tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24394179169324497302024-02-19T02:41:25.303-08:00Self-Imposed SabbaticalMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10440033568044843331noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439417916932449730.post-62013929071697037062016-04-04T12:00:00.000-07:002016-04-04T12:00:17.925-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Why Busyness Doesn't Impress Your Boss</b><br />
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There is a tendency in America to flaunt a strong, near martyr level work ethic. This has created a culture of busyness that actually negatively impacts productivity, breeds contempt of work, and destroys work life balance. Bosses prefer - everyone for that matter - prefers to work with well-rounded, capable and kind people.<br />
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Here are a few examples of busy behavior that can have a negative impact on your work, your reputation and your wellbeing.<br />
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1. <b>You send or respond to communication after work hours. </b>This demonstrates a lack of respect for other people's time (including your own.) In all likelihood it won't be read until the morning, so send it then.<br />
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2. <b>You don't say no. </b>It is a good thing to be a person that is willing to take on new challenges, it is another to collect projects for volume. Saying no when you should protects the projects you already have and shows that you can manage yourself.<br />
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3. <b>You don't sleep.</b> This is bad for everyone, but mostly you. Choosing work over sleep can have a long lasting impact on your overall health.<br />
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4. <b>You are always stressed. </b>This doesn't make you look important, it makes you look incompetent.<br />
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5. <b>You don't delegate.</b> No man is an island and there are no great managers that don't delegate. This is management in practice - give others opportunities, monitor their progress and provide feedback and praise as necessary.<br />
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6. <b>You're boring.</b> Or to be more direct, get a life! Working hard is something you can do without sacrificing your hobbies, health and relationships.<br />
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7. <b>You're "too in the weeds".</b> Take a note from Ferris Bueller, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while you could miss it."<br />
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Take a moment to reflect on your work style and level of "busyness". Make changes today to get more out of life and improve your performance. </div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10440033568044843331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439417916932449730.post-42134935769709298152014-05-03T08:23:00.000-07:002014-05-03T08:31:51.205-07:00Annual Quiz: Kentucky Derby Horse or Indie Band?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
And here they are for 2014:<br />
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Darkside<br />
Wildcat! Wildcat!<br />
Danza<br />
Cash Cash<br />
Tapiture<br />
Uncle Sigh<br />
Warpaint<br />
General A Rod<br />
Chitu<br />
Flume<br />
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A - Derby Horse<br />
B - Band<br />
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Answers:<br />
BBABAABAAB<br />
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10440033568044843331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439417916932449730.post-4350470659420822122012-05-04T13:53:00.000-07:002012-05-04T13:53:16.998-07:00<strong>Annual Derby Horse or Indie Rock Band Quiz:</strong><br />
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1) Done Talking<br />
2) Big Gigantic<br />
3) Twin Shadow<br />
4) Avich<br />
5) Liaison<br />
6) Delta Spirit<br />
7) Went the Day Well <br />
8) Childish Gambino<br />
9) Sabercat<br />
10) Tame Impala<br />
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Answers: H = Horse I = Indie Band<br />
1) H 2) I 3) I 4) I 5) H 6) I 7) H 8) I 9) H 10) IMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10440033568044843331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439417916932449730.post-69596170402885161422012-04-19T09:17:00.000-07:002012-04-19T09:17:44.404-07:00Why I pH<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">My Facebook and Twitter accounts have been completely pH only lately. There's GOOD reason for it! See after 10 years of being a nomadic theater company, we finally were able to sign our first lease. We finally can put pH on the door - this is no small thing. We, the "pHamily" have worked SO VERY HARD to see this day - but we must continue to ask for your support. The new space is an empty shell - ready to host a zajillion infinity laughs and good times - but not yet ready to open - we need lights, soundboard, chairs, toilet paper...everything. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">So, what I thought I needed to do was share my personal pH story. So here it is. If it speaks to you at all, please consider dropping us a few bucks. We are fighting hard to keep our dream alive - every little bit helps. The link to donate is: <a href="http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/pHProductions-nfp/phproductionstheaterbuildoutproject">http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/pHProductions-nfp/phproductionstheaterbuildoutproject</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">As a woman in my mid-thirties I am often asked if I have children, </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">and if not, do I plan to have some? I hardly know how to respond these days. At the heart of it, the answer is, I already have a child, her name is pH. She is beautiful,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>smart, caring, creative, special, complicated, tenacious and loves me unconditionally. She provides unfaltering support, structure, protection, opportunity, and purpose in my life. I have made sacrifices for her - like quitting a very lucrative high profile job to work from home so that I might spend more time with her. I have made compromises and sacrifices n my personal relationships in order to do right by my "child". I make these choices without regret, and have been paid back in spades with more love, more friendship, more artistic growth and more confidence than I ever would have realized otherwise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I ever do have children, pH would heartily embrace them and accept them into the beautiful patchwork of special individuals that make up our </span><span style="color: #00b0f0; font-family: Calibri; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">pHamily</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some personal highlights of my pH time: (Black Swan at Zombie Pub Crawl, feeling pHamily vibes NYE '10, hosting pHucked as Kim Kardashian and Andy Rooney.)</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN-0w6vas-37piUcaAQjxI6g5rCtboeZEgiPL9qm04gEutF-phU-r-4F6L6mBtVuAUzmrR0Or12Y9mWjyHOVt0l7y-MUCUtM71N7KXeJrLAQ5yxCKXoRV3EqB08UUPCdlCmaQR0od6-lQt/s1600/black+swan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN-0w6vas-37piUcaAQjxI6g5rCtboeZEgiPL9qm04gEutF-phU-r-4F6L6mBtVuAUzmrR0Or12Y9mWjyHOVt0l7y-MUCUtM71N7KXeJrLAQ5yxCKXoRV3EqB08UUPCdlCmaQR0od6-lQt/s1600/black+swan.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3Dif8kBWichEZEPi4P9oC2vMhWWupOdOx21P1yvdlWN5KhOG6qrAirt0avfo93wFNYv5E6Dq3bNjvhBrDKZy9SgzGmNfYevJsB3-KxfIhO-oD9x8wFjS9C-1T6PiJF3_5TX6Eb_j00S9/s1600/nye+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3Dif8kBWichEZEPi4P9oC2vMhWWupOdOx21P1yvdlWN5KhOG6qrAirt0avfo93wFNYv5E6Dq3bNjvhBrDKZy9SgzGmNfYevJsB3-KxfIhO-oD9x8wFjS9C-1T6PiJF3_5TX6Eb_j00S9/s320/nye+2010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SwWfFJEkzhTZPc5mfD6rCE2iOYIdzboRKCeFs_WkuytkwNWRak4va7HMWKGiF7OY_mj2i8ANHhTzL5ZCniyA0LTxHGoqlIbALjq1BXskS1eINTsVX1HTl97LvyZVx54MWHSkiNm7qJFO/s1600/KimK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SwWfFJEkzhTZPc5mfD6rCE2iOYIdzboRKCeFs_WkuytkwNWRak4va7HMWKGiF7OY_mj2i8ANHhTzL5ZCniyA0LTxHGoqlIbALjq1BXskS1eINTsVX1HTl97LvyZVx54MWHSkiNm7qJFO/s320/KimK.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMY8i73O8pA_XHPrd5P4nnyKGOKEHi8rHbaeSnHELTR1MGAymI6ANs7N-VFCrfV1sOnRg4m_EmCKYwbLl-vPZxP6oWNwjp7tgreEVIjzcVmitA4lAVrEnxOS8NDAnkPFznSTW3f9fNakwb/s1600/andy+rooney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMY8i73O8pA_XHPrd5P4nnyKGOKEHi8rHbaeSnHELTR1MGAymI6ANs7N-VFCrfV1sOnRg4m_EmCKYwbLl-vPZxP6oWNwjp7tgreEVIjzcVmitA4lAVrEnxOS8NDAnkPFznSTW3f9fNakwb/s320/andy+rooney.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10440033568044843331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439417916932449730.post-13062312455728529832011-11-04T12:10:00.000-07:002011-11-04T13:08:13.301-07:00PSA: These are PANTS. These are NOT.Attention Ladies & Gentleman, but particularly ladies, this is a public service announcement for you.<br />
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It has come to many people's attention that some of you are not aware of the difference between pants and well, just about anything else. Here are a few handy dandy visuals to test yourself if you're not sure about what pants are, or how to wear them.<br />
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These are pants:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGDAuYPyB-UnyIeEVQKpuqhyphenhyphenOppPSNVPmL0YL0wmGpRa8JtSiH0UI9oUHQ7RWd6xipYpI_Jzh4kSFXzoux1NJzcGg1CO1VFqMpEIhsLNBPFF2uhLPhuxJmAxm9IkwZkdRHjOXlW2EebLV/s1600/pants.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671220718388247634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGDAuYPyB-UnyIeEVQKpuqhyphenhyphenOppPSNVPmL0YL0wmGpRa8JtSiH0UI9oUHQ7RWd6xipYpI_Jzh4kSFXzoux1NJzcGg1CO1VFqMpEIhsLNBPFF2uhLPhuxJmAxm9IkwZkdRHjOXlW2EebLV/s320/pants.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 204px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 167px;" /></a><br />
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These are not:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIoAGnNO7qF-rjXuaN3bHEjyG7rs9AG7RU0Tzs8eY4xI3DqBNb5avcXtEflyD0DLUgTCmMO9bOsoDMcMHccIAO2ogtNYdlm8EWGFJk_KqzvWFynHBd0anGt3YBV6CzL7eVfaS4O9-7E-N/s1600/Kittens.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671221083980213346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIoAGnNO7qF-rjXuaN3bHEjyG7rs9AG7RU0Tzs8eY4xI3DqBNb5avcXtEflyD0DLUgTCmMO9bOsoDMcMHccIAO2ogtNYdlm8EWGFJk_KqzvWFynHBd0anGt3YBV6CzL7eVfaS4O9-7E-N/s320/Kittens.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 194px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 259px;" /></a><br />
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However this is a <a href="http://youtu.be/SH-8p7mjAss">song </a>about both of these things (TAKE NOTE: Everyone in this video is wearing PANTS.)<br />
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These are pants:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVxEePYeMPl6SsUn-j0TKIaac11OxzL_kiXaSU9Gr-FgTfU6GUtFaxW2BU7sVDwwpZsdJnUoio4fp3kEVl8uOyiUjjzEgV3KiK422dxxvTx7Nm1VsnAPPiCftufwcXT1LdA-Dz1UaK5UH/s1600/jeans.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671221556530642674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVxEePYeMPl6SsUn-j0TKIaac11OxzL_kiXaSU9Gr-FgTfU6GUtFaxW2BU7sVDwwpZsdJnUoio4fp3kEVl8uOyiUjjzEgV3KiK422dxxvTx7Nm1VsnAPPiCftufwcXT1LdA-Dz1UaK5UH/s320/jeans.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 286px;" /></a><br />
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These are not:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37zuRVgyoMWABcWTvfe5AoMU22uEuswygPs4HHAvNsJnSu7eRNjSY1krBtEcZFGFB3Hs5qirl0zhGu2s1GzrWgDSgigpitlbad1QFp_j1m-D_p5N_OeHNLRvszHzwCZj38IPo1E5k7Uq1/s1600/hose.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671222086308792498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37zuRVgyoMWABcWTvfe5AoMU22uEuswygPs4HHAvNsJnSu7eRNjSY1krBtEcZFGFB3Hs5qirl0zhGu2s1GzrWgDSgigpitlbad1QFp_j1m-D_p5N_OeHNLRvszHzwCZj38IPo1E5k7Uq1/s320/hose.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 196px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 168px;" /></a><br />
