Category Archives: whatnots

I’ll Admit it, Certain TV Shows Make Me a Happy Girl

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And one of those giggle-inducing shows happens to be anything by Samantha Brown over on the Travel Channel. I knew when I started seeing her billboards around town (how cute is this photo) that her new season must be coming soon.  Which is great, because to be honest, her seasons are so short that just as you start to get into them, they’re over and done with.

samantha_brown

Now of course, we all know of my love for Sam.  I mean, not only is she adorable, but she comes across as the kind of gal you could be good friends with (according to her blog, she was just here in Santa Barbara filming an episode on my birthday – so bummed I didn’t know).  My roomie and I used to watch all of her “Great…” shows whenever we could and lament over how when we grow up, we’d love to be her.  I mean seriously, who wouldn’t want to get paid to travel the world and spend time in some of the swankiest hotels (like on her old “Great Hotels” show) or get private tours to some of World’s the most exclusive places.

Due to my love for all things Samantha Brown, I was contacted by her team* to let me know that her new series starts this weekend.  All I can say is Woohoo!  I’m glad to know she’s back.

If you happen to be a Samantha dork like me, you can follow her on Twitter or fan her up on Facebook.

And let me just say, the folks at Travel Channel totally get social media and how it works with creating community and building relationships.  More businesses could benefit from learning this skill.

* I’m telling ya, blogging and tweeting can pay of in ways you never even thought of

The Thing About Networking…

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As I sit here a few minutes early for my pre-networking networking event I wonder, yet again if I’m wearing the right thing. And if not, do I have the right thing to wear at home for tomorrow’s all day event.

Really, I don’t mind the networking at all. In fact, I’ll pretty much talk to anyone. I’m great in bathroom small talk.

The fashion or appropriate attire, no that’s a different story. I’m much more comfortable in jeans, flip flops and a cardigan.

Oh well, tonight I opted for a casual dress that I wore to teach in and a pair of nude gladiatorish sandals. And a cardie – it could get cold. Hopefully I’ll be dressed appropriately.
Now as for tomorrow…I’ll let tonight help make that decision easier. And now, it’s time to network.

It’s Official, I Have NO Style

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A friend of mine is in the process of taking her personal styling biz virtual.  She put out the call asking for people willing to be a “type.”  I volunteered for the plus-size gal that works from home, but still needs to look good when she’s out and about with people either networking, training or teaching.

Easy peasy, right? One would think.

I needed to provide four looks for her: schlep-wear, casual wear, business wear and something dressier.  Schlep-wear will be easy considering this is my every day attire – I’m sure Oprah would be mortified.  I actually didn’t take this one yet since my favorite yoga pants are still drying.  I plan to break the no-gym-wear-out-of-the-gym rule and wear them for the drive today (since it’s six hours in the car with a dog on my lap).

Thing is, I realized that when you come down to it, I seem to have have no real sense of style.  I consider the dress I wore yesterday for my first day of teaching (sans the cami to cover the cleavage) – also the dress I wore to my husband’s birthday dinner and out to a bar for the Carl’s Jr. launch party to be my “dressy” outfit.  Um…dinner, teaching, happy hour and I consider it dressy?  Well, not go to a wedding dressy (that’s a once a year sort of dress) or black tie dressy (I have nothing for that), but well, dressy by my paltry standards.  But really, even I know that’s just wrong.

Then, the worse part, I tried on a couple different outfits that I’ve worn for networking, dinners out, hanging with friends and even teaching workshops and well, I looked the same in all of them.  Like no difference kind of the same.  Which means my casual and my business casual are pretty much identical.

How can this be?  How can every outfit look the same?  How could I have lost such touch with reality?  Well, I guess working from home for 5 or so years can do that to a gal.  It may be embarrassing to admit, but with the help of my stylist, I too can get some style (and help someother poor plus-sized, work from home soul out there to get some help as well).

Holy Cow It’s Already Monday!

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Wow, this weekend just blew by.  I’ll blame my husband since he decided to go into the office not once, but twice yesterday so it didn’t even feel like a Sunday.  Then again, I went with him the second time to help him clean up the mics and stuff after the earlier recording session.  It was either that or stay home wondering what was taking so long.

