YAY!!

The cast of Sex and the City will be on Oprah this Thursday, May 1!!!

Set your DVR!

Talk to me.....

So I think this question may have been brought up by other bloggers, but I just have to ask…..


Do you feel awkward when you go to get a massage or facial?


Last Tuesday I went to get a facial and I have to say, even though I love getting a massage and love how I feel afterwards; during the massage it is a different story.

First, you are put in a rather vulnerable position. You are laying half naked under blankets, in a small candle lit room, with music playing and a complete stranger massaging you. Yep, awkward!

I try not to think about it too much and relax but I have the type of mind that it is hard to turn off, and when I am someplace quiet or I am uncomfortable I think more. These are some things that ran through my head. Seriously, I just can’t stop thinking.

- Did she wash her hands first.
- What is she doing back there and what is she mixing together.
- This would make for a good scary movie, I wouldn’t have any idea she was about to kill me or poison me with some toxic lotion b/c she is behind me.
- I can’t breathe with this steam on my face. Why is it so hard to breathe in hot steamy air.
- I wonder if she ever pays to have someone give her a massage.
- Why do we pay for this stuff anyways, seems kind of weird to pay to have a stranger massage you.
- Wonder if she ever gets someone dirty or that she doesn’t want to massage.
- There is a piece of hair stuck in my mud mask. Oh it is so annoying. I want to touch it and move it so bad. Oh lady, please move it. Can I ask her to move it.
- Why is she massaging my collar bone/ chest area. Did I pay for this. Is that considered part of the facial area.
- This lotion burns a bit – she DID poison me.
- Don’t giggle.
- That picture is not straight. I need to straighten that before I leave.
- I hope she doesn’t sneeze.
- I need to blog this.
-I wonder what she is thinking.
- Good thing she doesn’t have bad breathe – ick.
- I hope we get a booth at PF Changs.

This is just a small bit of things going through my head. I wish I could just go and relax. Maybe I need to do some kind of yoga/meditation and learn to turn my thought off.


Anyone else have this problem, how do you relax?

Set the DVR

So this weekend we unexpectedly found a fantastic new reality TV show!

Parking Wars

It takes place in Philadelphia and it follows the Philadelphia Parking Authorities (PPA) as they give out tickets, boot cars, and work in the ticket offices. This show is AWESOME!

Some people are cool and fun but many are complete assholes! I am sure parking is harder in big cities and can be frustrating for those living there, but these people get SO upset and angry with the PPA people! The PPA are so cool and some even talk back. I mean, if you are in a no parking zone it is YOUR fault you got that ticket, not theirs! And the excuses people try to come up with are priceless!!! I also like the people who say, I was only in there for 3 seconds. Really, 3 seconds. You got out of your car and were in the store for only 3 SECONDS?!?! Yeah, ok.

The show is on A&E, check your local listings. You can also go to the website and play a parking game! It is kinda like frogger meets a driving game, hehe!

Well I was the (Self-Proclaimed) 3-time Harry Buffalo Fruit Diving Champion at 19!

So meet Alia Sabur (here), at the age of 19 she is the World’s youngest professor.

She started talking and reading when she was just 8 months old. She had elementary school finished at age 5.

She made the jump to college at age 10. And by age 14, Sabur was earning a bachelor’s of science degree in applied mathematics summa cum laude from Stony Brook University — the youngest female in U.S. history to do so.

Her education continued at Drexel University, where she earned an M.S. and a Ph.D. in materials science and engineering.

She was hired to become a professor at Konkuk University in Seoul, Korea and will also focus on research into developing nanotubes for use as cellular probes that could help aid in cures for diseases.

On top of her unprecedented academic achievements, Sabur has a black belt in the Korean martial art of tae kwon do and is also a music prodigy. She has been playing clarinet with orchestras since her solo debut at age 11, playing with recording artists Lang Lang and Smash Mouth.

.......

I don’t know about you, but I think this is pretty darn amazing. You do wonder with someone who is this gifted and their whole life has been tied up in academics have they really experienced childhood?! But it sounds like she wants to put her knowledge to use to help people, and that is very admirable.