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These are pants:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiib8qLDF-HX6lP6uO2ZzZIl9YhcVeaUnZAd9y0kXqOb1wVkWtTf3y27sv9uFV7cDNVGlkf13xqNaxM1-Ls4vxLF9F6A8r1OfS750wFk3KWD66KwFiKXDf8ZD-iOGc6sqe3-7JyihunlGG3/s1600/cords.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671223869631380674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiib8qLDF-HX6lP6uO2ZzZIl9YhcVeaUnZAd9y0kXqOb1wVkWtTf3y27sv9uFV7cDNVGlkf13xqNaxM1-Ls4vxLF9F6A8r1OfS750wFk3KWD66KwFiKXDf8ZD-iOGc6sqe3-7JyihunlGG3/s320/cords.png" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 80px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 80px;" /></a><br />
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These are not:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TzglTbyCKjic70_ohnvDWZIWxYn-cTke2P2Cnm1EfGUb8qUdVdzCQuUatZd7-mwwQ4nAcZ2prmrhRlOoMjn_QRvX6dqDY3bsXFMynHpB_mdGd_OmczModiJ5qXq7RbykCObfCzGkVW5i/s1600/boyshorts.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671224300155557650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TzglTbyCKjic70_ohnvDWZIWxYn-cTke2P2Cnm1EfGUb8qUdVdzCQuUatZd7-mwwQ4nAcZ2prmrhRlOoMjn_QRvX6dqDY3bsXFMynHpB_mdGd_OmczModiJ5qXq7RbykCObfCzGkVW5i/s320/boyshorts.png" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 80px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 80px;" /></a><br />
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Are you starting to get it?<br />
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I know it can be confusing, but let's move on to some more advanced challenges.<br />
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Which of these ladies is wearing pants?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nA_awptGlKLpXDCaZ_CgskI9YPC2EQAGnwoJhre4UE9cBUkilSAzz0Z6gOT34akGL-uOQDopx4Aowy_umTqaUKoyq5Elf7i8NDz9cCQ04obCrQ5dle3VgGO4BrDLyQYrXFuYMW5k-_oA/s1600/goldie.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671225759893777426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nA_awptGlKLpXDCaZ_CgskI9YPC2EQAGnwoJhre4UE9cBUkilSAzz0Z6gOT34akGL-uOQDopx4Aowy_umTqaUKoyq5Elf7i8NDz9cCQ04obCrQ5dle3VgGO4BrDLyQYrXFuYMW5k-_oA/s320/goldie.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 189px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 267px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga97PIJhXGMsca2NylhlgfIJb2-SaMXQysM9kcp737KsAZypRUkExUew-_MHqfL7LQiqvU4K7DrJWYKhXfVeDYoE0QAiexbUfj9ZsKZjA1O_tWUQT7udE1qp1UcbOnJQIEtv_AuiwaFCks/s1600/lacey.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671226123208297570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga97PIJhXGMsca2NylhlgfIJb2-SaMXQysM9kcp737KsAZypRUkExUew-_MHqfL7LQiqvU4K7DrJWYKhXfVeDYoE0QAiexbUfj9ZsKZjA1O_tWUQT7udE1qp1UcbOnJQIEtv_AuiwaFCks/s320/lacey.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 224px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 224px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsq5ISVjZMNC3EFW6CiNEuRJKV1hKc6MNnAX5vsfv3enaxdt_ILPBcSQEgSg3xg0h3RkoFwguT_muGnv5cQNxgd4RuThRZ4RPvJQ4aIECM24ZX3ndDKyYZDjc9WQmq7hWYxIY0Yx-gaGei/s1600/cthru.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671225989950897234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsq5ISVjZMNC3EFW6CiNEuRJKV1hKc6MNnAX5vsfv3enaxdt_ILPBcSQEgSg3xg0h3RkoFwguT_muGnv5cQNxgd4RuThRZ4RPvJQ4aIECM24ZX3ndDKyYZDjc9WQmq7hWYxIY0Yx-gaGei/s200/cthru.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5fu2JbVlZjy-JTYIs7yhjlUHmDw4Qd3nPG3bRNpskK8PbLx61WxGA9Jk2JQIxT2WgvZ3QsSXZCsgT9vtC7g-zg5jDdm9gaxk8ZwKN1bkznp1dXQBuObT4nFV-WaaJ8Cg9_CKPfCraLVT/s1600/My+Officemate.bmp"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671226592280439698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5fu2JbVlZjy-JTYIs7yhjlUHmDw4Qd3nPG3bRNpskK8PbLx61WxGA9Jk2JQIxT2WgvZ3QsSXZCsgT9vtC7g-zg5jDdm9gaxk8ZwKN1bkznp1dXQBuObT4nFV-WaaJ8Cg9_CKPfCraLVT/s320/My+Officemate.bmp" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 240px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5FilXAdpArEzzN2WjyOi980UUJNq0f-oHiAy-JuCZIH6wYDL5y6KhPOdB2iSPmcg0uYlJtKA2SZlDmUeo4qVOQD6GbmFof5xLY2teMF_RDjJRICpf9Qf9Pba_2FSSFffWJ0kbkA95qEk/s1600/moony.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671226592603551250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5FilXAdpArEzzN2WjyOi980UUJNq0f-oHiAy-JuCZIH6wYDL5y6KhPOdB2iSPmcg0uYlJtKA2SZlDmUeo4qVOQD6GbmFof5xLY2teMF_RDjJRICpf9Qf9Pba_2FSSFffWJ0kbkA95qEk/s320/moony.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 169px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 115px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6O6xAu6Eehi68yIh6WeccSqOLCv7uSvV1E6-OgPE1ujwV3hSxJqSG5HAtV-tsuEkyMTeZwXsYG4w7gGJhoFi3weXrW90JkZCJXLP5fIC7i25DaLjEq7Gbljo-uTq7Z0jANkZrjShTXlI7/s1600/leggings.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671226590570892706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6O6xAu6Eehi68yIh6WeccSqOLCv7uSvV1E6-OgPE1ujwV3hSxJqSG5HAtV-tsuEkyMTeZwXsYG4w7gGJhoFi3weXrW90JkZCJXLP5fIC7i25DaLjEq7Gbljo-uTq7Z0jANkZrjShTXlI7/s320/leggings.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 210px;" /></a><br />
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Did you guess one? Well you shouldn't have. NONE of these are PANTS.<br />
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Print for reference.<br />
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The more you know, the less you show.<br />
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That is all.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10440033568044843331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439417916932449730.post-68572367781201488392011-10-20T09:03:00.001-07:002011-10-20T10:14:56.001-07:00Revisiting the Christmas Wish List<div>My friends are beginning to post their kids' funny and cute Christmas lists on Facebook and Twitter and it reminded me of the great pride and care I employed to craft the perfect Christmas list as a child. See Christmas was done REALLY. BIG. at my house. Birthdays were casual affairs with a couple of nice, moderately priced gifts...but Christmas? Well that was a different story. On Christmas morning there would be beautifully wrapped packages in every corner of the living room - too many for just under the tree. Each family member was assigned their own gift wrap pattern - a stroke of genius by my uber organized and "fair" mother.<br /><br />I was never disappointed - I received so many wonderful, thoughtful, and fun presents over the years I don't have even one Christmas memory that isn't joyful.<br /><br />This was partly due to the obvious generosity of Santa (my parents). And now that I'm an adult, I realize that is attributed to their very careful planning and saving.<br /><br />And partly due to the very calculated and inclusive lists I created, very soon after the last roasted pumpkin seeds from Halloween were eaten.<br /><br />The intent behind every list was to come off humble, yet be clear in your requests and also provide a variety of options for "Santa". For most items I would have an "A" (the one I wanted) paired with a "B" (a similar item at lower cost, or perhaps slightly different). This allowed Santa to select gifts based on budget and availability, it also drove home the amount of desire to have such items.<br /><br />I also think I liked doing this because it built in a layer of surprise and anticipation that I probably wouldn't have had if I had just said, I want a "Preemie Girl Cabbage Patch Kid". Instead that was "A", followed by "B" which was "ANY CABBAGE PATCH KID, preemie, white, black, boy or girl" since that was a very difficult item to attain Christmas 1983.<br /><br />Secondly, it was very effective to present great acts of obedience alongside the most highly coveted items. (An early lesson in presenting budgets and performance evaluations to determine project funds or raises.) For example: Made bed every day this year: Peaches 'N Cream Barbie.<br /><br />Finally - our lists were never limited. By doing this our parents taught us to understand the value of things, and also to understand that as children, we sometimes needed to pace some of our dreams and build towards those loftier presents. Wish for a trip to Europe? Get a globe and a book about France. Wish for your own ballet bar and mirror? Get new dance clothes and a Center Stage Barbie that spins on her own pedestal.<br /><br />I was so fortunate to have parents that truly sacrificed, scrimped, bargain shopped, and saved to give us these kind of Christmases. But even then...there are a handful of items I never got.<br /><br />I have come to understand the reasoning behind why some requests were never granted, Barbie Dream House? Too expensive (or so I thought...keep reading). Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine? Too messy. Easy Bake Oven? Sister had one, why get another.<br /><br />However as I flip through the pages of the Sears catalog, nostalgically dog-earring pages as I go, I realize that I can now buy myself these treasures that for whatever reason Santa didn't bring. Did they create some void of playtime fun I can now correct?<br /><br />Here's my list of all time wished for, but never received toys and gifts. I will purchase some of these items (marked *) to determine if they still deserve the wistful regret I still give them. In upcoming blogs I'll report on their enjoyment and nostalgic value. After they have served their purpose, I will be donating them to little ones in need.<br /><br />*<a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2668133&prodFindSrc=search">Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine </a>(How messy is it after all?)$17.99<br /><br /><a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11587154">Barbie Malibu Dream House</a> *REVELATION* My sister and I teamed up to ask for this one...and instead got the <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3558967">Barbie Townhouse</a> - which we thought was not as good, come to find out TODAY that the TOWNHOUSE is actually a lot more expensive. I guess that goofy elevator on a string was really more of a manufacturing feat than we gave it credit for - we <em>did </em>really enjoy that present. Today the Malibu Dream House is $129.00, the Townhouse a whopping $169.00! (Since I guess I already did get the better of the two of these...I think I'll skip buying myself the Dream House, and instead buy something for my own house.)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2647264">Power Wheels Pink Jeep</a>. Obviously, I no longer would fit in one of these, so I believe I'll skip this one too - and put that money into some repairs on the "grown-up" Jeep I already own. I think Mom & Dad had safety in mind as much as the high price tag. Goes for $299 these days.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3938878">Trampoline </a>- Another safety first denial (and cost + neighbor safety concerns.) That and I think my dad liked to keep the yard uncluttered to practice pitching golf balls. I live in a condo in a city and have no yard. I do still love jumping on a trampoline though.<br /><br />*<a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3402594">Easy Bake Oven</a> - classic light bulb style - which I hear is going to be discontinued - I guess it's not safe? Still, it keeps Mommy's oven clean - so I think I'll give this one a go. This classic model retails for $24.99, the "Ultimate" retails for $49.99. I can't tell the difference, and want the old school version. I will also of course be picking out some packets of flavorless dry cake mix and pasty frosting to use - wonder if they've improved that at all?<br /><br />*<a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11576967">Barbie Head</a> - I had a couple of these and asked for a new one every year. This was my parents lesson in taking care of things. I thought I was just perfecting doll haircuts. I would still enjoy an afternoon styling one of these. Although it doesn't come with makeup anymore, it's just all about the hair. Guess they figured that's what it was always about anyway. Now that makeup is not included, I'm disappointed. Of course that blue eyeshadow never went on all that great anyway. This retails for $34.99.<br /><br />Happy List-Making Everyone and here's to a road down nostalgia lane!<br /><br />mm</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10440033568044843331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439417916932449730.post-74655373326554148852011-08-25T14:30:00.001-07:002011-08-25T15:31:30.017-07:00Stuff I Miss - Or TigerMom Free SummersIt was my third request to the neighbors children and "manny" playing immediately outside of my door when I (in a very stern voice - one that sounded <em>exactly</em> like my mother's) opened the door and said, "Fellas, Mr.Taylor is trying to sleep, and I am trying to work. Please keep it down, I would really appreciate it."
