Today's "to do" list:
- clean my pig pen room/bathroom
- buy hand sanitizer and possibly Lysol for my office (due to heightened levels of h1n1 paranoia)
- choose a hairstyle for today's haircut
- paint my nails
- go to bed before 10:30 (did this last night and it was pure greatness)
- update my blog (successful!) with a non-boring blog (unsuccessful)
- watch Glee from last week
- mail my Dad his bday card (already late...fail.)
- be thankful...
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Long Live The Queen
One thing you need to know about my friends is that they’re loyal. I could give you hundreds of examples of how we’ve come through for each other over the years, but I will spare you and tell you only the relevant ones that brought me to Tifah.
Before I continue on with my explanation, I will tell you that the days of friendship wishes have happened for some time now. Starting in New York, Robbie came to visit one chilly February weekend (during his birthday, no less) and expressed his only wish for the weekend, tickets to Saturday Night Live. Not that we were opposed to the admittedly stellar Tina Fey/Carrie Underwood program, we just weren’t sure how to go about this. After many discussions and several avenues of research, we discovered that you can opt for the “stand by” line beginning the night before, only to get a ticket at 7 AM that morning with a designated number that may or may not get you into the actual program. In going with the theme of idiotic, cheap fun, we set out for the task by going to bed for three hours, waking up (in the snow!) at 4:30 AM and waiting in line with the eclectic midnight crowd. Some of the people around us were prepared with various survival mechanisms for intermittent rain/snow, while others came straight from the bar with smeared make-up and 6-packs in hand. Because really, it takes all kinds. We decided to switch off coffee breaks by pairing off in two’s and thawing only to switch off every thirty minutes. You begin to realize just how close you are with people when you’re in that situation. Eventually you stop talking, humor is lost, but you all know that when you eventually taste glory it was a relay effort and your memory becomes erased as to the misery it took to get you there. My friends, I am happy to tell you that we swallowed glory on that fateful Saturday. We were 4 of the last guests shuffled (read: blazed) through the doors of the famed 30 Rock studio, only to sit down with little time to catch our breath and realize that “Live from New York, It’s Saturday Night!”
The next story, of the similar variety, occurred last summer (also) in New York. Again, Robbie, Alyssa and I, set out for the John Mayer concert at Jones Beach that had been decided for us months in advance. Our dearest Alyssa is quite possibly the biggest JM fan (read: fanatic) and has all but drug us down with her in her attempts to chase him at the nearest venue each season that he tours. This time was no different. We knew that New Jersey Transit would be necessary in our travels as was the after-work madness that accompanies this blessed form of transportation. I think that I have described it to you before, but it is truly unlike anything I’ve ever seen. People are so anxious to flee the City on their evening commute that they’ll practically taste blood to achieve a spot on their desired train. So we set out. We threw our heels off after work, changed into some comfy clothes, and set sail for the forecasted rainy evening at the beach side venue. Two of us remembered to sneak in umbrellas, one of us didn’t...I will let you go ahead and make your assumptions now. Anyway, we finally got to our seats with our over-priced dinner in hand when quess.what.happens? The bottom fell out, that’s what happened. There we were, soaked to the bone and hours/miles away from home. It’s like taking the Log Ride at Six Flags and then just sitting in 60-degree weather for several hours = not our finest. However, I will say that all was not lost because the venue was absolutely amazing and in many ways the rain only accentuated how nice it is to just sit back, listen to good music, and let a close friend obsess.
Now, on to my request. For those of you wondering, “who’s Tifah?!” I will say that I am glad that you asked and do my best to offer a brief explanation. ‘Tifah’ is the shortened reference to Queen Latifah, the world famous triple-threat sensation that hails from Newark, NJ. Queen got her start as a rap artist and has risen to fame through the ranks of Hollywood through television, film, music and modeling. I don’t know when my excitement over her and her talent began but I do know that she has continued to surprise me with her “can do” attitude and continual optimism. Anyway, Queen was in town promoting her new album and decided to make a stop by our popular music station. Her scheduled appearance was set for 7:15 AM, which was perfect for those of us that were dying to see her only to then rush off to work with the high that only a celeb sighting can offer. True to form, Alyssa, Robbie, and I, set out at 6:40 with coffee in hand and with the hope of seeing one of our favorites in person. Not even a 5-car pileup that happened on the way to the studio could disrupt our mission...sheer determination. The result? A hug from the Queen and one happy girl. Thanks, Friends!
