30 for 30 Day 1

Good morning!

I'm feeling so accomplished. I picked out my 30 items of clothing for the 30 for 30 challenge last night. I am NOT feeling so accomplished in reviewing my pictures. I seriously phoned it in with these. I'm sorry. I'll even re-take them for you. But for now, I want to get them out there and get started!

Some ground rules I've set for myself. I'm only doing the 30 for 30 on work days. I'm not counting shoes. Accesories are free.

Here we go:

In the T-Shirt Category:


1) White Banana Republic V-Neck
2) Gray Banana Republic V-Neck
3) Black Banana Republic V-Neck (not shown 'cause I had it on while taking these pics)

In the Blouses/Shirts Category:


4) Ann Taylor Loft Raspberry Blouse
5) J Crew Navy Blouse
6) Anthropologie Patterned Blouse
7) Target White Blouse
8) Forever21 Floral Bloyse
9) Target Olive Blouse
10) Ann Taylor Loft Floral Pattern Blouse

In the Slacks category:


11) J Crew Light Gray Slacks
12) Ann Taylor Loft Brown Slacks
13) Victorias Secret Black Linen Slacks
14) Victorias Secret Denim Slacks
15) Victorias Secret Black Slacks
16) Victorias Secret Charcoal Grey Slacks

In the Sweaters Category:


17) Target Raspberry / Maroon Cardigan
18) Grey Roundneck Pullover (not sure of brand)
19) Black Banana Republic Cardigan
20) Grey J Crew Cardigan
21) Light Blue Target Cardigan
22) Target Patterned Cardigan
23) Talbots Pink Cardigan
24) Urban Outfitters Mustard Yellow Cardigan

A late entry, 28) Cream Beaded Target Cardigan, here

In the Blazers Category:


25) Gap Denim Blazer



26) Ann Taylor Loft Gray Blazer

In the Jeans Category:


27) Hudson Jeans

The final two items are to be "Suprise, Yet to be Determined, It's at the Dry Cleaners, etc." type entries.

About the experience of picking these items:

Last night, as I was selecting these items, I thought...Self, this is too easy. I have more than enough room in my 30 to pick everything I ever wear with some room. I have made this too easy on myself, only doing this for weekdays and not including shoes. Or maybe, self, you are just really really good at mixing and matching and optimizing your wardrobe already.

Oh, self.

This morning, I eagerly went to the closet to get dressed. Of course, having picked out these items last night, I had an outfit in mind. I put it on. I looked in the mirror. I made a face. Hmph. I went back into the closet.

There, in the closet, I met my Inner Fashion Brat. Ok, I thought - let's just look at what we have, and pick something else.

Inner Fashion Brat (IFB): "I wanna wear that cream cardigan over there."

Me: "No, it's not in our 30, because there is another cream cardigan that is better that is at the dry cleaners, so I'm afraid you'll have to wait"

IFB: "But I WANNA."

Me: "No, we have this whole nice group of 30 here, pick something else out. Look, this nice olive shirt, for example."

IFB: "Olive only looks good with cream."

Me: "Um, no, that can't be true. Olive looks good with lots of colors. Red, Black, Tan..."

IFB: "You know it looks better with Cream."

Me: "Sigh. You're right."

IFB: "Yaaaaay I win"

So, yeah. I think IFB may be responsible for my spending habit as well. But I can't blame it all on her.

Here is my outfit for today. Numero Uno! See what I mean about phoning it in on the pictures? I caught myself blinking and didn't even take another one. I'm sorry.



This outfit is 9+15+28.

Necklace: Forever21
Belt: Target
Shoes: Talbots
Rings, Bracelet: Tiffanys

Week 3 Progress / Week 4 Goals

Well then! Yes, with the ow and the ow. Progress report time!

Week 3 Progress:

1) Were gonna stay onboard with that "don't eat any of that processed packaged crap available to you at work" theme - seems to be a good reminder.

It was not packaged, and probably not processed in the manner of which I speak, but the Service Desk hosted a thing with cupcakes from the local bakery and I had a cannoli one. As in, vanilla with almond and cannoli filling and whipped cream icing with mini chocolate chips, oh dear god. But that's it! So that's good.

2) Finish decorating the master bedroom and my office

I am 90% done with the master and 10% done with the office. So that is good, too.

3) Get that dang pedicure.

Yeah, I bought a thing, like a piece of furniture, with the expensiveness, although really quite cheap for furniture (thanks Target for blatently copying Crate and Barrell, love you mean it), but the pedicure costs suddenly seemed extravagant. So I painted my own toenails Revlon Red. And then I smudged them. And repainted them. And then when I fell this morning I scraped it off again. And I will repaint them tonight.

But see! If I had spent money on a pedicure I would have felt WORSE scraping it off this morning, while now I am merely annoyed. And with the ow-ing.

Yayyyyy Week 4!

1) That processed crap one again
2) Finish decorating the office
3) Run. Run Run Run. Commence with running. 3 times.
4) Try to write a short story.
5) Don't buy ANYTHING that is not a cigarette,from starbucks or essential to comfortable survival. Mean it.
6) Really, wow, ok. Don't go to starbucks. Shock the monkey.

I'm feeling snarky this morning, can ya tell?

my morning. its been grand.

Happy Monday! Oh my goodness, I've had a son of a bitch of a morning. I shall tell you about it. First! The outfit. Nothing spectacular today.



That look on my face translates to: Yes, yes, picture of outfit, I must go get my starbucks now I'm running behind schedule.

Interesting factoid - the shoes I have on in that picture are not the ones on my feet now. In fact, the shoes I have on in that picture now need a visit to the shoe doctor.

So, Fred stayed home today. He flew to and then drove back from Kentucky in 1.5 days this weekend, he was kind of beat. So I'm ready, running out the door, and he's right there with me. I was outside, on our front steps, and I turned to say something, and I slipped and fell, all the way down, our BRICK STAIRS. Ow motherfucking shit ow. Fred was hugely concerned, he tried but couldn't catch me. My stuff went flying.

Fred: "Sara, are you okay?"
Sara: "OW shit OW whimper"

Fred picked up all my stuff, from the stairs, and the yard, and in some flowers, and maybe in my hair, including the heel cap to my shoes (nice).

I'm fairly single track minded here. This hurt like a mofo, but here's what's coming out of my mouth

"ugh, did I rip my pants, crap, I have to put on different shoes, I liked those shoes, I've only worn those shoes once! Ow shit, my leg hurts. Dammit, I have to get to starbucks and get to work by 9."

Fred: "Um, hun, why don't you call work and sit down for a minute and regroup?"

Sara: "no, I don't have to CALL work when I'm late, I can show up anytime I damn well please I just need starbucks and I have a 9am conference call that I can do from the car but I don't like to, lemme just go put on some different shoes right quick."

So, I'm up in my room, finding shoes, and I pull my pant leg up to inspect the damage. OMFG. Scrapes and bruises alllll up the right leg. You know shits bad when you have a dark purple bruise 1 minute after falling. I'm all Fred, look, its totally Gnarls Barkley up in here. Anywoo, off to work!

I think I was running on some kind of effed up adreneline rush. I got in the car and left a bewildered looking Fred on the stairs, holding the cat. By the time I got to Starbucks (.2 miles away) I had sent texts saying, "ow, this kind of stings now", and "I hope I'm not bleeding on my pants".

Got my starbucks, got in the car, headed to work. Pulled in at 8:55 or so. Came upstairs, sat down to my computer, dialed in to the conference call, and then realized FUUUUCCCCCK my coffee is in my car and I don't have time to go to the garage and get it WHIIIIINNNNE.

So I did my conference call. Went downstairs to get my coffee. And now I'm here. Oh, and I cancelled my 10am, because really, I can't be arsed right now.

Good morning!


Outfit details. Who cares. No, I kid.

