crista from the block* ...goes blog

BLOG MOVED

2009-01-25T14:37:00.004-06:00

This Blog has moved URLs.

Find this blog at
clashbabi.blogspot.com

****************************************************************************

Sin City + Wonderlust

2009-01-23T01:53:00.008-06:00

I heart the W

new news to me, but old news to some:

DEVELOPMENT: W hotel takes Sin City spin $1.7 billion luxury condo-hotel aims for hip clientele

Starwood Hotels and Resorts plan to make its W hotel in Las Vegas a flagship property for the upscale brand's "global footprint," W Hotels Worldwide's president said Tuesday while giving details about the $1.7 billion
project.

The hotel at Harmon Avenue and Koval Lane will have a mix of 3,000 hotel and residential units, more than 10 restaurants and nightclubs, a 75,000-square-foot casino, 300,000 square feet of meeting space and a spa and gym, W's Ross Klein said. It's scheduled to open in 2008.

Klein said Las Vegas has been at the top of W Hotels' development
strategy for years, ranking No. 1 or No. 2 on the request list of W guests along
with South Beach in Miami, where a W Hotel is already under construction.

"It's also an opportunity for us to redefine and reinvent what an urban oasis is," he said. "The W in New York came into an urban environment with a different point of view. When you come in off the street in New York, it's a retreat, an escape. That's going to be the same design point of view we put into the W in Las Vegas."

Adam Frank and his partners at Edge Resorts started talking with
Starwood about developing a W hotel in Las Vegas at the site of Bourbon Street
casino on east Flamingo Road. Even after acquiring an adjacent apartment complex
for a total of 8 acres, it wasn't enough land.
Edge Resorts sold the Bourbon Street property to Harrah's Entertainment last month and bought 21 acres at Harmon and Koval, including the existing Ice nightclub and two separate parcels
from Fort Worth, Texas-based home builder D.R. Horton, for $108 million.

Edge Resorts entered a joint venture with Starwood Hotels and Resorts
and will be a 75 percent owner of the W hotel. Starwood owns the remaining 25
percent and will manage the hotel.

"They wanted a bigger property and they really wanted to be on Harmon,"
Frank said. "Twenty-one acres really gives us a lot more flexibility to do what
we want to accomplish. We want to build a destination resort, but at the same
time, we want to have an intimate feel to it, that signature W feel with great
night life and a blend of restaurants."

Frank said the project combines the hottest, most sought-after hotel brand in the world with one of the most vibrant hospitality markets in the United States.

"We really think that location is the future of Las Vegas," he said.
"There's so much happening right around us."

With some $20 billion in planned development, from the Hard Rock Hotel
expansion to MGM Mirage's Project CityCenter to the Palms' new hotel and condo
towers, the Harmon corridor is poised to become a hip, happening location, Klein
said.

"I think it's going to be a destination with a very specific offering, sort of a pop culture, and I think we're going to be sort of an anchor," he said.

W Hotel Las Vegas will offer guests "extraordinary experiences" at
every turn through the brand's lifestyle elements, including indulgences and
experiential surprises that will be unheard of even for Las Vegas, Klein
said.

Klein said he expects the new resort to compete with the Hard Rock Hotel, Mandalay Bay, the Palms, Wynn Las Vegas and Four Seasons.

Deutsche Bank analyst Marc Falcone said it was important for W to
finally land in Las Vegas. "I think W needs exposure in Vegas given what the
brand stands for," he said. "It's going to be a strong fit for Las Vegas. This
is a very powerful location."

Condo-hotel and residential units will go on sale in the fourth
quarter, priced from $550,000, offering a combination of poolside cabanas,
studios and one- and two-bedroom condominiums, all attached to the W
hotel.

Klein said the project is in the final stages of architectural plans
and design reviews.

The first W hotel opened in New York in December 1998. There are now
five hotels in New York and 20 more around the United States and worldwide with
another 20 under development, Klein said.

PROJECT CANCELLED as of 5/12/07

W was coming to town. (no, not Bush) Edge Group and Starwood's 'W Hotel' brand of chic-modern-hip-ultra cool resorts has confirmed that they have cancelled their plans of building a 4000-room resort and casino at the NE corner of Harmon and Koval.

FUCK.

Obamanation

2009-01-23T01:01:00.008-06:00

Barack The Vote

Mr. Obama goes to Washington

Green Inaguration

REAL Issues

ReMiX

Obamicon.ME

No More Mr. Eloquent

FlavorPill

what goes on in Vegas. . . .

2009-01-21T19:56:00.012-06:00

After 5 days in Vegas with 8000 hairdressers, The Mix, 5 nights of heavy drinking, tequila shots, Natasha Beddingfield, Redken Platform Artists, Fremont Street, Japonais, The Fashion Show Mall, serious shopping (much better than in the minne city), all of my co-workers, a lil Gossip, room service, table service, runway shows, beautiful hair, a few good workouts at Spa Mandalay, a lack of privacy, and a lost cell phone, it is tough to step back in to the redundance of my little life in Minnesota.

My mailbox is overstuffed, the bills are unpaid, the money in my bank account in untouched, my clothing is unpacked, laundry is undone, and the pooch finally came home.

I am forced to face my move to Chicago. To face the people that are unsatisified with my decision. My boss is not happy, my co-workers are not happy, they would all love for me to stay in Minneapolis. Me moving to Chicago complicates their lives. They will be forced to find someone to replace me - which (all jokes aside) will not be an easy thing to do.

I want to be happy. I want to feel excitement. Instead, I am often reminded of the disappointment I am causing others to feel. I am letting my team & my friends down.

Since mymove to Minneapolis almost 2 years ago, my friends in Chicago have been sitting on the edges of their seats awaiting my come back.

You win some, you lose some.

I watched 2 people cry this weekend, in anticipation of my departure from the Twin Cities.
On the flip side, I watched people celebrate with excitement due to my relocation back to the Chicago market.

This is not going to be an easy year for me.

I opened my e-mail to find this:

Hi Crista,
It was so nice to spend a little time with you at Symposium- Im as sooooooooooooooo excited to bring you on board in Chicago . Please keep in touch with me and let me know how I can help you with any transition. Im looking forward to working with you and I just know you are going to be amazing for us in Chi town. If you ever want to spend some time with me in the field, please let me know.

However I can help you – Im there for you.

Crista Takes On The Minne City

2009-01-17T15:31:00.009-06:00

Shopping

No doubt, I am an avid consumer of material goods.

The Mall Of America (MOA):

is the second largest enclosed mall in terms of retail space but is largest in terms of total enclosed floor area
has a gross area of 4.2 million sq ft., with 2.5 million sq ft. available as retail space
over 520 stores are arranged along three levels of pedestrian walkways on the sides of the rectangle, with a fourth level on one side
opened in 1992, the mall received 40 million visitors in 2006

All that being said, you would think that one would be beside themselves to reside downtown Minneapolis, within 10 miles of this absurdly gigantic shopping center.

In view of the Redken Symposium happening this weekend, and a lack of spare time, I found it necessary to take a quick shopping trip to the MOA* – in search of a few swank & voguish pieces/accessories to wear.

After all, RS09 is THE place to be noticed, being that there will be 10,000** hairdressers in attendance. I am unwilling to show up unrehearsed and ill-considered, providing a perception of the mid-western Minnesota girl that is flourishing within me.

*Options for shopping in the Twin Cities:

Mall Of America - the LARGEST selection of shopping
downtown Minneapolis -which includes Macy’s, Off Saks, and Banana Republic
the Premium Outlet Mall in Albertville -Puma, Banana Republic, BCBG, K. Cole
Southdale/Edina that provides the option of Len Druskin.
TJ Maxx
OR Buffalo Exchange (the Minneapolis edition)

Plenty of money in hand (OK, daddy’s credit card that I am responsible for paying), I was ready to purchase any and every voguish item that caught my eye.

After hitting Bloomingdales, Nordstrom Rack, H&M, AND Forever 21 – using ALL of my resources @ MOA- I walked out of the mall empty-handed, forced to head back home to my closet full of yesterdays clothing.

(There was NO DOUBT at the very least, I would find a few disposable, on-trend items at Forever 21. WTF )

I went ahead and packed every piece of yesterdays clothing I own, and will make do.

**give or take a few thousand – we’re in a recession.

Chi-Bound

2009-01-14T13:04:00.011-06:00

Although nothing is official, I am 100% sure I am moving back to Chicago before the summer hits. Just in time to enjoy the lake ....

It is impossible to forecast what my exact moving date will be, as dates are being thrown around between all of the people who have control over my life - Big Boss Daddy # 1 & Big Boss Daddy #2 & Big Boss Momma 1 & 2... seriously, there are that many people in control of my life.

In order to show enthusiasm (uh...) about my return to the Chi... I received this note (via facebook):

Hey, good to hear back from you. Thta's cool that you're
in the CHI. Great time to be here.....What kinda job are you looking to get
here? Tired of the minnie city? It would be nice to have you back in the CHI
even though I'm sure I wouldn't see you. How's BJ* doin? Tiger** is doing
great...he's really grown up and maturing. He'll be in 5th grade next year! :)-K

*BJ is the pooch. my pooch

** Tiger is the cat. HIS cat.

RS09

2009-01-13T13:33:00.010-06:00

The Redken Symposium is the industry’s premiere educational event and gathers over 10,000 Redkenites from all across the world!

The REDKEN SYMPOSIUM atmosphere is unconventional and unrivalled by anyone else in our industry. This time, there are no rules to hold you back… no formalities that tie your need to twist tradition and adjust reality. Our talented artists will work without rulebooks to encourage you to entertain your innermost aspirations. Using your mind over attitude, you’ll sharpen your intellect with focus that inspires you, network with individuals who can think on your page, bring creativity from the outside in… and exhibit whatever you feel, whenever you feel it without judgment, attitude or compromise.

Las Vegas, a city which reinvents itself daily- and where color, energy, innovation and nightlife never end - will once again host the Symposium.

Join us at its most eclectic hotel, the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in 2009. redken.com

This is a small visual of what my world will look like as soon as I step off of a plane in Vegas on Friday. The Redken Symposium only happens every 2 years and is probably the largest event I will ever attend. Year after year, the Symposium is voted the #1 Educational Event by hairstylists across the nation.

I am proud to be a part of it.

But what the hell am I going to wear?? I will dress simply and let my personality do the talking. . .

ALSO, I apologize for the lame content of my blog since the turn of the New Year. I'm feeling slightly understimulated and I've been in a funk. The Symposium will drag me out of the funk I have been in and will be sure to load me with content to spill Crista From The Block* style.

Please do not forget to check your reactions at the bottom of the blog.

