgin olive oil and rosemary. Served with broccoli and red bell peppers." YUM! And by picking something pretty low on the caloric scale, I can splurge on a breadstick or two dipped in alfredo. YUMMMMM.

Fuck, looking through this menu is making me SO HUNGRY. I think that means it's time to go to bed!!

I think my blog is cool. And just because you're pretty doesn't mean you can act like that.

2009-03-13T20:58:00.001-07:00

So, now that I have a new look and post a bit more regularly, I feel like my blog is kinda cool again. It's that idea that confidence can make ANYONE feel cool, you know? So even if my blog is the weird geek of the blog world, it feels pretty fucking awesome and smart and knows that it will make more money than your "popular" blog someday ;-) Eat that, Bloggess.

I'm teetering on the idea of sharing it with various family and friends, however. I'm afraid that my love for the f-word might offend someone and the blog could end up in the wrong hands and then my brother will be all "kiss your... OUR mother with that mouth?!?" and I'll be all "YOU taught me these words, assface." Hi Tom! But I don't think my usage is that excessive that someone wouldn't be able to tolerate it. And really, there are some things that cannot be expressed in literary terms without cursing.....

Maybe someday when I have a baby blog I'll keep it to like one per post.

And now, I seamlessly transition into my next topic....

I visited lovely friend Bridgett tonight with adorable yet fussy baby Harper out in "disturbia." Poor Bridgett..... Harper just does not like to cooperate with the whole "sleeping" thing. As Bridgett so kindly puts it, "she's a needy little girl." It really is in her own benefit, however, that she's such a PRETTY baby!!! God, what a cute lil' face that girl has! Daddy Josh said tonight "I'd rather have an ugly baby that SLEPT," but they're both happy with their creation :-) Hopefully soon things will settle down, but in the meantime say a little prayer for the Gawlik family that they maintain sanity!

These two do NOT know sign language.

2009-03-11T13:21:00.000-07:00

Yet.

two of my all-time favorite kitty pics

Olive and Cherry, while being little shits sometimes, sure are sweethearts. They've been very energized by the new food we started about a month or so ago. Both are more playful as a result, which is so great! Olive is my little buddy every time I sit down on the couch. We call her armrest cat, because she is at my left side within minutes of me sitting down. Sometimes she'll sit right next to me, perching her body on my leg and nuzzle into the crook of my arm. I die a little, it's so cute!

I'm extra lovey dovey towards them lately, even investing in a FURminator and brushing them like mad. Via brushing, Olive birthed a litter of kittens the other day. Or so it appeared. The hair just. kept. coming. out! Cherry's been a bit more difficult, as she's a bit skiddish about grooming (due to her "dingleberry" problems), but I get a few strokes in here and there. Her fur is SO FINE and yet there's SO MUCH. It's so fine that individually, the strands are nearly invisible. It sticks to your hand due to static and literally feels like cobbwebs! You can't imagine the issues it causes when those get in your eyes and eyelashes.

We visited PetSmart to pick up the FURminator the other day and as a rule we ALWAYS visit the kitties up for adoption. I wish I wish I wish I could take out every one of them and snuggle them like I do my own kitties. There were some real sweethearts there, but none as wonderful as Morris, the 1-year old orange tabby. He just sat up, so alert, just waiting for us to come towards his crate.... and when we finally got to his (the last) we both felt the yank on our heart strings. He was so... so.... SOOOO cute. Fuzzy and orange, alert, bright-eyed, playful, sweet, trusting - you could see all those traits in an instant.

It broke my heart to leave Mr. Morris there. I think all those sweet lil kitties deserve a warm, soft place to sleep, a hand to reach out and pet them, maybe scratch behind the ears and rub under the chin a bit, and to be told "I love you!" at some point in their lives.....

And on that note, I can't wait to see my furblobs when I get home :-)

I can barely take care of MYSELF....

2009-03-11T11:06:00.000-07:00

I started to write a big post about Chinese Astrology whilst simultaneously discussing it with my friends.... there's SO much information and we talked about it enough that now I think I'll toss it. Maybe someday you'll hear all about my Yang Water Dogness.

