A short time away.

A lot has happened over the past week. I’ve been so busy with work and planning fun things and doing fun things that I’ve neglected my lil’ old blog.

Last week, I found myself working most every day, straight through with minimal breaks. By the time the weekend got here, I was pretty exhausted. But, I keep telling myself that I won’t complain (or will keep it to a minimum) because of the current economic circumstances. I’m lucky to be busy.

I did my long run on Saturday afternoon (and my last big run before the mini this Saturday), which ended up being the longest run of my life (so far)…90 minutes without a walk break. Hopefully I’ll be able to finish the mini in less than 2 1/2 hours. That’s my goal.

On Saturday night, RayRay, Matthew and I went to see David Byrne. It was an amazing show, to say the least. The man may lack the ability to have a normal friendship/relationship in his life (according to some of his ex-colleagues), but he’s a musical genius and a generous giver of his art to his fans. One example of this are his adorable little bike racks he’s designed, currently installed around New York City (thanks, Carlton, for this little tidbit):

So, I leave you with that, I guess. I have a lot of things coming up and will most likely be taking a little time off to focus on said things. Once I’ve managed to run a mini, get a charity event up and running, declutter my house a bit more and take a deep breathe, I’ll be back to talk your ear off more.

I just canceled my Weight Watchers Monthly Pass.

Yep. That’s right. I did.

Here’s the thing. I’ve been doing well. I know it. And I owe a lot of that well doing to the WW, for sure. But, in these times, do I really need to be spending $39.95/month on a membership when I have the idea planted firmly in my head? I know. I know. There’s no accountability if I’m not going to weekly weigh-ins. And, that’s true…I totally agree. I may start popping up above the 150lb mark again here very soon, but I think not. I think I have hit my stride. I think a few months of WW was what I needed to find my way. And, in some ways, it’s made me happier with myself at the weight I am (or was). There’s no sense crying over 5lbs. For serious.

Truthfully, I’m training for my first mini and need those extra 35+ points to carb-load so that I don’t pass out on mile 9. Honestly, I can’t believe I’m training for the mini. I always said I couldn’t do it. I’d never run more than 3 miles at a time. And, now that I have, I feel better than I have in years but, tonight, I feel even lighter knowing that I’ll be saving $39.95/month.

I’ll probably use that first $39.95 to buy one of these. Only 1 point each. (see…I’m still counting.)

It’s all too much.

No. I’m not talking about that really good song by The Cars. Or even that really good cover of that song by the Red House Painters. I’m talking about clutter, people. And, maybe not the type you see on Clean House, but definitely the kind that is starting to drive this woman crazy. So, I bought this book at Half Price books (hoping it will be my last in a line of many organizational books):

The thing is, I actually believe it might be. I’m a good 1/3 of the way through the book and I’m ready to do a preliminary purge. Basically, I need to go room-to-room and find things that I haven’t used in a year, things I definitely don’t want/need and things that are garbage. I’m to separate these things from the things I love. L-O-V-E. As Tim Gunn says (and what I keep saying to the annoyance of Matthew, I’m sure): these things must be “soul stirring.”

I’m just done, you know? I’m tired of saying I’m going to get organized, running out to Big Lots to buy a bunch of Rubbermaid tubs and then just stuffing what I do have into them and throwing it all either in the garage or in a closet. Uggggghhhhh!

Just an idea of what my list includes:

• Hall closet clean-up (this is the home of toiletries, towels, candles, yearbooks, photos, unmentionables, etc)
• The other hall closet clean-up (coats, purses, hats, scarves, etc, rollerblades, etc)
• CDs (purge, alphabetize and store in binders. recycle jewel cases.)
• Clothes closet (one more go around with the lack of soul stirring)
• Kitchen (uhm, who needs almost 12 baking pans when she doesn’t even bake)
• My office (this is the big one! I’ll be cleansing a lot of craft supplies. It’s time.)

So, this is my first week at The Big Ol’ Purge of 2008. Pray for me, people. This one’s going to be a doozy.

Modern Seamster

Thanks to Miss Andrea for sending me a link to a new crafty magazine called Modern Seamster. The first issue is available for free download here. It’s worth a look!

Together We Are Heavy

Continuing on with my concert tshirt week, we have The Polyphonic Spree. One of the best shows of last year. A great show if you’re able to see them! (and, yes, I’m now a professional contortionist which, by the way, if TPS had room on stage to add a contortionist, they would for sure. But they don’t. So, go see them because there are a lot of them and it’s kind of amazing. Yes.).