P.S. Yes, that post title is true!

I Will Take Package C

So today is picture day at work.

(insert overly exaggerated eye roll here)

Why do they even need a picture of me?!?! I like to maintain a level of anonymity, don't want pictures of me floating all over the world wide web so that the entire world can see me! (That is what my myspace account is for!)

I just do not like getting my picture taken for stuff like this. I really thought the torture of being stuck with an awkwardly formal picture for everyone to see ended in High School, but apparently not. Of course I can laugh at my school pictures now, there were some pretty crazy hairstyles and outfits (what was I thinking) but at the time those pictures could have done major damage to a person. You get a bad class picture and here comes the teasing for an entire year!

So now that we are adults I would hope the fear of getting a picture like this would change. I am not so awkward in my body anymore, I know how to smile so I don't look like a complete dork, I know how to wear make up and my hair and how to dress for my body, I have confidence...so with all those things I should be fine with getting my picture taken, yes?! But I am not. I still have that fear of, what if it turns out horrible! What if I blinked, or my one eye is half shut, or maybe my hair was sticking out on the side, or my facial expression looks like I just smelled rotten milk, and what if I am stuck with a horrible picture that will go out on the Internet for people to see. EEK!

Could you call this vanity? Well of course, I don't want a bad picture of me out there even if the only people who see it are the people I work with, who would?!?! UGH

(This sucks, If you need me I will be under my desk in the fetal position until this picture is taken.)


Update: Pictures were cancelled!! YAY! People must feel the same way I do about getting their pictures taken.

A Very Lovely Birthday

It is no secret to those who know me that I love birthdays – LOVE THEM!

Some may say, “well you are only 28, what till you get older and tell me what you think”. As of 4-22-08 I don’t believe that. (See why below) I just L.O.V.E. my birthday and, for that matter, I totally love other people’s birthdays!

So here are some highlights from my birthday weekend!

* My parents came in to town! (thank you for EVERYTHING mom & dad)
* We went to Nagoya Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Restaurant over the weekend and had an overall good dinner, sans our rice! (blog to come)
* 2 Yummy Flirtinis at the restaurant…could have had a few more of these!
* I got the following DVD’s: Sweeny Todd, Across the Universe, Little Shop of Horrors, Must Love Dogs, and Psych Season 1 – AWESOME!
* I got Carnival Games for our Wii (my arms are sore from this game!)

*K. and I played Wii for hours and unlocked all of the Cooking Mama recipes...Bring on Cooking Mama 2!
* I got a fabulous 8 qt Rachael Ray pasta pot with orange handles! LOVE IT! I also got my first, true glass pie pan, and a 3 piece non-stick skillet set! Who knows me?!

*I hung out with my family and some friends.
* I will be getting the John Barrowman’s book once it comes out. (K. you rock)
* T. got me a spa package! (total surprise to me!)
* I got My Chemical Romance Black Parade album on Vinyl
* I got a Red Velvet Cake, a DQ Ice Cream cake AND a combined Red Velvet & Ice Cream Cake! Yes, I shared with others!
* I had a Wonderful surprise lunch Monday at work. Thanks again for your fantastic sneaky surprise M., A., S., & MD.

*Had some time just for myself.
* I took Tuesday off work! Enough said.
* I got a fantastic facial (blog to come)
* T., my sister and I went to PF Changs and had a very delicious dinner.

*T. and I rented some movies and just chilled.

And most importantly,
* I had many wonderfully kind and flattering birthday wishes from my friends and family! Thank you all!

I realize that I am blessed with a great family, an Awesome Husband, and fantastic friends and I do not for one second take that for granted. The list above is not to gloat but to say thank you b/c people put so much thought into the last few days and I am truly appreciative of them and in awe of their kindness & generosity.