Today's blog is actually more baby talk. Yep, that's right. Again.

I was super excited to be asked by my sister-in-law Kathryn to watch Luke overnight in a few weeks. I get to pick him up from daycare, hang out with him at their house, put him to sleep, get him up and ready, drop him off.... I'm really really jazzed about it! Not only do I love the lil' guy like crazy and look forward to the time together, but I get to play house :-)

<-- Luke looooves static!

If you didn't know this, Luke is the most cutest, most smartest baby around. He's just over a year (14 months -or- 61.5 weeks to be exact) and frickin adorable. This past weekend, we got to see first-hand his new sign language skills (!!!). He's signing "more" "please" "eat" and "all done." My heart melted! The melting was also partly due to his super cute plaid button-down shirt, jeans and sneakers combo. He's almost walking, but has decided he really doesn't need to yet. I'm sure once he does, he'll take off and never stop!

My baby rabies are in full swing. I can't wait for motherhood. I just feel like it's something I'm made for. I have always been fascinated by genetics and specifically reproduction, so my curiousity around pregnancy is really no surprise. What an amazing process. Think of the most amazing machines in the world, and it still doesn't compare to the fact that a woman's body can make something out of seemingly nothing. Unbelievable. Did you know that the placenta is the only organ that we GROW in our lifespan?

Last week, my supervisor brought in her 1-month old to the office. She was able to leave him hear and bop over to a few medical appointments, conveniently located in the building next door. We LOVED having the time with lil Peyton while she was gone! I was absolutely thrilled. He slept on my shoulder, curled in a little ball and just snuggled right in. He was having some trouble eating, but his fussing didn't bother me a bit. Eventually we figured it out and he was happy and content once again :-) It was so wonderful to be with him -- I just get so much happiness from spending time with little ones, especially teeny newborns. They appreciate how snuggly I am!

I guess my point in all this is three-fold. 1) I'm surrounded by babies and pregnant people and I love it. 2) I'm damn good at it all. 3) I'm ready.

Firetrucks, cupcakes and pink shoes

2009-03-06T06:45:00.000-08:00

After posting yesterday's green Durango update, I peered out the window to find it was gone. Gone! Replaced instead by a random truck. Oh, and three fire trucks. Hope they towed your ass for parking in the fire lane. But I'm guessing Stumpy McCankles had fled the scene prior to the MFD arrival. We'll see what happens next!

I find myself VERY hungry for a bowl of buttercream this morning after Googling cupcake recipes. My latest obsession is Lavender Cupcakes thanks to an acquaintance who happens to be very good at baking; thankfully I've managed to get my hands on the recipe. But it still isn't quite right, so I'm hoping to utilize some recipes I found online for vanilla cupcakes and run with the lavender flavor. It's a very interesting, mild flavor, and ridiculously delicious. You are now also craving cupcakes, aren't you? You're welcome.

I'm excited that we're getting glimmers of spring, despite my hatred for it. It is so UGLY outside... especially this morning before the sun came out. Cars are covered in brown crust, snow banks on the roads are black from exaust, sand is on every shoulder and boulevard, brown and blahhhhness everywhere. I can't take it! To combat this effect, I've decided to whip out my pink suede loafers. They're adorable. I feel so cool in them. There's something so chic about unexpectedly colored shoes. NOT chic if you match them to your shirt/dress, however. I recently bought a pair of yellow pointy pumps and they're so cute poking out the bottoms of my jeans, like a little surprise! It makes me feel so... kicky ;-)

OK, that's all for now. Happy almost weekend!

AGAIN!

2009-03-05T06:20:00.001-08:00

Green Durango. Southwest corner of Mayo Circle. Parked half up on curb. THE NERVE.

I really don't know what to do! Hospital Security doesn't give a crapolah, and the UMPD apparently only likes to bust traffic violators in other lots (c'mon, who doesn't know someone (Brian) who's been towed from the U of MN campus??). I mean, granted I did only send an email to their non-emergency email address (not that there's an alternate emergency email), so maybe I could call up and tell them of my vigil ante-ness. I'm a regular gumshoe! I'm sure they'd appreciate my efforts and maybe make me a contracted sleuth.