Peace, love & unicorns. xox

north bound

2009-01-13T07:52:00.009-06:00

Unwillingly, and not without kicking and screaming, moaning and complaining.... I am headed to Duluth this afternoon. Driving. Here is the weather forecast:

Today: Sun and clouds mixed. Cold. High 2F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight: Variably cloudy with snow showers. Low -6F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 80%. Snow accumulating 1 to 2 inches.
Tomorrow: Variable clouds and windy with scattered snow flurries and snow showers. Cold. Dangerous wind chills as low as -25F. High 2F. Winds NNW at 25 to 35 mph. Chance of snow 40%.
Tomorrow night: Bitterly cold. A few clouds from time to time. Dangerous wind chills may approach -40F. Low -19F. Winds NW at 15 to 25 mph.

WTF (in bright red to represent my terror)

The only thing that I am moderately excited about is scoring a pair of Minnetonka Moccasins while cruising the lands of Minnesota. Nina Garcia recommends that every stylish woman should have a pair of MM in The One Hundred.

I will not fail to mention the recent headlines:

Minnetonka moccasins soar in fashion world
By Sara Glassman,
MINNEAPOLIS STAR TRIBUNE
Monday, November 24, 2008

MINNEAPOLIS -- When it comes to shoes and boots
this season, fringe is on top. Soft Minnetonka Moccasins, with their signature
hanging strips of suede, have inspired designers and urban bohemians for
decades. Over the past year, their popularity has been soaring.

In light of the uncertain economy, they are
relatively affordable -- basic shoes start at $30, and more elaborate boots with
three tiers of fringe are $86. Plus, every style is completely flat, making them
far more comfortable and practical than stilettos.

With these populist perks, it's not surprising that moccasins are
having a fashion moment. But even trendsetters who theoretically would be able
to afford much pricier versions by Jimmy Choo ($495) and Michael Kors ($475)
favor the Minnetonka brand. Fashion muse Kate Moss has been sporting them for
years. Last month, she was spotted in brown knee-high Minnetonka mocs with a
pair of denim cutoffs in London. Young stars Lindsay Lohan, Blake Lively and
Mischa Barton also have been photographed in them.

That said, the footwear-of-the-moment isn't a one-season wonder.
In the recently published "The One Hundred: The Guide to the Pieces Every
Stylish Woman Must Own," authors Nina Garcia and Ruben Toledo identify
must-haves such as pencil skirts and red lipstick, but recognize Minnetonka
Moccasin by the brand name. They wrote: "Many people have made fashion versions
of the original, but the original is still the hands-down favorite."

Those originals, as the Minnetonka implies, have
Minneapolis roots. However, there are a few misconceptions to be cleared up
about them, starting with the fact that the company is headquartered in
Minneapolis and never has been based in or even affiliated with the city
identified in the moniker.

"Minnesota, Minnehaha, Minnetonka ... the name sounds Native
American and local in origin," says David Miller, president of the family-owned
shoe business.

His grandfather,
Philip Miller, started Minnetonka Moccasins in 1946, after World War II, as a
gift supplier for resorts. "There was more automobile traffic because of the
growing highway system in the United States," David Miller says. "Wherever
people went, from Yosemite to northern Minnesota, they would buy trinkets, and
the moccasins were part of that."

Tourist souvenirs aside, are there any authentic Indian roots?
"No, we've never associated ourselves with a Native American product or been
made by Native Americans," Miller says. "Moccasins are part of the Native
American culture. I'm sure at one time there was an authentic product being
sold, but not by us."

Specific
styles of Minnetonka Moccasins have had moments in the spotlight in recent
years: In 2005, it was the classic with beaded eagles, and a few years before
that, it was the lace-up boots.

Many of the styles, from shoes to ankle boots to
knee-highs, are hot now, especially in Los Angeles and New York. "We've been
involved in fashion cycles, but this is very broad," Miller says. "We're
honored, amused and flattered."

Much of the credit is because of the celebrity
connection. Miller is very familiar with the impact that model Moss has had on
business. "Kate will be in a magazine, wearing boots identified as Minnetonkas,
and our distributor in Japan will call the next day," he says. "That's the world
today -- small and instantaneous."

Jan. 13th 1:30 PM update: I NEVER made it to Duluth. My garage door would not open due to -19 degree weather. it only gets better with time....

i'm going down.

2009-01-12T21:01:00.007-06:00

i just spent the last half an hour attempting to de-frost my freezer with a blow dryer.

i spent the last two days driving to Iowa* and driving back home from Iowa. in a snow blizzard.

i have spent the last 3 days with my freezer hanging open, hoping that it would thaw it.

i came home to an open, frozen freezer after being in Iowa for 24 hours.

i experienced two mondays this week. sunday was monday and monday was monday.... and it is still monday.

tuesday means that i am obligated to drive to Duluth**. wednesday means that i will still be in duluth.

forget getting off of work at 5 and going home to the fresh food that is spoiling in my fridge, the pooch, or the boyfriend. this week, i have no time for a personal life.

friday means that i fly to Vegas. for the biggest Redken event on this planet. i should be excited. but instead, i am exhausted.

i just spilled a bottle of water all over my bed. the bed that i so badly want to cuddle up in and cry myself to sleep.

and it is still monday.

*No Man's Land

**No Man's Land

amazon.com

2009-01-06T11:59:00.009-06:00

i heart amazon.com. i fully understood that feeling shortly after the purchase of my iPhone. the amazon app. was one of the first to be downloaded in to my phone.

i have an obsession with books. amazon allows me an oversized wishlist full of books, dvd's, and an occasional handbag or iPhone accessory. the iPhone allows me to add items to my wishlist all day every day (via the app.)

i will not fail to mention that i am a habitual list-maker.

despite the many amazon purchases that i make on a monthly basis, the list keeps growing.

for my own entertainment (not necessarily yours), i blog my amazon.com wishlist (as of Jan. 06, 2009 12:06 PM - by the time I have completed this blog entry, there is a major possibility that more items will have been added to the wishlist):

Flipping The Switch...: Unleash The Power of Personal Accountability using the QBQ by John G. Miller

Dreams from my Father: A Story of Race & Inheritance by Barack Obama

Vintage Fashion: Collecting and Wearing Designer Classics, 1900-1990 by Emma Baxter Wright

New York Look Book: A Gallery Of Street Fashion by Amy Larocca

Street: The Nylon Book of Global Style by Editors Of Nylon Magazine

Haircutting for Dummies by J. Elaine Spear

Real City New York City (REAL CITY GUIDES) by DK Publishing

Real City Chicago (REAL CITY GUIDES) by DK Publishing

Dreamgirls DVD

Beverly Hills Cop (Special Collector's Edition) DVD

Naked Ambition: An R-rated Look at an X-rated Industry by Dave Navarro & Larry Flynt

Toilets of the World by Morna E. Gregory

Monday Morning Choices: 12 Powerful Ways to Go from Everyday to Extraordinary by David Cottrell

Covert Persuasion: Psychological Tactics and Tricks to Win the Game by Kevin Hogan & James Speakman

Building a WordPress Blog People Want to Read by Scott McNulty

The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America by Erik Larson

Darkside Zodiac by Stella Hyde

Sex and the City - The Movie (Special Edition) DVD

The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene

Transsiberian DVD

Junior Drake Zip Wallet -Denim*

The iPhone Book: How to Do the Most Important, Useful & Fun Stuff with Your iPhone, 2nd Edition by Scott Kelby

Hair Heroes byMichael Gordon

Daily Candy A to Z: An Insider's Guide to the Sweet Life by Editors of DailyCandy

The DailyCandy Lexicon: Words That Don't Exist But Should by Editors of Daily Candy

Fictionary: Words That Don't Exist But Should by Editors of DailyCandy

Vintage Fashion: Collecting and Wearing Designer Classics, 1900-1990 by Emma Baxter Wright

*randomness

naturally, all books on my "to read:" list have been put on hold until the Twilight Saga has been fully completed.

told you it was completely ridiculous and out of control.

i can feel you judging me based on the information that i have just revealed.

Sweetest Things of 2008 according to Me

2008-12-30T22:01:00.016-06:00

2008 represented living the way I want to live without any apologies....

Lifestyle Changes:

Going Vegetarian/Vegan-ish. I feel good - better than ever. It is certainly an addictive lifestyle.
Becoming n NWA Worldperks Silver Elite member. Upgrade Me.
Finding a Dog Sitter. Last year, I struggled with travel due to lack of places to put my dog while I was gone. My dog sitter/good friend has relieved that anxiety and stress.

Books:

Skinny Bitch by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin
The One Hundred by Nina Garcia
A New Earth by Ekhart Tolle
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Movies:

Slumdog Millionaire best movie ever.
Sex & The City The Movie

Trips Taken:

Maui, Hawaii
STVI

Hotel Stays:

W Hotel Chicago, IL & Minneapolis, MN there is no place like home. the W should be my home.
::Night Hotel NY ::
Ritz Carlton Kapalua
Blackhawk Hotel Cedar Rapids, IA very unique hotel in the middle of nowhere Cedar Rapids. every room is different - you choose your room from a list online

Restaurants:

Ecopolitan - Minneapolis, MN vegan.
Mafolie - STVI best grouper ever
Scalintella - Manhattan, NY
Japonais - Chicago, IL best sushi ever
Acadia - Minneapolis, MN black bean buger. mmm

Nights:

@ Hard Rock Cafe Maui w/Marty Dread i remember dancing the night away....
@ Dakota Jazz Club w/ Amel Larrieux in Minneapolis this accounted for two nights. back-to-back
in New York on Broadway w/Chicago best show yet.
My Golden Birthday
NYE @ The W Hotel Minneapolis *smiles*

Purchases:

Furniture from Room & Board
the '05 Acura TL
Marciano Jacket
the iPhone. the ONLY thing I am not sold on with this phone is the fact that you can not text & drive. I KNOW! Not Safe. BUT with the Blackberry, I could text by feeling the keypad - without using my eyes....
Shuella. Talk about saving lives... the lives of my Stilettos!
Big Soft Fuzzy Grey Blanket

Discoveries:

Lemonade Flavored Toothpaste did I ever mention that anything mint or cinnamon gag me?
Blogspot
That I am moving back to Chicago

"If you wait to do everything until you're sure it's right, you'll probably never do much of anything."

Vegans Taste Better

2008-12-26T13:51:00.009-06:00

People seem to be amazed at my ability to cut meat, dairy, caffeine, and processed foods out of my lifestyle. These are all items that I consider non-foods and think twice before the consideration of consuming any of these items.