Before I continue on with my explanation, I will tell you that the days of friendship wishes have happened for some time now. Starting in New York, Robbie came to visit one chilly February weekend (during his birthday, no less) and expressed his only wish for the weekend, tickets to Saturday Night Live. Not that we were opposed to the admittedly stellar Tina Fey/Carrie Underwood program, we just weren’t sure how to go about this. After many discussions and several avenues of research, we discovered that you can opt for the “stand by” line beginning the night before, only to get a ticket at 7 AM that morning with a designated number that may or may not get you into the actual program. In going with the theme of idiotic, cheap fun, we set out for the task by going to bed for three hours, waking up (in the snow!) at 4:30 AM and waiting in line with the eclectic midnight crowd. Some of the people around us were prepared with various survival mechanisms for intermittent rain/snow, while others came straight from the bar with smeared make-up and 6-packs in hand. Because really, it takes all kinds. We decided to switch off coffee breaks by pairing off in two’s and thawing only to switch off every thirty minutes. You begin to realize just how close you are with people when you’re in that situation. Eventually you stop talking, humor is lost, but you all know that when you eventually taste glory it was a relay effort and your memory becomes erased as to the misery it took to get you there. My friends, I am happy to tell you that we swallowed glory on that fateful Saturday. We were 4 of the last guests shuffled (read: blazed) through the doors of the famed 30 Rock studio, only to sit down with little time to catch our breath and realize that “Live from New York, It’s Saturday Night!”
The next story, of the similar variety, occurred last summer (also) in New York. Again, Robbie, Alyssa and I, set out for the John Mayer concert at Jones Beach that had been decided for us months in advance. Our dearest Alyssa is quite possibly the biggest JM fan (read: fanatic) and has all but drug us down with her in her attempts to chase him at the nearest venue each season that he tours. This time was no different. We knew that New Jersey Transit would be necessary in our travels as was the after-work madness that accompanies this blessed form of transportation. I think that I have described it to you before, but it is truly unlike anything I’ve ever seen. People are so anxious to flee the City on their evening commute that they’ll practically taste blood to achieve a spot on their desired train. So we set out. We threw our heels off after work, changed into some comfy clothes, and set sail for the forecasted rainy evening at the beach side venue. Two of us remembered to sneak in umbrellas, one of us didn’t...I will let you go ahead and make your assumptions now. Anyway, we finally got to our seats with our over-priced dinner in hand when quess.what.happens? The bottom fell out, that’s what happened. There we were, soaked to the bone and hours/miles away from home. It’s like taking the Log Ride at Six Flags and then just sitting in 60-degree weather for several hours = not our finest. However, I will say that all was not lost because the venue was absolutely amazing and in many ways the rain only accentuated how nice it is to just sit back, listen to good music, and let a close friend obsess.
Now, on to my request. For those of you wondering, “who’s Tifah?!” I will say that I am glad that you asked and do my best to offer a brief explanation. ‘Tifah’ is the shortened reference to Queen Latifah, the world famous triple-threat sensation that hails from Newark, NJ. Queen got her start as a rap artist and has risen to fame through the ranks of Hollywood through television, film, music and modeling. I don’t know when my excitement over her and her talent began but I do know that she has continued to surprise me with her “can do” attitude and continual optimism. Anyway, Queen was in town promoting her new album and decided to make a stop by our popular music station. Her scheduled appearance was set for 7:15 AM, which was perfect for those of us that were dying to see her only to then rush off to work with the high that only a celeb sighting can offer. True to form, Alyssa, Robbie, and I, set out at 6:40 with coffee in hand and with the hope of seeing one of our favorites in person. Not even a 5-car pileup that happened on the way to the studio could disrupt our mission...sheer determination. The result? A hug from the Queen and one happy girl. Thanks, Friends!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Cop Out
Please excuse today's post. It's not that it's won't be FULL of highly entertaining and stimulating information, it's just that I woke up very early this morning to meet my friends and head over to Las Colinas (home to our popular radio show) to see one of my very favorite actresses in person, Queen Latifah.