My stealthy abilities really stem from a childhood playing "Where in the US is Carmen San Diego?" (dammit, song in my head now) on the computer and a love of reruns of NCIS: Navy Criminal Investigative Service on USA at 4, 5 and 6pm on weekdays. I love Agent McGee aka Sean Murray -- if I were single, I'd totally go for it. Except that he's married and lives in CA. One of the secret reasons why I like him so much is because he was Thackery Binx in Hocus Pocus, one of my all-time favorite movies.

I digress.

So anyway, my point is that I don't exactly know what to do next. I like Missy's suggestion the other day of getting these. I know that I'd have PLENTY of use for them considering all the idiots with cars these days. I guess I'll have to think about this more over lunch. I may have to stakeout after all.

Surprise (eyeroll)

2009-03-02T18:03:00.001-08:00

I know you've all been waiting with baited breath for the conclusion to last week's Durango tale, and I'm here to deliver.

Upon heading out of the office on Friday, I noticed that while we weren't looking, the rebel Durango made a successful escape. How did this happen?? Did she see me run out to look at her license plate prior to reporting her to the UMPD and swiftly come out to move it? No one knows.....

Well, whaddya know... Today, who should be parked in that same corner but stumpy legs in the green Durango! I shook my fist in disgust. It's time the authorities intervened!!! But what do I do now? If I call the hospital security, they might think I'm a weirdo that gets off on getting other people in trouble. And if I call up UMPD, well, they'll laugh because they're out busting rapists and marijuana growers and stuff.

But this in itself confuses me. I mean, how many times have the rest of us been towed on U of MN property for parking in the wrong place or for too long?? I mean C'MON! Justice must be SERVED here!!!

My only option left is clearly to stage a stakeout. Our office is not comfortably located for this purpose, so it'd have to be a concious effort to monitor the rebel green Durango. Oh how I wish I had some video surveillance equipment. My camera phone just won't cut it.

TO BE CONTINUED....

Showing off the goods and illegally parked Durangos?

2009-02-27T09:44:00.000-08:00

I'm really into the spirit of blogging now that I've given it a facelift. It like a brand new me! And everyone knows that when you get a makeover, you turn into a total whore. So this is me figuratively shakin it for you. Woot woot!

This isn't exactly a real blog post, so you can feel free to disregard.

I feel very powerful today. I've been entering in some HR "corrective actions" and it makes me feel all badass and HR cool. Which leads to my next story.....

There's a turnaround right outside my office with obvious "No Parking" "Fire Lane" and "15-minute Load Zone" signs plastered all around. Well, one woman has decided that she is free from the law, and parks her Durango there ALL DAY. And not just all day once... all day every day. She and her stumpy legs teeter away from her car into a nearby office building never to be seen again (until 4pm).

Well GUESS WHAT, lady? I'm going VIGIL ANTE on your ass today! That's right. I called it in to the Fairview security and emailed the UMPD. You and your free parking can SUCK IT!

Wow, this is a really boring post.

xoxo

The name is Oscar. Oscar Mayer.

2009-02-24T22:04:00.000-08:00

Are you sure you'd "truly like to be" this man's wiener??

The Oscars were on Sunday eve, and while I can't claim to have seen any of the films yet, I did see the glimmer of lights on some lovely Fred Leighton jewels.... here are some thoughts on this most recent Red Carpet:

Hands down the best dressed of the night goes to Taraji P. Henson. Not only is she naturally gorgeous, but the beautiful makeup and hair really polished off this fabulous Roberto Cavalli gown.... I gasped when I saw her!!

Is it weird that I feel a special kinship to her and her good style because her birthday is also 9/11?

My runners-up are Natalie Portman and Alicia Keys because of their popping pink done in decidedly non-prom fashion. Anne Hathaway was kind of in there until I saw her weird bodice issue. And her hair was a bit dead animal on one side. Kate Winslet as well, but her melodramatic acceptance speeches of late have soured me a bit. Her hair, however, was sheer genius!

