**Be sure to read my previous discussion of Project Runway!!**
I don't know how many of you were able to watch the 30 minute preview of the new RH show premiering in September. I have 5 words to say about the majority of these women: Money clearly cannot buy class. I know in seasons past that has been shown by a few characters, but dear lord this one takes the cake. They say several times that this go around they want to depict African American women with lavish lifestyles, but they really could have done a better job selecting them. Maybe the preview isn't an actually depiction of the show, but I'm pretty sure that it is supposed to be. I wasn't intrigued, that's for sure. The money, jealousness, and materialism was far more evident and obnoxious than any past seasons. Any comments?
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Project Runway
**IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THIS SEASON, FEEL FREE TO READ AS I WILL NOT DISCLOSE THE RESULTS.**
As a true fan of this fun Bravo show from the very first season (Moo can back me up on this), I must say this season, 3 episodes in, is less than sub par. It pretty much sucks. The personalities of the contestants are not fun, and in my humble opinion, quite annoying. I wish I could kick the biker bitching bitch OUT of my tv. In my dream world, she would be blurred and muted until she got kicked off the show. Mr. Tanorexic dreams of being the next Santino (a previous contestant who had a few entertaining moments), which is annoying. An equal annoyance is third person boy. I can only hope they are all so embarrassed when they watch these episodes. It seems that after Paris made her official statement "That's Hot!" and last season's winner, Christian, is now known for being "Fierce!" and talking about "tranny hooker" looks, almost every contestant is trying coin a new phrase. If they would just spend that time putting thought into their work, someone just might come down that runway with something aw inspiring.
Thus far the challenges have been almost identical to past seasons, but so have 99% of the outfits. In the past there were usually one or two people per challenge that were working up to the last minute, usually because they had a great design that just took every minute of their time to produce. This season none of them seem to be ready to go down the runway on time, and one thing's for damn sure, it's not because of their design "fabulousity" (Kimora). It seems that Tim Gunn is very frustrated, and I don't blame him. I read an interview with him that came out right before the first episode and he stated that this season would piss a lot of people off and viewers would be throwing things at their tvs. I, personally, think they are just going to turn them off. If Heidi thinks she can produce just anything and people will watch, she is wrong. There is NO WAY the producers who hand selected these candidates are the same from seasons past. It's sad. Next season it will switch all of it's producers (minus Heidi) and go to Lifetime. I can't imagine, unless it's money, why they would go FROM Bravo TO Lifetime. Doesn't that seem backwards??? I'm sure Heidi, Nina (aka hem Nazi--and rightfully so), Michael, and a guest judge will still be on. I can't imagine them shaking that up. (Only Heidi and Tim have been signed thus far for season six. The other two are said to still be in contract negotiations.) Speaking of the judges, I have disagreed with who should have been sent home, as well as two of the three winners. I don't know if they are aiming to make this season more diverse, but if you can't sew, you need to go! I don't care who you are. AHHH FRUSTRATING!! Maybe a change will be good... even if it is to Lifetime.
Please leave comments. My boyfriend is tired of hearing about of this. Who wants to vent with me??
As a true fan of this fun Bravo show from the very first season (Moo can back me up on this), I must say this season, 3 episodes in, is less than sub par. It pretty much sucks. The personalities of the contestants are not fun, and in my humble opinion, quite annoying. I wish I could kick the biker bitching bitch OUT of my tv. In my dream world, she would be blurred and muted until she got kicked off the show. Mr. Tanorexic dreams of being the next Santino (a previous contestant who had a few entertaining moments), which is annoying. An equal annoyance is third person boy. I can only hope they are all so embarrassed when they watch these episodes. It seems that after Paris made her official statement "That's Hot!" and last season's winner, Christian, is now known for being "Fierce!" and talking about "tranny hooker" looks, almost every contestant is trying coin a new phrase. If they would just spend that time putting thought into their work, someone just might come down that runway with something aw inspiring.
Thus far the challenges have been almost identical to past seasons, but so have 99% of the outfits. In the past there were usually one or two people per challenge that were working up to the last minute, usually because they had a great design that just took every minute of their time to produce. This season none of them seem to be ready to go down the runway on time, and one thing's for damn sure, it's not because of their design "fabulousity" (Kimora). It seems that Tim Gunn is very frustrated, and I don't blame him. I read an interview with him that came out right before the first episode and he stated that this season would piss a lot of people off and viewers would be throwing things at their tvs. I, personally, think they are just going to turn them off. If Heidi thinks she can produce just anything and people will watch, she is wrong. There is NO WAY the producers who hand selected these candidates are the same from seasons past. It's sad. Next season it will switch all of it's producers (minus Heidi) and go to Lifetime. I can't imagine, unless it's money, why they would go FROM Bravo TO Lifetime. Doesn't that seem backwards??? I'm sure Heidi, Nina (aka hem Nazi--and rightfully so), Michael, and a guest judge will still be on. I can't imagine them shaking that up. (Only Heidi and Tim have been signed thus far for season six. The other two are said to still be in contract negotiations.) Speaking of the judges, I have disagreed with who should have been sent home, as well as two of the three winners. I don't know if they are aiming to make this season more diverse, but if you can't sew, you need to go! I don't care who you are. AHHH FRUSTRATING!! Maybe a change will be good... even if it is to Lifetime.
