1.29.2009

Bleh

Today is the ultimate bleh day. Bleh. Even a good outfit and giant snow mound aren't counteracting the bleh. Bleh.

Blazer: H&M; T-shirt: Express; Sweater: Thrifted; Black Skinny Jeans: Express

There is so much to be done for the move and the sadness is starting to set in. I am so excited for a fresh start, but that doesn't make me any less sad to say goodbye to my current life and living space. I have lived other places besides the home I grew up in, but I never made a home for myself before I lived here. My husband and I started our life together in this little condo, it's not huge, but it is chocked full of great memories and happy times. We feel like whoever lives here next just has to have a happy life... we have stained the place with our love for each other and our home. I do not relish my last hours here... everytime I think of locking the door behind me and leaving for good my stomach hurts and I can't stop the burning lump in my throat from bubbling into watery eyes. These bittersweet feelings are like emotional purgatory, I'm just stuck in the middle of sadness to leave and happiness to arrive. Bleh.

The only effective laughing tool: click here and then scroll down to "Gilly"... it is the sixth watchable clip... although the Aladdin Anniversary was pretty funny too.

Today's Useless Trivia:

Thailand used to be called Siam.

1.28.2009

Ice, Ice Baby

My weekend continues to bleed into my week. I guess the phrase, "be careful what you wish for" exists for a reason. On Friday I wanted to petition for three day weekends, and here I am on Wednesday morning, still unable to get my week started. On Monday I had an interview with the company I hope to be working for when I move to Maryland. It went very well and if all goes according to plan there will be a position in the marketing department with my name on it. I felt very confident walking out of the interview, I know this would be a great company to work for and a great bunch of people to work with. Now the follow-up to any interview: sitting and waiting.

The stress of the interview along with thinking of the move brought me to the edge of a panic attack in the middle of the night on Monday. I'm not sure if what followed was related or unrelated, but what followed was an all night sick-binge. Very unpleasant. I tried to get comfortably tucked back in bed, but unfortunately a good nights sleep was already lost. I texted my boss right then and there to let him know I would be in late on Tuesday. It's never a good idea to drive a two hour commute (from my visit in MD to my office in NJ) to work before sunrise running on just a few hours of sleep. I didn't realize what I was getting myself into.

It is now Wednesday morning and I still can't leave. It snowed for half of the day yesterday, and the other half it was icing... hence: stuck. Actually, there is still freezing rain coming down and the temperature keeps dropping which is counter-acting all the salt being used. My brother couldn't even open his car door because it was frozen shut.

Our street just before sunrise.


The length of the street just after sunrise.

My bro ice-surfing down the driveway.


Icey branches of a Red Japanese Maple tree.
So I'm beat. All I can do is sit and wait for the ice to melt or break up. The novelty of snow days is drastically diminshed in adulthood. The guilt of missing work or errands or activities to which you are socially obligated outweighs the fun of sitting inside and doing nothing.
Today's Useless Trivia:
If today's Google page didn't tip you off, today is Jackson Pollock's birthday. My husband's first comment, like many of Pollock's critics was, "that is art?" All I can say is , "Some of the best." Pollock might not be what I would hunt for if I could afford to buy a schmillion dollar painting, but you can't deny that his creations are art. A painting isn't just lines and colors... it is movement and emotion. What I like best about Pollock paintings is that his work gives you a sense of his movement. When you look at them you can almost envision him painting, the way he lipped his smokes, the way his body circled the canvas, the way he turned his head to re-examine the angles, the way his arms flung the paint around. In short, you see more Pollock than paint. As Pollock himself explains, "The method painting is a natural growth out of a need, I want to express my feelings rather than illustrate them." Watch a clip of Pollock in action here.

1.23.2009

I hate to be Repetitive...

I say the same thing every Friday, but thank God it’s Friday! The weekend is only a few short work hours away.

Why is it your week can go so slow and your weekend can go so fast? I want to start a national petition for a four day work week - three day weekend. Won’t the world be a happier place if we all get a second Sunday!?

As promised I just want to give a shout out to all the ladies I work with… all two of them. Even though we operate out of different branch offices, we are all in the struggle together. If it weren’t for them, it wouldn’t be so easy to laugh about how we are overworked, underappreciated and giddy because it is Friday!