Blazer: Gap
T Shirt: Banana Republic Outlet
Pants: Victorias Secret
Belt: Ann Taylor
Shoes: Ann Taylor (they WERE Enzo Angiolini, but NOOO)
Bracelet/Rings/Necklace: Tiffanys, gifts from Fred.

And THAT'S how I feel about MONDAY. Good thing next one is a holiday.

**this post has apparently been brought to you by Starbucks, warning you that addiction to overpriced coffee beverages may be hazardous to your health and sanity**

30 for 30 update

its Sunday again. And its midnight. And I said I was going to start 30 for 30 tomorrow. And I haven't picked out nor photographed my 30 yet. hmph. I am planning to plan to do all this tomorrow after work. Sometimes I get home from work, eat dinner (or not) and then fall asleep on the couch. We'll see how it goes tomorrow. I still really want to do this challenge, I just need to remind myself to not leave it for Sunday night!

almost a month of questions catch up!

I had answered about 12 days worth of questions in a post last week, but Blogger ate them. This project is a lot more fun when tackled a day or two at a time, so I'm going to try and focus on doing that. For now, let's get caught up!

May 4th
Q: When was the last time you went swimming?
A: A few days before Labor Day last summer. Of all the things I disliked about my apartment complex in Sterling, I did really enjoy the pool. And the gym. Miss the gym.

May 5th
Q: Today was hilarious because?
A: I have no idea what was hilarious about May 5th, although it was Cinco de Mayo, so surely there was much hilarity occuring in many places. For today, the hilarious moment thus far has been that I finally finally had a good comeback for one of Fred's jokes. I would explain but it would make no sense, kind of inside jokes.

May 6th
Q: What was the last party you went to?
A: Oh, it says something not to good that I have to think about this. I'm somewhat (okay very much) of a homebody. I think, and don't quote me, that it was a bonfire last fall. Agh! Well, next weekend is Memorial Day, and I am definitely going to a party.

May 7th
Q: Who would play you in a movie of your life? Is it a good movie?
A: Yes, of COURSE its a good movie. I have been told I look like Jenna Elfman, so she can play me. Or Jenna Fischer, because I like her. Anyone named Jenna.

May 8th
Q: Who do you think is cute?
A: Fred, obviously. Also, Alessandro Nivola, Conor Oberst, Diego Luna, Matthew Goode, Brendan Boyd...

May 9th
Q: What do you want to postpone?
A: Nothing. When I get an idea I always like to execute it NOW. I'm very impatient.

May 10th
Q: How did you start your day?
A: On May 10th? I no doubt got up, got dressed, and went to Starbucks for a coffee and a protein plate before heading into work. When I got to work, I probably read Rise and Shine, checked on eBay items, and then jumped into work with my 9am conference call. Because that's what I do every work morning. I like it, though, don't get me wrong. Its a good routine.

May 11th
Q: How do you want to be remembered?
A: As someone who loved big, who lived life fully and true to my values and ideals.

May 12th
Q: What are you exploring?
A: My creativity. I've been writing more, drawing more, reading more,learning more, arranging my living space more, just paying more attention.

May 13th
Q: Who loves you today?
A: I can't read this without hearing "Who loves you baby?" in my head, in the voice of that one guy who's super famous for basketball announcement..Dick Vitale? Something like that. Anyway. Fred. Mom. Dad. Beth. Bill. Some other folks I hope.

May 14th
Q: What makes a good enemy?
A: I don't think (i hope) I don't have any enemies, and I don't generally think of them as good. What makes them formidable? Intelligence. Socio-political savvy.

May 15th
Q: What do you consider to be your biggest achievement?
A: I like to think I haven't come close to achieving all that I can in life, but I am so proud of the life and family I've built for myself. So proud.

May 16th
Q: What was your favorite day this week?
A: Saturday. Always Saturday.

May 17th
Q: Today you got rid of ____________.
A: Some clothes! Some clothes I never wear and just take up space but are very nice clothes! I finally started selling on eBay and I am having a bit of fun doing it.

May 18th
Q: If you could go back in time and change something, what would it be?
A: I don't really believe in regrets. Anything I changed would mean I wouldn't be where I am now.

May 19th
Q: What's the most creative thing you've done recently?
A: I have been focusing on encouraging my creativity. I guess the most creative thing to date is my little wreath project, but I have a lot planned!

May 20th
Q: What's the craziest thing you've done for love?
A: I've done some fairly crazy things for love. But this isn't happy crazy. I've sacrificed a lot in my life to be there for someone that I loved, and that probably wasn't healthy for me. But I couldn't not do it. Like I said, no regrets.

May 21st
Q: What's your salary?
A: Damn, question book, you don't just ask that shit. Oh, you are supposed to be a personal journal, right. Its just me who's putting you on the internet. Let's just say I'm quite comfortable.

May 22nd
Q: When was the last time you had an inspiring conversation?
A: I have them a lot! That's the good thing about being surrounded by smart, engaging and engaged people. But the conversations with my family are generally the best and most inspiring. We have a lot of joy in our lives.

my home - a work in progress.

Would anyone like to see some of my house? I spent a lot of time on the master bedroom yesterday. Its still not done, but its cozy and I'm much happier with it today than I was on Friday. Here's what it looks like right now...come on in!











I think we can take some very bold bedside table lamps in here. The ones we have were never meant to be permanent, they are actually from my old office. I've got something along these lines in my head. I'm hoping to find a set that I love during a thrifting trip.






just wanted a picture of Tash. Hi Kitty! Also, shoes and eBay sales bin.

Up next...my office slash guest room. It, um..yeah. It needs some work. I haven't even started yet. I'm going to put another bookshelf in there today (after I build it) and unpack some of those books, but this is mostly a Memorial Day weekend project. Kind of excited! I certainly have some solid ideas of how I want this space to look.







My Calypso St Barth for Target elephant tea pots were downstairs, in plain sight. In case I didn't hear Fred when he said he hated them, I found them in here today. When we are having guests. haha. Ok, they will be MY OFFICE ELEPHANTS then.




Gah! Boxes! Also, The Graduate.

Finally, here's a glimpse of a space I am happy with, the main floor living room.



That's my mini-tour for today! It takes so long to really make a home feel and look lived in, and that has always been my preference over a sleek designed look. 5 months here and I think we're doing okay!

Its Friday!

Happy Friday! I do love me some Fridays.

My Friday outfits are more casual, as Fridays, are...well, they are Casual Fridays, aren't they? I rarely have outside client meetings so I do get to enjoy them most weeks.

Even just 3 days in on outfit pictures, posting my outfits here is really making me more conscious of 1) what looks good on me, and 2) what I have in my closet. It's a lot of fun!

Here's today's ensemble:




No, I don't know what that face I'm making is either.

Details:
Blazer: Ann Taylor Loft
T-Shirt: Banana Republic Outlet
Necklace: Forever21
Jeans: Hudson, here
Belt: American Eagle
Shoes: Target, here
Rings: Tiffanys and Ann Taylor Loft

design scheming

1) J crew, how am I supposed to concentrate when you've got this, this, and this going on? I mean really. I was just thinking to myself, self, wouldn't a silk stripe top be an awesome addition to your wardrobe? I wonder if jcrew..oh dammit. just stop that. stop reading my mind, jenna. also, may i have a job as a buyer? but no, sad, no clothes buying for me. virtual window shopping only.

2) I'm finishing up the decorating of our master bedroom and I'm putting together some thoughts. I have a couple of goals..fill some empty space, add some organizational elements, create a cozy environment. I have a basement full of inherited furniture from which to pick and choose, so that is good. My focus is more on the decorative and organizational elements. I think I'd like to get a couple more of these bookshelves. these have served me well. I'd like to add one for actual books and one for..well, my shoes. I'm thinking of laying one horizontally to the floor under the windows to store shoes.