Please leave comments. My boyfriend is tired of hearing about of this. Who wants to vent with me??
Thursday, July 17, 2008
YIKES
These facts of the day were provided by Pamela Talese working under the name Viola Salzedo-Gramm. She is speaking of the north Pacific large garbage dump that we all are contributing to.
The Plastic Trash Vortex or North Pacific Gyre, the world’s largest floating island of plastic trash, is estimated to be 5 million square miles—larger than the entire United States.
An estimated 80% of marine debris comes from land-based sources, while only 20% comes from sea-based sources, like shipping and boating.
Roughly 60–80% of all marine debris, and 90% of floating debris is plastic. Plastic resin polymers are so durable that it can take hundreds of years for plastics to break down at sea, and some may never truly biodegrade in the marine environment.
Marine life and birds can easily confuse plastic flotsam for food. Ingestion of plastics can reduce the appetite of seabirds and marine life and inhibit nutrient absorption, causing possible death by starvation.
More than 1 million seabirds, 100,000 marine mammals, and countless fish have died annually in the north pacific from ingesting or becoming entangled in marine debris. Commonly ingested items include bottle caps, cigarette lighters, plastic bags, and polystyrene pieces.
If one knew that their toothbrush would one day end up thousands of miles away from the nearest spot of land, would they still carelessly throw it away? What we need to do is start demanding more responsibility from each other in our use of plastic, and stop living as if everything is disposable and that the future will not be impacted.
We must become more conscientious. We have to! If we can all ween ourselves off of plastic bags, it is a start. Shop were you can buy items by the pound. You know the big canisters I am talking about that are in the entrance of some grocery stores. Did you know that you can take your own reusable containers in there and fill them? (If you don't know how to zero out the weight of your container, just ask someone in the store for help. Just think, you will only have to ask them once! A small sacrifice if you ask me.) So many pantry items can be put in your own containers! Flour, sugar, cereal, grits, nuts, dried fruits and vegetables, etc. Also shop in bulk. A great way to do this is with a Costco or Sam's membership. It will save you so much money! I promise. RECYCLE! Hello! Duh! It is so simple. It really is. If this doesn't inspire you, put on a little Jack Johnson ("Reduce, Reuse, Recycle") and GET inspired. I try and look in my trash can and figure out how I can eliminate what is in there. I realized this morning that my eggs can in a styrofoam container, so when I went to the store today, I bought some that were in a recycled and recyclable container. I know that in a week, there will be one less item in my trash can. That, in turn, made me more aware of the stinken styrofoam in my life, and now I'm on a mission to make it extinct. Styrofoam simply sucks! And now I will step off my soapbox. If anyone has any words of advice, I would love to hear them!
quite the inspirational blog, if you ask me
And no, I am not speaking of my own. This morning I found a blog titled No Impact Man that is written by a man living in NYC who took a year and dedicated it to having no net impact on the environment. (Meaning, biking, making no waste what so ever, etc.) Truly fascinating. Well, I know a lot of you read this at work and quite possibly are risking enough to get to my blog, and therefore do not click on my links. For those of you, I am copying one of recent blog entries below. It truly is astounding! (By the way, you really should go to his blog at some point and check out all of the things he has done and learned a long the way!)
His entry:
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote:
"If the need for a product has to be created by the manufacturer, if aggressive marketing is required to convince people to buy the product, can the product, no matter how renewable its materials, really be called sustainable? Because isn't using resources to make things we don't even need the definition of waste?"
If you're in the business of convincing people to use resources they wouldn't otherwise use, in other words, you could be doing better on your eco-credentials. The New York Times, this Sunday, provided two excellent examples to show the difference between servicing real need and filling created need.
As the Times story goes, many companies have perfected the art of instilling habits among consumers.
“For most of our history, we’ve sold newer and better products for habits that already existed,” said Dr. Berning [a now-retired Procter & Gamble] psychologist. “But about a decade ago, we realized we needed to create new products. So we began thinking about how to create habits for products that had never existed before.”
As an example of creating need, in 1996, Procter & Gamble launched a product called Febreze, essentially perfumed water. P&G developed Febreze to spray on clothes that smelled, for example, of cigarette smoke. Febreze flopped.
The reason, P&G discovered, was that bad smells didn't occur often enough in consumers' lives for them to develop a product-use habit. Even if they bought the product, they'd forget they still had it by the time their clothes smelled of smoke again.
In other words, to my way of thinking, the product served no real need.
But instead of canceling it, P&G decided to manufacture a need--to convince people to use planetary resources to service a need that did not exist until P&G created it.
They began looking for "cues" that would cause consumers to use the product more frequently than the smell of smoke--and, so, form a habit. The cue they eventually settled on was the act of cleaning a room, something studies showed the target audience did almost daily.
“We learned from consumer interviews that there was an opportunity to cue the clean smell of Febreze to a clean room,” Dr. Berning said. “We positioned it as the finishing touch to a mundane chore. It’s the icing that shows you did a good job.”