Most of the food I eat consists of fresh, organic, pure, raw food that has not shot, slaughtered, bleached, processed, canned, or preserved. Forgive me now for the un-willingness to let go of creme brulee, sushi & cheesecake. On the other hand, non-food items such as doritos, soda, store-bought cookies, and milk are snubbed upon.

Christmas is a holiday of indulgence. A time of the year that people are willing to sacrifice their slender or not-so-slender figures, and their strict diets to over-stuff their faces with all of the traditional holiday dishes that knowingly will contribute excess weight around the waistline. Commonly, the guilt eventually sets in, a New Years Resolution is made... and then never followed.

My family, being of no exception, makes the same holiday meal every year: turkey, ham, beef, canned green beans drenched in cheese sauce, buttered rolls, mashed potatoes and gravy, cheese cubes, and summer sausage... blah blah....

My family could not wrap their minds around my decision to not eat most of the foods served. It is challenging for me to give an honest answer to the sarcastic questions being asked by my over-weight family members. Honestly, I tried to ignore the questions (although tough) and simply reassure them that I feel good and am not going to lose weight to the point of anorexia. On my way out, they offered me a plate of ham to take home. Funny.

Last night, an old friend re-surfaced - they always do during the holidays. Although we have not spoken to each other in months, he decided to wish me a Merry Christmas via text message.

I can vividly remember a night last winter that him and I decided to step out and take on the city. On that chilly evening, prior to drinks and dancing at Lumen, we decided to start our evening over Sushi. At that restaurant, he made a few comments that have never left my memory. "I hate picky eaters. I need a girl that is willing to try new things." he said. I nodded in agreement, and reassured him that I was always willing to try new things.

Things have changed since that night. I HAVE tried new things. Plenty of new things - but not the type of 'new things' he had in mind. What's new to me this year is conciousness. Conciousness about the food I feed my body, and better yet the non-food I don't feed my body. I also have a new standard with the guys I will date. He will be concious of the food he feeds his body and will always remain meat-free.

When I informed Bachelor #1 that had re-surfaced of my new vegan-ish lifestyle, he immediately informed me of his dis-interest in me. It's all good - hours earlier, I had informed him of my dis-interest in him. I win.

To meet my standard, Mr. McDreamy must be willing to transform in the form of a Veg.

Afterall, vegans do taste better. No dead, rotting, decomposing flesh in our intestines. At most.... some pineapples and strawberries.

To take it one step further, without laying it all on the line... Did I mention that I frown down upon anyone un-willing to recycle?

*I understand that I contradict myself in this blog calling myself vegan, but admitting to eating foods such as Creme Brulee (OBVIOUS I'm not giving THAT up) & Sushi. I do not attest to being 100% vegan - but I have adapted a lifestyle similar to that of a vegan, and carry the same morals & conciousness.

xox Skinny Bitch

gone home

2008-12-23T12:09:00.021-06:00

Fort Wayne. "Home." not 'home' to me, rather 'home' to my family.
nothing fancy about this place... besides my mothers car and the piano player at Von Maur.

i grew up here. from the age of 6 to the age of 21.

everyone moves so slow. nothing changes. everything stays the same. upon entering the Fort, i am perceived as the same person i was 5-10-15 years ago. a flawed teenager. that could not smoke a cigarette, dropped out of high school for a month, and dated all of the wrong guys. i will also always and forever be labeled as bric's ex-girlfriend.

i see the same people, shopping the same stores, at the same mall- all of the people slightly pudgier than in the past. i take a double glances as if trying to remember what interaction (if any) i had with these familiar-looking people.

i shop with my mother -giving her the opportunity to show off the daughter that she seems so proud of, that she is proud to have be-friended. she trots me in the bank, the nail shop, the coffee shop - these places that she visits frequently. she takes the opportunity to introduce me to the bank teller, the barista, the manicurist, the chinese lady. she receives plenty of compliments - she thrives off compliments.

i am reminded of the distance between my mother and i when her husband refuses to show his face the entire 36 hours i visit their home. he keeps himself locked in the bedroom. my mother takes him a plate full of food... and returns with an empty plate.

pops. he's a good guy. a man of honesty. messy, yet systematic. he appreciates the simpler things in life. he provides highly intellectual conversation during road trips to grandpa's place. content included: Colorado Snow Tire Chains Laws, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar, ”Santa Baby” by Taylor Swift, Sunflowers grown in Colorado, The rice production in Sacramento, & ”a 40 Caliber Glock.

both of my parents homes are still filled with gifts that i have given them in prior years: elephant candles, picture frames, angel ornaments, george foreman grills, and spoon rests. both of their refrigerators are still filled with diet cokes. pops still keeps 24 packs of sams choice water from wal-mart... for me.

Fort Wayne is a dark place, one that i do not associate with positive happenings. the young boys carry guns and weapons... while at work... while at the club... while holding their babies. my brother, being one of these boys has become a product of his environment. he is impossible, stubborn, a heavily-opinionated jesus-worshiping republican.

On Sunday, I will leave Fort Wayne via the "Fort Wayne International Airport." And I will not be back for another year.

there is no place like home... right?

Tis The Season - Part 2

2008-12-22T10:58:00.011-06:00

Naturally, when I went to start my car this morning, it would not start. Remember how I just purchased it, AND I park in the garage? No one / no car is immune - not even the Acura.

Whatev.

Instead of working, I was confined to my condo with unpacking, re-packing, and gift wrapping to handle.

I am headed 'home' to Fort Wayne, Indiana tomorrow for the first time in one year. I only go 'home' once a year for various reasons including: airfare, driving time, lack of interest, my busy work schedule, AND I live in the middle of BFE with no outlet to the outside world (not really, but it feels that way sometimes.)

I went back to Fort Wayne last year, and the trip turned in to a complete disaster. Flights were cancelled, luggage was lost, I was trapped in an undesirable location: The Airport (for hours and hours and hours.)

I got a phone call from pops this morning only to find out he has been without power since Friday afternoon- him and 50,000 + other people in Fort Wayne!

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - December 2008 Ice
Storm Update: 3:00 PM, 12/21/2008

Indiana Michigan Power continues to make progress on restoring
power despite hazardous weather conditions.

However, some customers
are experiencing repeated service interruptions today as a result of strong
winds in the area. I&M is advising customers to ensure alternate living
arrangements either through American Red Cross shelters (listed below) or with
family and friends, if they are in need of housing.

Weather forecasts for the remainder of today and
into the evening call for sustained winds of 20 -25 mph with gusts up to 40
mph.

As of 3 p.m. Sunday, about 54,400
I&M customers are awaiting restoration of electric service, primarily in the
Fort Wayne area.

I&M has brought in more
than 1,200 additional personnel to restore power to the Fort Wayne region and is
expecting more assistance to arrive today.

Property owners must make sure that the service entrance attached
to their structure is prepared to be reenergized.

I have spent the last 2 weekends in airports that are notorious for flight delays and cancellations. Out of the 4 flights I had scheduled, only one was cancelled and I was able to hop an earlier flight out that day (not without DRAMA.) My flight tomorrow with mark my 5th & 6th flight out of Minnesota in the dead of winter. Remember: Traveling is not always glamorous.... especially when 50,000 + people are without power in -2 temperatures, and another ice storm is anticipated at your final destination.

So, tomorrow marks the day for Crista's Holiday Adventure 2008.

WoW

2008-12-22T10:49:00.005-06:00

W Hotel
+
Voss Water
+
Acura
+
Liquid Metal
+
Puma

♫♪ ♫ ★ ♫♪ ♫
=

(seriously. I could swear the W Hotel caters to my EXACT needs and wants)

W Hotel = My Love

Tis The Season

2008-12-17T09:15:00.008-06:00

The holidays are a time of year for bright lights, bling bling, snow-topped trees (and cars), glitteratti, gift wrap, overwhelmingly large ribbons and bows, ice skating, shopping, and gift giving. Oh, and ...pumpkin pie.

Gift-giving is by far my favorite part of the holidays (the EXACT reason there will be no Hannukah celebrating for me this year.) I equally enjoy wrapping paper (and bling.) Despite my previous anxiety over the fact that "thoughtful" gifts can be quite challenging to 'think of', I have made my final decisions and am confident in the gifts that I am gifting this year.

Although gift-giving is much more important to me than receiving, I need you to refer back to my Christmas List. There are important updates to share. (updates are hi-lited in red)

My Official 2008 Christmas List:

a remote car starter (...no updates at this time)
The Little Mermaid II (I purchased this for myself - could not wait!!)
A new mobile phone (anything but a blackberry. must have GPS) (CHECK...100% sold on the iPhone. I have gotten wind that I will be receiving some $$ towards my new iPhone ..thx mom!)
a gift certificate to MAC (this was a just in case kinda thing... a girl can always use more MAKEUP!)
a new bed frame (...hm.. no updates)
a blingin watch (I am ALWAYS looking for a watch that outblings my current one) (i just received a new watch for my birthday. gucci. out-blings the DKNY's that I'm always rockin....)
a filing cabinet from West Elm (CHECK. i am staring at an un-assembled filing cabinet sitting in the middle of my living room... thx dad)
book shelves from West Elm (CHECK. 250$ GC to West Elm arrived in the mail. whoppee!)
for my (new) car to be fixed because someone backed in to it last night!! GC to the auto body shop? (...yeah... my car still sits with a slight amount of damage. makes me sick to my stomach to think about.)
OR a vacation home in Bora Bora ((drool)) (yeah... no updates... maybe that will be the grande finale surprise.)

Did I mention the rice cooker and pots & pans that Santa will be leaving under the tree for me?

Originally, I created my Christmas list as a joke...

On a more serious note, here are a few items that I would like to add to my Holiday slash Everyday List:

The diminishment of all ego
A world full of vegans
A new perspective
Wisdom
Children Who Behave (other peoples children -of COURSE my children would be angels)
Parents who discipline
Alternate identities
Freedom from guilt and regret
Every day to be a vacation day
One of everything
World Peace
a 6 pack
Vegan Dog Food

seriously.

xox. Bird*

you had me at 'hello'

2008-12-11T16:36:00.020-06:00

I have dated many different types of guys throughout my 26 years of life. ('Dating' being a word used very loosely.)

-Seriously... Jaguar Drivers, truck washers, former exotic dancers, home owners, fathers, republicans, co-op shoppers, ice cream eaters, BMX riders, city slickers, salesmen (the worst!!), small town boys... you get the point.

My mind was stirred after reading a post written by one of my favorite bloggers, titled "What's your type, baby?." While reading the post, I realized that we all have our own standard of person we are willing to date. Do we always follow that standard to ensure that our Better Half falls within the guideline of our "type"? I had to think long and hard about "my type" of guy. But here it goes.....