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<br />A wave of nausea washed over me as I closed the door.
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<br />1) Who the fuck is Mr. Taylor?, and
<br />2) Fellas?
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<br />It is becoming more and more clear that the proximity to my youth is slipping further and further behind me. I couldn't imagine hanging around inside on a beautiful day when I was the age of those boys (4 and 9 or close to that). I spent every waking minute squirting my sunbathing sister with the hose, watching ants carry things, playing ghost in the graveyard, building blanket forts, swimming, playing badminton and challenging unsuspecting neighbors to games of old-fashioned, horrifically dangerous, lawn darts.
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<br />I realize things are different now. Kids (who for sure know more than we did, but who are perhaps not any smarter) participate in different kinds of activities all throughout the summer to stimulate their minds a la Tiger Mommy protocol. Back then, you had from dawn til dusk to entertain yourself however you liked. I also didn't live in a city, I grew up in a "town", but have doubts life would have been much different. There were still creepy guys in vans, but I knew not to talk to anyone in a van - unless it was the Bookmobile driver. Anyway I started thinking about all of the things I did when I was young - and how many of them aren't around anymore. From games that we played, to snacks we loved to clothes we wore. Here's my list of things that I just can't find anywhere...and for anyone who grew up with me, it's a way to remember these things and never forget them.
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<br />Old Fashioned Dangerous Lawn Darts.
<br />(Or, why you don't have to tell someone my age something twice. )
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvBhM4yZitQuVhfcl_wfMf7flsVVLs0QRIdFQtyRUVcf7h_jadLhzRV7Gk7GluFnDbQnOex61OEpA4hC-IEmyazkyxNoMFgOHdKPENvP8QUSlhcG-8b-KiPJO3YMxRYlnCZdQlAVjPIPP/s1600/Lawn+Darts.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 259px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 194px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644911715071328066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvBhM4yZitQuVhfcl_wfMf7flsVVLs0QRIdFQtyRUVcf7h_jadLhzRV7Gk7GluFnDbQnOex61OEpA4hC-IEmyazkyxNoMFgOHdKPENvP8QUSlhcG-8b-KiPJO3YMxRYlnCZdQlAVjPIPP/s320/Lawn+Darts.jpg" /></a>
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<br />Bookmobile
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<br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8TpAIXRA1VIFhJTCJKQwifTLatmzYkNzVnW3Kigj7-vmnYvUuDpTZQfayWdMbWsx7MCAdDXpLNWVcpeqWnFqyEG9I0jqduqaTTJmifgRrSwaw_T5GS5el0X0gt4KmiOcYDOZOnx3oUWt/s1600/Bookmobile.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 100px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644912542441086690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8TpAIXRA1VIFhJTCJKQwifTLatmzYkNzVnW3Kigj7-vmnYvUuDpTZQfayWdMbWsx7MCAdDXpLNWVcpeqWnFqyEG9I0jqduqaTTJmifgRrSwaw_T5GS5el0X0gt4KmiOcYDOZOnx3oUWt/s320/Bookmobile.bmp" /></a> </p>
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<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcNrLuaYP8o">Magic Middles Cookies
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<br />Wimzees
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUrulB9wmcneJKr-98kTEOufMpeVwzzOQ0zqI7laqeVWUbOq17-pLeWSScr6mg_BJ33fLT8Yx-RgrmLvAu9vKAdXnZKkQ3vIxfByJeW4ijl7HkCwijBj3KDP5vc8bE82jwFt6vlQePuqp/s1600/Wimzees.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 171px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644913202247609826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUrulB9wmcneJKr-98kTEOufMpeVwzzOQ0zqI7laqeVWUbOq17-pLeWSScr6mg_BJ33fLT8Yx-RgrmLvAu9vKAdXnZKkQ3vIxfByJeW4ijl7HkCwijBj3KDP5vc8bE82jwFt6vlQePuqp/s320/Wimzees.jpg" /></a>
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<br />The Smell of this (couldn't find a picture of the old elixir style bottle though):
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcpGN7fv1Dz9wO25W5hGFo7smnPDvvC-joeJlpWNcLJgMVPYxtziOpu4Mfwcab6J_PPcI8jEkKgO14St0TJPBsGC3-W56dfgXTct1XqiIw5ecLIB-fDp4CsesTa0bTp0O2RClBhOPpdq2p/s1600/Dark+Tanning+Oil.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 220px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 220px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644913862199214626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcpGN7fv1Dz9wO25W5hGFo7smnPDvvC-joeJlpWNcLJgMVPYxtziOpu4Mfwcab6J_PPcI8jEkKgO14St0TJPBsGC3-W56dfgXTct1XqiIw5ecLIB-fDp4CsesTa0bTp0O2RClBhOPpdq2p/s320/Dark+Tanning+Oil.jpg" /></a>
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<br />A favorite snack:
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNFU6dpoCNioS8n2UkXPaL7R2i69a8F8QLrOVtU2JIugi1S43A30Fe48MrPOIogS9XCsvvzDN4LB3xWjNDclF4d5ckL6I9aKRzIcKPLzKfrVTwT_wIbRc2cVQF2aibpBgvmiPNry7z9rM/s1600/Handi-Snack.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644914479527206274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNFU6dpoCNioS8n2UkXPaL7R2i69a8F8QLrOVtU2JIugi1S43A30Fe48MrPOIogS9XCsvvzDN4LB3xWjNDclF4d5ckL6I9aKRzIcKPLzKfrVTwT_wIbRc2cVQF2aibpBgvmiPNry7z9rM/s320/Handi-Snack.jpg" /></a>
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<br />And all of the fun in the sun that I had with this lady:
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVkpXvTTSKMjCY7OeNtWuqAKS9NbwxfLFKD6yVBB15knGEssR7gEJp6JDa50dPJCYpNaVgcrSAgAtWmu9M1dmMUfOGskf0DLfr5gdko6DpHw8seECvonYrPE3bY1Meli-NLoyI6m9Ynwd/s1600/Malibu+Barbie.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644915276778275922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVkpXvTTSKMjCY7OeNtWuqAKS9NbwxfLFKD6yVBB15knGEssR7gEJp6JDa50dPJCYpNaVgcrSAgAtWmu9M1dmMUfOGskf0DLfr5gdko6DpHw8seECvonYrPE3bY1Meli-NLoyI6m9Ynwd/s320/Malibu+Barbie.jpg" /></a>
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<br />-and no - that's not a painted on swimsuit...those are tan lines - which you could make even more obvious by placing Malibu Barbie under a lamp or leave her out in the yard while you go to the park, then the pool, then to the Bookmobile.
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<br />Somehow this kept me afloat in the deep end:
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5MmXhevFCC88MvE6oE9JylRApVUbP2eBhUVBdL4DRVqKuPeNJgwNBukElhzFYxT14RXX39mpZ9EzsJtGkjKi7BzD8UU9Z-xBLWGn6_PBTsdvRy-rsm1NnJLL7zYIxtVkHdzQTW7DOBjoO/s1600/Strap+float.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 115px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 115px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644916650353431986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5MmXhevFCC88MvE6oE9JylRApVUbP2eBhUVBdL4DRVqKuPeNJgwNBukElhzFYxT14RXX39mpZ9EzsJtGkjKi7BzD8UU9Z-xBLWGn6_PBTsdvRy-rsm1NnJLL7zYIxtVkHdzQTW7DOBjoO/s320/Strap+float.jpg" /></a>
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<br />At least long enough to yell for my Mom to "watch me! watch me! watch me!".
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<br />Now I just blog.