The result is $650 million a year for P&G in the United States alone. And what does the world get in return?
On the other hand, let's take an example of filling a real need:
A FEW years ago, a self-described “militant liberal” named Val Curtis [pictured above] decided that it was time to save millions of children from death and disease. So Dr. Curtis, an anthropologist then living in the African nation of Burkina Faso, contacted some of the largest multinational corporations and asked them, in effect, to teach her how to manipulate consumer habits worldwide.
In other words, Curtis wanted to use the same techniques that got Febreze flying off the shelves to fill a real rather than a manufactured need. She convinced P&G, Colgate-Palmolive and Unilever--all of whom "had invested hundreds of millions of dollars finding the subtle cues in consumers’ lives that corporations could use to introduce new routines"--to sign onto the Global Public-Private Partnership for Handwashing with Soap.
The result is a reported upsurge in handwashing with soap before eating by 41 percent in Ghana. Why is this important? Because "diseases and disorders caused by dirty hands — like diarrhea — kill a child somewhere in the world about every 15 seconds, and about half those deaths could be prevented with the regular use of soap, studies indicate."
So there we have them: two organizations pushing personal/home care products, one serving a real need and one serving a manufactured need. One causing the use of resources for no real reason; the other causing the use of resources to save children's lives.
The question is, simply, as our culture becomes more and more concerned with green issues, which organization would you rather be? Would you rather be the kind of organization that is seen to manufacture needs and unnecessarily cause resource use?
Or would would you rather be the type that is seen to use our dwindling precious resources in the service of humankind?
In short, would you rather do business and be involved with an organization that saves children's lives by convincing people to use soap or one that makes people feel they haven't quite finished the hard work of cleaning a house unless they spray chemicals all over it?
Personally, I found this a bit sickening. Partially because people are paid big money to create a product, knowing we don't need it, and manipulate us into thinking we do, and partially because I have bought stinken Febreze. Would love to hear your comments. =)
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
words of thought from your frugal friend
As I sit writing this, jobless, at 3 in the afternoon, I realize that in some ways I am fortunate to find myself in this position. I feel like every now and then there are little pockets in life when we are forced to slow down and regroup. Well, my pocket has been a little on the big side--close to 2 full months--so I am really trying to make sure that I take this time to focus on what is important to me, rid myself of what's not, and try to conscientiously get myself on a path towards my true aspirations in life. During these past few weeks I have made lists. Lots and lots of lists. Lists of things I like, things I don't, things that make me happy, and things that won't. Along the way I have been clued in to several other people's outlook on life.
The first that I really paid attention to was a woman who said she looks at everything and asks these three questions: Is it kind? Is it necessary? Is it true? I really feel like if we could all be conscientious of these questions when making decisions, we would all be happier. The second came from my pal Suze Orman. I just love her. Yes she can be dramatic, but every time her message is effective. At the end of her show she always says: People first, then money, then things. I know that I am guilty a lot of times of putting things before money, and it pains me even more to see those people who put both money and things before the people in their lives.
Maybe we can tack these on to the Pledge of Allegiance so by the time our kids are 15 they will have said this so many times in school it will become second nature. Just a thought.
Snacking
Hooray! I reached my one month blog-iversary this week. Sorry for the lack of blogging these past few days. I have decided that I am not going to blog unless I want to. I have found that taking this approach in life gets me much further along than adding things to my to do lists, and then attempting to force myself. I have found the same approach goes for exercising. I know it's there, and if I do it when it is convenient for me.
OK, so I have learned two very important snack facts this week. The first is just atrocious!! I made the mistake of sending the bf to the store the other night to get sour cream and he came back with Chewy Chips Ahoy cookies. With my sweet tooth, I knew this was going to be a huge issue. Well, that was until I read the back of the package. Read this carefully: 2 of those small cookies, just TWO, have 120 calories. Can you believe that? Who eats 2 cookies and then puts the rest away??? That is ridiculous. They aren't even that tasty.
Fortunately, I have found what has become my favorite summertime snack!! Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwiches! DELICIOUS!! They are like 40x the size of 2 CCA cookies and they only have 140 calories. The ice cream is delicious, but my favorite part is the wafer cookie holding it all together. It taste like the ones we all used to eat as little kids. Plus, there are 3 grams of fiber in them. I have had the vanilla and chocolate filled ones. Both are fantastic. The chocolate ice cream ones taste a bit little a Wendy's frosty, but I have to say the vanilla ones are probably my favorite ONLY because they bring back so many memories. You can buy them in the grocery store, but if you want one hell of a deal, you will buy them at Costco/Sams. SO tasty!!
My other Austin obsession has been flax seeds. They are really really good for you. (FYI: They have to be ground up in order for you to get all of the benefits.) I got like a 2lb bag from the grocery store (they are CHEAP) and just grind up a tiny tupperware container of them at a time. (I store the ground ones--almost a powder consistency--in the fridge.) They have very little taste, so I add them to EVERYTHING. I have a spice mixture that I use on just about everything, so when I make it, I add a hand full of ground flax. That way every time I season something, I am reaping the wonderful benefits of antioxidants!! And I put them in everything--pasta sauce, marinade, salad dressing, yogurt, cereal, casseroles, pizza, etc. Even my toughest critic--the bf--has gotten into the habit. The other night he made delicious fajitas (there is a local fajita seasoning here in our grocery stores that is fantastic) and he told me had added a handful of flax. So the next time you go to the grocery store, you should really pick some up! That way we can all be hot together at age 75!