Some comments to the others:
1. Beyonce -- you needn't wear sausage casing EVERY awards show. Wait... why are you here?
2. Jessica Biel -- pull up that hair! And get a hem job. And DON'T wear black pumps.
3. SJP -- I like you, your style, the dress... but that center part was a crime with your long face. I couldn't even look.
4. Penelope Cruz -- you looked lovely and always have great red carpet style, but I couldn't help but think wedding dress with your vintage gown.
5. Angelina -- lighten up, for chrissakes. Also, your look was stolen from Eva Longoria Parker circa 2005 Golden Globes.... And I also don't like you.

It was really hard to find a good pic of Eva, but you get the gist - hair half up, volume at the crown, loose curl, green earrings, black dress with sweetheart neck (sort of for ELP).....

Anywho...

You know, I HAD planned on blogging after every red carpet this year, but clearly that never happened. Oh well. There's always next year ;-)

xoxo

Refresh, Renew, Recycle (I think that's how it goes)

2009-02-24T20:56:00.000-08:00

I've decided to give my blog kind of a facelift. The old design, while pretty, was an assault on my eyes. The background alone heightened my anxiety to surprising heights. I like things to be visually organized. Enter overhaul:

So here it is - simple, yes, but hopefully lovely. It's clean, it's neat, it's found some confidence and purpose in it's simplicity. It's an all around happier, healthier blog because of it. A change for the better, really.

I really wish I could apply this principle to my closet these days. There is just SO. MUCH. CRAP. I wear the tiniest fraction of the clothing I own (in part due to the fact that I have steadily gained unwanted weight over the years) and the rest gets shoved aside. Could this constant wardrobe replenishment be partly to blame for my financial woes? Ummm YAH.

Alas, I digress.

I've opted not to care about my blog's identity - it is what it is: a place for me to spill thoughts, talk about stuff and things, update you (who ARE you??) on my latest adventures (or lack thereof), and sprinkle tidbits of beauty advice in here and there. I used to have notions of compartmentalizing it all, but realized that sometimes the more you try to organize things, the more chaotic they become.....

And that, children, is the moral of today's story.

Fin

Things You Likely Don't Care About. I'll post them anyway....

2009-01-30T15:07:00.000-08:00

I posted this on Facebook and thought it was an easy way to cheat a blog post. Tah dah.

1. I've never smoked a cigarette -- not even a puff.

2. I absolutely love Disney movies and have a few soundtracks.

3. I love babies. And kids. They love me too :-)

4. My favorite beverage is and always has been ice water.

5. Brian and I both totalled our cars last December. It sucked big time. I still have neck pain from it.

6. I think I'm pretty smart and manage to know a little bit about everything.

7. I've never broken a bone (except toes, but those aren't even real bones)

8. I've never had stitches either.

9. I have the BEST mom in the entire world -- I'm totally in awe of her poise and faith in dealing with her cancer treatments over the past year. She is absolutely inspirational.

10. I am in loungewear within 3 minutes of arriving home from anywhere.

11. I told my Kindergarten teacher that I wanted to be a Girl Scout Troop Leader when I grew up..... I'm sure there's really good money in that.

12. I hate being made fun of, even if jokingly from friends/family and take criticism VERY harshly and very personally. I've always been pretty sensitive about it. It's made me keep a lot of struggles private for fear of judgement.

13. I LOVED living in dorms and kind of miss it. All my friends were right there with me!

14. I had a really difficult time in life when I was 10-13 and it still makes me cry to think about it.

15. I was a terrible student. I did no homework in Calculus and yet managed perfect tests and a student of the quarter award.... it may have been a bit because of #14.

16. I have 35 first cousins (not including stepfamily), of which I am the youngest. I always felt left behind and I'm sad I didn't get to have the same relationship with my grandparents as the older ones did -- they had all passed by the time I was 13.

17. I secretly want to name my children after the Von Trapps, dress them in curtains and teach them to sing solfege...while living in the mountains of Austria and raising goats (that also sing).