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<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10440033568044843331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439417916932449730.post-24241202890328867762011-08-02T11:11:00.001-07:002011-08-02T12:24:31.669-07:00Face the MirrorLook, it's not like I'm trying to say Jennifer Aniston isn't attractive, fit, or youthful looking, but lately I have become so annoyed at her style rut that I'm compelled to post about it.<br />First, I'll start with the positive!<br /><br /><ol><br /><li>She's holding up incredibly well. She certainly does not look 40+. Good for her. She's a natural beauty, doesn't seem to have had much work done, and maintains a really amazing figure. A+ there.<br /></li><br /><li>It's totally fine that's she's a perennial "single" girl. If we can accept this of George Clooney, we're being sexist if we label her an old maid. I say, hold your head up - and try dating a few "normals". (Your revolving door of B-List boyfriends stinks of Jennifer Love Hewitt.) Own your personal situation a little more - that could be incredibly advantageous for you. </li><br /><br /><li>Although I'm not a huge fan, I think that when JA is pushed and stretched her work is good and she really does seem pretty nice. And again, she's completely gorgeous, this is only about fashion and PR. </li></ol><br /><p>Okay - so about this rut. </p><br /><p>It's a 3-parter. </p><br /><p>Part 1 - The Hair. </p><br /><p>Here's a selection of images over the last 10 years. Sure, it looks nice - but...come on. It's boring. And it's always hanging in her face. At 42, the coy hiding behind my side swept bangs is a little depressing. Chin up, you're a woman. Try some blunt bangs, a darker tone, a little curl every now and then. Maybe wear it up at an event? Very glamorous and more sophisticated.<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLpo4U3-pm7nNUC2Egz9LekMIt-hVmuOTMBue7H29szQKVmnuuYZU5UvSH9jBVH3evD0x00u8QQCA-CqPPXSYI0o5MsLmVtYEM89FM92ucXs-7t9Xh4rDeRFocVT81TFt0SWHFIp7EBqf/s1600/JA+1.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 133px; HEIGHT: 100px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636325829470269826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLpo4U3-pm7nNUC2Egz9LekMIt-hVmuOTMBue7H29szQKVmnuuYZU5UvSH9jBVH3evD0x00u8QQCA-CqPPXSYI0o5MsLmVtYEM89FM92ucXs-7t9Xh4rDeRFocVT81TFt0SWHFIp7EBqf/s320/JA+1.bmp" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9z6zC3q53eo_STFE8WrhThMmXimy8hQUY9FWcTVXnGC6CbhNSjmhxWGWKVH2yEAu4gSpN9lJlpHRfw9W1nQCH_nz6MHvY9rijS9JU7L8splbq8H0si0fzfiBb5eATkj-J0a_AbNIwsNOI/s1600/JA+2.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 86px; HEIGHT: 116px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636325891790422306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9z6zC3q53eo_STFE8WrhThMmXimy8hQUY9FWcTVXnGC6CbhNSjmhxWGWKVH2yEAu4gSpN9lJlpHRfw9W1nQCH_nz6MHvY9rijS9JU7L8splbq8H0si0fzfiBb5eATkj-J0a_AbNIwsNOI/s320/JA+2.bmp" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRAYA_MzX3DRk-PZJzjQ6O6GY4hBstVXG8hcbd9mZDp4mCqN8VvVvUlkbKROwbIWkJ5fLXjHWO-3ko6_o1zpdgpTSInAf8nW6KJD1dOSBWTkagVW-F3HbJcqpE9hx1zY1OZVp1AigcTd3U/s1600/JA+3.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 100px; HEIGHT: 100px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636326079671223842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRAYA_MzX3DRk-PZJzjQ6O6GY4hBstVXG8hcbd9mZDp4mCqN8VvVvUlkbKROwbIWkJ5fLXjHWO-3ko6_o1zpdgpTSInAf8nW6KJD1dOSBWTkagVW-F3HbJcqpE9hx1zY1OZVp1AigcTd3U/s320/JA+3.bmp" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuKeyMkq31UvQ1GBggoAfNYGAa3NRzoDBVZ63QvB4XcEQYVcj2m9ruoY0tA7XbOgP9Bv1YIvX_HlMwuHpO_n2SR1cWSC77aKjgVU1QA0XBAvwmuq6knVP_PYMH04a-PBZ9uZZKrnSCILQp/s1600/JA+4.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 100px; HEIGHT: 100px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636326207851800802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuKeyMkq31UvQ1GBggoAfNYGAa3NRzoDBVZ63QvB4XcEQYVcj2m9ruoY0tA7XbOgP9Bv1YIvX_HlMwuHpO_n2SR1cWSC77aKjgVU1QA0XBAvwmuq6knVP_PYMH04a-PBZ9uZZKrnSCILQp/s320/JA+4.bmp" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBfx2RzrespeHQCYpmIGhNTwBhe2Pj7f52cYwF0YcT5UIkJRorvm_8s_hWV03WfInVRVJrSsycKXGK5hIpC600e0Swln5GpE7O9UtH2Fmzvv3uJNcMGZE9m_WdwZXa7M7czCAh6saj9gT/s1600/JA+5.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 78px; HEIGHT: 75px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636326356187149698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBfx2RzrespeHQCYpmIGhNTwBhe2Pj7f52cYwF0YcT5UIkJRorvm_8s_hWV03WfInVRVJrSsycKXGK5hIpC600e0Swln5GpE7O9UtH2Fmzvv3uJNcMGZE9m_WdwZXa7M7czCAh6saj9gT/s320/JA+5.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Part 2 - The bridesmaid sandals.<br /><br />Sure a strappy sandal can make an outfit...but so can a chunky platform, and there are other kinds of straps. These all look like Mootsies Tootsies. And that black pair? Dyeables, right? Your dresses are "bare" enough. Try at least covering your feet.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_0_VSHr43r-b4d8SeF-LUAYpIw4VkY99tikSe1HkNWtNBc6mRHCybFjY6-237CjiUImM1oN11QmXdVplR7tU8QEfMhaoQA3nTd91xqwUgQ9BDzRGthSHwByf8IyrtQp7bWDD8nxECxW-/s1600/JA+BM+1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 158px; HEIGHT: 319px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636331845885675922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_0_VSHr43r-b4d8SeF-LUAYpIw4VkY99tikSe1HkNWtNBc6mRHCybFjY6-237CjiUImM1oN11QmXdVplR7tU8QEfMhaoQA3nTd91xqwUgQ9BDzRGthSHwByf8IyrtQp7bWDD8nxECxW-/s320/JA+BM+1.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqSlXF1Z55YAmTWTSYvpSuaYZp1B6mKm0XR273zJ3D72_bSUfsROSm0fSN8H_OixVl9uBOcTS1ZiBV_TVzEFuaPvkbVgvYDkORHpaQGoUbvB_1psrbOVd8bxeP2SxAppRuC6vLd76UV-a/s1600/JA+BM+2.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 184px; HEIGHT: 273px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636332045963093234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqSlXF1Z55YAmTWTSYvpSuaYZp1B6mKm0XR273zJ3D72_bSUfsROSm0fSN8H_OixVl9uBOcTS1ZiBV_TVzEFuaPvkbVgvYDkORHpaQGoUbvB_1psrbOVd8bxeP2SxAppRuC6vLd76UV-a/s320/JA+BM+2.bmp" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWkOoCX6oZD_FmExGXmMYQSjl_UFzUgManaBmP5e6qASiOZcjnU9aAHCtWAncBwt-9nq5w4EjbWQxykRoaUQmctEhE9N60yaiO_s7vRC9rJ0S4-B7C2lGA5mGdVLKzwvjnzBgAJXS2IPy/s1600/JA+BM+4.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 214px; HEIGHT: 235px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636332223951616082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWkOoCX6oZD_FmExGXmMYQSjl_UFzUgManaBmP5e6qASiOZcjnU9aAHCtWAncBwt-9nq5w4EjbWQxykRoaUQmctEhE9N60yaiO_s7vRC9rJ0S4-B7C2lGA5mGdVLKzwvjnzBgAJXS2IPy/s320/JA+BM+4.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5613toRt7EcFeD12_5EJKqKdhSTVlyTrs25kkUVzN8ZyGGayN7mcNqSwaUD3Lzaf3wlj5z_0qNqK-fpNE2XCoKr9IXYyPlgC6n-arZn0QFpl4SHX-2yzCIsrLlmTsSAi_e5SCjIEm7uq/s1600/JA+BM+5.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 277px; HEIGHT: 182px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636332397934564162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5613toRt7EcFeD12_5EJKqKdhSTVlyTrs25kkUVzN8ZyGGayN7mcNqSwaUD3Lzaf3wlj5z_0qNqK-fpNE2XCoKr9IXYyPlgC6n-arZn0QFpl4SHX-2yzCIsrLlmTsSAi_e5SCjIEm7uq/s320/JA+BM+5.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-zlZ6iyYzfqGJjmAncd-oI9FoUfMZw4rV7-lZcESiJRw2dOziNqEjfVUp04z2c2y8YqptmAX1ItOe-CKdOPiyL3dNU2PkXhbm387C7u7Cxj-ENY2jTgbPZX_94PVb-DdtpRba77iiv6-/s1600/JA+BM+3.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 272px; HEIGHT: 185px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636332676998420530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-zlZ6iyYzfqGJjmAncd-oI9FoUfMZw4rV7-lZcESiJRw2dOziNqEjfVUp04z2c2y8YqptmAX1ItOe-CKdOPiyL3dNU2PkXhbm387C7u7Cxj-ENY2jTgbPZX_94PVb-DdtpRba77iiv6-/s320/JA+BM+3.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Part 3: The Nails<br /><br /><p>Sure - we all love a neutral and occasionally need to give our nails a break and rock a natural look... but mix it up occasionally - it's dated, and never red carpet appropriate.</p><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZShlFAbJB6qeRwUwGu8qt3wTt737-cLEv7Zhtq14E6u5w-06_bfB-v9golqP5gb4MlV6SzYZytMtAI7X5tHzgmzZ07a9iAs5V6MBIIFl2PKr0ModcPKaT_QYsf8fKTWvLlWFcjlXQ3wWp/s1600/JA+H1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 178px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636336487768358914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZShlFAbJB6qeRwUwGu8qt3wTt737-cLEv7Zhtq14E6u5w-06_bfB-v9golqP5gb4MlV6SzYZytMtAI7X5tHzgmzZ07a9iAs5V6MBIIFl2PKr0ModcPKaT_QYsf8fKTWvLlWFcjlXQ3wWp/s320/JA+H1.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8r1M8mU-zXzTOhQaL2kwUeMNOevSNlS-tCTuK9ptD5X7u4pisOIdfWdxBHjA4EeFsy3zc1P5GW_pPo3V2H6PedkzUylJO6oXYsCA-TVxgoApq2lq_du6gxsC847l8_3D1nV3Va-2Bj8Ea/s1600/JA+H2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 115px; HEIGHT: 169px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636336727243564930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8r1M8mU-zXzTOhQaL2kwUeMNOevSNlS-tCTuK9ptD5X7u4pisOIdfWdxBHjA4EeFsy3zc1P5GW_pPo3V2H6PedkzUylJO6oXYsCA-TVxgoApq2lq_du6gxsC847l8_3D1nV3Va-2Bj8Ea/s320/JA+H2.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrMhrxb-30DugKMEBAFa-t_FSN8JWpIs7kS3pJ39UlXsEXMjMQhxN5c3d7Wl6p1aaEU9cR09Chavs_oKkNdOt3RIHuj7PHEmOSRovOYl2Oi09E4UhYBJdUqFd9vXmxFhGtu3LRfn5hjFG1/s1600/JA+H3.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 225px; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636336936413146290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrMhrxb-30DugKMEBAFa-t_FSN8JWpIs7kS3pJ39UlXsEXMjMQhxN5c3d7Wl6p1aaEU9cR09Chavs_oKkNdOt3RIHuj7PHEmOSRovOYl2Oi09E4UhYBJdUqFd9vXmxFhGtu3LRfn5hjFG1/s320/JA+H3.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWrpm-4QwfN3ogxI41eZ0wpgD-zgO86j5ZZ1MrJUy57WDWoXt3D27UU8B7_LmIV6-PdiO53b8Own3SU7kQVaRqAXNLEGoq1Q9AHDDtlg-WpImH4_7odCIsfKBXVOLwRjBMXp03govZJBL/s1600/JA+H4.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 213px; HEIGHT: 237px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636337135522798482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWrpm-4QwfN3ogxI41eZ0wpgD-zgO86j5ZZ1MrJUy57WDWoXt3D27UU8B7_LmIV6-PdiO53b8Own3SU7kQVaRqAXNLEGoq1Q9AHDDtlg-WpImH4_7odCIsfKBXVOLwRjBMXp03govZJBL/s320/JA+H4.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FzfVRsXBtCe4K_MmBYXtHy441E92g3lRs-dA6JSEOj4hgVFqsPG4UXNiL8LFGcJhQzbx07F1Wj-0RzWAZ8I9RenwmciszMDAKm6na1eYrX5V7bVDlFTZfhT85n963fxPNn1a5hLzsVnw/s1600/JAH5.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636337451534056322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FzfVRsXBtCe4K_MmBYXtHy441E92g3lRs-dA6JSEOj4hgVFqsPG4UXNiL8LFGcJhQzbx07F1Wj-0RzWAZ8I9RenwmciszMDAKm6na1eYrX5V7bVDlFTZfhT85n963fxPNn1a5hLzsVnw/s320/JAH5.jpg" /></a><br />There's such a difference between "signature look" and "rut". The finesse is how you punch it up for the red carpet, special occasions, and incorporate new trends and fresh colors. Just a few things we should all watch out for...</p><br /><p>But - it has to be said, if this is the worst a rut can be...it's not so bad! </p><br /><p>What are your "I will not stop wearing _________" pieces? </p><br /><p>Mine are white tank tops, skinny jeans, platform shoes, and simple gold jewelry.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p><br /><p><br /><br /><br /></p>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10440033568044843331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439417916932449730.post-34408579327369488162011-07-12T11:13:00.001-07:002011-07-12T11:20:24.941-07:00Hello Darlin' My Personal Campaign to Get Joshua Jackson to Play John RossHere is the evidence:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTheqkSBTEZT-nlfphfuJfFNjEfvlGOhLQ376ZMdZdwm2swAhzpIGIAsOmDQpcEi6Px5AyxPZH8x36liQhHyoI8KRhD7j1og_TlHroGOcYqzf8tZQRirc0zO0Pc7pwTc4LY8FYUVfBWAj/s1600/Larry+Hagman.