Now I need some help/suggestions. As I have mentioned in previous blogs, I am participating in a Summer Sac Swap. My precious partner wrote that she dreams of traveling to Paris and Italy. I know that some of you have been to those places. I was hoping y'all could help me out a little. Where can I get like a city map? Do you have any authentic Italian/French quotes you just love? What were your absolutely favorite authentic foods? Etc. Any help would be appreciated. My Sac is due the first of September, but I really need to get rolling! I am excited/a little nervous about it. I want it to be the most fun, creative bag swapped!! Feel free to email me or leave suggestions in the comment section underneath. (I LOVE getting comments.)
Thanks girls! I hope everyone is having a good week. Feel blessed that you all have jobs! haha
OK, so I have learned two very important snack facts this week. The first is just atrocious!! I made the mistake of sending the bf to the store the other night to get sour cream and he came back with Chewy Chips Ahoy cookies. With my sweet tooth, I knew this was going to be a huge issue. Well, that was until I read the back of the package. Read this carefully: 2 of those small cookies, just TWO, have 120 calories. Can you believe that? Who eats 2 cookies and then puts the rest away??? That is ridiculous. They aren't even that tasty.
Fortunately, I have found what has become my favorite summertime snack!! Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwiches! DELICIOUS!! They are like 40x the size of 2 CCA cookies and they only have 140 calories. The ice cream is delicious, but my favorite part is the wafer cookie holding it all together. It taste like the ones we all used to eat as little kids. Plus, there are 3 grams of fiber in them. I have had the vanilla and chocolate filled ones. Both are fantastic. The chocolate ice cream ones taste a bit little a Wendy's frosty, but I have to say the vanilla ones are probably my favorite ONLY because they bring back so many memories. You can buy them in the grocery store, but if you want one hell of a deal, you will buy them at Costco/Sams. SO tasty!!
My other Austin obsession has been flax seeds. They are really really good for you. (FYI: They have to be ground up in order for you to get all of the benefits.) I got like a 2lb bag from the grocery store (they are CHEAP) and just grind up a tiny tupperware container of them at a time. (I store the ground ones--almost a powder consistency--in the fridge.) They have very little taste, so I add them to EVERYTHING. I have a spice mixture that I use on just about everything, so when I make it, I add a hand full of ground flax. That way every time I season something, I am reaping the wonderful benefits of antioxidants!! And I put them in everything--pasta sauce, marinade, salad dressing, yogurt, cereal, casseroles, pizza, etc. Even my toughest critic--the bf--has gotten into the habit. The other night he made delicious fajitas (there is a local fajita seasoning here in our grocery stores that is fantastic) and he told me had added a handful of flax. So the next time you go to the grocery store, you should really pick some up! That way we can all be hot together at age 75!
Now I need some help/suggestions. As I have mentioned in previous blogs, I am participating in a Summer Sac Swap. My precious partner wrote that she dreams of traveling to Paris and Italy. I know that some of you have been to those places. I was hoping y'all could help me out a little. Where can I get like a city map? Do you have any authentic Italian/French quotes you just love? What were your absolutely favorite authentic foods? Etc. Any help would be appreciated. My Sac is due the first of September, but I really need to get rolling! I am excited/a little nervous about it. I want it to be the most fun, creative bag swapped!! Feel free to email me or leave suggestions in the comment section underneath. (I LOVE getting comments.)
Thanks girls! I hope everyone is having a good week. Feel blessed that you all have jobs! haha
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Blog of the weekend...
This is an ultra cool blog filled with all kinds of design and architectural photos. I love looking at pictures of people's homes and offices and thinking of what goes on there, how their surroundings encourage and inspire their work/life, and observing creative ways they have redesigned the original space. I must say, a lot of this comes from dating an architect that has a library of design books that lead into discussions over elements in a space. Even if you don't date an architect, you should check it out!
Friday, July 11, 2008
EXCITING!!
I have always loved stationery, and have become quite the snob. I am always looking for something different and polished, without paying an arm and a leg. Well last night I think fate intervened and I MUST tell y'all about my fabulous find! I don't know if you have heard of Etsy, but it is a site with really cool homemade mom and pop type businesses that allows you to search either by product, location (a great eco friendly way to shop), etc. On Etsy, I found the most darling little shop: Avie's Shop. You have to take a look. I was looking for business cards--don't laugh--to take to a meeting on Wednesday night. (Just with a name, number, and email... I'm banking on these precious cards to get me a job!) Typical me, I had to wait until I found something I loved and then beg the shop to get them to me in time. Well, not only is the shop precious, the owner is the sweetest person alive. She responded immediately, saying she would get them to me ASAP (and this was on a SATURDAY!) and not to worry about any extra shipping cost. I smiled so much just knowing that there are still people in this world like her. (By the way, her prices are low+free shipping!!!) PLEASE buy from her. She is amazing and so are her products. The ones above are what I picked out. Check out the Mod cards. I almost bought those as well. Come to think of it, why didn't I?? (That means YOU should... fast!) She also has precious return address labels and stationery. I have found these to be fantastic gifts for a host, mothers, grandmothers, etc. Seriously!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
More than you want to know... I promise.