Also, I'm going to be thrifting for unique mirrors, that I may paint to match, or may leave as a mismatched set, depending on what I can find. I also need to choose which of our artwork will get pride of place over the bed - I'm thinking about my set of three french Vogue covers - thank you Rachel!

I think I'll also add some small sheepskin rugs. Hopefully will come across some nice mid-century lamps as well.

I can hardly wait until Saturday!

something for a rainy thursday in may

morning! Another outfit post for you today. Please, again, ignore the picture quality and the state of my bathroom. I will get better at this. I will get a tripod. I will find pretty places to take my picture. I do in fact own a digital camera. So then! Today, I had a belt debacle (debuckle, oh thats bad). I need one more notch on my belt (heh heh) (no, really). Let's take a small moment to acknowledge an item of my clothing being too big. Rejoice!...ok and we're done.

So I'm sitting there, trying to make the slight too big belt work. I start thinking, who is this belt made for? I'm not exactly itty bitty and I would appear to need a small. And then my mind goes to... for whom is this belt? You can see where this is going. For whom the belt, tis not for me. Before you know it, I've jumped from Donne to Metallica and in my head I'm all "for whom the belt tolls, time marches On on on on". Yes, it was a dorky moment, and I'm happy to share it with you.

Outfit!



Details:
Blouse: Banana Republic, a few years ago
Sweater: J Crew, here
Pants: Victoria's Secret, in Black, here
Belt and Shoes: Ann Taylor
Rings, Necklace, bracelet: Tiffany's, gift from Fred

oh chloe

want.

Week 2 Report / Week 3 Goals

My report on Week 2 is just SAD, because I twisted my ankle on Tuesday morning. In the parking lot of Safeway. Fell right on my ass. It was awesome.

So..no running. No pedicure.

Run outside 3 times this week BEFORE WORK. - See above, Fail.

Again, don't eat any of that processed packaged crap available to you at work. - Ding ding ding!! Did good here this week! No processed crap!

Go through closet and dresser and select items for ebay/goodwill. post ebay items. - Winner winner again! I did this too. I've got 6 blouses up on ebay right now if you are at all curious..

Don't buy anything except food, gas, and household items(this would mean TP, not art or chair)...(and pedicure). - And again, pretty good! I bought 20 records, at $1 a piece, and the thrift store. I don't count those.

Get a pedicure. - See above, Fail.

Week 3 Goals!

1) Were gonna stay onboard with that "don't eat any of that processed packaged crap available to you at work" theme - seems to be a good reminder.

2) Finish decorating the master bedroom and my office

3) Get that dang pedicure.

That's enough, really, that's a lot.

blogger ate my post and other tales

Good morning!
I had written a post over the weekend, and all that remains is the headline. So sad. I seem to have become a victim of the great blogger debacle of '11.

I will re-write to catch up on my daily questions. I also mentioned that I'm putting off 30 for 30 until next Monday.

However..I do have an outfit picture for you today, and I can 100% guaruntee that these items are making it in to my 30. So here goes, first outfit post. Please excuse the picture quality, I'm gonna need a tripod! (also please excuse the unmade bed, ugh)




Outfit details:
Blouse, Target. Here
Cardigan, Urban Outfitters. Here
Pants, Victorias Secret. In Denim, Here
Belt, Target
Shoes, Talbots, no longer available.

(But wow, I'm in love with these)

Necklace, Bracelet, Rings - Tiffanys, gifts from Fred.
Ring - Ann Taylor Loft

30 for 30 update and 365 catch up

30 for 30 Remix

Morning! If I had readers, many of you may be familiar with Kendi and her 30 for 30 Challenge. I've decided I'm going to join in for this next one.

The basic premise is that you select 30 items from your closet, and create different combinations of those items and only those items for 30 days. Hence, 30 for 30. Accessories are "free", if you will.

So, I'm going to try this challenge. I'm going to post each outfit here to my blog. I warn you, Fred leaves for work before I wake up, and I go to the gym after work, where I change (imagine that), so I will be flying solo on the picture taking, which will often mean mirror pictures. I'll try to improve on that.

I'm allowing myself "free" shoes too, b/c I don't have a shoe shopping problem, I have a clothes shopping problem. That is the essence of this challenge, to inspire creativity and to "shop" your own closet.

I won't be buying anything during this challenge either. Except if I win the pair of $19 Hudsons on eBay that I have slated for jean shorts. Because I have determined my own Hudsons, regular length jeans, are best suited in fit for to be making the jean shorts but i am NOT CUTTING OFF $200 jeans. Okthanks.

I'm excited. I'm starting on Monday.

Week 1 report / Week 2

Progress against my week 1 goals:

Don't eat any of the processed packaged crap available to you at work - only ate one processed packaged crap item all week, during a stress-fest of a Friday morning. Felt terribly guilty about it.

Run outside 3 times this week - cpmplete fail, have gotten out of running habit due to gym-going all winter. I don't know whether to run in the morning or evening so did neither. This week - morning. Its a good wake up and the weather is pretty and cool in the morning.

Listen to the whole Beastie Boys album in one sitting - almost done, I got through all but 2 tracks.

Kick ass at that thing you have to do on Tuesday - I think I did - still pending results.

Okay, so, not wonderful on last week's goals, not horrible. Time to set goals for Week 2!

Run outside 3 times this week BEFORE WORK.
Again, don't eat any of that processed packaged crap available to you at work.
Go through closet and dresser and select items for ebay/goodwill. post ebay items.
Don't buy anything except food, gas, and household items(this would mean TP, not art or chair)...(and pedicure).
Get a pedicure.

5/3. 365

May 3rd (known as the day after my birthday, or boo sad day. also an ex's b-day. he's ok)
Q: If you could have a superpower for today, what would it be?
A: If I could have a superpower ANYDAY it would be to transport anywhere in the world instantly. hellooooo world travel minus any inconvenience. seriously, i want this to be possible. like star trek. get on it, scientists.

birthday bloggin

hi! so its my birthday today!! woop! I'm ..gasp..33. But I feel great. Really really great.

ok, so my question of the day today is:
May 2
Q: Are you hesitating?
A: Whoa, little question book. You can't be asking that of an engaged lady planning a wedding. Ok, well. So. Ahem. No, not hesitating. Thinking, deeply, about lots of BIG THINGS, yes. Hesitating to type that I'm not hesitating, so maybe a little bit. But really, feeling quite solid and happy about life in general, really.

Let's take it broader. I do, by nature, and by disease, hesitate. It kind of comes with the territory of panic disorder. I hesitate to do anything that will stretch my comfort zone, and so life is a series of hesitations. I'd love to be rid of it, but managing it and behavorial therapy is what I can do, so..that's what I do.

Where do I not hesitate..
When I know what I'm doing and what I want to get done.
To express love for those that I love.
At the thrift store when I see the perfect thing for that one place in that one room.
To sit back and enjoy life and maybe not vacuum right this second because its sunny out and I have a new book.

Another thing I want to do this year, is not to make grand plans and goals for "before 34" but to make small weekly goals each and every week to make myself better. (Thank you Danielle at Sometimes Sweet for the inspiration).

Week one of my 34th year..

Don't eat any of the processed packaged crap available to you at work.
Run outside 3 times this week.
Listen to the whole Beastie Boys album in one sitting.
Kick ass at that thing you have to do on Tuesday.

So, happy 33rd birthday to me. Thank you mom and dad for life and the life you gave me. I love you so much.

4/17 to 5/1

Apr 17
Q: What do you think is your biggest shortcoming?
A: A unique combination of procrastination, proneness to daydreaming, laziness, and conceit.

Apr 18
Q:Write down a problem you solved today.
A: A crossword is just a word-problem, right? Did one of those today.

Apr 19
Q: What famous person would you bring back from the dead to have dinner with?
A: Hunter S. Thompson

Apr 20
Q: How many times did you curse today?
A: I think just once. This is rare.

