Who I Aspire to Be

*I've mentioned Jennifer Lancaster's books before: here. She's a funny lady and I rarely visit her blog without taking away a good giggle.



Today's post about her obsession with Twilight's New Moon release this weekend does me in, I thought I was going to loose all control of my bladder (somehow, saying pee my pants in writing makes me feel ridiculous). Her action figure play by play of the movie and accessories for the characters are hysterical!

Just had to pass it along... Everyone needs a good giggle every now and again. Just wish I were that funny...

What I Read...

It's been a while since I mentioned those who inspire and entertain me so I thought I'd recognize them today. Here are some of my daily clicks:

littlepurplecowphotography a local photographer who I recently met. She's unbelievably talented and she just won a national "Dream Assignment" photography contest.

Master Your Card after over dosing on finacial blogs last year, this is the only I still read. It's real, it's direct and it's unapologetic. I love it. And it reminds me to keep my spending in check.

Puttin' On the G.R.I.T.S. a southern girl with style. She looks like the country singer/American Idol contestant, Kelli Pickler to me. She's got boy stories (drama) which is always entertaining. And although she hasn't ever specifically said what she does, I'm pretty sure it's the same thing I do.

The Typing Makes Me Sounds Busy I think I was the last person to jump on this bandwagon but I've been laughing ever since. J-Money is a funny girl. And a talented writer.

cat ranch v2.0 a childhood friend's blog. I've always loved her dry sense of humor and it translates well as she describes building her first house. Plus her pictures are amazing.

Daddy Scratches the token male of the day. His stories of keeping his family of 4 moving through life crack me. And he calls his wife "Wonder Woman" which shows how much he loves and respects her. Based in Boston, I'd love to hear him say "wicked".

Daily Practice another photographer's blog. A daily practice is a exercise in mindfulness which showcases a new picture every day - beautiful and captivating.

Shutter Sisters a female photog group blog... daily practice and LPC are both members and this blog often leads me from site to site with inspiration and delight. I enjoy their interviews and profiles of artists as well as their "assignments". It's an open and accepting community for female photographers.

Brazen Careerist a great careerwoman blog who keeps it real, and I mean very real (ie. blog post about working women and oral sex). I love her. We have the same personality type and she acknowledges some truths about her life that resonate with my experiences. I feel like I have a new "sister-friend" who completely relates. In a totally non stalker scary way.

Anyone else see a pattern? Yes... I'm definitely into my new camera and learning all I can about it and gaining an even greater appreciation for others' talent. If you want to see what I've been capturing, here's a link to my photostream on flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ifnothingelse/

Not that they need it

But I thought I'd mention my new favorite foodie blog, Taste with the Eyes and send my compliments to the chef.

Seriously, I gain weight reading this site. It's not the first self-proclaimed foodie site that I've stumbled upon but it is the only one that I have continuously gone back to for over a month. With no disappointment.

Granted, it's a good time of year for a foodie blog, with lots of options and potential topics but I've read far enough back to know and I've tried several of the recipes. This is the real deal folks!

Great pictures, great comments/suggestions, great food. GREAT SITE. Check it out but, fair warning, do NOT go hungry. So good.

I'm sorry

Oh, so sorry...

Name that tune!

I'm sorry I've been MIA - work has been a major factor in my abscence and I shall explain more later. I have a meeting that I need to leave to head to right now but I did want to say that I know I've been gone and I'll be back soon.

Inspiration

I love this blog, Sweet Juniper!, the writing is so well done and the pictures are poignant without being cliche. Most of the posts are by a stay at home dad who takes his two children around the inner city of Detroit. His pictures of the decay and destruction are overwhelming and discouraging especially in contrast to his photogenic and innocent children.

Today's post (Oct. 21st, 2008), "Open Campus" is of an abandoned elementary school, a Norman Rockwell-esque building left to the neighborhood just over a year ago. The amount of destruction and disregard for the history and sustainability of the building is sickening. The accompanying post is just as heart-wrenching.

My town has an elementary school which stands empty and is the topic of much discussion... what will happen to the building? The rock gym? The WWII memorial library? The playground? It's a neighborhood school which I attended and I hope to see it be used for a greater purpose. The school board seems unwilling to recognize the importance of the building and it's future, much like the school board in Detroit.