So, the entire time I have had this blog up I thought the background color was blush. Come to find out the laptop I have been using isn't calibrated. Interesting. (I logged on from my desktop and was like WTF?!) Also, once I can get back into photoshop, the blue background behind the monogram is going to be blush as well. For about an hour my background was that blue color. I am so indecisive. It really kills me at times. I know I would do much better in other countries without all the choices I am supposedly privileged to have in the US. Just think about the time we all spend making choices, choices that really have no effect on our lives--at least not long term effects. All of that time standing in the grocery store deciding between crackers. CRACKERS for pete's sake. And who even eats a cracker by itself?? (And by the way, who really is pete?) It is merely a vehicle for another food to perch upon. All that time that I will never get back.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
July birthdays
I hope that one day I have a friend/in law/niece or nephew/child with a birthday right around the 4th of July so I can make these fabulous cupcakes (thanks to Martha's inspiration). I think they are so fun! As most of you know, I LOVE cake. And who doesn't love Jelly Bellys?? Tasty tasty!!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Things that make me smile...
#1. Pilobolus
If you haven't heard of them, you still might recognize them. My previous post reminded me of these fantastic shadow performers. You may have seen them on the Oscars (79th to be exact). I missed that performance, as I tend not to have the patience to sit through awards shows, but I was introduced to them afterwards by Oprah. First, you must view (or review) their spectacular talent on the Oscars here. Fantastic. (By the way, when you have kids and are planning their parties, trying to out top the rest of us, I am having Pilobolus! I called it first!!) They first came on the scene with this one of a kind car commercial. What is even more fascinating is how they actually do it. For that, we have Oprah to thank. Take a look: Part I Part II. Enjoy!
There is something about this that makes me smile! So cool!
**If anyone knows how to actually post video on the blog without links, I'd love to know! I apologize for doing it this way, but it is the only way I know how. Still, I think it is definitely worth it.**
nuts
OK, so the title of this blog is appropriate for two completely different subjects. Do you want the funny or the sad?
We'll start with the sad. And I think I am going to be the only one truly sad and devastated by this. I have found out, the hard way, that I am allergic to nuts. I am so distraught I cannot begin to tell you. It started with pecans and walnuts, two of my favorites. I noticed that my tongue got itchy when I ate them, and then one day my throat started hurting. Two benadryl under my tongue and I was ok. I love nuts. Pecans, walnuts, pistachios, almonds... even boring peanuts can be quite tasty. I love natural peanut butter, my mom's pralines, OMG I hadn't even thought about Reeses miniature peanut butter cups. Oh no! Those are like the most perfect chocolate to peanut butter ratio ever. I am just becoming more and more upset. Trail mix=amazing. Gone. Off the list. All those childhood memories of frozen yogurt at TCBY with the walnut topping. No more. So sad. So, so sad.
On an entertaining, quite funny note, I must tell you about the day I had yesterday. As all of you know, I am currently trying to find a job. Not THE job, but I am not taking one that I dread going to work everyday. Well, while waiting on interviews and all that stuff, I decided I would go to a temp agency and find something to do in the mean time. (As lame as it sounds, I am not cut out to sit by the pool and read all day. I feel like I am a drain to society.) So I looked online and found a national temp agency that was not far from my apartment. I call, make an appointment for 2pm, and fill out information online (supposedly a time saver). Going into this, I know that as far as temp jobs, I am looking for office clerical work, and I'm ok with that for a week or two. Well, I googlemap the place, and off I go. To begin with, it is in a strip mall. Fine. No big deal. I walk in and this is the scene: two guys sitting to the right look like they have come to audition for the next 50 cent video (one has no shirt on, the other has on a wife beater, both with unlaced bright white Air Jordans), a woman trying fill out paper work with 3 children under that age of probably 4, a large woman without any shoes on, and probably 4 of 5 other people. The receptionist, a rather large girl, maybe a little older than myself, was wearing clothes 2 sizes 2 small (more of her derrière is showing than covered), along with a nice 4 inch pair of velvet black stilettos. She is chewing gum, texting on her cellphone, and as I am discussing my situation with her, she answers the ringing phone. Did I mention that the worn down carpet is a chewed gum landmine?? I am telling you, I was sitting there in my banana republic pencil skirt and black sweater wondering what the hell I was doing. It seriously was hell to me. All of that unprofessional-ism really made me feel as if I was sitting in a room with one hundred fingernails going down a chalkboard. It looked like a SNL skit. Seriously. My initial thought was, "get me out of here." But then, I had a little talking to myself and I decided that since I literally had absolutely nothing else to do with my time (I was already there, clean, and dressed), I would stay (especially since it didn't smell--if it had smelled, it would have been game over). And I did. I sat there for an hour and fifteen minutes listening to children whine, the 50 cent crew making crude comments about everyone, and the despicable sound of that girl smacking her gum. I decided this would not only be motivation to get a job, save money, and make sure I never ended up back there, but also a character building experience. It turns out, as luck would have it, I ended up meeting with a district manager who was just visiting the office for a day. She complimented me on having a resume, having it typed, and on thick paper. She made it pretty clear they probably were not going to be able to help me, but that she had been in PR for sometime prior to taking this new job and knew a lot of people in the area who could possibly use my talents in a full time real job. I am not holding my breath, but I really did like her, and that is saying a lot because if I was ever going to be judgmental, that was going to be the time. (How funny would it be if I found a fantastic job out of this??) I came home and drank a double pineapple upside down cake martini immediately, and then headed off to pilates. =)