Apr 21
Q: What do you want to say when someone asks, what do you do?
A: I like what I do, although I would prefer to do it in an industry I care about. Also, lifestyle blogger. As in, that is my only job.

Apr 22
Q: You wish you could stop ________________ from happening.
A: Death of loved ones. Not sure how to answer this differently.

Apr 23
Q: How would your parents describe you?
A: Unique. Impulsive. Successful (i hope). Beautiful (its my parents, come on). Smart. Indecisive.

Apr 24
Q: Is life fair? Yes? No? Sometimes? Not today?
A: I think life is fair in that noone is targeting for bad experiences or anything. I don't believe that there is anything doling out this supposed fairness. But the experience of life can sometimes feel very unfair.

Apr 25
Q: Who do you need to call?
A: Everyone, probably, I'm not much of a phone person.

Apr 26
Q: How much spare change do you have?
A: 1.79, in my purse

Apr 27
Q: What "type" of person are you?
A: I don't know. Per Myers-Brigges, INTJ. A nice person, an interesting person, I hope.

Apr 28
Q: Who would you trade places with for just one day?
A: I'm not sure I would want to, really, but as long as I'm assured its just one day...I still don't know...oh, I guess I would spend a day as a mother, so I can see if I love it or hate it. But then, I wouldn't BE me, would I? sigh. Okay, I'll go for vanity and be crystal renn.

Apr 29
Q: Who can you make happier? how?
A: I think everyone is responsible for their own happiness, but I could probably postively affect Fred's happiness - or not, I'm perfect and he's still a curmudgeonly bastard. Whom I love. My cats, I can give them ham.

Apr 30
Q: What are 3 words to describe your social life?
A: Non-existent, except, once in a while. hehe.

May 1
Q: Messy or neat?
A: Natural tendency is far from detail-oriented, and therefore somewhat messy. But I cannot stand a true mess for long.

a to z

Age: 32, for another day and a half

Bed Size: full. we need a bigger bed.

Chore you hate: Loading the dishwasher. I apparently "do it wrong!". <
Dogs: none =(

Essential start of your day: coffee

Favorite Color: mustard

Gold or silver: silver

Height: 5'2

Instruments I play (or have played): violin, piano, guitar

Job Title: Recruiting Manager

Kids: None.

Live: Fairfax

Mom's Name: Carol

Nickname: Snorey the bear

Overnight hospital stays: never had one, knock on wood

Pet Peeve: people who misuse literally

Quote from a movie:
I don't want to live in a city where the only cultural advantage is that you can make a right turn on a red light.

Right or left handed: Right

Siblings: 1 older sister.

Time you wake up: 7-ish

Underwear: hanky panky

Vegetables you dislike: um, i think i like all veggies. that can't be right

What makes you run late: figuring out what to wear, bad hair days

X-rays you've had done: feet, head, wrists

Yummy food you make: i'm a decent cook - right now i like chicken saltambocca

Zoo animal: red pandas, dude. they rock.

thinking about newspapers

so i've had a conversation from Easter pop into my head from time to time this week, and I think its interesting.

As you may know, the New York Times starting charging for online usage. Fine, I say. My sister was complaining about it. My immediate answer was, 1) How do you want them to make money, then? and 2) You can use my sign in (I'm a paper subscriber, I get unlimited online access - and she decline on a moral basis).

So here is this interesting conundrum. We seem to belive the news should be free. Why? That's a new thought, certainly new within the confines of the internet age. Newspapers were never free before the internet. They may have been damn close, but you still had to cough up that quarter. Why do we expect them to be free now?

If the Grey Lady's model works out, you can be assured our Washington Post will follow. I won't have an issue because I get the paper daily of the Post anyway. Yes, it gets recycled, but I belive in supporting newspapers. I like this model that acknowledges paper subscribers and doesn't make you pay twice.

I think I could strongly argue that in a free society, news should be abundant and freely available. And I believe it always will be, at your local library, just where it always was.

I apply the NPR approach to this issue. I would gladly drop a quarter, if I could, into my car radio each and every day to listen to NPR. I would gladly drop a quarter into my computer to read the Times and the Post and the Chronicle and the Globe and any other major paper. I donate to NPR as my payment, and I get the old paper versions of the Times and the Post dropped on my driveway. I'm paying for it, and I'm getting what I'm paying for, and more, I'd argue.

Do we then get into an oh-so-slippery slope about payment for content on the internet? Academic journals have been doing it for years..

What do you think?

a kitchen conversation

Scene: I'm taking freshly baked banana chocolate chip bread out of its pan..

Fred: i can has banana bread?

Sara: Sure

Fred: What's that (makes poking gesture at chocolate)

Sara: Its chocolate

Fred: Why is there chocolate in it? It's banana bread

Sara: Its chocolate chip banana bread. It's good.

Fred: That's not a thing

Sara: It is.

Fred: Is not

Sara: It is, fucking google it.

Fred: You fucking google it. I'm googling something else.

Sara: Try it

Fred: Its pretty good

Sara: Its fucking delicious, and you know it.

Ahhh, I love my relationship, and I mean that, sincerely and truly. We make eachother laugh on the hour.

4.16 365

Apr 16
Q: What is a political issue that interests you?
A: What is a political issue that doesn't interest me? Ok, I'm sure there are some. Here is one that is very current. We are engaged in 2.5 wars right now yet we are still incessently, idiotically focused on tax cuts. You can't have both. CAN'T HAVE BOTH.

lots of catch up to do! 365

Apr 4 Q: If you could wish for one thing to happen today, what would it be? A: For me to magically be cured of all panic-disorder related things. Apr 5 Q: ___________ was inspiring A: This article I read in the Women's Empowerment issues of the NYT magazine. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/24/magazine/24volunteerism-t.html?ref=magazine Especially the woman who has taken on childhood shelter, health and education in Nepal. Truly inspiring. Apr 6 Q: What was the last take-out meal you ordered? A: I got Chinese food the other night - Mongolian Pork, Beef and Broccoli, Veggie Lo Mein. It wasn't spectacular, but not the worst take out we've ever had. Apr 7 Q: What colors are you wearing? A: I'm going to have to answer this one for today, as I have no idea what I wore on April 7th. Had it been a Friday, I might have known, because at least one part would be "jeans". Today I am wearing a black cardigan, a mustard yellow shirt with cream flower pattern, a tan belt, medium-dark blue jeans and tan sandals. Apr 8 Q: What is your secret passion? A: Its no secret, just ask! I love cultural anthropology, specifically linguistic I got a little giddy when this article came out. Ok, so maybe my secret passion is reading the journal of science. Also, amateur stylist. Apr 9 Q: Where do you feel most at home? A: At home. My home was my parents home for 10+ years, so I feel very comfortable and happy here. Its got a lot of good memories, this house. Apr 10 Q: A chore you ignored today ____________. A: If you catch Fred on a bad day, he'll say I ignore all my chores. And on a really bad day, maybe I do. But today, no chores have gone neglected thus far. Apr 11 Q: What sound affect are you most like today? A: I've felt like hitting the buzzer that tells you you have a WRONG ANSWER a couple of times this week. Fail. Apr 12 Q: Write down a new fact you recently learned A: The person who received the first experimental stem-cell treatment, a 21-year old who was paralyzed from the chest down from a car accident, is also a devout Christian and believes that his treatment was brought to him by God. How you like them apples Apr 13 Q: What is your favorite thing to do on a Sunday morning? A: Read the NYT Magazine, do the NYT Mag crossword, grab a coffee, browse the thrift store. Apr 14 Q: If you could acquire a talent (without any extra effort) what would it be? A: I just want all my gymnastics skills back with a strong apptitude for picking up new skills. Talk about excercise being fun. Apr 15 Q: Which celebrity would you want to interview? A: Bob Dylan, hands down no question. Q:

things i like

this volvo 240

greene mountain lake

this chair

this emerson quote

gardenias

san francisco

all the pretty pretty boys

top to bottom: matthew goode; diego luna; casey affleck; brandon boyd; conor oberst

baby dreams

Something strange is afoot. With the exception of last night, I have dreamed of babies almost every night for a week. I had a dream about being pregnant, which was totally uneventful, with the exception of me, pregnant and all. I had a dream about giving birth, in which I was slightly inconvenienced but all in all, it was, you know, no bigs. I had a dream about having a newborn at home with me. My mother was there too. I would put the baby in its car seat and it would fall asleep, and I'd basically leave it be for 4-5 hours, and then go, huh, maybe I should check on the baby, and then I'd go change its diaper, and leave again for another 4-5 hours. I spent a lot of this time pondering my post-pregnancy body, which was pretty damn svelte, I must say, and enjoying my time off of work by, apparently, sitting around daydreaming and checking on the baby every once in a blue moon. So, um, yep. I may not be a mother, but I have enough mother friends to know that none of the above is remotely realistic. What on earth is my brain doing up in there? What's with all this baby-dreaming with the ease and no-big-ness of it all? Is this what its like when the time to have babies alarm goes off? It hasn't crept into my waking days yet. Sigh.

formatting

what is going on with blogger formatting? All my posts are running together, ugh.

3/30 - 4/3 / 365

Mar 30 Q: Pick a color for today. A: Yellow Mar 31 Q: What inventions can you not live without? A: Well, I'm fairly sure I could live without, but.. Washing machines and dryers. Running water/indoor facilities/electricity. Cars. Non-stick pans. Refrigerators. Irons. Dry-cleaners. Record players. Elliptical machines. The multitude of fabrics my gym clothes are made of - so breathable and sweat-wicking! Apr 1 Q: Who are you fooling? A: Noone, I hope. Apr 2 Q: Who do you feel closest to? A: My mom and dad, my sister and my brother-in-law, and Fred. Apr 3 Q: Did you have fun today? Because? A: Well, its only 12:43, but so far, sure did. I finished watching Black Swan, great flick. I did some weeding and clean up of the garden, hoping its warm enough to plant very soon. The rest of the day should be lovely and relaxing.

3/27 - 3/29 365

Mar 27 Q: When was the last time you felt you were on top of the world? A: When I was praised by the president of my company for doing an excellent job of executing a tough project. It helped that I was on my way home on a Friday from a grueling week, too! Mar 28 Q: What do you want to remember about today? A: Good - the feeling of running - painful and exhilirating at the same time, i kind of love it and i forget at times. Bad - the President finally spoke about what we are doing in Libya Mar 29 Q: Write down a few lines from a song or poem that you identify with today. A: "Now I'm bound by the life you left behind"

3/21 to 3/26 / 365

Mar 21:
Q: The first thing you ate today was___________.
A: Decaf sugar free hazelnut soy misto and a protein plate from starbucks

Mar 22:
Q: Jot down a news story from today
A: Japan still dealing with nuclear dangers, from the earthquake and tsunami

Mar 23:
Q: Are you country or rock and roll? (or hip-hop, emo, folk, punk)
A: A little bit rock and roll, a lotta bit folk. some punk, some hip hop.

Mar 24:
Q: What did you daydream about today?
A: Going to grad school, working in the job of my dreams

Mar 25:
Q: ____________ made you laugh
A: My reaction to UK beating OSU made me laugh at myself

Mar 26:
Q: Who do you aspire to be like?
A: My mom

she's crafty

I indulged my latent craftiness this weekend with two projects - both small, one very small.

Here is the itty bitty project, a flower pin. I have been drawn to flower pins on sale at some of my favorite stores but really couldn't justify the price. I went to the floral section of my local Michaels and selected my favorite bloom. Popped the flower off the stem, glued a square of felt in the back to keep it in place, and added a pin to the back. Tada! I kind of love it.

The second project was a wreath to replace the pine wreath I finally took down a couple of weeks ago. I wanted something springy but could not find a spring-themed wreath that I really liked. I took the idea of a yarn wreath and used a springy color palette of various yellow. I like the results quite a bit, I think the only improvement would be a greater variety of flowers. Luckily, they pin right on, so I can change them up if I like. This was also a very quick project, its a green foam wreath form wrapped in yellow yarn (took about an hour and a half). The gerbera daisies are pin ons from Michaels. The yellow ribbon on top is from a roll of ribbon I just loved to much to pass up, without a plan for it - now it has a home!

What do you think of my foray into craftiness? Original, no, but definitely easy, and fun!

3/20 - 365

Q: What was the last book you read?
A: Right now I'm reading How Did You Get This Number? by Sloane Crosley. Just finished The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman. Kind of struggling through I Think I Love You by Allison Pearson - its on my bedstand but the final 1/3 just can't hold my attention. I love books.

catch up 3/11 - 3/19 / 365

Mar 11
Q: What was something you wanted today, but couldn't have?
A: This may sound crazy, but I generally have what I want, and want what I have

Mar 12
Q: Where do you live?
A: I could answer this as: The US, DC, Virginia, Fairfax, in a townhouse, suburb of DC, Northern VA, in a house owned by my parents, in a house occupied by my parents for 11 years, 5 miles or so from my high school, within 5 miles of my immediate family

Mar 13
Q: If you could add one hour to your day, what would you do with it?
A: Read or sit in the sun, preferably both

Mar 14
Q: What is true?
A: True is factual, true is devoted, true is level/straight.

Mar 15
Q: What do you not want to talk about?
A: Money, I don't like talking about it, I just like when it there is enough there to be quietly comforting

Mar 16
Q: What do you want to buy?
A: What don't I want to buy? Ok, really, I would like a new pair of jeans, which I am holding off on until I get past this weird between sizes stage. I would like a 1972 Chevelle SS, preferably navy blue with white racing stripes. I would like a Volvo 240 from the mid 80s. I would like most of J Crew's inventory. I would like a beach house. I would like a row house in Capitol Hill and a home in Charlottesville and a loft in Brooklyn. I am, however, quite satisfied with what I have.

Mar 17
Q: What new activity have you tried?
A: This past year, working with a personal trainer.

Mar 18
Q: In three words, describe your spirituality
A: Atheist, nature, kindness

Mar 19
Q: Describe your work ethic
A: I have a great one. I don't believe in working endless hours for some kind of martyrdom or just to prove a point - I believe in working hard and efficiently. If I ran a company I would employ people whom I could trust to work their own schedules. If you have to work 16 hours to get something done on time, you do it. If you only have 4 hours of work one day, you do it. I think there is some level of ridiculousness in our 9-5 M-F work norms - I am driven by achievement and success and I think the people who are just punching the clock will continue to complete work as they do. I have minimal tolerance for poor work ethic and force myself as a manager to remember that to some people, they intend to only ever put in their 8 hours a day, and technically, that is ok. sort of. not really.

1990 - 1991

1990 - end of 7th grade, first half of 8th grade: At the end of 7th grade, I was in a play, with the older kids, called A Mouse that Roared. My role was the Page and I had an awesomely long speech. I loved it, the rehearsals, the cast party, feeling like the kid sister to the cool older theatre kids. I was blessed with not knowing yet how stereotyped the Drama Kids were at my highschool, and I just loved it. I also remember a couple of 8th grade boys doing a routine to
What I Like About You that was pretty damn sweet, but I can't remember which of a group of about 4 guys it was. 7th grade summer was spent mainly at the pool devising ways to get our hot lifeguards to notice us. We were slightly boys-obsessed, as girls are.

8th grade:

First of all, I loved 8th grade. I had a great group of friends that felt really tight-knit for the first time since moving to Fairfax. I was still a reasonably good student and mostly enjoying school. Things that jump out for me in 8th grade: Boys. Lots of them. Matt Carr specifically (where are you Matt Carr?). The 8th grade dance, which by some sort of law requires playing of "Doin Da Butt" and "It Takes Two" or maybe that was just about when I grew up.