18. Speaking of children, I may or may not have names already picked out.

19. I've spelled my middle name wrong my entire life.

20. On our wedding day, I didn't pee once during the 13 hours I was in my dress.

21. I've been told for years that I'll be a good mom and I absolutely love the compliment... I hope it's true!

22. I have TV crushes on the guy from Chuck and Agent McGee from NCIS. Total nerds, but I dig it!

23. My favorite place to be is up at the cabin on 4th of July weekend... sun, lake, beer, shorts, no makeup, great family... heaven.

24. I've always hated the feeling of being left out, since I am (WAS) the baby of the family and the only girl -- I get really jealous if friends hang out without me.

25. Going from Katie to Katrina was a very unnatural process and still causes me a major identity crisis.

The Duggars... brought to you by "No More Wire Hangers" Abortion Clinic

2009-01-26T13:52:00.001-08:00

I love to watch TV. This was quite apparent last night as I fended off my sleepiness by watching the Duggar Wedding on TLC.

Now, I don't harp on the Duggars -- I think they're good, genuine people who have very sweet children, and while I don't share all of their specific beliefs, I do feel that they're good parents. I'd much rather see them having more children than, say, cracked out moms.... or high schoolers.... or Britney Spears (a delightful combination of both, as it were).

I enjoyed watching the special but was utterly disturbed by the excessive amounts of AWKWARDNESS between oldest son Josh and his "prize," Anna. It was all over the damn place! I'd be sitting, laughing at a funny line, respecting their decisions and WHAM! another awkward moment to make my skin crawl. Ehhhhhh thanks.

Josh & Anna come from families that are both of the belief that one should not "date" but simply court. He essentially found a girl that he liked, called up her parents and asked to court her. Then he proposes marriage (painfully awkward), they have a wedding and share their first kiss at the altar. ?!? Really?? Yes. They had never kissed. They hadn't even really hugged body to body. There was a weird side hug thing that happened, which was particularly tortuous to watch. One might wonder, as Josh did, can we hold hands? Oh sure, say the parents of the newly engaged couple. At which point in time Josh & Anna give each other the DEATH GRIP and didn't let go until the day they wed. There was also a few unfortunate incidents involving matching shirts.... because obviously this is the BEST way to show that you're spoken for!

Point is -- their lack of "getting to know you" time and the restraint in the expression of their joy and affection was clearly holding them back from experiencing these wonderful moments.

There was also this really great moment where her goober of a dad gave a speech about Anna being under Josh's authority now. Awwww hells to the no. I guess I'm just glad Anna wears pants and cuts her hair, unlike the rest of the Duggar gals.

BUT.... I digress. Here's the really funny part of it all.....

If you're not aware, the Duggars are conservative Baptists that practice the Quiverfull movement. This outlines their beliefs in rejecting birth control methods (including Natural Family Planning, surprisingly!) and accepting all children as gifts from God as they are given, hence the large family.

Much to my amusement, the show neared a commercial break and a quick shout out from their sponsor.... none other than

OMG, are you serious?? I died. I DIED!!! And I almost peed.

Annnd.... I'm going to hell.

xoxo

KTM

Nuns with glaucoma love BO

2009-01-20T15:09:00.000-08:00

I sat today in my eye clinic, watching the tiny tv tuned to CNN - the pomp and circumstance of the presidential inauguration - and the thoughts of future generations came to mind. What will they ask us of this day? What will I have to tell them?

My experience today was not entirely inspirational. It was quite usual, with a visit to the eye clinic in there to mix up the otherwise routine workday. I hadn't thought in advance of when the inauguration would take place, or how I would catch it, but did know of it's occurence.

I spent a great deal of time in and out of the waiting room at the clinic with a curious cocktail of drops in my eyes, and though I had very poor sight, I had great vision. I was surrounded by an ecclectic group of clinic visitors and couldn't help but take in the great sight: all of us gathering near the television to take part in this day in history. As old as 90+ and as young as 2. A teenager with her iPod earbuds out of her ears (!!) and a light in her eyes, a group of men speaking Hmong with an interpreter to assist, a middle-aged woman giving her seat to an elderly woman with a walker, a group of nuns escorting a fellow sister.... NUNS! I couldn't even make this stuff up!