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 99px; HEIGHT: 99px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628530757575299058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTheqkSBTEZT-nlfphfuJfFNjEfvlGOhLQ376ZMdZdwm2swAhzpIGIAsOmDQpcEi6Px5AyxPZH8x36liQhHyoI8KRhD7j1og_TlHroGOcYqzf8tZQRirc0zO0Pc7pwTc4LY8FYUVfBWAj/s320/Larry+Hagman.jpg" /></a> A young Larry Hagman as J.R. Ewing.<br /><br /><strong>Fast Forward to the "New Dallas"</strong><br /><br />Joshua Jackson as "John Ross". Do you see the resemblance??? Can JJ pull off the irresistible swagger and arrogance of a true Ewing? YES! Forget Fringe! Dallas needs Joshua more.<br /><br /><p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouRe0nViytqraD1c70c8F8OffOmg2aDIcjD6hKYCtDylqW_Bwgg87wbL0s49-WGNPDwCepozM2YByL-lQOZpj5qWfXWA5GUoe2tOmmfu50SCHGv2lQZRoTTlt5i4HJJdZLa37jpj_whEt/s1600/Joshua+Jackson.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 214px; HEIGHT: 314px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628531494286413282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouRe0nViytqraD1c70c8F8OffOmg2aDIcjD6hKYCtDylqW_Bwgg87wbL0s49-WGNPDwCepozM2YByL-lQOZpj5qWfXWA5GUoe2tOmmfu50SCHGv2lQZRoTTlt5i4HJJdZLa37jpj_whEt/s320/Joshua+Jackson.jpg" /></a> </p><br /><p>That is all.<br /></p>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10440033568044843331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439417916932449730.post-39117310969259098822011-05-12T11:56:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:30:17.362-07:0010 Things I Miss About the South<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW17MvjNRIi4AJBc9V9Bzf0xG-xuDlPTG8P_plTVGR_J6KyR1I3vDpwiw2Mab6LM9LrA-bxwWUpWJ9qny1QLZNLRTMRXtu1ExB5pOvLe9LygaH_Rvg3M-4Scoy9a3i-mI4wsILoCXZsqPk/s1600/sweet-tea.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 160px; HEIGHT: 141px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605910779958197842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW17MvjNRIi4AJBc9V9Bzf0xG-xuDlPTG8P_plTVGR_J6KyR1I3vDpwiw2Mab6LM9LrA-bxwWUpWJ9qny1QLZNLRTMRXtu1ExB5pOvLe9LygaH_Rvg3M-4Scoy9a3i-mI4wsILoCXZsqPk/s320/sweet-tea.jpg" /></a><br /><br />It's a hot one today in Chicago and I had a hankering for a cold, crisp glass of iced tea. That ended in failure:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0E2sn2YJV31g4vrkhH7rpTUfy3n2uADOUwZkFMP3_UzTNCr_7PQ1dloWQ5UsQHBzEmL7e2YABbjr3OMTu381Fe8g-U10Zfjs2gqdSaxakfo4pyWFP8QiF206NhwwUahOgy6cnQpNYkdwx/s1600/Shattered+to+a+Tea.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605913744542308082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0E2sn2YJV31g4vrkhH7rpTUfy3n2uADOUwZkFMP3_UzTNCr_7PQ1dloWQ5UsQHBzEmL7e2YABbjr3OMTu381Fe8g-U10Zfjs2gqdSaxakfo4pyWFP8QiF206NhwwUahOgy6cnQpNYkdwx/s320/Shattered+to+a+Tea.bmp" /></a><br />But, it got me thinking about how my mama always has a pitcher of sweet iced tea in the fridge (and a stand by steeping on the counter) , in addition to "whatever kinda Cokes y'all want" and lemonade. And so, it got me missing home a little bit. Here's 10 reasons why.<br /><br />10) Talking in lines and general camaraderie. Hey, how are you?<br /><br />9) People asking "round about my family". They're fine. Daddy's back's been acting up - but he still shot a 72 at the club on Toosdee. Mama's good, has a new recipe for blueberry lemon squares. Sissy is still good, her garden looks better than the Biltmore's.<br /><br />8) Upon entry to any southern home being invited to "fixyuhaplate" from a constantly tended buffet of southern delicacies such as calabash shrimp, corn muffins and cheese straws (my favorite kind is from <a href="https://www.southernseason.com/shopping.asp?gkc=8IGSSB&gclid=COnIzseU46gCFZQbKgodaWLUDQ">A Southern Season</a>).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7S4CcTNkxzikWd57aC87Xi92UoTdYZHdfFRePDwkSpAlRtGWyZhBZ9BLwdAVDMkdAkFN1LFdbFd92Y-ZZGkHT2fuiGm1NGVvuDqQL3wUCFFgwL1uhNogjNHpon0OssjMQDaKZW-mH3qyV/s1600/Buffet.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 82px; HEIGHT: 78px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605911179846343634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7S4CcTNkxzikWd57aC87Xi92UoTdYZHdfFRePDwkSpAlRtGWyZhBZ9BLwdAVDMkdAkFN1LFdbFd92Y-ZZGkHT2fuiGm1NGVvuDqQL3wUCFFgwL1uhNogjNHpon0OssjMQDaKZW-mH3qyV/s320/Buffet.bmp" /></a><br /><br />7) Lilly Pulitzer capri pants and obnoxiously cheery and bright textiles to cover you, your family, your dog, your baby, your couch and your porch swing.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ffRx-YmFBNS7EnYh6YLaw2xnzG0l5SM4DZZKpU3ZNrgp-wM85fr7wSUdKY6YH7_QuCeMqAz8tGjfjj0NHUmIWF6elj9pJDzJm2yH5lVLYqaX3rDc_-u4vgOu5qXWYSMM0vuQo0hhEV8B/s1600/Lilly+P.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 190px; HEIGHT: 221px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605911555549558674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ffRx-YmFBNS7EnYh6YLaw2xnzG0l5SM4DZZKpU3ZNrgp-wM85fr7wSUdKY6YH7_QuCeMqAz8tGjfjj0NHUmIWF6elj9pJDzJm2yH5lVLYqaX3rDc_-u4vgOu5qXWYSMM0vuQo0hhEV8B/s320/Lilly+P.jpg" /></a><br /><br />6) Enjoying the front porch and waving at neighbors from afar. (Because they live "over there" not upstairs.)<br /><br />5) Complaining about the heat (not the snow/smog).<br /><br />4) Acting interested and charmed when handsome fellas called Chip and Trey start debating about SEC vs. ACC football tailgates.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVU5vq5scjMC-UGOWC8LZi-34WDHSsbYFTJ1Zjg4WfkuFEVEWg1oJ3c0VJzuR5KK-_94L450Z6OZ1bR0ckBm6T1abU57MiGgo6jR3zzveTZ1qhR6BeQR7yxnL21w9DIUDLJkpbaVZvVy0/s1600/The+Grove.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 125px; HEIGHT: 94px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605911816545016722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVU5vq5scjMC-UGOWC8LZi-34WDHSsbYFTJ1Zjg4WfkuFEVEWg1oJ3c0VJzuR5KK-_94L450Z6OZ1bR0ckBm6T1abU57MiGgo6jR3zzveTZ1qhR6BeQR7yxnL21w9DIUDLJkpbaVZvVy0/s320/The+Grove.bmp" /></a> The Grove at Ole Miss is my favorite.<br /><br />3) Wearing a sweater to the grocery store cause the Harry Peter's frozen foods aisle will freeze your daggone arms off. (Apparently in Charleston it's also a great place to pick up if you're not properly took jus' yet: <a href="http://www.charlestoncitypaper.com/charleston/best-frozen-food-aisle-to-stroll-for-sex-appeal/BestOf?oid=3170159&show=comments">read</a>.)<br /><br />2) Sitting on towels in your leather interiored convertible so you don't blister the backs of your legs.<br /><br />1) All y'all other southerners.<br /><br />Y'all take care now. Tell your mama hi for me.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10440033568044843331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439417916932449730.post-27840936575409711502011-05-11T07:46:00.000-07:002011-05-11T08:14:07.147-07:00Bullying Beyond the Playground<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdpAC1jmCLcoS4WXdLwtM6eRr5ISO0acPS5YeKQb-DmQ7sGzqe-FT6Xmm5EMejgfCUgYUG9E0hAAx9kIjPZMRjKZJkQEvXNG3f0IGTDh57MGNLEy_sJqfDUI5nmL4QrPALF-5y5pQbQPm8/s1600/Simpson+Bullies.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 204px; HEIGHT: 167px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605475703207044338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdpAC1jmCLcoS4WXdLwtM6eRr5ISO0acPS5YeKQb-DmQ7sGzqe-FT6Xmm5EMejgfCUgYUG9E0hAAx9kIjPZMRjKZJkQEvXNG3f0IGTDh57MGNLEy_sJqfDUI5nmL4QrPALF-5y5pQbQPm8/s320/Simpson+Bullies.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0quRTBc16nhW2QRoWZA7Fv9dgy3y_h5nkCXAEU8cHHh7g2U2OoXtusn1-AgYGTpdjlIfz4lp-rRjAXkkHa1K0DG6YzT5F5OgX36c4j4MT8X2hFNXgIu1KcKZ_qZD_Pl9URVOt5e1R7Bn/s1600/Bullies.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 78px; HEIGHT: 78px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605475604819028418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0quRTBc16nhW2QRoWZA7Fv9dgy3y_h5nkCXAEU8cHHh7g2U2OoXtusn1-AgYGTpdjlIfz4lp-rRjAXkkHa1K0DG6YzT5F5OgX36c4j4MT8X2hFNXgIu1KcKZ_qZD_Pl9URVOt5e1R7Bn/s320/Bullies.bmp" /></a><br /><br />You know that kid in elementary school that everyone picked on? The one with a weird habit of pulling on their nose or twirling their hair? The one that answered too many questions from the teacher and didn't play kickball all that well?<br /><br />You know how you sort of giggled about that person and called them names and didn't want to have to sit with them at lunch or be on a team with them?<br /><br />Well, that person was me. Sixth Grade. Still, one of the worst years of my life. I forgave my tormentors years ago (they were just kids after all), but I've never been able to forgive myself. And I still see traces of that insecure and scared little girl whenever I encounter today's version of bullies (at work, at concerts, wherever).<br /><br />I wonder what I could have done to protect myself - what I could have worn, said, or stopped doing to make those kids stop targeting me. I wonder how I could get that co-worker to stop giving me a hard time - or that fellow cast mate. The truth, I guess, is, you can stand up for yourself - but I think you have to know a little more about your bully.<br /><br />Bullies are insecure people after all - with their own problems and fears. Is the answer to ask them what's really wrong? To reach out and help them? How long could/should you simply ignore a bully (especially if they are really threatening or abusive)?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxZUtBgVzcua5ii9Sa7F_3-PfqgRU0AD83No2oveAfblp5jztDfV2WteB7WquOS7i9IAEnQ8SMcyeqUDVD6MlxFp2GZs8b_el42RJZTxVVAD6OoX2u0KrOKC4r_XS-4cz-tibgx0HgZqY/s1600/McGruff.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 274px; HEIGHT: 184px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605476007971284834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxZUtBgVzcua5ii9Sa7F_3-PfqgRU0AD83No2oveAfblp5jztDfV2WteB7WquOS7i9IAEnQ8SMcyeqUDVD6MlxFp2GZs8b_el42RJZTxVVAD6OoX2u0KrOKC4r_XS-4cz-tibgx0HgZqY/s320/McGruff.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Get an Adult? But what if you your bully is an adult, and you're an adult?<br /><br />The problem with bullying is you never do grow out of it - bullies are more than a part of growing up - sometimes they are grown ups. The roles may reverse (with bullies getting picked on later or "wimps" growing into bullies over time), but in any case - it's not all schoolyard scuff-ups. Bullies lurk around every cubicle, parking lot and grocery aisle. Cyber bullying is a whole new way for jerks to get a platform - and a whole new way for others to be mistreated or targeted.<br /><br />In any case - I will try to stand up for myself more - but more importantly, try NOT to bully anyone myself. It's one of those things that is hardest to recognize in yourself...but an easy thing to fix. Just stop.<br /><br />mmMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10440033568044843331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439417916932449730.post-37670841920921195802011-05-10T11:26:00.000-07:002011-05-10T11:36:19.983-07:00My Failed Year as a Guitar PlayerI took guitar lessons for more than a year. I can now play 2 songs: Southern Cross and Jane Says. The latter I already knew how to play before the year of lessons. At the height of my guitar playing career I could play around 4 songs. <br /><br />I cried when I quit (I don't like to quit anything.) But I was never practicing, and it never came easy to me. How could someone who wanted something so bad not want to do everything it took to get where they wanted to be? Laziness. And a dislike of fingertip callouses. And a lack of accountability (had I been a group either my competitive nature or my fear of being behind would have kicked in and I would have practiced at least enough to be mediocre.)