What definitely WAS about when I grew up was the playing of Unchained Melody and our stoic determination to dance with "hot" guys to that song. We were successful (thanks Cristian and Drew!). I also vividly remember the Fairfax Fair that year as it was still held on the grounds of GMU and we were able to walk from my school.

Fashion-wise, we wore a lot of Champion gear and stretchy skirt/top ensembles from The Limited. Also, Vuarnet shirts. (French sunglasses, why?). I remember the Magazine Drive clearly, including these little fuzzy things with ribbons (bear with me) that you got for selling magazines. I don't remember exactly why they were enticing. This would have been around the era of slap bracelets as well. I can only imagine how annoying we were at this age, the lot of us. Oh, also, Motley Crue totally released Dr Feelgood. I discovered Skid Row (actually, that WOULD have been 7th grade) and promptly memorized all the words to I Remember You (I still can't forget them).

I somehow, by some grace, managed to narrowly escape NKOTB fandom. Michelle tried it, and I think I gave her the smack down musically. I DID however enjoy ABC, Boyz II Men, AND BBD. and really, freaking Jodeci. Or wait, that may have been 9th grade...

I feel like I had to have had some boyfriends, and I'm sure I did, in their innocence. Dave Kohne, yep. A boy named Carey that I met at Cameron Run. Large crushes on multiple hockey players and/or skate guards at Fairfax Ice Rink. Keith Michlik. Again, large crushes on our lifeguards (summer crushes/winter crushes - they were seasonally appropriate).

dreams and the past

I had a dream last night that won't leave me. It was a yearning, struggling, wanting dream and it has really thrown me for a loop. yet again, what I know isn't good for me v. what I want are battling in my head. and I have no one to talk to about it, or I do, but have noone that would consider a possibility my mind is forcing me to consider.

I was also thinking today, for some reason, about luckys. Does anyone still turn a cig over when they first open their pack and smoke that one last? (does anyone still smoke?) How many times in your life have you lit the wrong end of a cig? That is quite an unfortunate experience. I rarely do that anymore. I rarely drink anymore either, those may be connected =)

3/10 - 365

Q: What was the last movie you rented?
A: Love and other Drugs. Decent flick. Anne and Jake. I give it 1 1/2 thumbs up.

i'm gonna make it on my own...with a little help with some bloggers

I'm so excited to be taking a home ec class! just in time for spring and then summer! summer is totally the easiest season for a newbie dress maker! yay!

3/6 - 3/9 of 365

Mar 6th
Q: What's your nemesis?
A: Ah, my bitter enemy, my unbeatable foe. Its not a person, that's for sure. Could be panic disorder, that son of a bitch. Could be cigarettes but I think you have to put effort into beating something for it to be a nemesis.

Mar 7th
Q: It's not a good idea to experiment with ___________.
A: I can say this with experience...dying one's own hair if you are doing anything even remotely complicated or if you have fussy or fragile hair. Almost every time I've dyed my own hair I've been in the colorist's chair between a day to a week later. I did, once upon a time, manage to successfully bleach my hair platinum blond...but i had just gotten it cut mia farrow short, I was about 19 years old, and I STILL only rocked it for a day before dying it..brown. Thrill seeker, yep, that's me!

Mar 8th
Q: What's the last song you listened to?
A: That would be the last song on the B side of the new Bright Eyes album. I could look up the name, but I'm not feeling like it at the moment. I'll get around to it =) It's a good one, that's for sure.

Beauty Q & A

1) What's your favorite drug-store makeup product and your favorite higher-end product?
Drugstore, definitely Revlon Aqua colorstay makeup. It feels amazing going on and gives good coverage without being heavy. Higher-end, my MAC lustre lipsticks in Sheer Plum and Ruby Woo, and Tarte cheek and lip stain. Also Benefit Bo-oing! concealer is quality stuff. Stila Kitten eye shadow. Oh i could go on.

2) Is there one type of product that is your go-to, can't live without?
I could and would happily live without makeup, but I like to have a good, moisturizing, not gloopy lip balm/gloss. A good gloss can do your lips, eyes, cheeks, and set your brows too. Can't do much about shiny spots though, sad. My favorite gloss by far is Clinique Superbalm in Black Honey.

3) What is the best hair product you've ever used?
I'm quite partial to Aveda, but some of their products are a bit drying for my hair. I cannot get over the heavenly smell to this day, and I worked there for some time so you know i really love that smell! Sap Moss is my favorite and I really miss the shampoo/conditioner but I still use the pre-shampoo treatment. Also quite partial to Tigi Control Freak. I adore Moroccan Oil for keeping my hair healthy. Phytojoba Intense Hydrating Shampoo is my hair's favoritist shampoo evers.

4) Fess up, what's the worst beauty look you've tried to rock and look back at now with a little shame you actually did it?
I was in high school in the 90s, we liked a lot of matte lipstick and brown eyeshadow, which isn't so bad. I guess the worst look ever is the poof bangs of the late 80s, but EVERYONE rocked those, so I can't really single myself out there.

5) When it comes to beauty products, we all use the same basic products. What do you use that helps show off your personal flair and personality?
I like to wear my (mostly) curly hair natural (most) of the time. I believe in the less is more approach to makeup, and while I may have a lot of products, I use them sparingly, and they are used to enhance rather than change my natural looks.

Mar 2-5, 365

Mar 2

Q: Salty or sweet?
A: Sweet. I have had a sweet tooth my entire life - more specifically, a chocolate tooth. My favorites are godiva open oysters, dark chocolate sorbet, and samoas girl scout cookies.

Mar 3
Q: Did you sleep alone last night?
A: Nope - I share a bed with Fred and usually one or both of our two cats.

Mar 4
Q: What would you like to ask your mother?
A: Lots of things, I'm sure. What everyday life was like as a college student in the 60s. If she's ever slept with anyone besides my dad (they got together in high school, married at 20). I can ask her these things, and I will.

Mar 5
Q: What's your favorite word (right now)?
A: I made it up, I think, but I'm enjoying farked. It means crapped out, a nicer way of saying effed up. As in, that facebook app totally farked on me.

Feb 27, 28 & Mar 1 / 365

Feb 27

Q: Are you the original or the remix? Why?

A: nice one. hmm. well, I'm the second child, so in that sense, I am not the original, I'm the remix. In any other sense I'm the original, the only, the best ever, me. cause really, i'm me, and noone can compete with me at being me.

Feb 28

Q: When was the last time you were sick?

A: I got really sick back in..October? But just for 2 days - major stomach upsets, it sucked.

Mar 1

Q: How could today have been better?

A: Today was actually good...could have been better if my knees would stop hurting. I've got to figure out what's up with that because it makes an hour of cardio not so fun. Not that its ever FUN exactly, but usually I feel good and satisfied after and not all ow ow.

Feb 26 / 365

Q: Name one item you can't throw out.

A: I'm quite sure I could make a rather long list of these things, but here are a few:

1) my journals from age 19-25 or so
2) my original nintendo and my collection of games - no game will ever be as good as Mario Bros 3
3) my bridesmaids dress from my sisters wedding, although it is quite wee and I am no longer as wee
4) my docs from high school - just can't make myself
5) my grandmother's jewelry - and really, why would I? she has the sweetest collection of roadrunner jewelry

catch up! Feb 22 - 25 /365

Feb 22

Q: What was your prevailing emotion of the day?

A: It was TUESDAY, i can't remember! I guess there is an advantage to doing these on time. bad Sara. I think on Tuesday I was feeling pretty frustrated.

Feb 23

Q: What's the most embarassing purchase on a recent credit card statement?

A: Oh, I'm boring on this one, I only use my credit cards for gas and groceries. Its my debit card statement you want to take a look at :P But even then there are no individual embarassing charges, it is merely the abundance of charges that is embarassing.