I recognize there are greater problems facing our nation but aren't those problems a product of choices? Choices which placed importance on segregation and the newest and latest rather than preserving, repairing and restoring what came before? How do we shift the way of thinking so that it's not a always a case of bulldozing and destruction? If these photos don't frighten you about the direction of our country, I'm not sure what will...

Yummie

I have a new blog to eat, er um... I mean, READ. I found this Homesick Texan*. But here is your warning: DO NOT VISIT WHILE HUNGRY. It's like going to the grocery store on an empty stomach. You'd just be asking for trouble.

The first thing that caught my attention was the chocolate pie... I'm a big pie fan myself. I'd put my mom's pecan pie up against anybody's. And if she decided to get all crazy on us and make a chocolate pecan pie, then WATCH OUT because there is no competition!!!

So you see my natural attraction, then I see the pico and I'm a goner.

Check it out, make a couple of recipes, and enjoy.

*we'll just overlook and forgive the Texan part.

Princess Luciana Pignatelli

Doesn't that just sound like a name of someone who leads a glamorous life?

It makes me think of yatchs, Monte Carlo, large sunglasses, perfect hair, and a sexy voice.

She was also the author of "The Beautifl People's Beauty Book" (note the irony of the title - if you're already beautiful, do you need a beauty book? Or does it mean this is how to get beautiful?). Inside is beauty advice by horoscope....

Aries must have frequent dental check-ups.
Taurus should marry a man of means.
Gemini, often the face is too long or the nose is too long or big.
Cancer tends to be lazy about beauty and should be encouraged to make the effort.
Leo, if ambitions are not fulfilled, can have difficult menopause.
Virgo remains surprisingly youthful despite hypochondriac tendency.
Libra rarely gets fat.
Sagittarius is torn between bright, amusing men who are good talkers and her desire for a solid social position.
Scorpio is hypersexual and often attracted to men who are her inferiors.
Capricorn is always well turned-out and insists on quality in clothes.
Aquarius is often slightly neurotic and with fragile health.
Pisces, feet are the weak point and pedicures essential.

*As usual, I stole this from another blog: A cup of Jo One day I promise to be original... until then I pass along what amuses and inspires me.

My Daybook

I got this from one of my new favorite blogs to read: pilgrimsteps. She's a History PhD graduate student in my old California stompin' grounds, Orange County with a husband and two cute kids. She's a very talented and thoughtful writer. I thought it was a fun exercise.

I am wearing a black wrap dress over a white camisole. And impossibly high black croc heels. Of course.

I am reading a series of presidental biographies right now - I realized I didn't know much about the Johnson Administration when it was being referenced in another book so I started with him and now I'm working on Nixon. History class in school always seemed to stall out at WWII so I'm self-educating.

I am hearing Sugarland's new album and some construction noises from the warehouses behind us.

I am thankful to be moved into my new place... I still have some work to do but I'm sleeping there and it's beginning to feel like 'home'.

I am hoping for a productive work week and a good night with my DLS (he's supposed to come over after a month-long break).

I am creating a home and a life for myself in my small town. I cleaned my porches yesterday and next weekend I plan to tackle the yard. I've never done yardwork or planted flowers, etc. But I am determined to be a good tenant and neighbor and find pleasure in creating myself a place in this as an adult. I'm starting a supper club with some other 'young' people and my calendar is starting to fill up. I will be more than my job.

I am thinking about my goals... I have spoken with numerous people/advisors/mentors about where I need to go and what I need to do to get there. Now I need to decide my course, determine specific goals and a timeline, and focus on making my life be as I want it.

I have wonderful and caring parents who support and encourage me at all times. They took me to dinner last night and I had such a good time, talking and discussing events. I enjoy my relationship with them more than I can express - I enjoy them as individuals and I feel so thankful to have them as parents.

I am excited for the fall - it's my favorite time of the year! This fall is busy with weddings, babies and moving our business! I have so much I want to accomplish and I enjoy the development side of our business. I can't wait to bundle up for a football game and to feel the snap in the air as it gets colder.

Politics as usual...

I am a frequent reader of Dooce.com - I've mentioned that on here before. I think the whole world reads her so that's not impressive in and of itself. Last week she commented on the Republican VP Nomination and her reaction to the ticket. And it got a lot of her readers talking. It's the first time that I've read through the comments section of her site. People were throwing out opinions, statistics, criticisms, and articles. I'm providing those links here becuase I've enjoyed reading them and learning more about the candidate from Alaska. Plus it's always nice to have your thoughts summed up by someone else in a clear and concise way!