Jacket: The Limited; T-shirt: Express; Jeans: Hydraulic; Booties: Apt. 9

Nothing thrifted today, but I got this Jacket on such a sale it felt like it was thrifted. Originally marked at $78 I got it for $19.99. Does anyone else feel the need to call all of their girlfriends when they get an outstanding bargain? Once I bought a Nicole Miller dress originally marked at $420 again for $19.99. I think I called everyone I knew within ten minutes in a fit of excitement… I probably talked so fast all they heard was, “four hund- twent…sale… best buy ever” –click. Want a glimpse of the said Miller dress?

I wore it to the rehearsal dinner before my wedding. The first pic isn't the best, but you can see my trashy/sexy stripper shoes.... one of my favorite guilty pleasures.

And one other snipet… or should I say sni-pet from this past weekend: a snuggly portrait of our friends dog Lexy.

Today's Useless Trivia:

The only food that does not spoil is honey. It will crystalize, but never spoil.

1.19.2009

"It Came at the Joyous Daybreak..."

For those of you who watched the "I have a dream" speech yesterday, you should recognize the quote used for today's blog title. The full quote is, "It came at the joyous daybreak to the end of the long night of bad captivity." How very apropos for today. Today Barack Obama becomes the President of the United States of America. One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind! Okay, I'll stop with the meaningful quotes and just say this: Congratulations America!

Of Great and Mortal Men has a song to honor our 44th President... Someone to Wake. Listen here and read the lyrics here.

Now it's time to tune into the live feed... If I weren't in the office today I would be planted in front of the tv with eyes wide open, glued to coverage, just like the rest of America. Damn office.

Today's Useless Trivia:

Although Barack Obama will be our 44th president his inauguration will be the 56th formal one. Fifteen presidents were elected to a second term, and Roosevelt was elected to a fourth term.

Behind Every Good Man...

They say that behind every good man there is a better woman. Today, as we celebrate the life of one of the greatest men, Dr. Martin Luther King Junior, maybe we can take a minute to also celebrate his wife and the family they created.

"My wife was always stronger than I was through the struggle," wrote Martin Luther King. "In the darkest moments, she always brought the light of hope. I am convinced that if I had not had a wife with the fortitude, strength, and calmness of Corrie, I could not have withstood the ordeals and tensions surrounding the movement."
We always see the fervently preaching and speeching Dr. King in his profound speech, but we don't always get to see the softer family man. Today I want to give you a little tast of both. First and foremost, if you have never seen the delivery of the "I have a dream" speech, then you are truly missing out and should go here to watch. If you have seen the video it will be no less moving when you watch it now. If you are American, it is your patriotic duty to watch this to understand the magnitude of what today stands for and what tomorrow will bring. It still gives me goosebumps.
"They were married on June 18, 1953, and had no place to go on their wedding night in segregated Alabama--they slept in the back of a funeral home with coffins. Her life with him was spent mostly in his shadow, in the corner of the photo as he was arrested, on his arm at the march, or with the children for a family photo op. And her life without him, though profoundly influential, was never appreciated quite on its own terms."
Please read more here or here.
Today's Useless Trivia:
Martin Luther and Coretta King had four children: Yolanda Denise; Martin Luther, III; Dexter Scott; and Bernice Albertine.

1.16.2009

Pink Gang for Justice

So, maybe I'm a little behind, but I stumbled on a very inspirational group of women dressed in pink. The Gulabi Gang, lead by Sampat Pal Devi, fights against child marriages, dowry deaths and general chauvinism. How? With sticks and axes.

Women learning to use a lathi, or traditional Indian stick. Sampat Pal Devi.

Devi has helped young brides, as in under the age of 13, back into their homes after being kicked out by relentless money-grubbing husbands. Sampat Devi tells her "gang" that they will soon march to the girl's house and demand an explanation from the husband. "If they don't take her back and keep her well, we will resort to other measures," she says.
The shade of pink is perfect: bold, strong and feminine. Please watch and learn more about these astoundingly inspirational Banda Sisters here.
Today's Useless Trivia:
America's national anthem was written by Francis Scott Key a Maryland lawyer. It is believed Key wrote the anthem on September 14, 1814 while watching the bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor. September 14 also happens to be my wedding anniversary... a profound day for all.

1.15.2009

Bare Today, Bow Tomorrow

Well in this case it was bare yesterday and bowed today.