Yep, you got it right. I won't even apologize for loving her, in fact, she responsible for being in some seriously quality movies - Chicago, Hairspray, Secret Life of Bees, all the while maintaining her class and sass. Anyway, I will provide more pictures later.
For now, I will leave you with a few of my favorites from J. Crew's new arrivals. I will note, out of fear of sounding completely materialistic, that being visual is a hobby of mine and consequently, a job description. So please enjoy my personal picks from a recent work project:
Polka dots!
I wish I had a reason to buy this...
Leopard is a neutral.
And for the inner-bride in all of us...
Yep, you got it right. I won't even apologize for loving her, in fact, she responsible for being in some seriously quality movies - Chicago, Hairspray, Secret Life of Bees, all the while maintaining her class and sass. Anyway, I will provide more pictures later.
For now, I will leave you with a few of my favorites from J. Crew's new arrivals. I will note, out of fear of sounding completely materialistic, that being visual is a hobby of mine and consequently, a job description. So please enjoy my personal picks from a recent work project:
Polka dots!
I wish I had a reason to buy this...
Leopard is a neutral.
And for the inner-bride in all of us...
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Step Into My Office
I wouldn't mind working if this is where I did it. I love it when color is used and used well. The teal accent is just perfect and that fixture made of antlers is both natural and girlie, love.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Weekend Visitor
I had a 6'5' visitor in my apt this weekend that came complete with a large duffle, Chevy truck, and guitar. We started things off right with a few friends and a little Mexican food, which subsequently began our binge-fest for the rest of the weekend. We came home and watched stand-up comedy for the rest of the night, only to wake up on Saturday morning with a hankering for homemade breakfast tacos. One grocery store run and several cups of coffee later, we had a fine spread of tasty bacon breakfast tacos. Behold, our work:
Bet you can't guess which is mine ;)
Chef Boy R T
After breakfast, we turned our heaviness into productivity and went on a fierce walk along the Katy Trail. Six miles later I managed to trick him into a quick run through TJ Maxx Homegoods. My intention was to document our weekend together, however, I felt so rushed between the crowded aisles, racks of clothes, screaming children and brotherly death stares that I felt like a photo op was pushing it. Luckily all was settled over a quick plate of bbq, followed by the Texas pre-game and kickoff. In a moment of sheer habit, I popped in brownie only to notice (while sitting in the throws of three guys all over the height of 6’2) that a spread for a female activity not only contains a baked good, but demands it. The good news is that all was not lost in my Holly Housewife attempts as the boys popped the brownies in with little regard as to where those calories might actually settle...ahh, the joys of manhood.
I wish I could say that I was a better sport for Sunday’s game (no pun intended) but rather left the Brother to his own devices as I opted for the Emmy’s...you guys didn’t think I was that great of a sister, did you? I doubt that my visitor will miss his feet hanging halfway off the bed, but I hope that he’ll return for a pot of hot coffee and home décor pit stop :)
Bet you can't guess which is mine ;)
Chef Boy R T
After breakfast, we turned our heaviness into productivity and went on a fierce walk along the Katy Trail. Six miles later I managed to trick him into a quick run through TJ Maxx Homegoods. My intention was to document our weekend together, however, I felt so rushed between the crowded aisles, racks of clothes, screaming children and brotherly death stares that I felt like a photo op was pushing it. Luckily all was settled over a quick plate of bbq, followed by the Texas pre-game and kickoff. In a moment of sheer habit, I popped in brownie only to notice (while sitting in the throws of three guys all over the height of 6’2) that a spread for a female activity not only contains a baked good, but demands it. The good news is that all was not lost in my Holly Housewife attempts as the boys popped the brownies in with little regard as to where those calories might actually settle...ahh, the joys of manhood.
I wish I could say that I was a better sport for Sunday’s game (no pun intended) but rather left the Brother to his own devices as I opted for the Emmy’s...you guys didn’t think I was that great of a sister, did you? I doubt that my visitor will miss his feet hanging halfway off the bed, but I hope that he’ll return for a pot of hot coffee and home décor pit stop :)
Friday, September 18, 2009
C'mon Get Happy
I have no other reason for this post other than the fact that a few things have climbed to the top of my “favorites” chart this week and have made me happy...