And of course, if today is Monday, that means that tomorrow is Tuesday and…my first day at my new job!!  I’m so excited to be thinking that I’ll be teaching (co-teaching) again!  I’m a little nervous, but that’s pretty common.  First days tend to be shakey and filled with the (seeming) fear of the unknown.  I just keep reminding myself that it’s not my lesson plan so I don’t have to worry about it.  I just have to do my job and all will be good.  Now if only I could figure out what to wear…always the dilema.

Then we leaving first thing Wedsnesday to drive up to San Jose so the hubs can see Bruuuuuce.  I’m only along for the ride.  While I am a Jersey Girl, I never was much of a Bruce fan.  So we compromise and save the money on my ticket (and then I regret it when he tells me just how awesome the show was) and just see him once here in LA – usually on the second leg.

Thing is, with Bruce shows, since he has so much material, you’re never sure if the show you see will be the show you’d hoped it would be.  Since meeting my husband, I’ve now seen Bruce about 5 or so times.  I loved every show but the last one.  The last show they played for the diehard fans.  My girlfriend and I only recognized like three songs.  In nearly three hours of a show!  That particular show was for the fans. They pulled out the deep, deep show favorites and the crowds went crazy.  Not me.  I just wasn’t feeling it.  So yeah, we don’t waste the money on tickets to multiple shows. And I’m fine with that.

So if you don’t see me around much this week, don’t think it’s the new work schedule messing things up.  It’s just because I’ll be on the road for two days.  With luck, I’ll get to take some fun pictures.  I do believe we’ll be passing right through Gilroy and this time dammit, we’re stoppng!

Welcome to the Ultimate Blogging Party

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A little late than never, but I thought it would be easier to make this post a sticky…so consider things stuck! Daily (or so) posts follow below.

Ultimate Blog Party 2009

Holy cow, I can’t believe that I posted about the Ultimate Blog Party 2009 about a month ago and I still manage to forget to sign up and post!  Please forgive me.  I will have to take some time and get a real, welcomey sort of post up here.  Right now, I just have to post my hasty hello! and run.

Here are the basics (will tweak more later, after I get back from dinner)…

  • thirty-something blogger far too close to becoming a forty-something blogger
  • run a small business leading workshops and teaching small business the benefits of social media and blogging
  • also run an amazing community and blogsite that hosts regular weekly giveaways (and why I don’t have one up here)
  • have another business that I plan to be getting started over the next couple months, but am still a little hushhush about it
  • I’m not a fan of the term “mompreneur” as I feel it separates us as women and think that we’d do better to support each other in business as much as possible – while I’ll agree that moms have an additional challenge or two than others may not have, but it doesn’t mean that a child-free entrepreneur doesn’t also have additional challenges to face (during my first years in business, like many, I worked full time, but at one point, I also took full time care of my father-in-law as he lost his battle with cancer — different challenges, but still difficult challenges for a young business none-the-less).  Basically, I’m just not a fan of pitting women against women, I think that unfortunately we can do that ourselves without the media getting involved and categorizing us.
  • I’ve been blogging on and off for about 5 or so years now in fact, I write on three blogs
  • I attended BlogHer last year, but won’t be this year
  • love my crazy, workaholic husband who is currently at SXSW doing his music-lovin’ thing (our 5th anniversary is right around the corner)
  • we’re child-free, but have two adorable little fur-kids (much as I might hate that expression) – one cat that’s been waking me up too damn early this past week and one dog that never seems to stop barking
  • when the mood strikes me, I can curse like a sailor (and why I’m in the not-so-family-friendly category)
  • I love taking photos and sometimes participate in Wordless Wednesday  – can’t stand editing though, so I tend to post my images raw, straight outta the camera
  • I love in the greater Los Angeles area (moved her to marry my husband) and miss seasons (and winter particularly) tremendously
  • I’m a Jersey Girl born and bred, though I moved southward when I was 20 or so – I still have the accent on occasion, but will either need to be drunk or very excited (doesn’t mean the occasional “shoew-oar” (sure) won’t slip out – and yes, it cracks my husband, the native Angelino up)
  • I love nothing more than a great cup of tea, though when out and about, I live on lattes or iced coffees
  • that’s all I can think of right now, but I do have this 7 Things post that might share a couple of insights
  • Edited to Add: just realized that while I’m too exhausted to create a more witty post, I can just link you to last year’s post and that should give you an idea of what I’m about

Oh yeah, I may as well write this here since I know it’s getting the page views…I’m always looking for bloggers on my site.  If you’re interested in learning more about the opportunity, drop me a note.