<br /><br />I've been considering revisiting lessons...the guitar sits on a stand at the foot on my bed staring at me, reminding me of my failure, mocking my shortcomings as a musician. <br /><br />It frustrates me that music does not come naturally to me at all - I can't read sheet music, can't stay on pitch when I sing, can't hear the difference between scales, can't sustain a note for very long. But I love music, and I really am moved by it, I just wish it was easier to participate in it. <br /><br />I am going to revisit the guitar...and to start I'm going to take it to be restrung (I may not play it, but I can at least respect the instrument, right?) <br /><br />I'll let you know what happens after that...<br /><br />mmMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10440033568044843331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439417916932449730.post-91181135159043260822011-05-06T07:49:00.000-07:002011-05-06T07:59:03.342-07:00I've Put the Pressure OnSo I decided it would be fun to host a "day at the beach" for my theater company...which raises lots of issues, the one most at the forefront of my mind - is the fact that I have elected to wear swimwear in front of these people. <br /><br />Now, a theater company (especialy this one www.whatispH.com) is very nearly your family. They are some of your best friends in the world, and they typically hold unconditional love and affection for you. However, I am usually fully clothed. On this day, I won't be, and hope to feel just as confident as I do in jeans and a tee shirt. <br /><br />I have maintained a weight loss (40 lbs) for over a year now...but hit a wall on getting a few areas in check. I needed something to push me harder. And what could be more inspiring than a public reveal of oneself in a bikini? <br /><br />So for the second summer of my life since I was maybe 14, I am not starting the season freaked out about how awful I look, square one not being too gross...but I would like to actually look <em>good </em>in a swimsuit this year, not just keep people from going "ew". <br /><br />So over the next several weeks - follow along with me if you like - I've stepped up the work out game adding some sessions from P90X (only the ones where the girls in the sessions don't look like men), and upping my cardio and decreasing my calories. <br /><br />Here's to a summer of losing the cover ups and feeling confident! <br /><br />mmMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10440033568044843331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439417916932449730.post-30930777333087079032011-05-05T14:11:00.000-07:002011-05-05T14:22:41.605-07:00Current Obsession: The Blow's "Hey Boy"So as I prowl around Pandora and other people's Facebook pages for ideas of new (to me) music (always looking - I guess I get bored fast) I occasionally bump into something I really like and can't stop listening to...until I can't stand it anymore. <br /><br />Not sure why I'm so completely all or nothing about music, but when I really like a song or a band or a style, I tend to obsess and delve into it so deeply, I almost get mad about other songs trying to sneak space in my subconscious. I also listen only to what I really like, what turns me on so to speak, so I'm either way ahead of the curve or more often, horrifically, pathetically behind it. <br /><br />Lately, it's this song, Hey Boy, an unassuming cut off a rather otherwise unremarkable album...however I can't stop listening to it. I work out to it. I ride the train to it. I walk around listening to it. I throw it on when I'm in the shower and in a hurry cause I know exactly how long it is (2:46). <br /><br />If you're a glutton for punishment (it's catchy friends) check it out, it's on Poor Aim: Love Songs (Bonus Track). http://www.myspace.com/theblowusMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10440033568044843331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439417916932449730.post-12046883956640900392011-05-05T07:21:00.000-07:002011-05-05T07:40:39.710-07:00Quiz Answers: Derby Horse or Indie Rock Band?Quiz Answers:<br /><br />Is this a Derby Horse <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALaf2h_riU_OOjjd4tOsxU224DzOVWCePRPaEkKfZZbevJ3tuGb9ayaxCt24dmAMFhLOl42M8sH3Fu-cVAj895J-55ys2igODXj8Hlum4wGo_taY6dNhxUPtAKqbsTZYAxjzs4qG66xc0/s1600/commatothetop.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 104px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALaf2h_riU_OOjjd4tOsxU224DzOVWCePRPaEkKfZZbevJ3tuGb9ayaxCt24dmAMFhLOl42M8sH3Fu-cVAj895J-55ys2igODXj8Hlum4wGo_taY6dNhxUPtAKqbsTZYAxjzs4qG66xc0/s320/commatothetop.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603239504812185970" /></a><br /><br />or a Band? <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRh3iLR_zd-NQ96q3FrIjsXYr_QMa0yiBHBURu8I7CROkYk9tOcYnReGlGLuGRvQ7uoLHOjs6liZecPQyIdL0x01qD6YNKVi3RL4uuJzNAKAJkcy5cs7GT67qBan0GcmcklcLbMV9pgaKX/s1600/An+Horse.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 75px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRh3iLR_zd-NQ96q3FrIjsXYr_QMa0yiBHBURu8I7CROkYk9tOcYnReGlGLuGRvQ7uoLHOjs6liZecPQyIdL0x01qD6YNKVi3RL4uuJzNAKAJkcy5cs7GT67qBan0GcmcklcLbMV9pgaKX/s320/An+Horse.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603240286262084962" /></a><br /><br />An Horse - Band (with poor grammar)<br />Morning Runner (Band)<br />Pants on Fire (Derby Horse)<br />Tennis (Band)<br />Dialled In (Derby Horse)<br />Moe (Band)<br />Uncle Mo (Derby Horse)<br />Archarcharch (Derby Horse) <br />Electrelane (Band) <br />Comma to the Top (Derby Horse)<br />Fences (Band) <br />Twinspired (Derby Horse)<br />The Blow (Band)<br />Derby Kitten (Derby Horse)<br />Santiva (Derby Horse) <br /><br />Get your juleps on! My family's recipe:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubABpg0gHs35K_-tmGd2sEajjuOl0I5BXIja-fNnicetrOFhEfeDgKuDYd91g-iiXlj2k32y7gNI_Rsrxrx1A19WpGKiV7iHHREQfY8BSZZtLuAXykzczVXC4S7Mv5d0gA0XKz-D4V8Fl/s1600/Julep.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 140px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubABpg0gHs35K_-tmGd2sEajjuOl0I5BXIja-fNnicetrOFhEfeDgKuDYd91g-iiXlj2k32y7gNI_Rsrxrx1A19WpGKiV7iHHREQfY8BSZZtLuAXykzczVXC4S7Mv5d0gA0XKz-D4V8Fl/s320/Julep.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603241620199770498" /></a><br /><br />Take one ice cold julep cup and fill with 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp water and 1 tbsp mint. Muddle until you get a nice paste. Fill glass with crushed ice. Chuck that in the grass somewhere in the infield and fill cup with Bourbon. Drink.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10440033568044843331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439417916932449730.post-19963974260627199272011-05-04T15:11:00.000-07:002011-05-04T15:16:18.625-07:00Derby Horse or Indie Rock Band?A Quiz:<br /><br />Is this a Derby Horse or a Band? <br /><br />An Horse <br />Morning Runner<br />Pants on Fire<br />Tennis<br />Dialled In<br />Moe<br />Uncle Mo<br />Archarcharch<br />Electrelane<br />Comma to the Top<br />Fences<br />Twinspired<br />The Blow<br />Derby Kitten<br />Santiva<br /><br />Just thought this year's runners sounded like a pretty cool festival lineup. <br /><br />That is all.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10440033568044843331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439417916932449730.post-32769597359619240412011-03-30T08:21:00.000-07:002011-03-30T08:28:31.427-07:00Reading, Writing, & ArithmaticBooks have taken over my home. Solution: Kendall. Which has taken over my bank account. The ability to purchase a book in one click is genius - and dangerous. <br /><br />I've recently joined my first book club, which is composed of actual published writers, an educator, a communication specialist, a media attorney...and me. (One of these things is NOT like the other things - and I'm finding my role as court jester fun and fitting.) <br /><br />The Writing part of this post is this post. And my need to get back to it. I'm afraid to revisit the book I started last summer - fearing it was all just crap and not worth anyone's time including my own. Hoping I might surprise myself when I finally am brave enough to click the file open and reread. <br /><br />Arithmatic - Tax season, need I say more? And expense reports. And theater company grant proposals and plans. Oddly, this is the part of my life that has been most exciting. I guess number crunching isn't so bad when it's to make dreams come true. Even though it's true "math is hard" and I'd "rather go to the mall." But the mall is online now, so at least I save on gas. <br /><br />Short post. But hey look, I did it!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10440033568044843331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439417916932449730.post-36197030099670884762011-01-21T09:15:00.001-08:002011-01-21T10:27:16.689-08:00We're Listening.An evolution seems to be underway in my personal Twitterverse - which is composed of the 190 tweeps I have carefully selected to follow (and includes the peeps they follow and RT). It is changing from a ego-centric platform leveraged to "brand" oneself to this warm, kind, gentle, self-depricating, accountable, and conscientious world - that not only pushes messages, but also receives them. This makes me wonder, is this what listening is in 2011?<br /><br />I am honestly a more aware, informed, and human person for having logged on today and reading (or "listening" to) the tweets of my "tweeps". This community is one in which I feel priviledged to be a part of (as it is "invitation only" in regards to mutual acceptance), and one in which leaders and followers co-exist in the old-fashioned and appropriate "best people rise to the top" manner.<br /><br />However, I also control this universe. If I feel someone's tweets have become too self serving or perhaps have moved too far in the self-righteous direction, or are just mean-spiritied or unfunny, then I simply "unfollow" (stop listening) them. But all in all - it seems to be popular these days to be sending out messages that help, inspire, and oddly, bring us together in a more human way. Of course, hilarious pithy comments are enjoyed by all - but I am really digging that Twitter provides that and a little something more.<br /><br />Facebook, although it seems to only be evolving as fast as actual people can, still helps us to listen better. Particularly to ourselves.<br /><br />Facebook is the mirror reflecting the number and quality of your friends, a personal history of your hair metamorphises, a public account of your triumphs and failures, and a diary to record it all and remind us that we are all too human - and none of it really seems to matter without someone else to hear about it. It's a reflection also of the world we can't control. I mean, Facebook is made up of the people you actually <em>do</em> know. The ones that you chat with in the copy room, perform with on stage, wake up with in the same house, pass gravy to at the Thanksgiving table. These are the people that, like it or not, you can't "unfollow" (or stop listening to), without some unsavory consequences anyway. <br /><br />But like a rudimentary tin can telephone, reception is only possible when both ends of the string are pulled tight, and an ear is open to hearing. And with more talking - albeit in the form of tweets, status updates, blogs, pings, texts....there is more listening. And that's always a good thing.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10440033568044843331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439417916932449730.post-60958267202259196352010-12-07T10:53:00.000-08:002010-12-07T11:09:23.614-08:00Snowball SeasonIt started with a commercial I saw for $26/sq. ft granite.