First of all, I love New York. No really, I love New York. Until very recently, I had no idea what it meant to call one place home. Is it the place where your parents reside? Maybe the house that you’ve lived in the longest? Or simply, is it the place that makes you feel your most comfortable? My entire life I have envisioned it as a singular concept. Sure, “home is where the heart is,” but that doesn’t necessarily get me anywhere. What if your heart is in two different places, how do you explain that? There is no doubt that Texas is my home...the South is where I was made, it’s my fiber. To some degree I cannot even fathom a childhood without the space and safety that mine had to offer, however, something has always drawn me to New York. I remember sitting in bed at night and dreaming of what my life would be like, would the City energize me? Would I find love? Would it change me forever? To all of those questions I asked, the answer is yes. There were times that I felt practically electric, I would walk around and think, “I can’t believe I live here.” Everything felt bigger, brighter and faster...sometimes I kept up, and the rest of the time I just watched. For every second that I am in Texas and think “this is me, this is who I am,” I get pulled into my desire for NY and realize that a (huge) part of me belongs there too.
This past Sunday I saw Jay-Z and Alicia Keys perform “Empire State of Mind,” at the VMAs. This song just oozes New York. Alicia Keys’ voice...oh that voice, paired with Jay-Z’s passion, practically radiate through this special beat that feels old-war, and yet, is still a rap song. Anyway, I downloaded it (along with about 1 Million of my other friends...New Yorkers, no doubt) and have floated on a cloud all week. Now if only that cloud could float me right up to NYC...
The other two things that have given me elevated levels of joy are more of the tangible kind. I went to Super Wal-Mart for a little bit of grocery shopping this week and found myself in an experimental mood. I decided to go out on a limb and try a new cereal, because let’s face it, the other 4 boxes sitting on my shelf were starting to get lonely and I’d like to continue my research on the nutritional debate concerning cereal for dinner. I stumbled upon Banana Nut Cheerios and thought to myself, “why not?” Now, I will leave out the fact that it was on sale and possibly on display for discontinue aside, and tell you that this is the most wonderful breakfast discovery that I have made in a long time. I kid you not, I wake up excited to eat this cereal. It really is that.good. I tell you this for two reason, 1. spreading culinary joy, 2. the possibility of it being taken off of the market due to consumer apathy makes me sad. So try and buy, my friends!
The next product is also food-related (I know, terrible), Smuckers Natural Creamy Peanut Butter with Honey. Y’all, it is amazing. I am not kidding, it’s like candy! And, this is coming from someone who grew up not even liking peanut butter! I literally started eating pb in college and would have a jar on my shelf for at least a year. It’s just never been a staple in my eating habits. I have lived with some serious pb lovers over the years and realized that people are downright passionate about pb. Creamy v. crunchy, natural v. unnatural, flavored v. regular, almond v. peanut, I mean...I can see where it gets confusing. Me, being the granola girl that I am, (read: Bueno is a food group) has heard the warning call from Dr. Oz and purchased natural pb for quite some time now and you can only image how thrilled I am to eat something with the consistency of plaster...it literally requires a glass of milk per bite, no thanks. Anyway, I had been told about this honey-flavored goodness and decided to try it for myself. Let’s just put it this way, I could slather it on a sock and probably still eat it. Again, that.good.
That's all I have for now, I hope you guys are having a great Friday!
This week's happiness runner-up: The return of Gossip Girl & The Office
First of all, I love New York. No really, I love New York. Until very recently, I had no idea what it meant to call one place home. Is it the place where your parents reside? Maybe the house that you’ve lived in the longest? Or simply, is it the place that makes you feel your most comfortable? My entire life I have envisioned it as a singular concept. Sure, “home is where the heart is,” but that doesn’t necessarily get me anywhere. What if your heart is in two different places, how do you explain that? There is no doubt that Texas is my home...the South is where I was made, it’s my fiber. To some degree I cannot even fathom a childhood without the space and safety that mine had to offer, however, something has always drawn me to New York. I remember sitting in bed at night and dreaming of what my life would be like, would the City energize me? Would I find love? Would it change me forever? To all of those questions I asked, the answer is yes. There were times that I felt practically electric, I would walk around and think, “I can’t believe I live here.” Everything felt bigger, brighter and faster...sometimes I kept up, and the rest of the time I just watched. For every second that I am in Texas and think “this is me, this is who I am,” I get pulled into my desire for NY and realize that a (huge) part of me belongs there too.