We'll start with the sad. And I think I am going to be the only one truly sad and devastated by this. I have found out, the hard way, that I am allergic to nuts. I am so distraught I cannot begin to tell you. It started with pecans and walnuts, two of my favorites. I noticed that my tongue got itchy when I ate them, and then one day my throat started hurting. Two benadryl under my tongue and I was ok. I love nuts. Pecans, walnuts, pistachios, almonds... even boring peanuts can be quite tasty. I love natural peanut butter, my mom's pralines, OMG I hadn't even thought about Reeses miniature peanut butter cups. Oh no! Those are like the most perfect chocolate to peanut butter ratio ever. I am just becoming more and more upset. Trail mix=amazing. Gone. Off the list. All those childhood memories of frozen yogurt at TCBY with the walnut topping. No more. So sad. So, so sad.
On an entertaining, quite funny note, I must tell you about the day I had yesterday. As all of you know, I am currently trying to find a job. Not THE job, but I am not taking one that I dread going to work everyday. Well, while waiting on interviews and all that stuff, I decided I would go to a temp agency and find something to do in the mean time. (As lame as it sounds, I am not cut out to sit by the pool and read all day. I feel like I am a drain to society.) So I looked online and found a national temp agency that was not far from my apartment. I call, make an appointment for 2pm, and fill out information online (supposedly a time saver). Going into this, I know that as far as temp jobs, I am looking for office clerical work, and I'm ok with that for a week or two. Well, I googlemap the place, and off I go. To begin with, it is in a strip mall. Fine. No big deal. I walk in and this is the scene: two guys sitting to the right look like they have come to audition for the next 50 cent video (one has no shirt on, the other has on a wife beater, both with unlaced bright white Air Jordans), a woman trying fill out paper work with 3 children under that age of probably 4, a large woman without any shoes on, and probably 4 of 5 other people. The receptionist, a rather large girl, maybe a little older than myself, was wearing clothes 2 sizes 2 small (more of her derrière is showing than covered), along with a nice 4 inch pair of velvet black stilettos. She is chewing gum, texting on her cellphone, and as I am discussing my situation with her, she answers the ringing phone. Did I mention that the worn down carpet is a chewed gum landmine?? I am telling you, I was sitting there in my banana republic pencil skirt and black sweater wondering what the hell I was doing. It seriously was hell to me. All of that unprofessional-ism really made me feel as if I was sitting in a room with one hundred fingernails going down a chalkboard. It looked like a SNL skit. Seriously. My initial thought was, "get me out of here." But then, I had a little talking to myself and I decided that since I literally had absolutely nothing else to do with my time (I was already there, clean, and dressed), I would stay (especially since it didn't smell--if it had smelled, it would have been game over). And I did. I sat there for an hour and fifteen minutes listening to children whine, the 50 cent crew making crude comments about everyone, and the despicable sound of that girl smacking her gum. I decided this would not only be motivation to get a job, save money, and make sure I never ended up back there, but also a character building experience. It turns out, as luck would have it, I ended up meeting with a district manager who was just visiting the office for a day. She complimented me on having a resume, having it typed, and on thick paper. She made it pretty clear they probably were not going to be able to help me, but that she had been in PR for sometime prior to taking this new job and knew a lot of people in the area who could possibly use my talents in a full time real job. I am not holding my breath, but I really did like her, and that is saying a lot because if I was ever going to be judgmental, that was going to be the time. (How funny would it be if I found a fantastic job out of this??) I came home and drank a double pineapple upside down cake martini immediately, and then headed off to pilates. =)
Sunday, July 6, 2008
My little buddy
Here is my little Malawian friend, James. While I didn't meet sweet little James until about half way through the summer, it really was love at first sight. At first a shy, timid little guy, he slowly warmed to me, becoming more personable (as much as one can with someone who knows very little of their language). He wore the same clothes every day, ones that had been passed down to him from his older siblings. There was a button or two missing, they completely swallowed is thin little body, and his shirt was so worn through in places that it was transparent, but that was the happiest little boy. I never once saw him wear shoes, but that didn't stop his quick little feet from displaying amazing moves with a soccer ball anytime he got the chance. His little laugh is a sound that I will forever remember. I think of James often. It doesn't hurt that I have several pictures of him around my apartment. His mother died of aids not long after he was born, so he and his 8 siblings moved in with his grandmother, who already was caring for her other grandchildren. It was clear that he was very close with his siblings, especially his sister Macy. Those two were inseparable. Despite his very unfortunate circumstances, James makes me smile. It is amazing the energy and positive spirit a child, who some would say has the world against him, can possess. What an inspiration!