<br /><br />Seems harmless enough, a great improvement at a great price. So we went for it, <em>finally</em> replacing our out of date <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">counter tops</span> with custom granite. Of course that also meant a new double sink and then why not also upgrade the faucet while we have a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">plumber</span> at our disposal? Well now the cabinet pulls look really outdated. Why not replace all 29 of those guys? But look, now the doorknobs don't match. And hey - did you ever notice how much more light we'd get if we just finally went to a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">flat screen</span>? But where do we put all of the DVDs and remotes and stuff that are in the gigantic entertainment center we don't want in our house but don't want to get rid of? Not in the current storage unit, it's too small and so we need to get a bigger one to hold more stuff. Now what do we have to put the new <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">TV</span> on? Nothing? So we need something smaller and shorter. Great found it, but it doesn't solve our storage problem. Hey did you notice this coffee table? It would look really great with that new <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">TV</span> stand. And look, two smaller media cabinets that can go on each side of the fireplace. Ah, the room looks great - except did you happen to notice that now the windows are more prominent these blinds have to go? And the sills need to be painted. But the same color as the kickers on the foyer steps. And did you notice that the carpet on the landing in there is dirty again? No - because I was looking at the flooring in the hallway on the way there - it's really time to upgrade. And the baseboards need to be replaced. Look at this door jam, it's coming apart from being slammed. Mostly because you were being cheap and wouldn't let me look at granite slabs so I slammed the door when I was drying my hair.<br /><br />Which needs a trim...Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10440033568044843331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439417916932449730.post-59026877435360621972010-11-12T08:29:00.000-08:002010-11-12T12:48:41.098-08:00Tick, tick, tick.I realize it's been a while, but hopefully, like old friends we can pick up where we left off - which was sometime back in late summer with me apologizing for being less available and hoping to get back to writing.<br /><br />I have been writing, but in a more private way and more importantly, I've been reading, traveling, taking in shows, teaching improv, performing, writing songs for a show I've had simmering for a while, and thinking about where I am, where I want to be, and where to keep pushing and where to just accept my lot (I am having great difficulty in this area, as I am profoundly confounded when having to quit things - I get hives, nausea and insomnia when faced with quitting anything.) I see it only as failure - never as freedom the way others can.<br /><br />I recently heard the song Love the One You're With and became very nearly angry with the defeatist message of the lyrics...if you can't be with the one you love...throw in the towel and pretend? My, what a lot of actors we all are? Oscars all around!<br /><br />What a sad and unsatisfying way to approach life - especially in a song. Reality may require it, but in a song? Fucking fight for whatever you want. In personal terms I apply the song not necessarily (well not at the moment) to my most significant relationship with another person, but rather to the one I have with myself.<br /><br />I wish I had the guts to fight this way in reality - but I certainly would put up a fight in my artistic endeavors - the one place where the world can become your oyster. Where the ending can twist. New relationships forged. Out of reach achievements awarded, and the self you'd hope to become is the self that is on display. I'd never celebrate the disappointments in my life with a song - especially one with such a preachy tone - as if it's helpful to anyone.<br /><br />Lately I've been dealing with the fact that in getting older, you lose that range of potential that was once bestowed on a person simply because of time, which is fading fast and furious. There are major life altering decisions and sacrifices to make and time is the evil reason for forcing it all to climax. It means evaluating everything in life. Everyday choices. And it's exhausting. And frustrating. But tick, tick, tick goes the clock and more time passes and nothing really changes and you have to decide - or at least decide to try, and then it just gets you back to a place where you lose sight of why you're in it to begin with and simply have a goal and all the romance fades because there is no more just "being" it's all time, and responsibility, and opportunity, and keeping up with the Joneses and the tick, tick, tick only gets louder and louder.<br /><br />But then, it's 10:47 and you have a project that's due, a proposal to overnight, a dishwasher to empty and the mundaneness begins to seep in, which leads to madness. Am I doomed to be disappointed because I always thought I'd be a certain way (dare I say it...special?) - or will that eventually drive me to where I've dreampt? God help me that I feel something along the lines of the latter because this is suffocating. And manifests itself uncandidly as bitterness, which I am happy to quit.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10440033568044843331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439417916932449730.post-15378434860221606242010-08-20T10:36:00.001-07:002010-08-20T10:42:35.908-07:00End of Summer To DosTry to find the time to:<br /><br />...see friends you haven't in a while<br />...take that vacation<br />...try that new restaurant<br />...have the doctor check out that mole/lump/rash<br />...watch an army of ants carry a beetle back to their anthill (Do they just call it a hill? Or home?)<br />...swim in a natural body of water before the summer is over<br />...eat a meal outside<br />...tell someone something personal about yourself<br />...return to something you love and haven't been able to do in a while (LIKE BLOGGING!)<br />...read<br /><br />Will try harder to make time to write blog-readers.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10440033568044843331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439417916932449730.post-24264819915524600942010-05-18T09:59:00.000-07:002010-05-18T10:10:07.456-07:00New Obsession: Polyvore.comOkay - so I am a clothes horse, as noted in many earlier blogs...but I may have found a solution for how to decrease the amount of shopping I do, but increase my exposure to clothes...www.polyvore.com.<br /><br />This is a site I read about in an issue of New York magazine and thought I would check it out. Oh, goodness!<br /><br />I was immediately hooked.<br /><br />I have already teased you with how much I like the site in my last blog - but I just felt I could really dedicate an entire entry just to this site.<br /><br />I really enjoy putting outfits together for different events. It's a fun and challenging exercise. Sometimes I'll come across a pair of shoes, earrings or a bag on the site or in a magazine, and I can build an entire outfit around that. Sometimes I have actual events in my own life (video shoots, working from home, dinner with friends, show openings/closings, date night) that I'd like to come up with different outfits and accessorize for. This site saves me from standing in my closet in my underwear for an hours wondering where to start. It also helps me to see what other "basics" would be great for me to have on hand to build a variety of outfits.<br /><br />Additionally, there is an entire community and thousands of sets to look at for ideas. Really, you can create anything!<br /><br />The best part about the site is that it's not just tweens. The woman in the New Yorker article is a professional woman who just happens to like clothes. Of course there is a huge Twilight following here - but that is kind of everywhere, now isn't it?<br /><br />Here's the link to my sets...if you like clothes, check out the site!<br /><br /><CENTER><IFRAME style="DISPLAY: block" height=120 src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/browse.sets?.mid=embed-car-1544037&_out=embed&display=car&displayOptions=%7B%22withBy%22%3A0%7D&size=s&uid=1544037" frameBorder=no width=594 scrolling=no></IFRAME><SMALL><A href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?.mid=embed-find-1544037&id=1544037" target=_blank>Find me on Polyvore</A></SMALL></CENTER>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10440033568044843331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439417916932449730.post-57016143904071445862010-05-12T02:49:00.000-07:002010-05-12T03:44:55.692-07:00News! And Stuff...Two things - First, sorry I haven't been writing much here lately. I've been busy opening a new sketch comedy show at Second City (it's called Breast in Show, runs Saturdays at 10:30, and tickets are $15.00), spending a lot of time with my "pHamily" of pH Productions, and working hard for my clients.<br /><br />Also - I have started my second book. (The first you might remember is a children's book - which is still in editing, illustration, and proposal mode.)<br /><br />The new book is a novel about a Kallen, a woman in her 30's who is facing what all of us do as we age: Sagging, regret, success, and understanding.<br /><br />The impetus for the book is an approaching birthday - one that will say I'm officially "in" my 30's and I am not at all looking forward to it.<br /><br />Kallen is going to take care of any remaining regrets, wishes, insecurities and other adventures that I may never get to do, or even ever pursue. (Dating a younger man for instance - I'm happily married.)<br /><br />She is, of course, skinnier, smarter, and more self-sufficient than me, and will hopefully help to take me to a brave new place in my own life. She is already finding her own voice and I am quickly falling in love with her and hoping publishers and potential readers will too.<br /><br />Here is a tiny sneak peak:<br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">“Kallen, we can swing this on our own. Can you imagine finally seeing the entire billable invoice in our own names?” he said. </span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;"><br />“David, there’s a lot of stuff that we have to…” I interjected.<br /><br />“Stop worrying. Hey pull over here. I’m downstairs.”<br /><br />“Who are you talking to? You’re here?” I asked.<br /><br />“Cab driver. Your message sounded so urgent I just told the cabby to drive me right over to your place. You don’t have any cats do you? I’m allergic.”<br /><br />Why would he think I have cats? He thinks I’m old. He thinks I’m gross. I’m like his mentor. Which sounds really close to <em>mother</em>. Oh God. I am a first class idiot. Pathetic.<br /><br />Wait. I don’t have a cat. Halleluia!<br /><br />“No cat. I hate cats. Aloof bastards. Just me. Give me 5 minutes and I’ll come down. We’ll go across the street and grab a drink” I directed.<br /><br />“What, I still can’t see the lair?” he asked.<br /><br />Please don’t let that be a cougar reference.<br /><br />“Hot women never let me upstairs during the day time” he whined.<br /><br />“Oh, I’m sure some would.” I consoled.<br /><br />Shit! Was that bold or cougary?<br /><br />“Okay. I’ll grab us a seat. Five minutes. I’ll get you a Dirty.”<br /><br />“Extra Dirty” I corrected.<br /><br />He knows my drink! Well, sort of. I should probably order Rum and Diet Cokes after that one though. I won’t even be able to get earrings on tomorrow after all of that sodium.<br /><br />I jam by finger on the End Call button and run to the bathroom. Oh dear gawd. One look in the mirror reminded me of just what that ten year age gap looks like.