Hilary Rosen's Commentary: Sarah Palin, right and wrong is intelligently written and points out the differences in the standards McCain/Palin hold for themselves versus what they believe in acceptable for others in this country.

Maureen Dowd's (my favorite!) article in the NY Times Opinion Section, Vice in Go-Go Boots compares the Republican Ticket to an unrealistic chick flick. It hits a couple of points home and also hits upon the point of the insulting expectation that women will vote for McCain/Palin just to have a woman in the White House.

I am, of course, not as left as any of those listed above. I don't want entitlement programs, the government anywhere near healthcare, and I believe that if we all were responsible and contributing members of society (including corporations) then we wouldn't need widespread government programs becuase we'd all be taking care of our own.

But I can't forget being verbally attacked by a British Man while in New Zealand a couple of years ago after George W. won his second term... I'd very much like to travel abroad as an American and not be thought of as stupid, selfish, close minded and uncaring. We've got a long way to go in our foreign relations and I know McCain isn't the person for the job.

I am really enjoying the conversations and attention paid to this election - yes, it's historic for many reasons as whichever ticket wins will bring a first to the White House. And it's exciting to hear of people who haven't ever registered and/or voted say they are going to participate in our electorial process for the first time. The average age of the voting population will,hopefully, decrease. The amount of peopling voting will hopefully increase, making this election truly more representative of the country overall. It's a lot to take in and think about as the election nears and I know this won't be the last post but I promise not to let it take over my world either.

Anyways, all the above was thought provoking for me and I enjoy passing along intelligent and well-written opinions, so read, enjoy, argue, think and most importantly, VOTE!!!

Funny.

I love this girl... she cracks me up.

This post about men and their lack of perception hits the nail on the head. Click on it for a good laugh.

Stuff I Read

I spend a lot of time on the computer. I work a lot and I have to give myself mini-breaks to stay sane. So here are links to sites I enjoy. Tell 'em I sent you!

Dooce - the mother of all blogs, the original blogger fired from her job who has turned her personal thoughts into an income producing website, a book deal, national TV appearances and speaking opportunities. She's a very talented writer and photographer.

This Fish... - another one of the first bloggers to be paid for their ramblings. I can easily relate to her singleness and wonderings about life. Generally, her posts have me laughing out loud.

Jen Lancaster - Her sarcasm and running commentary about life in CHICAGO! will have you in stitches. She's the little devil sitting on your shoulder, saying everything you want to say. Her books are great too.

BankerGirl - A financial blogger, she's telling the story of her debt reduction, planning a debt free wedding and other observations of blending a household. I enjoy her insightful observations about managing it all as a young adult.

Sweet Juniper - an "anonymous" husband/wife blogger team living in Detriot who named their blog after their first child. Great Photography and a great outlook on life.

Single Ma - a single mom of a teenager, living in DC and telling a great story. It is a personal finance blog with an inspiring story. My life couldn't be more different from hers but I feel I've learned the most from her. She's kicking ass, taking names and giving no apologies for it. I love it.

Pages Stuck Together - one of my sorority sisters from Vanderbilt, married and living in NYC. She's just completed Law School and just blogs about life. She usually puts up a recipe of the week as well which I love. She's a funny lady and a talented writer as well. I get the feeling that her blog is very theraputic for her.

The Pink Chick - another person I actually know. I worked with her at a summer job eons ago. She's a funny lady with the most positive outlook on life. Her posts usually make me smile and feel all warm & fuzzy inside.

1902 Victorian - the most recent addition to my favorites menu. I'm interested in restoring an old home. They're going through the process and sharing their story as they go along. I find her to be refreshing. Plus the house looks so cool.

So that's it, folks. The websites I frequently visit. There's other ones I might click or look up if I'm bored but these are the favorites. Any other ones I should check out?

So Much to Say

Oh dear, so many things to talk about on my first “real” entry. I didn’t realize I had so much I wanted to share with the internet.

Here are my preparations for this evening… I stopped by my neighborhood grocery store to pick up these festive New Year’s Eve feathered headbands for my friend, Rana and I to wear this evening. The bottle of champagne is for our lovely hostess, Jessica who is fabulous and brave enough to host this gathering. She is a fellow champagne drinker so I hope that I bought a somewhat decent bottle for her enjoyment.