Feb 24

Q: Today you've got too much _____________.

A: Strange to say it, but work! But i'm psyched about that, because its a relatively new job and I was struggling with the new job ramp up. I have a hard time when I don't have enough to do, my motivation drops.

Feb 25

Q: What's the last dream you remember?

A: Oh goodness, I have good/weird dreams fairly frequently, but I can generally only remember them for a small time after waking. I actually had a wedding dream the other night, which was a first, and it was about the plans getting all jacked up and trying desperately to find a a place to actually get married. It was weird and my mom was all MOTB from hell and she is just NOT that person, she was very out of character in my dream. mmm. what does it all mean.

my oscar bets

Best Picture: Black Swan
Best Actress: Natalie Portman
Best Actor: Colin Firth
Best Supporting Actress: Hailee Steinfeld
Best Supporting Actor: Jeremy Renner
Best Director: Darren Aronofsky
Best Animated: How to Train Your Dragon
Best Documentary Feature: Exit Through the Gift Shop

ummm...apparently I liked Black Swan.

Best should have gotten an oscar last year...chloe moretz for kick ass. dude. saw that movie for the first time yesterday.

Feb 21 / 365

Q: What is the current buzzword?
A: I don't even remotely know.

Feb 19 & 20 / 365

Feb 19

Q: Who is the craziest person in your life?

A: We all go a little bit mad, sometimes, right? This is a tough question. There are people in my life who are crazy in a good way, people in my past that may have been a bit crazy in a bad way. I think we all have a little crazy in us, hopefully. Keeps things from being boring.

Feb 20

Q: What word did you overuse today?

A: Probably "kitty" or "kitten". that's pretty usual for a day when I'm home a lot with the cats. ok now I sound like a crazy cat person. seriously though, fred was wrenching and I spent today cooking, at the gym, thrifting, and reading. not a lot of talking involved. but I did talk to the cat, mostly to tell her to get her ass out of the way while we were watching exit through the gift shop.

13-15 of 365

Feb 16

Q: What was the last performance or concert you went to?

A: That would be Bob Dylan at GW in November. It was a really great experience because 1, it was Bob Dylan - and as I say, my favorite songs of his are my favorite songs, period. 2, because I was able to go with my mom and dad and sister and it was really an amazing family experience. Bob kind of belongs to my parent's generation but they were good enough to share =)

Feb 17

Q: If you could change something about today, what would it be?

A: Thursday was a pretty sweet day, actually. I suppose if I could change one thing it would be the meeting I had in the morning. Can't say much about it here of course but the only thing that would have improved the day would be erasing that part. Also, less work, more outside.

Feb 18
Q: What is the most expensive thing you are wearing now?

A: Well its positively balmy out so I'm not wearing that much. I'm guessing my bracelet, but it was a present and I don't know how much it cost, but its Tiffanys (Fred is good like that). The remainder of my outfit is Old Navy jeans and a Loft t-shirt. Bra by Vickys Secret and panties by Hanky Panky. So of those 4 items my bra wins out, haha.

11 and 12 of 365

Feb 14
Q: Did you kiss someone today?
A: Of course I did! My lovely love Fred.

Feb 15
Q: Write down the cure for a broken heart.
A: I won't pretend to be an expert on curing broken hearts but I may be an expert on having them. Here's my tried and true if potentially immature approach:

1) Cry it out. Call in to work broken-hearted. Wallow in some girl movies, but try to make them empowering. I suggest Working Girl (not about prostitues, promise). Pretty in Pink. Say Anything (to commiserate with broken hearted Lloyd Dobbler). Stock up your couch with comfy blankets, chocolate, wine, or whatever else you find delicious and comfortable.

2) Go to Sephora. Don't make a hair appointment, break up hair can be great but is more often a mistake. Actually, book a blow out. Book a nail appointment. Go to Sephora and get your make up done. Buy some delicious-smelling bath stuff. Commence pampering of self.

3) Go out with your girlfriends. Talk, laugh, flirt. Don't go home with any0ne. Repeat.

4) Focus on work. You are badass, and you kick ass at work. If this is true, own it, and rock that shit. If it is not, make it true.

5) Hang out with your family (if you are close). If you are wrong, they won't remind you. They WILL remind you what makes you you beyond this guy.

6) Get thee to the gym. Take a kickboxing class. Sweat out the anger. Angry people burn more calories. Plus, you are making yourself stronger physically and mentally. Go.

7) Get some distance. No facebook, no google. No email, no phone calls, no texts. If you can convince him to move away I highly recommend it.

8) After 1 month of focusing on yourself, your awesomeness, your work, your friends, and your family, get yourself set up on a date. Or, go out with friends and do some more flirting. Or, check out online dating. These first few dates are practice for being swinging single and will likely not stick.

9) If you have things unsaid, write them down. Don't send them. There are exceptions to this rule, but be careful, you can mistakenly convince yourself that you deserve an exception. Ask the opinion of a trusted friend.

10) Repeat all of the above as necessary.

my valentine

look what my valentine gave me! swoon! currently playing the mamas and the papas, the beatles, and the velvet underground. dancing in the living room. yay!

10 of 365

Q: What is your favorite question to ask people?

A: Definitely what is your favorite band or song. I really think the music that people enjoy says a lot about who they are, or more precisely, how they can act. it may be presumptive or foolish, but I think that the diversity of taste and curiosity for new music is an indication of an openness and thoughtfulness in approach to life in general.

Also, i really enjoy discovering music new to me, and I love to hear about bands I may not have uncovered myself.

A question that more often than not follows this question in some manner is one's favorite concert experience. I've been to some pretty major concerts in my time, but 6 stick with me. REM's Monster tour. 1994 Lollapalooza, with L7, Cypress Hill, the Beastie Boys, Nick Cave, the Smashing Pumpkins, and more. Prodigy closing the HFSTival. 1998 Tibetan Freedom, where I saw Thom Yorke and Michael Stipe sing together on stage. 2008 Bad Brains on election night in DC. 2010 Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band.

9 of 365

Q: what is your biggest obstacle right now?

A: i suppose the answer to that would depend on "biggest obstacle to what?"

right now, my headache and sore throat are the biggest obstacle to having the desire/energy to do much of anything. including blog, i'm afraid, so I'll have to add more to this answer later.

edit:
almost 24 hours later and the headache and sore throat are gone - thanks to the very effective medicine called sleeping all day. I didn't know I could sleep so much. But I am feeling better, so I suppose it is what the doctor ordered.

back to tackling the question at hand. I think in any case, one's biggest obstacle is generally themselves, when it comes right down to it. also, time. I would love to have more time in every day.

8 of 365

Q: How did you get to work today?

A: I drove my car, a 2007 VW Convertible. I took 29 to 66 West to 50 to West Ox to Legato. My commute takes 8-12 minutes. IT ROCKS.

reality TV

in movies and tv, I am always happy when they show the heroine at the gym. my fellow SATC fans will laugh with me when I remind them that while Carrie was always accompanying Charlotte (african dance class) and Sam (yoga) to excercise class, she was always shown half-assing it. Necessary, perhaps, for the witty dialogue, but ultimately unrealistic, as that 45 year old woman has a hell of a dancers body and you KNOW she works for it.

I have no ill will towards those who can stay slim without regular workouts - heck, I was that person for a long long time. I just think the truer and more healthy reality is that you must put in the work to get the better body. Thank you to the sitcom and film writers that recognize that the gym is usually a part of a woman's life, or needs to be if you want that TV/Film star's physique.

6 & 7 of 365

Feb 9

Q: How late did you sleep?

A: Almost embarassingly late - my new commute is so quick that I don't really have to get out of bed until 8am. I prefer to be up at 7am, but sometimes, by body says 8am. I'm okay with that.

Feb 10

Q: If this day was an animal, which animal would it be?