The thing about birthdays is that they not only make me happy but they are also a time for reflection….sure you are one year older, maybe you are not exactly where you thought you would be by that age, maybe things didn’t go exactly how you wanted that year, maybe even bad things happened, but the thing is you HAD a birthday. You are at the start of another year to live your life to its fullest with the people in your life you love the most. You have a new year to make the most of the time you DO have. You shouldn’t be sad about this because if anything your birthday should be a reminder to just live. Sure the presents are nice, and if you can spoil yourself that is a bonus, but ultimately (for me) a birthday is the time to reflect on your previous year and a reminder to just live and take whatever the new year has in store for you…b/c that is life and that is just fantastic. Yes, I can be overly optimistic (with a dash of realism) but I get one shot to live my life to its fullest, love the best I can, and be the person who I (and hopefully others) can be proud of. To me, a birthday is a reminder of the most important "gifts" in my life I have and a time to celebrate with those dearest to my heart.

Yep, that is why I love birthdays! Oh, ok…and the presents are nice too! ;)

Because It Is Friday And It Has To Do With Chocolate

What Your Taste in Chocolate Says About You

You are sweet, mellow, and easily satisfied. You don't like anything too intense and dramatic. Deep down, you're a kid at heart... and you're nostalgic for the past. You are energetic and quick to act. You are open minded, and you easily adopt new social causes. While your heart is in the right place, you often can't follow through with your dreams. You love being around people. Friendships are important to you. You feel lost when you're by yourself... so you tend to avoid being alone.

The Chocolate Oracle

I can see some of this, but not the alone part. I actually LOVE to be alone!

An Evening At Home Depot

(This is a lengthy post. But it is necessary for me to warn others.)

So last night T & I headed to the Home Depot. But what started as a pleasant, spur-of-the-moment shopping trip turned in to a 2 hour annoying trip. (This is why I am not spontaneous.)

Yes T & I were at the store for 2 hours and the only reason it wasn’t longer was because the store closed.

In retrospect I will admit I made a few mistakes.
(Consider this a warning. Please don’t let this happen to you!)

Mistake 1 - This wasn’t a planned trip. We had a coupon and wanted to kill some time and thought, hey – lets go to Home Depot. No lists, no thought, no planning - not a good idea.

Mistake 2 - We didn’t have a list of what we needed. I wanted to get two things but I made the mistake of not asking T. what he needed before we left. I asked if he needed stuff from Home Depot and he said, “yeah, I have a few things I would like to get.” Typically I would say “What exactly.” But I was being carefree and spontaneous so I went with it. Another bad idea.

Mistake 3 – I let him push the cart. When I shop and don’t have a game plan (which is hardly never) I like to go down all the aisles to make sure I am not forgetting anything or to see if something will be a trigger to something I would like to get. When T. pushes the cart it is pure randomness at its finest. “Let’s go to aisle 4, no I need something in kitchen, oh lets go to lighting, where are cables, do you think we should get a generator?” P.S. Taking the cart away is not an option at this point. It is like giving a kid some candy and taking it away after one bite.

Mistake 4 - I mentioned I had some coupons. I had something where if you spend a certain amount you get a percentage off and no payments no interest for a period of time. Which Terry considers as a challenge to not only meet but also exceed that minimum amount. Even if it is one $3.50 light switch at a time.

Mistake 5 - I left him alone. Yep, I left my husband alone. In Home Depot. Do I need to say more. I think not.

Mistake 6 – We both went on an empty stomach which led to crankiness, discomfort, and the inability to make decisions. At one point we stood in the ceiling fan aisle for 15 minutes just looking at the options. I think 10 of those minutes we didn’t say a single word to each other, we just stared at the fans. What were we waiting for? I don’t know, maybe a new one to appear while we were there.

We left with many useful things for our home. But I also left with a message permanently ingrained in my head. Never, I mean NEVER be spontaneous when it involves my husband and home improvement stores.


K, your blog about having beer/alcohol at Home Depot…..It should actually be served to the wives/girlfriends (maybe along with some cheese & chocolate) AT the store as they enter so to relax them a bit so they can deal with their significant others craziness.