He's Heavily Opinionated (im not saying judgemental) yet Open-Minded. He's Intuitive and Ambitious. He's Independent and enjoys living alone. He is a Man Of His Word and does what he says he's going to do. He's Humorous in a dry smirkish kind of way. He's Moderately Stubborn, and Cautious (non-committal?!?) He's Non-Materialistic and does not own an Xbox or Wii. He is Clean and Tidy - but no perfectionist. He throws away holey underwear and socks. He enjoys being home and can entertain himself in the absence of a television. He is passionate but doesn't have an overwhelming desire for intimacy.

I have realized that an amazing personality is much more attractive than a pretty face (although he MUST have an amazing smile - and smile often). I would much prefer to hang with someone that will stimulate my intellect through topics such as:

Nutrition: I am veg ...therefore he MUST be veg... and healthy. We need to be able to share meals during an occasional restaurant visit. and let's face it, I will not allow dead rotting flesh in my kitchen.

Culture: He would come well-equipped with a natural concern in matters such as the arts, manners, religion, music, worldly news, and conciousness of this earth.

Music: An eclectic taste in music is crucial. I would expect him to introduce me to music I had never heard. No gangster rap, bubble gum pop music, or head banging obnoxiousness on my guy's IPOD.

Travel: No second date for the guy that has not travelled out of his home state. No First date for the guy unwilling to travel outside of his home state.

Although looks are not of high importance when it comes to choosing my Potential Better Half, An amazing ass (especially in jeans) is a Bonus - borderline crucial. (i'm just sayin..)

He may be spotted wearing Sport Coats & Pumas. Straight leg pants or Diesel Jeans - accessorized by a fancy belt. A cashemere sweater, or a v-neck t-shirt smothered in the scent of a man. My man. He dresses simply and let's his personality do the talking.

*Immediate action given to the man hiding tightie whities and a wife beater underneathe his outer layer of clothing. (Wanna come over tonight??)

His style would be subtle, but unique.

Perfection would entail bottling all of this up and transforming him in to the form of creme brulee.

Although, I would claim to be willing to overlook this criteria for the man that has an excessive amount of dough $$ in his bank account, BUT I am not swooned by offers of cash advancements and expensive material goods. I am simply turned off by the exterior vulnerability and the willingness to exchange "love" for $$.

kiss my wounds

love me tender

buy me flowers i've never seen

wake me up from my dreams

to bring me french toast and tea

in the morning light

fly across country to spend

the night

you said you'd steer a boat across the atlantic

cuz you're so f*ck'n romantic

i can't stand it

when i look in your eyes

unconditionalness sweetness uncompromised

you set the standard for many things

i wasn't sure what it would bring

you're so f*ck'n romantic

other men wouldn't call

just to say "i love you"

take your time

but i miss you

is it okay

if i see you

i'll kiss you everywhere anywhere

damn sure, me

please let this moment be

you're always tempting me

cuz you're so f*ck'n romantic

we say the same words

at the same time

i start a sentence

you finish mine

laugh at my jokes when i wanna cry

and when i feel lost

i look in your eyes

even in front of your boys

you wouldn't lie

you say"i gotta see my baby tonight"

cuz you're so f*ck'n romantic

kiss me 'til i'm frantic
-goapele-

PS. Did I mention that I will only settle for a domesticated man? One that cooks, cleans, does dishes, AND laundry?

i'm just sayin'

xox

: : : NEWS FLASH : : :

2008-12-09T08:35:00.007-06:00

MINNEAPOLIS — A number of young Somali men in Minneapolis have gone missing in recent months, and some fear the youths are being recruited to return to their homeland to fight with terrorist groups.

One of the men who disappeared is believed to have
killed himself in an Oct. 29 suicide bombing in northern Somalia, according to a
U.S. law enforcement official who spoke on condition of anonymity because the
official was not authorized to speak publicly about the case. That official
confirmed the FBI and Justice Department were investigating.

Another
U.S. law enforcement official, also speaking on condition of anonymity, said
authorities are calling it one of the first instances in which a U.S. citizen
has acted as a suicide bomber.

The Oct. 29 bombings included a series of
five seemingly coordinated attacks in the breakaway republic of Somaliland and
the Somalia's Puntland region. More than 20 people were killed.

"We're
aware of the circumstances in Somalia right now and the events of the Oct. 29
bombings. And we are aware that a number of individuals from throughout the U.S.
and Minneapolis have traveled to Somalia to potentially fight for terrorist
groups," said Special Agent E.K. Wilson, an FBI spokesman.

Members of the Somali community in
Minneapolis said small groups of young men have been disappearing over the last
year. Anywhere from 15 to 20 have left Minneapolis in recent months, said Omar
Jamal, executive director of the Somali Justice Advocacy Center.

"We
know for a fact this is happening, but we don't know who is doing it," he said.

Osman Ahmed, a Somali activist, said his 17-year-old nephew is among a
group of at least seven people who went missing Nov. 4.

The Associated
Press is honoring Ahmed's request to withhold the name of the teen for the
youth's safety. Ahmed said the teen came to the U.S. as a young child and was an
American citizen, like the others who left that day.

Ahmed said his
nephew was a high school senior and had a normal routine of going to school,
going home then going to the mosque.

"He was a very nice guy," Ahmed
said. "He was very clever. Very shy. Very cool."

On Nov. 4, he told his
mother a friend would pick him up from school, but he never came home.

"We started checking hospitals, we went to the police station," Ahmed
said.

The family then realized that the teen's U.S. passport was
missing, and Ahmed said authorities found a flight itinerary showing the teen
arriving in Nairobi, Kenya, on Nov. 5.

Within two days, the teen called
his mother, saying only that he was alive, safe and in Mogadishu, Somalia, Ahmed
said. The teen gave no other details and has not been heard from since.

"We are praying to see him one day," Ahmed said.

Ahmed, who has
been talking with other relatives of missing young men, said the families
received similar phone calls.

Some members of the Somali community are
concerned the young men are being recruited to go to Somalia and fight. The
impoverished nation on the Horn of Africa is caught up in an Islamic insurgency
and has not had a functioning government since 1991.

"It has to come to
an end right now," said Jamal. "It has to stop. ... We have so many families
grieving. We don't want any more kids to get brainwashed and programmed."

Jamal and Ahmed said it is suspicious because someone is providing money
and transportation for the men to fly from Minnesota to Africa.

"My
nephew, he doesn't have money for a ticket," said Ahmed. "None of these kids
do."

Jamal said he hopes the situation isn't a black eye for the state's
Somali community, which the U.S. Census numbered at more than 24,000 in 2006.
Local activists claim the actual number is higher than that.

"We hope
that this won't be an issue where the community will be looked at differently,"
Jamal said. "Somalis at large are very peaceful people. ... We don't want the
Somali community to be looked at as a group of suicide bombers."

Source: Fox News
----------------

Remember how I live in a predominantly somalian neighborhood?

Here is another piece of news (almost as serious):
You can utilize the check boxes below my posts to "react" to the post.
(told you it was serious)

Bird*

Jet Setter

2008-12-07T13:54:00.024-06:00

Fact: I travel much more often than the average person.

Myth: I live a secret life while away from home.

Most people get very excited when it comes to taking a trip far away from home.

An airplane ride is a big deal, and is booked several months in advance. A 6 hour road trip is thoroughly planned. Days and days are spent laying out the items being considered for packing. Money for the big trip is saved for months and months. Numerous thoughts & images of the mysterious destination flood the mind. The trip's itinereary is carefully thought through, only after reading numerous online reviews.

My traveling experience is slightly different. MOST of the time, I am on the road for some type of work event, being a Hair Show, Meeting, or simply to visit salons in markets outside of the Twin Cities. My boss lives in a different state than myself, I have a home office, and am only accompanied by one other co-worker in the Twin Cities. The only way to connect with my co-workers is through travel. Pack the bags, hop a plane, meet up with them in a new city. We have become so accustomed to traveling, we have learned to navigate through any city, and make whatever city we are in 'our life' for that period of time.

When I am on the road, the activities I involve myself are similar to those of the average working-class american: Shower, Iron, Makeup. Breakfast. Coffee. Text friends. Meeting. Work. Lunch. Text. Happy Hour. More Work. Dinner. Text more friends. Hit the streets. OR lay in bed, remote in hand, blogging. There is a slight chance, that I may have FREE TIME in the evening after work to meet up with a friend or two local to the city I am visiting. A slight chance.

Often times, I share a room with a co-worker of mine, have no privacy, no alone time, and am caught up in the presence of people that I do not see often. Catching up on the 411 is an obligation. Did I mention that I rarely see the outside of the hotel?

Being away from home for 10+ days, booking a flight less than 3 days in advance, blowing off a flight, navigating large airports, losing my luggage for 2+ days, being caught alone in cities overnight due to bad weather, hopping in random cabs, making friends with cabbies, staying the night in hotels ranging from boutique to Marriot to Days Inn, hopping a flight to New York, or catching a plane jumper from the islands to San Juan are all daily activities for me.

People often associate my traveling with this sort of 'mysterious life' I live. It is hard for them to visualize exactly what it is that I am doing while I am off in what seems like some luxurious place where I have tons of free time to explore the city, meet people, and add names to the list of people I have screwed.

I can remember back to the very first vacation I took with friends-no parents involved. We stayed in a condo on Treasure Island, and spent our evenings running the streets of Ybor City. As we were preparing for our trip, people kept saying to just be careful. "Be careful.... just.. be safe..." was said in the most solemn of voices. People assumed we were going to Tampa to meet guys and get laid. I was taken aback by these ridiculous assumptions. We were headed to Tampa simply because we were offered a condo at an amazing price. Our agenda was sun-bathing, wave crashing, and drinking at the bar. We had no idea Ybor City even existed. We found it though... and this pretty much sums up our time spent there:

We never did shack up with any guys... and that was never our intention.

Fact: I am able to travel more often for leisure due to Miles earned while flying across the country for my job.

Fact: I DO get to see some cool ish and I DO visit some beautiful places.

Fact: I do NOT enjoy living out of a bag.

Fact: Clothing gets lost, shoes get damaged, and luggage gets torn while en route.

Fact: I am in and out of a buttload of Public Restrooms

Fact: Hotel Food disgusts me. (i would much prefer a home cooked vegan meal)

Fact: Staying home is a small luxury. (as far as I'm concerned)

Fly, Birdie, Fly

2008-12-05T19:50:00.007-06:00

Driving home from work tonight I could feel my body tense... uncomfortable. The snow is thick, the roads are slick, and traffic is slow. I felt unsafe. I could not get home soon enough. Due to my recent car accident, I trust no one. Not even myself.