I anticipate a good but not a mind blowing time – I learned a long time ago not to expect much from NYE. It’s always a crazy night for me, I’ve had horrible break ups and nasty fights with friends on this high expectation evening. I really think the best one I had was 2000/2001 when I had a broken leg and was laid up on the couch at my parent’s house with a viable excuse and total control of the remote. Sad, but true.

On my walk home from the grocery store, I was behind a couple who were cutely carrying their groceries together. Meaning, they had one bag held between them, each holding one handle of the bag. A bag which did not appear to be heavy… a bag that so did not require two grown adults to maneuver down the street. I wish that I had my camera SOOOOOOOOO badly, it was just too much not to have a picture to share with the internet!

Lesson learned! Always have either my cell phone or camera with me at all times if I am going to share my daily entertainment with the internet. I’ll do better from now on, I promise.

A side note on how my life has change since I moved from Georgia to Chicago, I walk everywhere… the grocery store, the bagel shop, the movies, anywhere I want to go. I know for those who either grew up in the city or have lived here for a while, this isn’t such a crazy idea. But for me, it’s a HUGE CHANGE: Before, I drove to work exactly one mile down the street and home each day without thinking about it. Now, I walk home from my volunteer position all the time, and it’s more than a mile but there are sidewalks and other people walking so I don’t think it’s a big deal plus I enjoy it, being outside, breathing ‘fresh’ air and moving. My body enjoys it too. Now that’s it gotten colder, I may not enjoy it as much but it’s going to have to be really brutal for me not to consider it. Plus trying to get on the 156 bus at 5PM is a total joke.

A little vindication…. Today’s horoscope:

In case you aren’t able to see the picture or read it, here’s what it says: When are you going to start living by your own timetable instead of your mother’s, your best friend’s or your therapist’s? Stop fretting if you haven’t already popped out 2.5 kids or received your master’s degree yet. The sun says everything will happen in due time.

Not that I really need the sun to say everything will happen in due time but those of you close to me know this year has been challenging due to the changes in my life and my concern that I have accomplished what I need to do in order to get where I want to go. I’ve been aware for a while now that I have a different timeline than some one my friends and I’m ok with that. But it’s still nice to see it from a different source. Motivates me.

Tomorrow is January 1, 2008 – a whole new year. A new start. Much is made about beginnings, we’ve all heard the graduation speeches. And of course, I won’t fail to disappoint the internet with my own outlook on the New Year.

AND there will be GEORGIA BULLDOG FOOTBALL!!! 7:30 PM on FOX.

While I’m not jealous, if I happen to mention that BOTH of my sisters are in New Orleans have tickets to watch the ‘Dawgs play Hawaii in the Sugar Bowl multiple times, don’t assume it’s because I want to be there. I mean, who doesn’t enjoy a good football game and a good party all rolled into one. Which is exactly what the Sugar Bowl is… so they are both there. And I’m here. In Chicago, with no bowl game. No biggie. Not a problem. Not at all.

(And yes, I know that they both live there, so yes, it does make it easier for them to go but couldn't we have made it a family affair - we all go to see Santa together, why not the Bulldogs?)

And for people who want to know about the football side of it, let me remind you that this is BCS match up of two teams with the least amount of losses – Hawaii is undefeated and UGA had 2 regular season losses. The Red Eye called it the “Pay Attention Bowl”. I admit I haven’t watched a Hawaii game this season so I am excited to see if the quarterback is all that he’s hyped to be.

But mainly, I’m looking forward to the Hawaii team's Haka – a traditional warrior dance that preformed to an opponent before a match. It’s so cool to see. The Kiwi guys at camp used to perform it for us and it’s intense in person. When I was in New Zealand a couple of years ago, I got to see it before a Rugby Match and it’s so cool. Hopefully the NCAA will recognize the uniqueness of this ritual and FOX TV will be smart enough to show. Much better than the cheerleaders that we get to see every game (no offense meant to cheerleaders, I’m just saying…)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83U_Vg1GRvA

You can watch the All Black Rugby team preform it courtesy of youtube with that link. I couldn't find the Hawaii team pictures to upload here. But you'll get the idea.

Alrighty then, that's enough for now. Enjoy your New Year's Eve and be careful!