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Secondly, I have been spending a ton of time here...www.polyvore.com. It's basically paper dolls for grown women but much cooler. You can add anything you want to your "sets" including music and backgrounds. I have even created a few outfits for Kallen there.</span><br />Click here to see my collections. It's addicting!<br /><DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><IFRAME style="DISPLAY: block" height=336 src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/browse.sets?.mid=embed-gridv-1544037&_out=embed&display=gridv&displayOptions=%7B%22withBy%22%3A0%7D&size=s&uid=1544037" frameBorder=no width=112 scrolling=no></IFRAME><A style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; POSITION: relative; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; TOP: -29px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; LEFT: 44px" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?.mid=embed-find-1544037&id=1544037" target=_blank><IMG style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="Find me on Polyvore" alt="Find me on Polyvore" src="http://cdn.polyvore.com/rsrc/img/logo_embed_alt.png" width=63 height=24></A></DIV><br /><br /><p>Drop me a line and let me know what you think of the preview...and if you get hooked on Polyvore too, share your sets with me! </p><p>Thanks for reading - I really, really appreciate it, you're lovely.<br /></p><br />Michelle<br /></span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10440033568044843331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439417916932449730.post-64702032765518955262010-04-07T09:48:00.000-07:002010-04-07T10:19:42.826-07:00Announcement: Twitter Your Life! Get More Connected.Whoever said that technology would be the demise of human connections clearly doesn't have a Twitter account. You <em>can</em> find deeper understanding and strengthen human ties by embracing the multitude of electronic platforms by which to reach out, reach out and touch someone.<br /><br />Yesterday I was checking Twitter when I learned of Diablo Cody's pregnancy, Jim Carrey and Jenny McCarthy's breakup, and Mo Collins' recent heartache. Now, I don't "know" these people, but I see that they are just human, like me. I somehow feel like I'm more a part of the universe simply, because I learned about these things that they obviously wanted to share - from them - not Billy Bush or TMZ.<br /><br />Making me feel even more connected, I saw that I had received some new comments on a very personal blog I wrote a couple of weeks ago. Posted yesterday was a very profound and touching comment from a cousin I don't think I've ever really spent more than several hours with over the course of both of our lives.<br /><br />I was completley humbled and grateful for her honesty and courage to share her story. I see that we have so much in common - and feel closer to her than I ever thought possible.<br /><br />A simple blog has brought us closer together, and forged a relationship based on common interestes and feelings - some of them that we'd probably never bring up around a Thanksgiving table.<br /><br />There is a whole world of people that share their lives (everything from burning their morning toast to relationship woes and medical struggles). In some cases - I wonder why (even for myself) anyone would choose to "air their dirty laundry"?<br /><br />But I always find myself thinking - maybe there are others that feel the same way I do? Maybe there isn't another person brave enough to say what isn't being said? Maybe I could help?<br /><br />Here's the thing - in most cases - it's not even <em>really</em> dirty laundry. It's just <u>life</u>. And "social" media is all about connecting and sharing. All you have to do is put your story out there - and you'll soon find out (sometimes in the most surprising places, like in your very own family) that there are other people with wonderful advice and wisdom to impart.<br /><br />Go ahead and share. It's good for your heart, your mind, your well-being.<br /><br />mmMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10440033568044843331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439417916932449730.post-77469844303821274732010-03-31T08:59:00.001-07:002010-03-31T14:15:53.097-07:00This is the Crap You Need.So last week I told you what crap you don't need...this is the crap you do:<br /><br />1) TiVo or DVR. You are an active, popular, important person with things to do right? Your busy life shouldn't keep you from seeing all of your favorite shows. Maybe you aren't busy, maybe you spend plenty of time at home, but you opted to watch Twilight (again) and will catch up on 30 Rock over the weekend.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2lhHZImYs6sBLCM7MdN-UH0AwQ3_TxK5G2AWPG52sRjuRpYmnxd8tpvYmUoPm1pj9MfFY_kCDwbOqB6o0RkloAcrY7-T9rxrvYA48LloiyJTrgofY2-OSH6cu4GnmhfHFGrB2aqLugK2D/s1600/TIVO.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 291px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454831716342471778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2lhHZImYs6sBLCM7MdN-UH0AwQ3_TxK5G2AWPG52sRjuRpYmnxd8tpvYmUoPm1pj9MfFY_kCDwbOqB6o0RkloAcrY7-T9rxrvYA48LloiyJTrgofY2-OSH6cu4GnmhfHFGrB2aqLugK2D/s320/TIVO.jpg" /></a><br /><br />2) A <a href="http://www.pandora.com/">Pandora </a>account. Create the radio channels you like and vote thumbs up or down as songs play. It's free - with short ads running about every 5 songs or so, or for a reasonable fee, Pandora One, which is ad free and has a few additional perks. There are other options than Pandora, but I think it does the best job of feeling out my mood and playing just the right songs.<br /><br />3) Some polarizing figure to admire. Mine is Chris McCandless (AKA Alexander Supertramp). Yes, he may be seen by some as a suicidal idiot full of nonsense and self-importance - or <em>maybe</em> he just wanted to say fuck it all, I'm going outside. I read Into the Wild more than a decade ago, but didn't see the movie until recently and it rekindled my sort of romance with Chris - his courage and bravado to reject the materialistic comforts afforded to him startled me and I admired it then, as I do today. Plus, someone else's failures and successes remind you you're only human, without the carpet burn.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGHG4tMnNdv9yIwXd0ZfLZhZsdcYXpHpqkbRn03H4WrEppQFpkYsHsdH7xaOeWVcoCTpyh5XHD-2HlIEI8RI8ACYcrkAv8YNK_CqLlmh9iCAWXoSAh02vjHZAJHfr25CYo0tX4vZdVOmA/s1600/McCandless.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 152px; HEIGHT: 107px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454856928331128626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGHG4tMnNdv9yIwXd0ZfLZhZsdcYXpHpqkbRn03H4WrEppQFpkYsHsdH7xaOeWVcoCTpyh5XHD-2HlIEI8RI8ACYcrkAv8YNK_CqLlmh9iCAWXoSAh02vjHZAJHfr25CYo0tX4vZdVOmA/s320/McCandless.bmp" /></a><br /><br /><p>4) Two sounding boards: A wacky creative artist for business dilemmas and a stuffy<span style="color:#ffff00;"> </span>business type for creative problems. The creative artist is not aware of traditional "solutions" and therefore automatically offers unique and out of the box ideas and opinions. Same is true of the stuffed suit - they will apply business logic and statistics to your creative problem and help you to see through the clutter to the bare bones and hopefully, the heart of the piece. In both scenarios, you will be trying something different and avoiding making the same choices over and over. </p>5) A signature cocktail. Face it, it's just kind of cool. Plus it helps people to know what to have on hand when you're coming over. I like Presecco (Italian sparkling wine) and sometimes Frambois Lambic (Belgian raspberry beer that is also sparkling).<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgea9p9iswT9bjjFUEXH9eBT1nQA6yOh1Dyox5rfc7EhSBwGDxqoOr6T71YlVKvjxpsywvgtfG4_cXwruenP9CV3Ifb-1IRcvFzx3xXnDLeHoedg5k702hhJQP79znS4Uc6bMcdLGJlTik8/s1600/prosecco.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 90px; HEIGHT: 90px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454869116815480434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgea9p9iswT9bjjFUEXH9eBT1nQA6yOh1Dyox5rfc7EhSBwGDxqoOr6T71YlVKvjxpsywvgtfG4_cXwruenP9CV3Ifb-1IRcvFzx3xXnDLeHoedg5k702hhJQP79znS4Uc6bMcdLGJlTik8/s320/prosecco.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyGaWU2S4hIVaCc_Whme2ijIP6-VqDXmbYd_BPygizBR8XSR2Y3E3Jho31-8QhP_cp9Ttq9aTQx-QFTeWLUEvSKE3iKBHZbgcpIBr78c3VUGD610J3gCEvsfAcfWf-jbXGib9CZVR1yZOv/s1600/lambic.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 72px; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454869819346588434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyGaWU2S4hIVaCc_Whme2ijIP6-VqDXmbYd_BPygizBR8XSR2Y3E3Jho31-8QhP_cp9Ttq9aTQx-QFTeWLUEvSKE3iKBHZbgcpIBr78c3VUGD610J3gCEvsfAcfWf-jbXGib9CZVR1yZOv/s320/lambic.jpg" /></a><br /><br />6) Some piece of clothing that makes any outfit special - and instantly says any ensemble you're wearing is your own. I have a blue pashmina I wear year round and it instantly dresses up anything I'm wearing, keeps me warm, keeps food off my clothes, provides an odor guard on public transportation, and goes with everything.<br /><br /><p>7) Some cool party trick or entertaining flair. Mine is an endless capacity to connect celebrities a la Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon, and making a kick-ass ice cream bomb dessert - which I always unmold in front of an audience.<br />Patty Duke to Kevin Bacon:<br />1. Patty Duke was in The Miracle Worker with Anne Bancroft<br />2. Anne Bancroft was in Keeping the Faith with Edward Norton.<br />3. Edward Norton was in Fight Club with Brad Pitt.<br />4. Brad Pitt was in Sleepers with *Kevin Bacon<br />or Patty Duke to Kevin Bacon:<br />1. Patty Duke was in The Miracle Worker with Anne Bancroft<br />2. Anne Bancroft was in The Graduate with Dustin Hoffman<br />3. Dustin Hoffman and Kevin Bacon were both in Sleepers.<br />or Patty Duke to Kevin Bacon:<br />1. Patty Duke was in Prelude to a Kiss with Alec Baldwin<br />2. Alec Baldwin was in She's Having a Baby with Kevin Bacon.<br />As for the ice cream bomb, you'll just have to hope for an invite. </p>8) Some awful work disaster that happened in the past by which to compare every other work disaster. "This is no worse than X...and I survived that" or "this isn't nearly as bad as X, I should just move forward". Or this is way worse than X, what did I do then that might help me now?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVFDh_kvsiPpVLkzyCs60rQjaGl6r5PAkeTwHVTZu_bJ5FGekBfmp2822lUM4A0Iq2lP_M2lwQshjXpA1adSeoUb6QsMNdkY0mi2180NrGJ0h_dY31N7NCBu3Ec-RKgIjudQnIW0Y904i/s1600/bridge+doesn%27t+connect.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 126px; HEIGHT: 94px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454899836978365314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVFDh_kvsiPpVLkzyCs60rQjaGl6r5PAkeTwHVTZu_bJ5FGekBfmp2822lUM4A0Iq2lP_M2lwQshjXpA1adSeoUb6QsMNdkY0mi2180NrGJ0h_dY31N7NCBu3Ec-RKgIjudQnIW0Y904i/s320/bridge+doesn%27t+connect.bmp" /></a><br /><br />9) A sense of humor. And forgiveness for yourself when you think something is really funny, but it is only funny to you.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbGIp3MkWZYoEXLsUTXSXg0IaK7kuwMaNUzj_tMV8edzC96H9d7YsrEuzdCjE4LCNnTR8W23lfqQq35dCFozyivmGjmh_yt6bFUUbPvrC7YQHTkgFqXFEp16yWby-WRfTizGO97kDeXqPc/s1600/Not+even+close.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 317px; HEIGHT: 255px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454903862377488210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbGIp3MkWZYoEXLsUTXSXg0IaK7kuwMaNUzj_tMV8edzC96H9d7YsrEuzdCjE4LCNnTR8W23lfqQq35dCFozyivmGjmh_yt6bFUUbPvrC7YQHTkgFqXFEp16yWby-WRfTizGO97kDeXqPc/s320/Not+even+close.jpg" /></a><br /><br />10) A good pair of earbuds/headphones to drown out everyone else. You're your own best company.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10440033568044843331noreply@blogger.com2