Although the snow is dangerous to drive in, and causes life to slow down, it IS beautiful. Tonight, even as I stare out my window now, the snow is still falling.

As I was walking the dog this evening, up above, I noticed a flock of Black Birds all gathered in the naked, snow-tipped trees. There were hundreds of them. Every few moments, they would all at once fly out of the trees causing a commotion and find a new tree to gather in. As I looked above to watch the birds, the snowflakes were dropping right in to my eyes wide open. As I blinked them off, it was hard to keep my eyes open to watch the activity of the birds. I had a camera ready to take pictures of these black birds that had become an instant fascination. Unfortunately, I could only capture the white snowflakes. The blackness of the birds blended in with the dark sky up above.

The dog was oblivious to the swarming birds and the commotion they were causing. He was busy creating the first footprints in the snow and pushing his face through the fluffy snow. When he finally lifted his head out of the snow, it was completely covered in the white fluffy mess. Was pretty cute.

As the pooch was taking care of his business, I heard a noise. ::PLOP:: I looked up and realized that I was standing directly underneathe a bare tree filled with birds. I looked down, closely at the mess that had plopped down on to the wet groud and realized that it was bird poo. Close call - as I was only standing a few inches from where the poo had plopped.

Right then, I knew it was time to get back inside where we are safe. From the slickness of the snow. The bitter coldness against my face. And the plopping of bird poo up and down the street.

Although the air was bitter cold... it was refreshing. And, I have yet to de-cipher my fascination with birds....

Emotional Cowboy

2008-12-03T19:51:00.007-06:00

I received a text today from a good friend. He asked that I blog it.

"Being emotional is borderline crazy... Heart won't follow the facts
or guide lines.... Cross the line and find yourself insane."

"Heart can drive you to victory, it can take you to the top. But once it's broken, it becomes your anchor."

-cowboy drew

I worry about him....

i am mermaid.

2008-12-02T19:52:00.007-06:00

The 4 Steps to becoming a Mermaid:

#1. strip down to minimal clothing and allow artist to paint fins with glitteratti blingin acrylic paint

#2. Photographer snaps shots in multiple "mermaid-like" positions

#3. artist sketch (see below)

#4. the final image including iridescent gliteratti fun. (coming soon)

I was reminded today that i was still eating hotdogs, porkchops, burgers, bacon, and bologna when the early stages of my mermaid-ness were taking place. nasty.

in this photo, i was a carnivore. blah.

xox Bird* a.k.a Ariel

let's... go... SHOPPING!

2008-11-30T16:43:00.017-06:00

I have expressed my frustration with the challenge of Thinking of Thoughtful Gifts to give in celebration of Christmas.

This year, I will be going home (back to Indiana) for the first time in a year. I have not been back to see my family since Christmas of '07. For this reason, I would like to present my closest family members with some nice gifts.

I enjoy gift-giving, and most importantly I enjoy shopping. Gift giving requires I shop.

This past weekend, I took on my first round of "holiday shopping." My purchases included: 2 DVD's, 3 books, a bling license plate, multiple items from Victorias Secret (only to receive the GWP's,) and makeup. All for myself.

Round one of holiday shopping ended up to be a mini personal shopping spree. It just happened that I had to keep a few of those items that would have made great gifts for myself. I NEEDED them. I was tempted to purchase MORE items for myself but tried to stay on track - keeping my eye exclusively on gift items.

Oh well, technically, I still have 23 days.

Can anyone recommend "thoughtful" gifts for dads and brothers?

: : : : : sighs : : : : : :

xo bird.

Protein Overdose

2008-11-27T13:07:00.016-06:00

As a vegetarian, the #1 question I am asked is: "How do you get enough protein?!?!"

This question is especially annoying because the people who ask are obviously un-educated as to what a well-balanced meal really looks like (their idea of a hearty meal is steak/pork chops/meatloaf, fried potatoes, a dinner roll, and a diet coke.)

For those of you curious; vegetables, soy, legumes, fruits, nuts, seeds, and grains all contain protein.

Vegetarian Protein Reality:

Over the last few decades, wide spread practical experience of vegetarian diet, knowledge of traditional cultures, and hundreds of health/diet studies, all tell a different story.

Too much protein is as harmful as too little, and is linked with shorter life expectancy, increased cancer and heart disease risk, widespread obesity and diabetes, osteoporosis, kidney stress, and bad digestion

High protein-diets bring about temporary weight-loss, at the expense of overall health, and people quickly regain weight once they return to a normal diet

A varied vegetarian diet with a balance of protein, fats & carbohydrates, and adequate calorie intake provides more than enough protein

Complete animal protein is not superior to complete protein from more than one plant source – they give the same result in different ways

Protein from plant sources doesn't include excess calories from fat, toxic residues, or an overabundance of protein, which stresses the kidneys

Protein deficiency is very rare in the US and is generally diagnosed in people living in countries suffering from famine. It's been estimated that the average person in this country eats two - six times more protein, usually from animals, than is needed for good nutrition.

So then comes the question on Thanksgiving. Am I REALLY NOT going to eat TURKEY on Thanksgiving. And to be completely honest, if i WERE going to eat meat, TURKEY on THANKSGIVING would be the last piece of meat on my list because I know the facts:

There are 300 million turkeys killed each year—more than 40 million during the holiday season alone—for human consumption. Turkeys on factory farms have their beaks and toes cut off without pain relief. They are crammed by the tens of thousands into dark, stifling warehouses where disease, smothering, and heart attacks are common. Today's turkeys are genetically bred to grow so quickly that their bones and leg muscles often give out under the stress of supporting their huge upper bodies. Millions of turkeys die every year from heat exhaustion, freezing, and accidents during transport.

Thousands of free-range turkeys are raised in a single warehouse-like structure forced to stand on accumulated fecal waste and breathe in ammonia fumes. These turkeys are then taken to the slaughterhouse through transport containers where they are hung upside down in shackles. There they cry out in fear and pain as they await their own slaughter. Think of how much it hurts when we get a little speck in our eye, and we might understand the degree of suffering that the turkeys are been forced to endure day after day.

And in an earlier post, I pointed out that the Union of Concerned Scientists points out that 70 percent of the antibiotics sold in the United States are used to treat healthy livestock...

Anyhow, due to my family being hundreds of miles away, I am spending Thanksgiving at home, alone, with the pooch. I have resorted to the couch, in boy shorts, un-showered, with Forrest Gump on the tube. I will take the opportunity to work on my Weekend Commitments

Oh, and did I mention the house next door was on fire this AM? 5 Fire Trucks parked outside of my window, Channel 5 news, & LOTS of firemen (including the Chief.)

Throughout the week, I have been busy creating my very own little Thanksgiving meal. On the menu: Sweet Potatoe Souflee, Apple Crisp, Butternut Squash Soup, Black Bean Salad, Minnesota Wild Rich & Squash, Spinach Salad, Jalapeno Cornbread, Apple Cider, Cranberry Fruit Salad, and Pumpkin Pie - mostly made from scratch. THAT's enough to be thankful for. (did i ever mention that i LOVE cooking in my kitchen??)

I rarely get excited about the holidays, for various reasons. The #1 reason tends to be the many obligtions that come including: being expected to showing thanks, thinking of thoughtful gifts, (gift-giving is no longer natural - it is EXPECTED), the consumption of garb foods, the guilt of gathering with relatives ONLY once a year , and a years worth of the positive & negative life stories (I feel guilty telling a positive story, when everyone else is living in the negative.)

I DO enjoy Gift Wrap. (actually, obsessed. I have a collection of wrapping paper, bows, string, glitteratti, need I go on?!?!)

And I DO enjoy receiving gifts. Refer back to my Official 2008 Christmas List

OH AND, I do enjoy sending Holiday Cards.

I have been humbled on this day, Nov. 27th, 2008.... Thanksgiving. I will pour one for all my Turkey homies that were literally plumped to death for your dining pleasure.

**Facts Found at: goveg.com, articlesbase.com, savvyvegetarian.com, peta.com

the best things in life are found on Craigslist

2008-11-26T14:11:00.011-06:00

Determined to find a decently priced apartment to look at in December when I visit, I am now spending a good portion on my time browsing ads on Craigslist. I have not announced it to the world yet, but I plan on moving back to Chicago in Spring of '09.

I couldn't NOT share this ad that I came across while browsing through the Apt/Housing category.

$30 / 3br - -------------House Wife
Wanted....All Expenses Paid.....SAVE $$ (Just South of Wicker Park)

You Provide: Laundry and house chores.

I Provide: All Housing Expense Paid......You Live For Free....And a chance to get ahead in life by living for free.......

Me: 28 M White, Attractive, Business Owner, Wicker Park

--I am Looking for a house wife

--You wash my laundry/ cook/ clean....I pay all of the bills....

-- I work 90- 100 hours a week, and am sick of spending my small amount
of spare time doing house chores......

--Be my house wife and I'll pay
all of the rent/ utility / tv / phone / internet / food / drinks / parking
expenses you are currently paying!! You can save up $$ and get a jump start on
life !!

--Please include your picture and #.....I'll call to answer any
questions you may have.

-- And yes, this is a real ad, and no this is
not too good to be true. I would just rather not spend my only day off washing
clothes (10 loads per week of work clothes) / cleaning up the house and my
office....

dogs are OK - wooof
Location: Just South of Wicker
Park

Tempting. I think I am the right person for the job. (If not, Phil, I will find out if he would be open to a "house husband.")

Lipstick & the City

2008-11-25T15:35:00.021-06:00

I decided to venture out of the house today and treat the pooch to a nice afternoon at the dog park. Although it is cold outside, it was not unbearable... and the pooch has been slightly anxious to get out of the house ( I know this because he whines at me CONSTANTLY.)

Little did I know, the pooch (who was wearing the cutest little black jacket) would become the center of attention at the dog park.

When we visit the dog park (frequently in the spring/summer) we typically go to the park for big dogs, not small dogs ALTHOUGH my dog is only 11 lbs. He enjoys the big dogs, and gets himself in to less trouble. He gets waaaay too excited around the other small dogs.

Today, after roaming around by himself for quite some time, he found a gorgeous lassie-looking dog (50-75 lbs) to focus all of his attention on. Lassie was laying down chewing on a stick, when my pooch decided to take the opportunity to get behind Lassie and mount her. Lassie didn't even notice, but EVERYONE ELSE in the dog park did. There was one point in time that 3-4 people had their camera phones out not just taking pictures - but recording the dominatrix (a.k.a my pooch) in hump-mode. It WAS quite the site. Quite embarassing. The pooch has a reputation of being "romantic" but has also been referred to as Duece Bigalow.....