Collared Shirt: Gap; Grey Jumper: Thrifted; Tights: Target

And a skinny black satin ribbon.


I just did a little moving math. 45 Days until the move-out deadline of March 1. In all truthiness I think I will be out a good while before that. I have a To-Do list as long as my arm. One thing on my list is to have a good-bye day with New Jersey. The hubs and I want to go around to all of our favorite places and take pics. This way when we reach the promise-land, aka Florida, we can make a collage of all of the places we'll miss from the North. It was actually KJ's idea... he's such a sap. One of the most important places to say so-long to is a wonderful establishment called Mr. Bills. It is a phenomonal burger joint we pass on the way to Atlantic City. The first time we stopped there it was from necessity. Now we find our selves passing up fancy dinners in the five-star casino restaurants just for a Bills burger. They are giant, sloppy, oversized and amazing. I really need to stop talking about food so far away from lunch.


Thank God tomorrow is Friday. I thought the weekend would never get here.


Today's Useless Trivia:

The original mascot of McDonald's was a man with a chef's hat on top of a hamburger shaped head whose name was "Speedee." Speedee was eventually replaced with Ronald McDonald in 1963.

1.14.2009

ALMOST Tied Together with a Pretty Bow

Today my outfit, much like my office situation, was ALMOST tied together with a pretty bow... but not quite. I wanted to wear this today, but it was just too utterly cold to have this much skin exposed on my arms and neck. I ended up switching out the cardigan for a long-sleeved crewneck cardigan and ditching the bow. Now it's just a plain old outfit... but at least I was fancy for a minute.

Cardigan: Ann Taylor; Satin Sash: JCrew; Pearl Earrings: Vintage; Slacks: Express

I must be getting old... or at least thinking like an old person. In my younger years when faced with the prospect of moving to a new house, and being able to decorate with all new ideas and having a fresh new environment to acclamate to... it was exciting. Now it's a little less exciting and a little more exhausting. I'm still looking forward to having a new space to decorate and having a fresh environment, but actually packing and moving and trucking and tredging... not so much.

Today's Useless Trivia:

Beer is made by fermentation cause by bacteria feeding on yeast cells and then defecating. In other words, it's a nice tall glass of bacteria doo-doo. A deliciously tall glass of bacteria doo-doo... Cheers! Or should I say, bottoms up!

1.13.2009

From Last Week to This

From last week to this, I have found myself to be a running contradiction of emotions. At the close of last work week I felt hopeless, helpless and taken advantage of. This week I feel like I am back in the driver seat. If changes won't come to me, I will go to them. All the work-related turmoil I sustained last week had a silver-lining. Soon, very soon, I am expecting to be out of an overly stressfull office and back in some familiar territory... home. I think a change of scenery is just what me and my little family need to jumpstart the new year.

Over the weekend, while taking time to digest everything, I had time to enjoy some simple luxuries.

Homemade Carrot Apple Ginger Juice. Refreshing, healthy and lovely for the eyes.

Mr. Jet looking out the car window... first at nothing. Then he challenged this puffy dog to a stare-down duel. Still, quiet and concentrated... a rarity when another dog is in plain view. Anyone who has ever owned a beagle knows they are HOWLERS!!

Friday night pizza before it was cooked. It was chocked with pepperoni, sausage, red pepper, green pepper, onions, parm and oregano. Delish.

Friday night pizza after cooking. Why did I post this when lunch is so far away? Pizza is inticing any time of day.

I also had time to visit some of my favorite thrift stores. I didn't find anything that totally knocked my socks off, but I did have some good finds. I will be sure to let you have a peek before the week is through. But to hold you over I would like to post a picture from this past fall. It may be one of my best thrifted finds to date. It was for a fall classic cocktail party I attended in October. The invite for the party said "creative black tie optional". What exactly do you do with that? Well the hubs and I decided to go with an 80's prom theme. I must say we look dashing... I wish I had a full body shot of my outfit, because the patent leather spiked heels really topped it off. I'm sure I'll have a chance to wear it again soon, if not I might just put it on and wear it around the house for my own enjoyment. Sorry, I guess I will always have to cover KJ's face with cartoon hearts... such a modest lad. Oh, and yes, I'm rocking spiked hair. What's the point of having it this short if you don't have fun with it once and a while?

Vintage Prom dress by Gunney Sax.