Concert T-shirt: Day 2

When I was in 6th grade, I was a huge (and I mean ridiculously nerdy and over the top) fan of The Monkees. I loved their TV show, I had every tape and album, I knew every song and every lyric. It was my first musical obsession and the television show was my first introduction to sarcasm.

So, needless to say, when three of the members reunited for their 1986 Reunion Tour, I wanted to go so bad I literally cried. When my mom said that an 11-year-old had no business at a “rock show,” I stomped off to my room and cried for hours. Probably listening to a Monkees album and pining over photos of Micky Dolenz with his furry little ‘fro. Sigh.

When Christmas came around, there was a large present under the tree from my sister, Angie. She was 7 years older and had always been the giver of the best presents (one of my most memorable Jordache ensembles and my first pair of Guess Jeans, just to name two). The box was heavy. Very heavy. When it was my turn to open presents, I immediately tore this one open and, to my surprise, inside were a couple of hand weights and a little white envelope. She had bought two tickets to the Monkees’ show at Market Square Arena!

I cried. I danced around and cried. Like a dumbass.

Looking back on it now, I’m mostly struck at how thoughtful my sister was. She was (and still is) the best sister ever. We’re different, yes. But she has always been good to me. And, I will always be grateful to her for that memory and for taking me to my first “rock show.”

Oh, and p.s., I still love The Monkees (and that’s my original t-shirt that I bought at the show up there).

Project Runway. Final Wrapup.

Kudos to Leanne for taking home the top prize. I think she was the most deserving and, overall, had the most cohesive runway show. Although I kind of wanted Korto to win based on her new-ish loveable personality (I love a lady who is bitchy with a dash of tug-at-your-heart-strings crybaby).

But, what would a final wrapup be without my favorite Kenley moments of the night:

1. Her reacation when she realized Tim Gunn was the special guest host because J-Lo broker her foot.
2. When Heidi auf wiedersehen’d her, she just said “Kenley. You’re out.” No “you had vision but you lacked a fun-loving personality and, honestly, no one talks to Heidi like you talked to Heidi” kind of final farewell. I think it was Heidi’s way of saying “I said good day!”
3. When she blew up at Tim Gunn about how the judges are always saying they’ve seen her designs before and he walked away with that look of “I hate you, bitch” written all over his face.
4. When she wore that stupid fascinator on her head at the final runway show and looked like a Dr. Seuss character.

Regardless of my growing hate for Kenley, I’m kind of sad the season is over. I always am. So, fingers crossed they make the jump to Lifetime smoothly and that our dapper Mr. Gunn returns.

Craftuesday: One wristlet down.

Hey all. Super happy to report that I finished one of my wristlets. I only dropped one stitch and I think I figured out how to “stitch” the whole mo-fo together (it seems right, anyway). It’s a little snug but, otherwise, a decent fit. And warm.

Sometimes a pony gets depressed.

After a slight break in blogging, I’m refreshed and back in business.

On Saturday, we went to see the Silver Jews at Birdy’s (the first show of our upcoming show-heavy fall). Their opening band was someone called The Mattoid, at first questionable but eventually hilarious and pure genius. It was the best show I’d seen in a while. So good, in fact, that I broke my new-ish rule of not buying concert t-shirts. They had an adorable Silver Jews girly tee that I swiped up for an affordable $15.

NOTE: I know. I know. Stacy and Clinton always say that logo tees are a bad idea, but I'm bringing them back. At least for me. This is my first day of my "I'm wearing a concert t-shirt everyday" week. My new Silver Jews t-shirt is dirty so I had to start with my TV on the Radio.

Then, Matthew and I took a much needed trip. We headed north on Monday to Chicago to see his favorite band, The Mountain Goats. After arriving at the hotel, we dropped off our bags and walked around Lincoln Park. In my head, I thought I was going to be put into a “must shop” situation. But, I’m happy to report that I didn’t buy a single item while in Chicago. And, quite honestly, I didn’t even want to.

So, all in all, a great little four day respite. Now, it’s back to work.

My Mary Kay Makeover.

Thanks to my friend, Maggie, I’ve spent the last 30 minutes playing around with the Mary Kay Virtual Makeover.

I went with this “party in the front” homage to the Sarah Palin up-do. And, tried to do an “evening” look with my makeup. I think I look hot! Although, I would have loved a darker lip liner option.

(Sarcasm aside, if I actually uploaded a decent photo to work with (i.e. hair pulled back and looking straight ahead), this program would probably work for a realistic version of what I would look like with realistic makeup choices. And, Maggie, your photo was simply amazing! Mine pales in comparison to your artistic vision.)