Not Bad At All

Today at lunch I tried for the first time Wendy's Southwest Chicken Caesar Salad. It is being offered for a limited-time during April and May. (Apparently this is the first time it has been available since 2003.)

"The salad features seasoned diced chicken, corn and black beans, and grape tomatoes on a bed of crisp Romaine lettuce - garnished with shredded natural Parmesan cheese and garlic croutons. A special Southwest Caesar dressing complements the salad and gives it a zesty kick."

It was good! I love black beans (or beans in general) on my salad and of course I like things with a bit of spice to them. If you don't like things with spice to them, then this salad isn't for you. Even the chicken has some zesty seasoning on it. I also don't like that much dressing on my salad so if you would add the whole thing then I imagine it will be spicier!

Side Note: If you eat this salad make sure you have some minty gum or curiously strong mints for after. You WILL need them!

Back in Black

So as you may (or may not) recall the decorative shutters on our condo went missing some time in February. Click here for the blog post. Oh, the worry we have endured the past two months over this.

But last week T & I noticed they were back and now painted black. Before the shutters were a cute blue, or maybe it was mauve, could it have been green…or perhaps tan?!?! Honestly I have no idea but apparently our condo board thought it was top priority that our shutters specifically were painted - STAT. It was such a priority that they stole them off our house with out us knowing leaving no note or evidence (except for the big empty space where they use to reside on our house) and then in secret painted them and then returned them on the sly a couple months later.

Yep, that seems about right. The only possible conclusion T&I can come up with is that they did this specifically for us b/c we are just that awesome and should get special VIP treatment in our development (which obviously means new painted shutters).

In the end, I am glad they are back on our house, safe and sound and now we know there isn’t some crazy shutter thief out there stealing random people’s shutters. I can sleep safe now.

What Would Jesus Do….

Well I am pretty sure he wouldn’t cut me off in his Jesus van!

This weekend I totally got cut off while I was driving, by a van that had a bunch of religious bumper stickers on it. Some included “Are You Saved?, “Jesus Saves”, and “Jesus Hates Sin.”….to name a few.

Now it is no secret that I can’t stand a-hole drivers. Not being patient, not using your turn signal, acting like you are the only person on the road, driving carelessly or doing other things while driving…are all just a few things that people do that annoy me while driving. But you would think a vehicle making an effort to obviously spread some of their religious thoughts (through the use of bumper stickers of course) would be a little more aware of their surroundings and be a nice courteous driver.

Apparently the rules are different for them. (Do as I say, not as I do.)

Maybe A New Tradition?!?!

So I am doing something I have never done before....I am taking my Birthday off work!

This is new to me. Ever since I graduated college I have had a job where I have had to work on my birthday b/c I have had events to plan at work that always took place very near my birthday. I have never been too upset about having to work on my birthday....because I just can't be upset on my birthday!

So I decided to take the day off, though it does feel a bit weird, and next Tuesday I will be treating myself to a nice, relaxing day. I am thinking I am going to sleep in, then have lunch with my husband, go get a facial (YAY), and then that night my husband and I will go to dinner...maybe a little PF Changs! Sounds like a pretty darn good day to me! I think I just want a day off from work more than anything, and what better excuse than your birthday!

I know there are people who do this every year and then there are people who just don't care either way. Which one are you? Any traditions you have on your Birthday?

Only For the Cause

So one day in the near future I will be the owner of a pair of orange crocs.

*sigh*

Now before croc enthusiasts unite against me during this post I will say that though I am not a fan of the crocs I think to each there own. I own some things such as clothes and shoes that others may cringe at the site of. So i don't judge, much.

So why did I cave to the crocs? Well this morning I got a text from my dad asking if I liked crocs, to which I replied - NO. But then he said that these are special crocs and that part of the sale will go to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for research. UGH...he got me with the MS research card, rats! The MS society is something close to my families heart and therefore I, of course said yes. P.S. That means you too K....I gave mom and dad your size as I will not be alone in this! And I am sure these will be handy when I am cleaning or puttering around the house. Indoors of course, with the curtains drawn, at night. I kid, I kid. But I am willing to look past my dislike for these "shoes" and wear them with pride (while no one is looking) b/c they represent something important to me.