Proper welcome to come okay, that’s not happening now, but I have been adding more and more to this post each day. Please feel free to stay and visit a while….

And did I mention that there are prizes involved?  Me, I’m most interested in the following:

  • #58 – Kitchaid Mixer
  • #19, #21 and #22 – all $50 Target gift certificates
  • #111 Afternoon Tea in a Box (I do love me some tea)
  • and lastly #12 a $20 gift certificate to The Gift Closet

What prizes are you interested in?

Trying My Hand at Working at the Local Coffeeshop

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All the cool kids are doing it so I thought I’d give it a try.  It’s a lot harder than you might think.  I actually found the coffeeshop that I’d like to work out of – beautiful location, nice inside and out, shopping nearby (hey, it helps), friendly people, not too crowded.  Of course, their internet was down and thus useless to me.  Then I headed over to Chipotle to pick up lunch and figured I’d get online after that.  Nope.  Again, the internet is down.

So now I’m sitting outside at one of the lovely Starbucks sitting on their gorgoeous covered patio.  Of course, there’s also 8 other tables of talking, smoking people.  But hey, no worries, I have my earbuds and some iTunes radio to get me through.  And a nearby outlet. Total score.

I’m thinking that I might like to try this at least once a week now.  One of my online friends says that she actually wrote her first book at a local coffeeshop.  And hey, I’ve got a book that I want to work on, so why not, right?

I will ask that you ignore any typos (like they’re not something you typically encounter here in my blog – ha!).  I can’t see the red squiggle out here in the sun, so if it’s not totally obvoius, I’m missing it.

This guy is out here with his dog and it’s quite funny, the dog pretty much has the run of the patio.  He’s super friendly and isn’t begging.  Instead, he’s planted himself next to a family with a pre-schooler hoping he’ll clean up.  Too cute.

I spent the entire weekend locked up inside the apartment sick.  Luckily it never really turned into anything.   I pretty much just spend the weekend either sleeping or glued to the TV.  I have to say my husband is awesome at taking care of me.  He even headed out to Jerry’s Deli to pick me up some of their awesome chicken noodle soup.

The perks of being sick: you get to sleep all you want without judgment, you don’t have to cook, the hubs takes good care of you, you don’t have to wash dishes or clean anything.  The cons of being sick: no one picks up or cleans, you eventually have to do those dishes and wash those germ-infested sheets, you get really behind on work.

But hey, it’s a new day!  And on top of that, it’s a BEAUTIFUL day.  It says it’s only 59 here, but if feels much warmer than that.  Either way, I’m not complaining.

I feel like it’s been forever and that I have so much to write about, but I’m thinking that I’ll just have to leave all that for a randomness kind of post later in the week.  Until then, I think it’s time to head back home.  As nice as it is here on this patio, all the cigarette smoke (and background noise) is getting to me already.  I’d feel a bit better about my first foray into life at the other office if my first office choice had been available.  I just might have to give this another try later in the week.

Hope you’re having an awesome Tuesday as well.

Barbie Turns 50 And She’s Having a Party!

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Word has it that this video was on Jay Leno earlier this week. Of course, I missed it. But when it was sent to me, I knew I had to share it. She seems so Real Housewives of Orange County and a little less Malibu these days. You go girl!

Happy Birthday Barbie!!

Of course, now I’m really curious about that real life Malibu Dream House that Jonathan Adler has been decorating for her big day.