Today's Useless Trivia:

The Regal Horned Lizard has quite the bizarre line of defense. When feeling threatened, particularly by foxes, wolves or dogs, this lizard builds up pressure in it's sinuses and releases a stream of nasty blood right into it's predators face. Think it sounds disgusting... it's worse to watch.

1.07.2009

If the Rain fits

Yesterday I had an awful, maybe the worst ever, day in the office. It kept me from sleeping last night and is continuing to stress me out today. I have worked for companies in the past that give me the distinct feeling of not mattering and being just a number, and it never turns out well. When I start to get an inkling of that feeling again I can feel the claws start to come out. As the old saying goes, "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me." Now I just have to stick to what I know to be best.

In spite of my inner icky-ness this morning, I tried to add a touch of vintage to an otherwise boring-corporate-office-outfit.

Cardigan: The Limited
Fur Collar: Vintage
Charm Bracelet: Vintage

Today's Useless Trivia:
The Ritz cracker was introduced to markets in 1934, but gourmets had to wait until 1953 for the invention of cheese in a can.

1.06.2009

Glove at First Sight

Today I celebrate the birthday of my lifelong bestie who I endearingly call Glove. Happy Birthday my dear... may you live as long as you want to, and want to as long as you live!

In honor of my best friend and her day to be Queen I wanted to wear an outfit inspired by her.


I know I'm bustin' out the denim skirt again, but you can't argue it's versatility! Glove gave me the belt and headband, which are from the wonderful J.Crew. The white t is from Express and the tights and boots are actually from Target! I love me some Target! The red bag is a Kathy Van Zeeland my Mom gave me for Christmas last year... I still love it just as much as last Christmas!
This morning I woke up extra early to start the work-out regimen. One day down!
Today's Useless Trivia:
I always knew that Glove was an amazing woman, but I didn't know that January 6 was a big enough day to share with ANOTHER amazing woman. St. Joan of Arc's birthday is also celebrated on January 6. Glove, who always underestimates her strength, is born on a day with strength infused at it's very core.

1.05.2009

Holiday Reprecussions

The best part about dresses is that they give you some room to ignore any potential holiday related weight gain. Today I am not wearing a dress. Suddenly, I can hear the treadmill and free-weights calling my name. My timing couldn't be better either... tomorrow night is the premiere of the new season of The Biggest Loser. It is such an inspirational show, whether you have 2 or 200 pounds to lose. If you aren't familiar... you can find a brief overview of upcoming season 6 here.

Over the oh-so-short weekend I was able to get a good start on the project I am working on. It is going to be a collage, but I needed to have a good background that was textured, but not too busy. Computer paper print-outs died with a couple cups of strong coffee was exactly what the doctor ordered.

Paper soaking in Java.

Dyed and crumpled drying in the sunset. Crumpling the paper helps the coffee to pool and give a better sense of depth in the texture.

A completed stack. Stay tuned to see them on the canvas.

Today's Useless Trivia:

The Bible is the number one shoplifted book in America.

1.02.2009

Kickin' the Blues

This morning when I woke up I could feel the post-holiday blues setting in. I love Christmas so much it is painful to see it over. I found myself not wanting to get out of bed and wanting to play hookie from work. Negotiating with myself, I thought about dressing for comfort and starting the countdown until I could be back in bed. Instead, I decided to take my latest lesson of 2008 and dress to impress, even if it is only for me. Maybe dressing nicely on the first day (out of the house) of 2009 is like making your bed in the morning. One sets the tone for the day, the other sets the tone for the year. As soon as I slipped on my blue tights, I felt my holiday blues fading away. Out with the old, in with the blue! "Bon chic, bon genre!" Good style, good attitude! Who could be in a bad mood when you have Smurf legs!?

Blue Bolero: Old Navy; Skirt: Gap; Tights: Target; Boots: Don't even remember... they're ancient

Tonight = Pizza and doing all the Un-decorating of Christmas. Although I'm sad to see it go it means focusing on my other favorite holiday: MY BIRTHDAY! 177 DAYS TO GO!!

Today's Useless Trivia... Since I brought it up: The reason there is only one female Smurf is because, to infiltrate the Smurf village, Gargamel created Smurfette and sent her in to disrupt the village. However, the overwhelming goodness of the Smurfs turned Smurfette from evil to good.