They also have the same thing for the American Diabetes Association. So if you like crocs or want to give to one of these agencies, click here. They are $29.99 a pair. And I guess people really are buying these and love the idea because we are currently on a waiting list! So that means more money is going to the MS Society! YAY

Crocs, Inc. will donate $2 to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (National MS Society) for each purchase of the orange Beach style shoe pictured above. This shoe comes with a free National MS Society logo Jibbitz™ shoe charm to allow you to display your support for the National MS Society. Crocs, Inc. has committed to giving the National MS Society a minimum contribution of $25,000.

Sunglasses – My Favorite Hair Accessory

This is nothing new but it has to be said…..one of the things I enjoy most about sunny days are my sunglasses. I love me my sunglasses!

Besides the obvious practicality of sunglasses and their cuteness, I like them for another reason…..to keep my hair back! I am always putting my sunglasses on top of my head to hold my hair back. They are the perfect hair accessory! Cute, functional, and convenient. Sure sometimes at work people may think it is silly or wonder, are you working or getting ready to go to the beach. I don’t care.

Anywho here is to sunnier, but not necessarily horribly warmer, days and the perfect all-around accoutrement to those days!

Side Note: I go through at least 2-3 pairs of sunglasses a year and I am fairly certain the main reason is b/c I am constantly taking my sunglasses on and off my head. I am pretty rough with my sunglasses.

You May Have Won This Time.

So I am NOT a fan of plain almonds. Nope.

I don’t like their taste nor their texture and I won’t eat them.

I have sometimes been ok with small pieces in chocolate, but come on…it is in chocolate so that doesn’t count. I would like to eat them b/c I know they have good nutritional value but I eat one and want to gag.

So last week I was shopping at Meijer and I got one of those free coupons you get at the check out. (Side Note: Are those coupons random or based on things you purchase b/c they always seem to be things I want? Hmmmm?) It was for a free bag of Almond Accents. I took it as a sign.

So last night when I was at the store I picked up a bag. I thought, hey they are free and if I don’t like them I know a couple people at work who would enjoy them, what the hell. But when I got to the Almond Accent section I saw that there were actually flavored almonds too…ok, you got my attention.

I ended up picking up Roasted Garlic Caesar. Click here for all their products.

So T & I tried them last night on our salads and I was pleasantly surprised! I started eating some straight from the bag. When I asked T. if he thought they were good he said, and I quote (I have to use the full thing for proper effect) “Fuck yeah those are good!”. I am sure the health benefit isn’t nearly as great as just eating plain ones….and that is probably why I like them, but I am converted as these little slices of almond heaven are delicious! (Next to try, Italian Parmesan!)

Snapple "Real Fact"

"Real Fact" #29

"On average, a human being will spend 2 weeks kissing in his/her lifetime."


Um, is it just me or does this seem like not NEARLY enough?!?!

Lets break it down shall we: (Kristen, please verify you math genuis you)

* 2 weeks = 336 hours
Say you get a good 60 years of kissing in:
*336/60 = 5.6 hours a year
*5.6/12 = .46 hours a month
*That is a mere 45 minutes a month

K., is this correct???

TMI, but I know I have already surpassed my 2 weeks!!!

I Blame The OCD

As I am currently writing my third and final version of my grocery list (pending no more late additions or corrections this afternoon) I got to thinking.....damn I am so flipp'n anal!

I make lists for EVERYTHING and I just can't make a single list, I make multiple lists. I will have my drafts and then the final version. The final version is organized with (fingers crossed) no mistakes.

So my grocery list in particular is divided based on the order I shop (my mom started this). So all my veggies, then meat, then dairy and so on. Sure, some may say I have too much time on my hands (which I do), or what is the purpose of being SO anal...it is just your grocery list! But I like it mainly for one reason - I am NOT a shopper.