Eventually, I had to pull my dog off of Lassie and carry him out of the park. He is currently sprawled out on the couch with all 4 legs in the air. Relaxing after his big super-star day at the dog park.

On the lighter side of dog talk I got an e-mail from my grandparents and read this: "...We took Hunter (their dog) to the Mall yesterday in his stroller. He really enjoys that...."

wow.

(((change of subject)))

In less than 24 hours, my dreams of celebrating Hannukah this year have been shattered.

I was not aware that Hannukah is one of the best known holidays simply because of it's proximity to Christmas, It has become part of "The Holidays." Hannukah is often referred to as the "Jewish Christmas" and has adopted many of the Christmas traditions such as gift giving and elaborate decorating - although this is not traditional for the jews. Basic tradition is the lighting of the candles, spinning a dreidle, and eating fried food. Not much for celebrating.

SO I am back to celebrating the Holidays just like the Christians do, just like I did growing up. Santa Clause, Reindeer, and GIFTS... oh... and baby jesus!

To begin my holiday celebration I am going to create a Christmas list. (don't make me get out the JCPenny catalog)

My Official 2008 Christmas List:

a remote car starter
The Little Mermaid II
A new mobile phone (anything but a blackberry. must have GPS)
a gift certificate to MAC
a new bed frame
a blingin watch (I am ALWAYS looking for a watch that outblings my current one)
a filing cabinet from West Elm
book shelves from West Elm
for my (new) car to be fixed because someone backed in to it last night!! GC to the auto body shop?
OR a vacation home in Bora Bora ((drool))

xox bird

interesting. . .

2008-11-24T18:27:00.002-06:00

"...........using the word "interesting" allows you to keep your distance, play around with ideas and concepts in your mind, agree or disagree........" eckhart tolle

hmm..... interesting....

xox bird

that's how i roll.

2008-11-24T17:35:00.014-06:00

It is currently Monday eve and my work week is just about over. (*smiles*) I may choose to work in the salon on Friday just to get out of the house. To fill all of my free time, I have committed myself to a few things over the next week and a half:

I will not eat out. I will eat home cooked (vegan-ish) meals at home.

I will finish a book that has taken me waaay to long to read (it's deep): A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle AND I will start a new book. Not sure which book. I will have to make the decision between: The Hour I first Believed by Wally Lamb, Wasted Beauty by Eric Bogosian, Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt, OR finishing The 48 Laws Of Power by Robert Greene. I would really like to start a novel.

I will learn everything I need to know about Hannukah - I will be celebrating this year (no, I am not jewish - just trying something new) I will also celebrate the Hmong New Year
I will meet my friends at 1029 Bar for another round of Karaoke on a traditional Wednesday night.... and I will sing my heart out. fa la la la la la la la la

I will probably spend Thanksgiving alone, BUT I will go see a good movie on Thanksgiving eve... which is tradition for me.

I will attend the Annual Holidazzle Parade.

I will complete my gift-giving list (why are thoughtful gifts so hard to think of??) I don't give many but I do give some.

I will unpack my beautiful Celebration Barbies (yes, I collect BARBIES) and place them under spotlight for the next 5 weeks.

I will NOT set an alarm clock... I will wake up when I feel like.

That's it. That's all I've got. I am really looking forward to my week, although I will not be with family, I will not be with my closest firneds. I will be alone. Alone with a good book and some good vegan-ish food.

xox Bird

*image yanked from Daily Candy

everything you say can & will be used against you.

2008-11-23T18:10:00.018-06:00

Very early in my career, I learned that everything you say will eventually be repeated - and you must be 100% comfortable with every word that leaves your mouth. If you choose to talk negatively about someone behind their back, eventually that person will get word of what you have said.

Everything you say can and will be used against you.

I can remember the exact moment that I realized ALL of the gossip I was spreading, all of the rumors, and hate messages I was throwing around WAS being repeated - repeated back to the people I was gossiping about!

(Why, for so long, did I think the rumors I was spreading would stay only with the one person I told them to??)

Travel Back In Time about 6 years:

Waaaaaay back in the day ;) I was working at a salon in Indiana. The salon was busy, I worked with my friends, and knew most of the guests that entered the salon. I viewed most of my guests as friends, not just paying clients.

One of my guests (we will leave her name out of the blog for obvious reasons,) would come to the salon every 4-6 weeks faitfully for a cut & color. She brought her 13 year old daughter to the salon for cuts & color as well. They became good $$ customers of mine.

I remember before I knew her well, SHE would always make comments about working at night and being exhausted during day time hours. Eventually she pushed me to ask a simple question: "Oh, you work at night? What do you do?"

She was a stripper. A 44 year old stripper with a 13 year old daughter. And a dramatic love life. Oh, and flourescent green fingernails. A stripper that thought I was pretty which probably meant I had a good looking father. She wanted to know more about my dad.

Whoa. (i know!) A stripper step-mom?!?!?!

Each time she was in the salon, she would ask to see pictures of my dad. Each time she was in the salon I would tell her "Maybe next time." Of course this was always mixed among her stories of lost love, broken hearts, rich guys, boyfriend #1, and boyfriend #2. I could never focus on her stories of broken romance, instead my mind would race a hundred miles a minute - wondering if her 13 year old daughter watched her walk out of the house at night in fishnet stockings, lacy thongs, and stripper shoes!! AND I wondered what her daughter thought of those loooong green fingernails... and the playboy bunny imprinted on her thigh, and the fake tan! AND I could just not visualize thhose 44 year old saggy boobs jiggling around in anyone's face... for $$$!!

Nothing against strippers. I'm just sayin. That's where my mind went - it was completely riduculous and out of control.

This whole situation blew my mind (obviously!!) soooo I talked about it. I told my co-workers of the stripper with dreams of being my step mother. I told my friends, and I told salon clients of mine.

In fact, I can remember the day (very vividly) that 2 of my favorite clients/friends were in the salon shopping for some shampoo. They stopped me to chat... asked about life, updated me on their life... asked about my dad... (gasp) I had a GREAT story to tell them!!

I told these girls everything about HER. E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G. In the middle of the shampoo aisle in the salon.

We said our good-byes, deciding we would all see each other soon. I walk away. Turn the aisle. And come face-to-face with HER. The stripper. In the next aisle. I knew instantly that SHE had heard everything. E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G.

Instantly, I was nauseated. And looking for a story. Justification. Lies. EEK!~

SHE mentioned that she was in the salon just shopping for shampoo, and... that she had heard everything. Of course, she knew I was talking about HER. With lines like: "Like, Who wants a stripper for a mom" and "Isn't she too old to be a stripper anyway - plus she has a 13 year old" There was no doubt SHE was the person I was referring to.

Not sure how I got myself out of that situation, it's all a blur. I'm pretty sure she never came to see me in the salon again.

And, I'm pretty sure I have watched what comes out my mouth from that day forward.

Back to the present:

Unfortunately, gossip happens quite frequently in the beauty business. I happen to be employed in the beauty business. For various reasons, lately, I have been at the butt end of other peoples gossip. In fact, 3 different people, from 3 different sides of my work life have been heard talking smack about me. Interesting enough, that all 3 of them don't know me very well at all.

My plan of action is to not retaliate although, eventually, I may (discreetly) let them in on the fact that I know what they have said. Of course, I would allow them to know everything I know. I would allow their minds to always wonder exactly what it is that I do know.

Typically, I am not one to draw attention and drama, but lately I have been in the spotlight. What must the girl do to remove herself from the attention of others?

"...When you are seemingly diminished in some way and remain in absolute nonreaction, not just externally but also internally, you realize that nothing real has been diminished, that through becoming "less," you become more...." - Eckhart Tolle

i got out of bed for... THIS?

2008-11-18T19:31:00.010-06:00

My job could often times be compared to a bad joke.

Often times, I am placed in front of groups of people, ready and willing to help them earn a better living and live a better life. Unfortunatley, most of these people would prefer to stay wrapped in a broken misery. Most of the time, I care more about their personal growth and success than they do.

Yesterday, I was placed in front of a group of *special* people. Here is what I mean by *special* During my presentation they:

wanted to know my ethnicity (they screamed the question... rudely)

laid their heads on a table and slept - apologized later.

chomped on Jimmy John's Sandwich & pickle

made the announcement that they had no idea that I was coming to present to them and had no idea what I would be presenting. they could have cared less whether i was there or not.

Although this may not sound extreme, a group of professionals that are interested in growing their education & successes would not have acted this way.

So, yesterday, this little situation happened to about 6 or 7 of my coworkers and myself. It is called "mis-communication." This mis-communication caused my boss to call me on the phone, scream at me, threaten my job with his company, and hang up on me. Of course, he blamed the situation on me, and believe it or not, the situation was not my fault at all (victimizing myself.) I was looking for solutions to the problem we encountered. I offered solutions to the problem and no one could seem to agree on the same solution. I never did understand why 6 people needed to be a part of the situation in the first place OR why it was so hard to get respondence from all parties involved.

The outcome of the whole situation ended with me in front of a small group of people that could have cared less about their careers, let alone the positive message that I had to pass along to them.

By the end of the day, I was reassured that I should not fear losing my job - Not that I ever DID fear it.

BUT the whole situation left a bitter taste in my mouth. Did I deserve to be screamed at and hung up? AND told that my side of the story will never be heard? You would think that your employer (who is an ADULT) would have enough respect to hear all sides of the story prior to BLOWING UP. As an employee, I do not feel valued. I do not feel that my opinion matters. I do not feel that my employer has my back and and looks out for my best interest. I do not feel that my employer is willing to GROW ME as his employee .....although I have shown loyalty to his distributorship.

-------------------

Today, on the other hand, I realized that there ARE people that respect me, value my opinion, hang on to the words that I say, and understand that I work with them to help them grow their business.

I was in front of two different groups of people today that look forward to seeing me in their salons. They thank me every time I come in. They hang on to every word I say. The ideas/systems/techniques that I provide are immediately put in to action. In return, they are experiencing growth within their business.

These are the people that I enjoy working with. Working with these people allows me to be productive within my job. So why is it that Big Boss Daddy can't see this and continuously kicks and screams about me working with nobodys that will always fail miserably in life??

It feels good to be respected and appreciated, and I am now facing a the point in my career that I will seek out an employer that RESPECTS and APPRECIATES the work that I do.

On another note, I got on the phone with a long time friend of mine tonight. He called to give me an update on his not-so-great relationship. He made the statement that although I am so far away from him right now, he still considers me one of his best friend. *smiles*

Tomorrow, I will not be getting out of bed.