This past Sunday I saw Jay-Z and Alicia Keys perform “Empire State of Mind,” at the VMAs. This song just oozes New York. Alicia Keys’ voice...oh that voice, paired with Jay-Z’s passion, practically radiate through this special beat that feels old-war, and yet, is still a rap song. Anyway, I downloaded it (along with about 1 Million of my other friends...New Yorkers, no doubt) and have floated on a cloud all week. Now if only that cloud could float me right up to NYC...
The other two things that have given me elevated levels of joy are more of the tangible kind. I went to Super Wal-Mart for a little bit of grocery shopping this week and found myself in an experimental mood. I decided to go out on a limb and try a new cereal, because let’s face it, the other 4 boxes sitting on my shelf were starting to get lonely and I’d like to continue my research on the nutritional debate concerning cereal for dinner. I stumbled upon Banana Nut Cheerios and thought to myself, “why not?” Now, I will leave out the fact that it was on sale and possibly on display for discontinue aside, and tell you that this is the most wonderful breakfast discovery that I have made in a long time. I kid you not, I wake up excited to eat this cereal. It really is that.good. I tell you this for two reason, 1. spreading culinary joy, 2. the possibility of it being taken off of the market due to consumer apathy makes me sad. So try and buy, my friends!
The next product is also food-related (I know, terrible), Smuckers Natural Creamy Peanut Butter with Honey. Y’all, it is amazing. I am not kidding, it’s like candy! And, this is coming from someone who grew up not even liking peanut butter! I literally started eating pb in college and would have a jar on my shelf for at least a year. It’s just never been a staple in my eating habits. I have lived with some serious pb lovers over the years and realized that people are downright passionate about pb. Creamy v. crunchy, natural v. unnatural, flavored v. regular, almond v. peanut, I mean...I can see where it gets confusing. Me, being the granola girl that I am, (read: Bueno is a food group) has heard the warning call from Dr. Oz and purchased natural pb for quite some time now and you can only image how thrilled I am to eat something with the consistency of plaster...it literally requires a glass of milk per bite, no thanks. Anyway, I had been told about this honey-flavored goodness and decided to try it for myself. Let’s just put it this way, I could slather it on a sock and probably still eat it. Again, that.good.
That's all I have for now, I hope you guys are having a great Friday!
This week's happiness runner-up: The return of Gossip Girl & The Office
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Wisdom
"How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!"
~ Proverbs 16:16
~ Proverbs 16:16
Friday, September 11, 2009
Nobody likes a braggart.
In the words of Gilly, "sorry."
After months and months (read: years and years) of hard work, it has finally paid off in abundance. Brother's team are the 2009 Champions of the Northwest League. Spending hours on the field, in the bus, at practice, with strangers, tired, lonely, happy, fulfilled, and everything in between, has turned out to be one of the most rewarding ventures that he has ever had the chance to be apart of. I pray that it's just the beginning to a very big dream...
God is so good.
Congratulations, love you!
(Editor's note: please excuse the proud sister blog...)
After months and months (read: years and years) of hard work, it has finally paid off in abundance. Brother's team are the 2009 Champions of the Northwest League. Spending hours on the field, in the bus, at practice, with strangers, tired, lonely, happy, fulfilled, and everything in between, has turned out to be one of the most rewarding ventures that he has ever had the chance to be apart of. I pray that it's just the beginning to a very big dream...
God is so good.
Congratulations, love you!
(Editor's note: please excuse the proud sister blog...)
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Gleeful!
This is for all of my Gleeks out there, you're not alone...
Can't WAIT for tonight's premiere!
Can't WAIT for tonight's premiere!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
"That's Bananas."
I have a hankering to make this recipe and I think that everyone (but my roommate) would be thankful it. Doesn't it just sound wonderful?
In the words of Rachel Zoe, "IIIII, die."
In the words of Rachel Zoe, "IIIII, die."
photos & recipe compliments of vanilla kitchen
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