I see where I need to go, what I need to get, and I can get it and get the heck out of the store! I don't like to be in those places any longer than I need to be!

I have gone to the store with no list or with ones that are all helter skelter and it is much too stressful. Either I buy WAY more than what we need b/c I just don't know what we need, or I forget something I really do need, or I back track over and over trying to remember those things I need/wanted.

Anyone other list people out there? Can I get and AMEN for lists!!!

There is actually a website that has old shopping lists from people! really?!?! Click here

My favs: #78 it just says MILK...(you know in case you go to the grocery store for just milk and then get in the store and forget what you were there to get)! & #96...the very first thing on the list is Vodka...hehe!

Frack'n A Right!

So Iris Took posts vanity plates that she sees. I think they are so funny!

This weekend we were stopped behind this car and we had to get a picture! The license plate says "GLACTCA"!

Battlestar Galactica - AWESOME!

Terry and I are a bit *cough cough* on the geeky side and started laughing when we saw this! Yes we are fans of Battlestar Galactica (Friday nights at 10 pm on Sci-Fi...it is the last season). The best part is the two guys in the car looked like Battlestar Galactica fans...hehehe!

Disclaimer: This is 100% a geeky post and I know that and am not apologizing for it. :)

Let Me Ponder This While I Eat A Brownie.

So a couple people I work with have done some very low calorie diets recently and have had some really good success with it. The one lost 30 pounds in 26 days on her particular diet. I was interested in learning more so she gave me some stuff to read. It is called the hCG Diet. You take hCG drops while you have a strict, 500 calorie a day diet where they average 1 to 2 pounds of weight loss per day. Yes, hCG – the same hormone in women that detects pregnancy.

Click here for more info about the diet.

The hCG Diet Overview: You take the hCG drops plus eat the menu below. It is a 26 day diet then followed by 3 weeks of slowly incorporating food back into your daily life.

Breakfast:
Tea or coffee in any quantity without sugar. Only one tablespoonful of milk allowed in 24 hours.

Lunch:
1. 100 grams (weighed raw) of veal, beef, chicken breast, fresh white fish, lobster, crab, or shrimp
2. One type of vegetable only to be chosen from the following: spinach, chard, chicory, beet-greens, green salad, tomatoes, celery, fennel, onions, red radishes, cucumbers, asparagus, cabbage.
3. One breadstick (grissino) or one Melba toast.
4. An apple, orange, or a handful of strawberries or one-half grapefruit.

Dinner :
The same four choices as lunch

I have recently purchased a treadmill and I am trying the old fashion “eat healthier and exercise” program. This is how I lost a lot of weight before…..but I would love to loose a good amount of weight in a short period of time, however having tried many fad type diets in the past I just don’t think they are for me. I enjoy cooking and eating good food. Not to mention, these fad diets where a lot easier when I was single or not living with Terry.


So I am sure many others have tried diets but what do you do (have you done) to loose weight? What diets have you tried? What worked/didn’t work? Would you try something like this diet above?

Something Seems.......Different.

I would first like to preface this by saying my hair is a bitch. Yep, my hair does what it wants, when it wants and there is really nothing I can do about it. (I am sure there are many others out there who have this same problem!)

So for as long as I can remember my hair has parted naturally down the middle. I have tried many a times to “train” it to part to the right or left and even hairdressers have attempted to get my hair to part to the side, but it always wants to go back. When it is parted on the side it looks “OK” but not great, I think b/c my hair just doesn’t want to be there! I have accepted this and moved on.

So of course you would understand my surprise this morning when I woke up and my hair was parted to the side. I just thought it was morning hair and tried to put it back to the center….but it wouldn’t go! Today it WANTED to be on the side! I have to say it feels SO weird, but I likey the change!

It does feel like my head is leaning to the left though :)

For My Husband!

I got this shirt for my husband this weekend! He has wanted it for awhile!

It says:

"Call A Vet Because These Puppies Are Sick!"

HAHAHA - He wore it the day he got it!
I love him!