*image yanked from Daily Candy

XOX

Must Have's

2008-11-17T20:55:00.002-06:00

I MUST have plenty of lacy socks before next spring. ((drool))

(this is not the best pic of lacy socks.)

look at the socks and metallic heels

i found this pic a while ago, but came across it again and am now drooling over lacy socks

se-xy

"ZIP UP YOUR PURSE!!"

2008-11-15T10:12:00.013-06:00

Last night, we ventured out to Edina for the Ultimate Suburban Experience: Trader Joe's (grocery shopping), Panera Bread (soup, sandwich & green tea), The Gap (argyle socks & the original khaki), AND the Landmark Theater (Now Playing: The Secret Life Of Bees).

Oddly enough, it was a great way to spend a Friday night.

As we were sitting at Panaera Bread we made a mutual decision: We needed to purchase a few bottles of water to smuggle in to the movie theater. This is especially crucial because much of our movie theater experience evolves around artificially flavored popcorn (artificial flavors include White Cheddar, Jalapeno, and the occasional Parmesan & Garlic)

After Dinner we went straight to the mall (The Gap.) As we were exiting the mall, we found a vending machine full of Dasani water. I stuck 2 bottles of water in my purse.: Smuggling Plan completed.

We proceeded to the movie theater with a few moments to spare. As we walk from the parking garage to the theater, we notice that the bottle of water in my purse were highly visible. This made HIM nervous.

HE suggested that I zip up my purse, and I non-chalantly blew him off because I was not worried about anyone noticing. Even if someone were to notice, I felt that it was no big deal - that they wouldn't even pay attention to the water in my purse! I have smuggled plenty of food/drink items in to movie theaters over a period of 10-12 years.

HIM: "ZIP UP YOUR PURSE!"

ME: "It's not a big deal!"

HIM: "Crista, really, Zip It Up!"

ME: "I'll do it when I get inside."

As HE purchased our tickets, I did not bother to zip up my purse, as promised. As he purchased the popcorn, I STILL did not bother to zip up my purse. In fact, I boldly placed my purse on the concession counter flaunting the 2 bottles of water in my purse to the cashier.

HIM: (disgusted at my boldness) "GET.. WHAT.. THE.. PUT THAT DOWN!!"

ME: (foolish grin on face) "Sorry" wink wink

Although, the bottles of water were spotted in my purse, they were never questioned. The common rule at movie theaters: Outside food/drink is Prohibited, did not apply to me.

---------

AFTER MOVIE DISCUSSION:

Apparently my experience and HIS experience with movie-going has been slightly different. Me, being a white female, have always felt comfortable carrying food/drink items in to the theater and have never been asked not to do so. HE, being a man, has had the rules more strictly enforced.

This lack of consistency with the enforcement of rules extends beyond the movie theater. White females tend to be the least threatening members of society. There is a lack of fear they possess due to the continuous free passes they are handed. The small free passes may seem insignificant at times, but the resulting boldness/fearlessness/confidence that white females possess is profoundly different from the learned behavior of minority women and men to strictly follow the rules.

Although being a white female has it's advantages, there are certain arenas where being perceived as the least threatening member of society has it's disadvantages.

3 Words: Hillary Rodham Clinton

We want our US President to be strong, and confident, therefore any presidential candidate that has the additional baggage as being perceived as the least threatening member of society (white woman) has a huge obstacle to overcome. The one thing this alleged non-threatening candidate is prohibited from doing is to show signs of emotional weakness. Emotional weakness (crying) reinforces the sterotypical pereption of women.

Hillary Clinton cried as she began to lose momentum in the race against Obama. She showed vulnerability, frustration, and weakness. It was soon stated in NewsWeek that "anyone who needed to carry Kleenex in her purse was unfit for the highest office in the land."

In contrast, Sarah Palin has overcome this additional baggage of being perceived as the least threatening member of society by creating the image of being a Pit Bull in liptick. She is tougher than tough. Her boobs are made of stone. She has taken all of her feminine qualities and has used them to her advantage by flirtatiously manipulating men to gain an edge. She is a true feminist. BURN YOUR BRAS WOMEN! !

-------------
In closing, I will admit there is no END to this discussion or thought process. Please note that this is one person's perception. It was thought about, discussed, and then BLOGGED. Please feel free to add to the discussion.

*I thank HIM for:

A. Suggesting that I write this blog

B. For making his opinions/POV's available for this blog.

"They're called boobs, Ed."

2008-11-14T16:36:00.009-06:00

Seriously, is this picture inappropriate to post on my webpage?

Why are people so threatened by this picture? I am COMPLETELY comfortable with it.

You can find nude pictures of ANY celebrity on the internet or on TV (please refer to Brittney's new video, Womanizer

and plus... this is FAR from NUDE.

Haters only love you when they're hating.

Feedback PLEASE.

THAT just happened.

2008-11-13T10:35:00.010-06:00

Wow. I could not help but to share this e-mail that I just received in my Myspace e-mail inbox:

Wow, you are gorgeous! Say you're wanting to be spoiled
and you like older guys. I'm a good person and have a great paying career :)
Really, I'd break my neck to give you the world ;)
Have a great day!

To keep confusion down, I do not know this person or where he would find the information that I need $$ and older guys. BUT, Sounds he's got a great plan for me and will ride out do or die. It is not tempting, in fact is IS creepy. Did he really just say that? Is this why I remain single? Does this prove what I say about love? I should forward his contact information to HER

:::sighs:::

you can plan a pretty picnic, but you can't predict the weather

2008-11-13T10:01:00.011-06:00

9 AM. Finally home. After 6 tough days in Lake Geneva. Hair Show. 2000 Hairdressers. I worked. And Worked. and worked. And sat through meetings. And was never NOT in someone else's face. There was no free time. No time alone. No time to step away. No time to be a friend. My mind drove me crazy the entire week for various reasons. My guard was let down. I have experienced anxiety among many other emotions, which rarely happens. It feels good to be home. I can relax, deal with my life, and escape the madness. Reflecting on the weekend, Here are a few things that I re-realized:

I am uncomfortable with people that are insecure and uncomfortable with themselves.

You never know when someone is going to change their mind.

I DO have feelings.

I DO NOT appreciate people fucking with me.

I do not respect weakness and vulnerability

Often times, when I develop a crush, it is based on personality and conversation rather than looks (I don't develop many crushes)

Love is a battlefield.

"What is most commonly called "falling in love" is in most cases an identification of egoic wanting and needing. You become addicted to another person, or rather to your image of that person. It has nothing to do with true love, which contains no wanting whatsoever. The Spanish language is the most honest in regard to conventional notions of love: Te quiero means "I want you" as well as "I love you." The other expression for "I love you," te amo, which does not have this ambiguity, is rarely used-perhaps because true love is just rare."

-Eckhart Tolle "A New Earth

A Former Pain-Body: RECOGNIZED

2008-11-10T19:59:00.011-06:00

Because of the human tendency to perpetuate old emotion, almost everyone carries in his or her energy field an accumulation of old emotional pain, which I call "the pain-body."

pain-body: this accumulated pain is a negative energy field that occupies your mind and body. If you look on it as an invisible entity in its own right, you are getting quite close to the truth. It's the emotional pain body. It has two modes of being: dormant and active....

Tonight, I have focused my energy back to Eckhart Tolle's book: A New Earth. It is taking me quite a while to get through this book, for a few reasons. It is deep. It requires a open mind and time to process each paragraph. I knew it was time to pick it back up after talking to a friend of mine about the pain-bodies that he is dealing with. I have also been reflecting on the moments of my life that my pain-body were apparent.

The past lives in you as memories, but memories in themselves are not a problem. In fact, it is through memory that we learn from the past and frompast mistakes. It is only when memories, that is to say, thoughts about the past, take you over completely that they turn in to a burden., turn problematic, and become part of your sense of self. Your personality, which is conditioned by the past, then becomes your prison. Your memories are invested with a sense of self, and your story becomes who you perceive yourself to be. This "little me" is an illusion that obscures your true identity as timeless and formless Presence.

For some reason, as I read about pain-body's again, (which are triggered by situations that arise that are similar to something you experienced (negatively) in the past), I recalled a heavy pain-body that I once experienced.

When I was young-er, I dated a guy for a very loooooong time. Early on in our relationship, I would get soooooooooo mad at him for drinking beer. It didn't matter what the situation, if he had a beer in hand, I was PISSED. My attitude would completely change, and I would get mean. I would allow his beer drinking to ruin my day, even if he was just having a beer to cool himself down after mowing the grass on a hot day.
Today, I realized why I got so upset when he would drink a beer. My dad was an alcoholic when I was young. And when this guy would open a beer, my pain-body would go in to full effect and I would be taken back to that dark place.

Why that particular situation sticks out in my mind so much after reading that particular chapter in A New Earth, I do not know... but I can say that I learned something new about myself this evening....not only through my own experiences, but from friends experiences as well. What an honor it is when a friend allows you to advise them on the next step they should take to continue moving forward with their lives. I thank them for that opportunity. Win/Win.

A friend told me that a friend told him about an experience she had at the Cincinnati airport. While approaching the moving walkway she read a sign above: "DON'T STOP. DON'T LOOK BACK. KEEP MOVING"

Cheers to a few moments of free time to step away from the rest of the world and lose myself in a book.

XOX

Quoted is Eckhart Tolle in A New Earth.

gossip girl

2008-11-08T23:01:00.014-06:00

Again, I am on the road in Beautiful Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. I only know that it is beautiful because other people have clued me in - I get stuck in the hotel for 6 days without seeing the light of day. I don't even know what part of the state I am in!! In the short time that I have been here this weekend I have re-learned a few things about people... and living...:

Nothing positive comes of making facebook friends out of your coworkers.
When people are jealous, they lie.
Alcohol draws the bold words out of peoples mouths that they have been dying to say all along.
Just because you are happy in life does not mean people will be happy for you or with you.

It is my first time in a few months that I have been in the presence of my coworkers. When we get together, we work and party, update our life stories, share the 411, and spread gossip. My coworkers- the ones that I work closely with... all happen to be women. Women that THRIVE on gossip. It just so happens that the latest rumor being spread happens to be about ME. The rumor spread from a picture or two they found on facebook. What I have figured out is that this rumor is spreading quickly, and everyone is looking for evidence to confirm this rumor. OF COURSE, they have all gone to each other seeking evidence, but not one of them has come directly to me for the simple truth.

(This year, the marketing department for the company I work for decided to create a Facebook Page for the company to attract new consumers. Along with that, many of my coworkers have joined the site. A large portion of my friends list consists of coworkers - up until last night)

Honestly, I underestimated the interest that my coworkers have in my facebook page. Apparently, everyone (coworkers) checks it out fairly regularly.