A: Something happy and kind of lazy...ummm, I'm thinking a dog. Like an old, happy dog.

5 of 365

Q: Are you in love?

A: Abso-freakin-lutey.

I am in a wonderful kind of love. The best. I'm securely happy - I know that sounds boring but its not in the least. I have a best friend who is a lover as well and there's lots more to know about him that I am thrilled to know. Everytime I learn something new I'm re-affirmed in my suspiscion that he's an amazing person with many different talents. And we're getting married.

4 of 365

Q: What are 3 things you have to buy?

A: Oh, you just had to use the word "have" didn't you? I'll take it literally, and then not so literally.

3 things I have to buy: 1) Food. 2) Electricity. 3) Gas.

well that's not very exciting. but it is an interesting excercise to really apply that word to my thought on purchasing. I don't even have to buy those things when it comes down to it. Well, I could grow my own food I have a garden big enough to do so, in fact. I could use candles and the fireplace (well, I could if it wasn't a gas fireplace, i have to buy gas, see #3). I don't have
to buy gas - well, yeah, I do, cause I have to go to work. but I could walk/bus/metro. and then I'd have to purchase transit tickets. still - we really don't HAVE to buy very much, do we?

Taken further, I would certainly say I have to buy clothes, if I hadn't already bought so damn many of them. Seriously, I should be good for years, but only due to starting from this state of overbuying do I not need to buy. Even then, I could sew or knit my own clothes, but would then have to buy fabric, wool, and sewing lessons.

I love the idea of trading/bartering, but isn't that what I'm already doing? The knowledge and service I'm able to provide is my job. I get paid for my job and I trade that for goods.

In all seriousness, this subject hits a little hard for me because I know that I am too much of a consumer. I do, however, make a concerted effort to buy things that are made or grown as locally as possible, with as little harm to the environment as possible. This does backfire..ever priced anti-aging moisturizers made without animal testing? But that is important to me, and so that is where I will put my dollars.

3 things I just have to buy:

1. jcrew brogues
2. steaks and prosciutto from eastern market butcher
3. caffeine free diet coke.

haha, that's more fun!

mini score

so i dropped by old navy today after my workout to try on their version of the wide leg jean that is making a sweeping comeback (sidenote - i knew everyone secretly hated skinnies). they were just ok, and they didn't carry the short length so I couldn't try those on. while I was there, however, I scored this sweet little grey gingham button down, which i'm sure will become a spring staple - and it was on so much sale, I spent about a starbucks visit on it. its supposed to satiate my desire for this jcrew buffalo check, but so far its not successful. jcrew's site has me in its radar as I am passionately in love with their brogues and can find no comparison - but am stubbornly refusing to buy said brogues, and therefore must visit them cyber-ly from time to time, and therefore come across other such lovelies - i.e. buffalo check shirt.

it may not sound like it, but I just did a major come-to-jesus about my clothes and donating a lot of stuff. i do a lot of window shopping but not as much actual shopping. i just like to think about outfits so that when I see something on sale that is perfect I already know it will fit in my warddrobe. its an approach. i'm trying my best to stick to thrift that I will actually use and/or is great quality, unique + sticking to my basis (AA t's, jeans, cardis) of which I have more than enough. when i want to go shopping, i go to the gym first - i'm sneaky like that!

happy superbowl sunday everyone!

3 of 365

Q: Are you seeking contentment or excitement?

A: While I don't think these are mutually exclusive, I'm going to say contentment. The word contentment makes me think of being happy with exactly where you are. Smiling to yourself as you are curled up on the couch drinking coffee and considering your life, looking up at your surroundings, and those you surround yourself with, and knowing it is good. Feeling safe, satisfied, and happy. That said, why can't you have all this and have moments in your life that excite you? Seems to me that is what life should be.

pictures of me

thought someone looking at this might like to see what I look like. I may post some outfit pics on a semi-regular basis. I'd like to, that is.

giving some slack on the chain of vanity

so , i have a hard time talking about a particular subject...my weight. Not to say that I am in denial, as I am and have been for some time been addressing it via diet and excercise, to positive results. here's what I have the toughest time with though..no, I don't eat perfectly (who does?). No, I don't excercise 7 days a week (3-5 actually). could I do those things? yes. but i wanted to establish a maintanable diet/exercise lifestyle, and that's what I have done. It includes dark chocolate squares and lazy evenings sometimes. of course it does, that's life. I'm proud of the progress I've made, and even thought it is tough to dig deeper for motivation once in a while, as I SAY, i've never EVER left the gym saying, you know, I shouldn't have gone today. I try to keep that in mind.

Here's where my real frustration lies. As i said, I don't eat perfectly, but I eat the way someone who maybe has that 5 extra pounds to lose does. I eat mostly lean meats, fish, healthy whole grains, veggies. the aforementioned dark chocolate is my treat. caffeine free diet coke is my vice.

For example, here is what I ate today:

Breakfast - banana, mini whole grain bagel with natural PB and a honey drizzle
Lunch - tofu scramble on wrap, 2 flax seed whole grain pancakes with maple syrup
Dinner - grilled shrimp, quinoa with sauteed mushrooms, grilled asparagus with olive oil and sea salt
Dessert - Scoop of dark chocolate sorbet

Now, I'm experimenting with quinoa and flax, and sometimes I don't get those healthy staples in my diet, but this is pretty typical in terms of a day. Now how overweight do you think I am?

Not 30 pounds, right? But yeah.

I should add that I'm on medication for panic disorder that is notorious for weight gain, as its ONLY negative side affect. In fact, 20 of these 30 lbs stuck themselves to me when I was on Zoloft originally, I came off that and on to Remeron, and added actually another 20, I've lost 10 of that.

Here's what really bugs me, and maybe I'm not giving people credit, or giving them too much thought..People I haven't seen since I was a sleek 122 probably think I've let myself go without caring. That part kills me. I care. I make (mostly) smart choices. I'm not making excuses for myself. I'm facing this, and I'm recommitting to it again, here, and every day, until I feel comfortable again.

Also, kids, there's no such thing as diet cookies. =)

-S

2 of 365

Q: What are you obsessively listening to?

A: Ah, music. How I love thee. I go through phases, that's for sure. I will never leave behind my love for Neko Case, Radiohead, the Beastie Boys, Bob Dylan, Cat Power, The Stooges, The Clash, The Beatles. I could go on and on and on and on.

Right now I've STILL got Arcade Fire the Suburbs on heavy rotation. Excited to check out the new Fleet Foxes. Dabbling in a little Serge Gainsbourg. First Aid Kit is a favorite. Jenny Lewis, always. Adoring She and Him - heard it in the Whole Foods last night, put a little giddy-up in my step =)

I love being introduced to new bands. Introduce me to some! Please!

a new project!

Hello! I just picked up this amazing book from Anthro http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?navAction=jump&id=20376364&parentid=SEARCH_RESULTS
and I decided that I am going to answer the question of the day here on my blog. If I miss a day, I'll catch up with the next post. The idea is to help me return to blogging regularly with some ready-made, and hopefully thought-provoking content. I hope you enjoy it!

Here is the question of the day for February 4th:

Q: Outside, the weather is ______________.

(well dang, could have started with a more interesting question!)

A:
Outside, the weather is..freaking cold. There is a 100% chance of rain and freezing rain this evening. Threats of freezing rain have been the weather theme of the last week. We got a decent snow storm last week and there are still snow piles around our driveway and sidewalks. I very much wish it would stop freezing raining and start snowing. I really dislike winter but as long as it is going to be cold, I would like it to snow. I'm sure Chicago-ans are not feeling me on this one right now.

February and March are always a bit tough for me as I get so excited about Spring on its way. Usually, we get a freak 70-degree day thrown in there somewhere, which keeps me going. Not this year! One thing that IS very nice though is that there is still some light left in the day again - as long as I get out of work by 530. The days getting longer brings a smile to my face!