Saturday, July 5, 2008
A Pink Christmas
You may notice my knew little icon on my "sidebar" (I know you love that I have bloggers lingo now). Well, I recently found out about "swaps" where you have like this pen/gift pal from somewhere that you exchange something with. The reason all of this is so vague is because there are "knitting swaps" and "postcard swaps" etc. (Check out swapdex.blogspot.com) Since I have all of this free time on my hands, and I have always had a lot of creative energy that needed an outlet, I have just signed up for my second swap. (The first was called a "Summer Sac Swap" where you exchanged a bag of goodies from your summer travels with someone else. We swap those in September, so I will let you know how that goes.) ANYWAY, I just signed up for the "Pink Christmas Swap" and I think you too should look into it. A donation goes to help a family have Christmas. It really is a pretty cool deal. At least check it out: http://pinkchristmas.blogspot.com/ You don't have to be creative. I just think charity and making a new friend is what the season is all about! I'm excited about it!! Remember to sign up for the Pink Christmas swap by July 15th!!!
Music...
In LOVE with the Chris Martin and Kanye song "Homecoming"-- check it out: http://youtube.com/watch?v=-hotjeKvovg And their video is pretty cool!
Artie, you would be proud. With all of this time on my hands I am getting back into the music. I'll keep you updated!
The Format has some new songs out. I have been listening to that a little as well. "She Doesn't Get It" is still my fav... but probably more because it reminds me of my crazy Malawian adventures than the actual music.
Artie, you would be proud. With all of this time on my hands I am getting back into the music. I'll keep you updated!
The Format has some new songs out. I have been listening to that a little as well. "She Doesn't Get It" is still my fav... but probably more because it reminds me of my crazy Malawian adventures than the actual music.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
whoops...
OK, so last night I went off on something and totally forgot to tell about my latest green trend. Ever since we moved to Austin, we have not used one paper towel. I thought it would be so hard, but really it's not so bad. I got white cloths from Wal-Mart (like in the automotive section... 24 for like $3) and just use them instead. The only time I really miss the paper towels is when I cook bacon (not often). But now, so things will drain, I use my cake cooling racks and let whatever it is sit and drain. It is so much more economical. Also, I don't run my dishwasher unless it is absolutely full, which is a change for me. If I use like one or four things I wash by hand. Amazing!
So for the last probably 3 hours I have been addicted to something called the Impossible Quiz. While a pain in my ass, I am so addicted and I refuse to give up. You are going to hate me for this, but here is the link: http://www.addictinggames.com/theimpossiblequiz.html
My advice: Take your time, read the question slowly, and use your mouse to detect possible clues. Those are all of the hints I'll give you. Some of the questions (and answers) make no sense to me, but so be it. I just get so excited when I figure the others out. It's def a think outside of the box type thing.
Hope everyone has a fun 4th!
So for the last probably 3 hours I have been addicted to something called the Impossible Quiz. While a pain in my ass, I am so addicted and I refuse to give up. You are going to hate me for this, but here is the link: http://www.addictinggames.com/theimpossiblequiz.html
My advice: Take your time, read the question slowly, and use your mouse to detect possible clues. Those are all of the hints I'll give you. Some of the questions (and answers) make no sense to me, but so be it. I just get so excited when I figure the others out. It's def a think outside of the box type thing.
Hope everyone has a fun 4th!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Some interesting facts...
So, I read today that every day is about 55 billionths of a second longer than the day before it. Interesting. I am still trying to wrap my head around this.
I think I'm going to try and live off of gogi berries for the rest of my life. The gogi berry (from the Himalayas) contains, weight for weight, more iron than steak, more beta carotene than carrots, more vitamin C than oranges. I know, weight for weight a lot things have crazy statistics. Still, my mission is going to be to find some of these and take a taste. I'll keep you updated.
For all of you science and space fans: Did you know Venus is the only planet that rotates clockwise?? Probably could be one of those questions on Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader? I'm sorry, I'm just not a big fan of that show. It, to me, speaks volumes about the way America tries to shove as much info into one's head, have them take a test, and then they never have to worry about a large percentage again. If I had my way, people would not learn everything from books, but through experiencing the world. Seriously though. It reminds me of a part of this amazing speech one of the professors on Semester at Sea (aka SAS) gave. Part of it went like this:
"But their [the founders of SAS] vision includes the idea that education can be as epic as Homer’s Odyssey: the great Buddha in the mist at Lantau Island, Varanasi at Shiva’s birthday, the killing fields in Cambodia, the Cu Chi Tunnels in Vietnam, the prison cell on Robben Island that held Nelson Mandela, the Slave Church in old Salvador, not to mention the paroxysm of sight, sound and apocalyptic yellow and green that is Brazilian soccer Semester-at Sea was born in this proposition: the sense of place is irreplaceable.... Voyages are no guarantee of new vision. But just for a moment, when the usual cultural cues are missing or rearranged, when the full force of liberal education is pressed up against our prejudices, when what we are seeing no longer matches what we are feeling, transformation may be possible."