--

Wisconsin is a state that still allows smoking in bars. Gross. I frequent bars and restaurants in cities like Minneapolis and Chicago that do not allow smoking in public places. I almost forgot what it was like to be smacked in the face with a cloud of smoke as you walk in to a bar. I am pretty sure I got the lung cancer last night. Need Detox. I was hung over all day - not from drinking but from the inhalation of secondhand smoke. Blah. SO... needless to say, the bar did not see me tonight. In room... with SNL.

*photo yanked from Daily Candy

xox Crista

build me up just to let me down.

2008-11-06T20:37:00.012-06:00

I will be surprised if my head does not explode before this day is over. I have lived out the full meaning of the phrase "When it rains, it pours." Very rarely do I get upset, pissed off, angry, or feel pity for myself. Today happens to be an exception. I have allowed myself feelings of anxiety, despise, nervousness, and anger. Along with those feelings have come nausea and headaches.

I just purchased a new car and have been dealing with the service department to get my car in good working order. Due to temptation, I took the car off the lot the day they received it on to the lot. SO for some reason it has been quite the challenge to get my car in to the service department to have it serviced just the way it would have been prior to them ever displaying it on the lot. The tires are brand new and have already gone flat (of course they blame me after they figure out total amount of $$'s they will have to spend to replace it), the windshield wipers need to be replaced, they act like idiots about hooking my car up to a computer system to ensure everything is good and I have yet to get the damn thing detailed!... and blah blah blah blah blah... I have taken my car back to the dealership (Denny Hecker Rosedale Hyundai) 4 x's since I have purchased and it STILL has not been fully serviced! The guys in the service dept. work for themselves, not to service their customers. If there has ever been a time in my life that I could have taken a gun and pointed it directly at someones face ruthlessly, it would have been today. (AND plenty of days spent with this guy I dated back in the day.....) I was lured in to this car that was more money that I wanted to spend... and it is turning out to be a disaster! The unfortunate thing is that I have already signed all the paperwork. The car is mine. It is too late to give it back.

!#@@$#%%^$^&*(*^&$^&%^^&^&*()*)*^&%^$#%#$%@$!#$@#%#^$%^?!!!!!!!!

And that's not all folks. Dating & Relationships have been on my mind today. ALL day today and ALL day yesterday and the night before yesterday. For quite some time now, the act of 'dating' has intrigued me. I find that it can often be labled as 'non-dating.'

A few years back, I got involved with this guy that lived in a different state than myself. He happened to be going through some 'things' at that time in his life when I met him. That was ok, we hit it off well, enjoyed each other's company, found time to see each other - in fact, he would drive 3 1/2 hours to see me when he got off work at 6 PM, and wake up extra early in the AM to drive another 3 1/2 hours back to work. We always considered ourselves to be in a 'non-relationship.'

Non-Relationship: The act of being in a relationship, but the unwillingness to openly admit to it. Non-relationships are typically much easier to skeet out of because "technically" the two involved are not 'commited' to each other.

(Who would have thought that 'non-relationships' would become the hot trend for the 20-30 somethings?? - Gotta keep options open!!!)

Due to distance, eventually we both kind of... moved on ...out of our non-relationship, but we remained friends... UNTIL he met another chick. In another state. That refused him other chick friends. As that relationship was ending, He begged and pleaded to see me over the holidays, I agreed -and he flaked! For her. Eventually, he realized she wasn't the one for him (really?!?! heh.) and he sought out my friendship once again. I eventually allowed him back in.

A few months passed, and some very bad things happened to this guy again - of course I was the only person that stood by his side, besides his mom and sister. Lately, this guy has had some real emotional problems, I continue to support him. He texts or calls about once a day to keep me updated on what's going on.

What I realized today, as he was asking to see me this holiday - is that he has dumped on me so many times and refused my friendship for some fling or some chick... and always comes running back, begging for the friendship that we once had.

I know that our friendship will be forever, he will always hold a special place in my heart... and I worry about him.... but how many times around can you be dumped on and begged back in?

So.. back to the 'non-relationship' trend happeneing these days. I, myself am definitely a person that likes to keep my options open. It is hard for me to cut off all connections that I may have to settle down with one person that may or may not stick around for very long. Needless to say, I have not really been in the situation to make a decision about settling down or not - because people these days are not about 'settling down'... they too, want to keep their options open.
As move in to our early 20's... we keep our options are open... mid-20's.. and options are still open... 30's... and options are still open.... when does there come a point that you are willing to take the risk to commit yourself to one person and move in to what's called a.... 'relationship'???

It seems that so often, I am lured in to a guy's life through friendship... travel... happy times.. etc, but most often as a guy first starts to pursue me, I heavily reject. I question what they want from me... why they want to spend so much time with me... why I would even be interested in them in the first place... because often times from the outside looking in, I can already see that they are not ready for any type of relationship with me or anyone else!!!! SO WHY PURSUE ME IN THE FIRST PLACE??? A glorified friendship?? With sex???

For those that stick around long enough, eventually I let allow then to become a part of my life... and everything seems to go well for a while. We hang out, have a good time, get to know each other, learn more and more about each other every day - right up to the point where we learn that we either:

A. Have Baggage of some sort
B. Have future plans to move to some far away place ...alone... without the other
C. We are just not interested in anything more with each other than sex + friendship.

It never fails. It always happens. I can always see it coming.
When this information is discovered, either A,B, or C... the slight relationship that we seemed to have been building starts to dissolve. And we eventually move on... stay in touch... hook back up every now and then.... and then move on again. (good thing I didn't drop everyone I know for THAT guy)

So today, and the last few days, I have been wondering to myself... how many more times am I going to get myself in to this situation ...that I take the time to get to know someone that seems fairly interested... just to find out that he (or me) is not looking for a relationship right now... OR he comes clean about the baggage that he carries (that I asked not to be a part of in the first place)... How many more times am I going to be built up.... just to be let down??

I have found that dating has become a 'game.' You play me, I play you, we play with each other... make the right moves to get the reaction that we are looking for... and say things to manipulate a certain reaction out each other. I do it. I say things that I know will cause a certain reaction... I don't just say the things the other person wants to hear. I say the things that will manipulate the other person to say what I want to hear. Certainley, if I am doing it - they are doing it as well. Another question that I ask myself tonight is... how long will this game go on?

Unfortunatley, lines like:

"I'm sorry to bring you in to all of my drama and baggage, I understand if you need to walk away (after I pulled you in to it)"
"I can't do what I want to do when I want to do it because I am at the mercy of my ex"
"Don't compliment me, because you're probably all talk"
"I'm sorry ...I had a whole lot of shit to deal with but it won't happen again this year"

..aren't the lines I am willing to hear too many more times. I'm done messing around. And I'm done being everyone's friend. I can do bad all by myself.

Disturbia.

2008-11-06T08:53:00.010-06:00

I found some information I needed to share. WARNING: May Be Disturbing.

-Americans eat more meat than anybody on Earth packing away approx 200 pounds per person in 2005, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which forecasts that we will add another 20pounds of it annually by 2016.

-the Union of Concerned Scientists points out that 70 percent of the antibiotics sold in the United States are used to treat healthy livestock... what does this say about our own health?

-2,500: The number of livestock animals butchered for each meat-eating American in his or her lifetime.

-Americans throw 22.5million pounds of meat in the garbage every day - the equivalent of 15,000 cows, 36,000 hogs and 2 million chickens.

-"Healthy People 2010" report showed that vegetarians typically weigh less than meat eaters and suffer from lower rates of type 2 diabetes and other diseases.

All of this information was pulled from an article entitled "Of Calves and Carnivores" in Oct 2008 issue of Mpls St Paul Magazine.

Mr. ______ Goes to Washington

2008-11-04T17:51:00.013-06:00

I am currently wearing my "I Voted" sticker. Finally. I've done my part. Done what I can do. Now.... it's time to sit back, cross my fingers and hope the best man "wins." I know I voted for the best man, because I read and fully understood Michael Moore's 2008 Election Guide.

My day started out in a salon with a group of people that I do not know very well. As the stylists walked through the door with "I voted" stickers proudly worn on their shirts, the salon manager asked each one of them: "Did you vote for MY guy?" --Talk about putting them on the spot!! Some responded with yes's and a few responded with no's. Although, I had the feeling I was in the middle of McCain country, there was no way I was going to question which candidate these stylists had voted for. I made the comment that even though we all have our strong political views and preferences, I think that it is safe to say that both presidential candidates are ready to make positive changes in this country. They are both on OUR side - they are both fighting for the american people. The salon manager did not agree... she shook her head and said ...no that she does not agree with that. I quickly changed the subject and never did find out who these people had voted for.

Cruising down the street, approaching my neighborhood, I notice people everywhere rallying in the streets showing their support for.... Barack Obama. I honked my horn a few times to show some love. I ended up at the Franklin Public Library around 5 PM Central time to cast my vote. I am pretty sure I was the only White Chick in the house. I live in a neighborhood that is predominantly Somlian. Come to find out, Somalian people do hang out at the library, but they do not vote. One of the benefits to living in my neighborhood is that there are NO WAITING LINES TO VOTE! I was in and out fairly quickly. I simply stated my name, NEVER showed ID, given my ballot after confirming my address, put in a booth next to a woman who could not read and was screaming across the room for help, fed my ballot in to a machine, and was out the door -proudly wearing my "I Voted" sticker. MY vote had been counted.

As I walked around the corner and down the block to my car, 2 guys stood on a porch and were hollering "OBAMA! OBAMA!" I hollered back "WHOO HOO!" to show my support. As I approached my car, I heard one of them say "Daaaaamn! She gettin in a Porsche!"

Sorry guys.... it's just an Acura TL.

As the night continues on, I have found myself at home... alone... in PJ's... blogging. I'm not quite sure what to do right now. I have listened to POTUS on XM Radio all day - every day - for weeks. I can not handle any more presidential/political talk. I am ready for RESULTS. It must end! It seems that as we come to the end of a never-ending presidential race, we will wake up tomorrow to a new America, a new way of doing/seeing things. It shall be refreshing.

I am not sure whether I will stay home tonight (where I lack cable TV) alone... listening to XM Radio (or CNN)... OR head out to some bar or restaurant to experience this day going down in history with someone elses friends and some cable TV...... Either way.... it feels good to be a part of it. The only thing I would have done differently is to head to Chicago for the night... the place that I AND Barack call... 'home.'

Everything you need to know about my HALLOWEEN experience:

2008-10-31T20:36:00.005-05:00