Today was an inspiring day. Despite our various "classifications," we gathered as American citizens and hopefulls - proud and free - to take in the sights and sounds of history being made. I can honestly say that I do not recall the last time (if ever) I've watched a presidential inauguration. And yet today I longed to be a part of it; I felt the desire to smile at strangers as if saying to each other "I appreciate you and support you, fellow American."

This day.... this beautiful day marks the beginning of a new era, and the renewing of hope and the American Dream.

:::small tear rolls down cheek while waving tiny American flag:::

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA'S INAUGURATION SPEECH

THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER

Camera Ready: Technique Tutorial

2009-01-18T20:38:00.001-08:00

Contouring with makeup is the concept in which you use light and dark shades to bring forward certain parts and visually "sculpt" your face. Many people will use contouring techniques when putting on eyeshadow and liner, but don't realize that the same principles apply to the rest of the face (and even the body!). The use of contouring technique can make a woman look thinner, naturally gorgeous and modelesque (um, where do I sign up??).

In recent years, the use of highlighters has become more popular, but it's a much broader concept than a little shimmer on the cheeks; it's the combination of highlight and strategic bronzer application (preferrably one without any shimmer; it's okay on the cheeks, but gets to be overload on the whole face) that work in tandem to achieve all that was promised above.

Recently, I spotlighted two favorites - Benefit's High Beam and "10" - that I use regularly in my contouring routine. The example picture below will look similar to that, but more like a kid's facepainting book!

I know, I know... ;-)

The use of highlight and "lowlight" will differ from face to face, but this is a general idea of how to apply. Some noteworthy considerations include bone structure and face shape. For example, you don't want to highlight a very thin nose as above, because it will only make it appear thinner.

And there you have it - gorgeousness! Need more detail? Just email me!

xoxo

KTM

"Making It" In Makeup

2009-01-16T06:54:00.000-08:00

While pondering my future career aspirations over the past few weeks and the issues surrounding my start with Aveda, I've found myself considering the option to start doing makeup for weddings as often as I possibly can. Sounds like fun, but there are a few factors to consider:

1. It'd take a great deal of investment to get my makeup kit to a semi-professional level. We're talking hundreds of dollars. More foundation colors & types, more powder colors, eye shadows, brushes, etc.

2. Who even knows WHEN I'll start school, but I'd be hesitant to make any bookings for fall, as I would feel terrible having to cancel.

3. I can imagine that it'll be extremely difficult to get business. Not to mention the fact that I'll be essentially on hiatus from it for the entire duration of Aveda, so once I get to the point that I do have some word of mouth advertisement, I'll be in school an unable to take clients.

4. I know I need to do hair, as a career in makeup is not exactly a sustainable idea. And in order to do that, I need an education and licensure, so it's not like once I get into the groove of special occasion makeup that I can do that 100%. I also really enjoy hair as well, and look forward to delving into that skill a bit further.

All in all, I'm just having a really difficult time trying to map out the road between the here and now and the beginning of my new career.

Until then, I fully plan to start work on a portfolio of makeup looks using some friends as model.... who wants to volunteer??

xoxo

KTM

Weird annoyances...

2009-01-15T11:48:00.000-08:00

Life is full of wonderful things. And REALLY ANNOYING other things. This is about the latter of the two.

When a friend mentioned today her fear of buoys, I laughed at the thought... but then pondered my own irrationalities. We all have them, on a variable scale of severity: those things that drive us bonkers, make us act totally out of character, or stop us in our tracks.

I absolutely hate and can NOT tolerate the sound they play in beer commercials with ....[[[ GAHH I can't even type it without cringing ]]].... the beer being opened and poured in a glass. GAH. I let go of the wheel while driving to cover my ears. It's that bad. If you need a demonstration, the Buffalo Wild Wings website has it cued up with the initial flash player -- I can't go there unless I've first muted my computer.

It's not just beer commercials, though - I really hate the general sound of pouring. There's a particular coffee pot in my office that seems to bubble and vent strangely, making the most cringe-worthy blubbly sound.