That Dr. Larry Meredith has had one heck of an influence on life in general for me. If you want to read the speech in its entirety, let me know and I would love to email it to you. If you have ever traveled anywhere and experienced life outside the US and then were forced back to the US, it is an appreciation you too will share.
**Artie, there was also another speech about learning by experiencing the world that was phenomenal from SAS, but I just can't find it. It may have been one of Fessler's. I can't find the "Come on in, the water's fine" speech. Do you have it??*
I think I'm going to try and live off of gogi berries for the rest of my life. The gogi berry (from the Himalayas) contains, weight for weight, more iron than steak, more beta carotene than carrots, more vitamin C than oranges. I know, weight for weight a lot things have crazy statistics. Still, my mission is going to be to find some of these and take a taste. I'll keep you updated.
For all of you science and space fans: Did you know Venus is the only planet that rotates clockwise?? Probably could be one of those questions on Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader? I'm sorry, I'm just not a big fan of that show. It, to me, speaks volumes about the way America tries to shove as much info into one's head, have them take a test, and then they never have to worry about a large percentage again. If I had my way, people would not learn everything from books, but through experiencing the world. Seriously though. It reminds me of a part of this amazing speech one of the professors on Semester at Sea (aka SAS) gave. Part of it went like this:
"But their [the founders of SAS] vision includes the idea that education can be as epic as Homer’s Odyssey: the great Buddha in the mist at Lantau Island, Varanasi at Shiva’s birthday, the killing fields in Cambodia, the Cu Chi Tunnels in Vietnam, the prison cell on Robben Island that held Nelson Mandela, the Slave Church in old Salvador, not to mention the paroxysm of sight, sound and apocalyptic yellow and green that is Brazilian soccer Semester-at Sea was born in this proposition: the sense of place is irreplaceable.... Voyages are no guarantee of new vision. But just for a moment, when the usual cultural cues are missing or rearranged, when the full force of liberal education is pressed up against our prejudices, when what we are seeing no longer matches what we are feeling, transformation may be possible."
That Dr. Larry Meredith has had one heck of an influence on life in general for me. If you want to read the speech in its entirety, let me know and I would love to email it to you. If you have ever traveled anywhere and experienced life outside the US and then were forced back to the US, it is an appreciation you too will share.
**Artie, there was also another speech about learning by experiencing the world that was phenomenal from SAS, but I just can't find it. It may have been one of Fessler's. I can't find the "Come on in, the water's fine" speech. Do you have it??*
Interesting... hmmm
Learn how $4 gas is saving 1,000's of lives a month. Really interesting story: http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1819594_1819592_1819591,00.html
On a green note:
Being conscious is the main goal. I read one time, in like Vanity Fair (one of favs... they have a green issue every year... I think it's the May one... Oh, and Rachel Ray's magazine, which I have to admit I have never even seen an issue of, is a completely green mag... Go RR!), anyway, back VF, I read that Cameron Diaz boasts that she only uses one sheet of toilet paper. Well, at first I was like, I can do that. Bull shit. She has every right to boast. She must have like 300 ply tp. Go her! However, it has made me conscious. I often pull off like 6 sheets and then go "I don't need all of this." So the next time you come over, if you see a stack of tp on the bathroom counter, it's clean. I promise. Seriously though, think of me every time you go to the bathroom. I would be honored!
The same goes with shopping bags. If you can do without, tell the person they can keep the bag. I don't always remember to take in my own bags (I am getting better though). So if there are things I can stick in my purse, or carry out in my arms, I do. Plastic bags are just SO bad! I'm going to add a bag ticker to this blog (depending on when I can figure out how to). Let me go work on that.
**And to all of my editors out there, I don't know how to underline. That button I think disappeared on me.**
On a green note:
Being conscious is the main goal. I read one time, in like Vanity Fair (one of favs... they have a green issue every year... I think it's the May one... Oh, and Rachel Ray's magazine, which I have to admit I have never even seen an issue of, is a completely green mag... Go RR!), anyway, back VF, I read that Cameron Diaz boasts that she only uses one sheet of toilet paper. Well, at first I was like, I can do that. Bull shit. She has every right to boast. She must have like 300 ply tp. Go her! However, it has made me conscious. I often pull off like 6 sheets and then go "I don't need all of this." So the next time you come over, if you see a stack of tp on the bathroom counter, it's clean. I promise. Seriously though, think of me every time you go to the bathroom. I would be honored!
The same goes with shopping bags. If you can do without, tell the person they can keep the bag. I don't always remember to take in my own bags (I am getting better though). So if there are things I can stick in my purse, or carry out in my arms, I do. Plastic bags are just SO bad! I'm going to add a bag ticker to this blog (depending on when I can figure out how to). Let me go work on that.
**And to all of my editors out there, I don't know how to underline. That button I think disappeared on me.**
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