Must.Stop.Clenching.My.Teeth.Now

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grinding_teeth

I’ve noticed that when I seem to have a lot going on (or when I seem to be under some sort of pressure or stress), that I clench my jaw.  Usually at some point notice and force myself to relax my jaw, but by then it’s usually too late anyway.  And yes, I’ve noticed that I’m clenching again.  But hey, at least my eyes aren’t twitching this time around 😉

I’m on the verge of moving forward into a new business, so to speak.  I’m only in the research, let’s talk about it phase, but I’m quite excited.  Part of what makes me so excited (and probably has to do with the stress as well) is that this will essentially be my first business venture that isn’t accidental.  Meaning, it’s the first business venture that I’ll be starting willingly, and properly and won’t just be riding the waves of what comes my way after being in the right place at the right time, like before.  So yes, pretty exciting.

How does stress or pressure seem to present itself to you?  What’s your favorite activity (or lack of activity) to help to alleviate the seeming stress? I’m thinking this week – crazy busy that it is – might be the perfect time for a pedicure break.

What Have You Done?

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I’ve stolen this post from Miss Attitude who in turn stole it from Jen, the Goddess of Zen.  I thought it looked like fun.

This one is simple… the items in BOLD I have accomplished; the items in italics are still on the list. The ones that I’ve crossed out…well, no way, no how, not in my lifetime.

1. Started your own blog – more like 4 or 5, but sure
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band – I’m counting this though it was really an orchestra
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower – something I really miss about NM, the shooting stars
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland – a couple of times
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo – karaoke and back in school a time or two
11. Bungee Jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty – it wasn’t open to the public when we were there
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France — skipped the Louvre when we were in Paris
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb – hell if I know, I don’t remember much about my childhood, but we spent many summers on my cousin’s farm
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice – and have the photos to prove it!
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run – does it count if you’re playing with your 4th grade students?
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors – just realized that since I’m part Irish that I can actually mark this one as done!
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing – have a slight fear of heights, not the height itself, but the up and down part
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant – no, but I’ve paid for the car behind me at toll booths more times than I can recall
44. Visited Africa – no desire to
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance – rode with one of my students
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris – we ran out of time, but I did see it up close and personal
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling – love snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie – seriously?
56. Visited the Great Wall of China – no real desire
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia – not really on my list of places to visit
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching – have seen whales while watching for them, but not yet on a whale watching cruise
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving – would really like to, but I’ve got a messed up back and I’m afraid a landing might make it worse
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check – hello?  I call that period in my life “grad school”
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar – at my brother’s wedding (her family is Russian)
72. Pieced a quilt – no thanks
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone – an elbow is a bone, right?
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book – plan to start working on it this year
 81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem – not on my list of places to go
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible – uh, no thanks, though I have tried
86. Visited the White House – not inside
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating – but I’ve eaten quite a few freshly prepared animals on my cousin’s farm (PS – I don’t like my chicken when you can still see part of feathers)
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life – drowning kids count, right?
90. Sat on a jury – no, but I’ve been to jury duty often enough
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit Class action lawsuit against a former employer – no, but I did report him to the IRS!
98. Owned a cell phone – yeah, um…okay
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day – quite a few to be honest

I Feel Zitty, Oh So Zitty

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Originally uploaded by headexplodie

Well, the visit to the new dermatologist went off without a hitch. I don’t know why I was ever even worried. She answered any questions I had, assured me that none of my moles are anything to worry about and didn’t try to pitch any specialized product. But of course, now that I’ve long left the dermatologist, with no changes in my meds, mind you, and I’m breaking out.

What the hell?!?!? You’d think that knocking on the door of 40 would leave me safe from breakouts. More importantly, you’d think that taking prescriptions specifically FOR breakouts would stop me from having breakouts. Apparently, I’m wrong.

So now I’m doing what I can to make sure I don’t mess with things and make it all worse. You have no idea just how challenging that can be. I also have to make sure that I don’t mess things up to the point that I can’t conceal with make up considering I have a business event tomorrow night. Wish me luck with that.

So what about you…do you still break out as an adult? Does it annoy you anywhere near as much as it annoys me?