More annoyances to come.....

xoxo

KTM

YAY Hot Chocolate

2009-01-12T18:11:00.000-08:00

It's not just for kids anymore, folks.

[Despite pouring one third of my cup down my chest and shirt this evening,] I love hot chocolate. The Williams Sonoma REAL stuff. I drink it at least twice a week during the winter. Perhaps not the best of dietary supplements, but man does it bring me joy :-) And that's what matters.

See? Joy. A fuzzy hat and adorable tooth gap helps too.

While meandering Williams Sonoma this weekend, I discovered this beaut' on sale for $9! (Picture is a non WS version of the same thing). It's a hot chocolate pot with frother/mixer! Brilliant. It totally made my weekend.....

What did not, however, make my weekend was the nasty dose of reality..... our finances suck, we're not really in the place to buy a house (I sooo wish we could), and I might not even be able to manage school... ever. Where's a surprise inheritance when you need one??

Fingers crossed for a nice cushy tax return to start things moving and we'll see what happens from there.

Now I kinda need more hot chocolate :-(

Blogging is like exercise.

2009-01-12T08:04:00.000-08:00

How have I come to loathe blogging? I think that mayhaps I indulge too much care and effort into them, thereby overthinking the entire process. Why can't I just write thoughts? Who says they need to be organized? No one. Cuz no one reads it anyway.

I'm really freakin stressed about future stuffs. My ball of stress - namely school/new career, house-buying, family planning - is all wrapped in a pain-in-the-ass layer of financial constraints. Virtually impenetrable. Mother fuck, fucker, shit, damn, balls. There, I said it. And it felt kinda good.

That's all I can muster.

I thought I was agoraphobic....

2009-01-09T06:47:00.000-08:00

Turns out I'm just really lazy and don't like to change out of my pajamas to leave the house.

Camera Ready: A Product Spotlight

2009-01-07T13:30:00.001-08:00

Makeup Forever - HD Powder

Use: A fine, flawless (translucent) finishing powder

I sometimes wish Sephora would stop giving me the deluxe free samples that I'm continually earning (via purchase points). It inevitably gets me hooked on another product....

Such was the case with the HD Powder - a sample that I'm now hooked on. Thank you Sephora, here's my paycheck.

The point behind the product is the illusion of flawlessness (sign me up!!). It's completely invisible, but gives a "soft focus" or "airbrushed" appearance to the skin. I also love the way it sets everything and makes my pores disappear (!!!).

I'd previously tried something similar with Bare Escentuals "Mineral Veil," but feel this product is more sophisticated. The powder is light as air, a bit finer, and feels like a dream.

It's used as a setting powder after you're finished with everything else. At first, you'll feel like your face looks a bit more pale and dry, but this is because it intially will take away any "sheen" to the skin. After a bit, it will settle in and look more natural. Powders applied on top of this will likely not stick.

The "highlighter" products I mentioned in the last Camera Ready post are a bit toned down after my application of this powder, but I don't find that to be a nuisance. I think it balances out quite well between plain and "highlighted" and eventually gives a perfect finish.

Lastly, I am especially keen on this product because I have an oilier complexion. I love the light powdery feel of it. For those with dry skin, I do feel it will still work well, but remember to keep your face exfoliated and hydrated (to maintain the moisture barrier between your insides and the environment) and you should still reap the benefits!

xoxo

KTM

This WAS supposed to be titled Planning my 2nd wedding (to Brian of course), but..... read on

2009-01-07T11:20:00.000-08:00

I've been seeing so many pictures and blogs of weddings lately, that it's making me want to plan #2. This wedding will, in all likelyhood, be only in my mind, but for now I can at least post it here and dream.....

::::::we interrupt this post to bring you an important update (please read previous post for backstory): I started this post a bit ago, toggle through windows to find the pics I was going to post, look away from my screen at my wall calendar and suddenly think to myself "OOH, I'm gonna write a blog about what I want to be when I grow up...." open up blog window to discover that lo and behold I already have a blog IN PROGRESS. On my screen. Right here. Started about 15 minutes ago.

Good God almighty, someone give me meds.:::::::

So anyway, I'm scrapping the original message....