This might turn into a recurring theme for me, so strap in and enjoy the randomness :)
Fact 1: Shaun's very cute, very tiny Maltese named Spencer happens to be my archenemy. He pees on EVERYTHING I own. Just MY stuff, not Shaun's. He peed on my favorite sweater, which I didn't notice until I was running late to work, threw on the sweater, and ran out the door. I was wondering who at work smelled like pee, then I realized "oh right, it's me." Cue Hulk-like anger, minus the greenness. He also peed on my computer bag strap. Yet again...didn't notice til I threw the darn thing over my shoulder. That five pound miscreant is lucky he hasn't been drop-kicked out my front door yet.
Fact 2: I cry easier than just about anyone else I've ever met. If you start crying around me I hope you're ready for some sympathetic tears because I'm about to turn on the waterworks. Baptisms at church? Tears. Funerals for persons I hardly know? Sniffles at the very least. Lilo and Stitch? Get the friggin' Kleenex.
Fact 3: I LOVE tattoos. Good tattoos. Not "hey look, I got this on a whim one night" tattoos, but honest to goodness permanent inked-on artwork. If you have a nifty-looking tattoo, I'll probably spend a good amount of time staring at it. Just a warning.
Fact 4: I happen to be married to the goofiest person on the planet, but you wouldn't know that if you've only been around him in public settings. I love that dude, but getting him to answer any questions directly on the first try is a challenge I have yet to overcome. I guess that was only partially about me...whoops. Oh well, it's my blog and I'll do what I want!
Fact 5: A lot of my friends with whom I identify the most live hundreds of miles away and spend over half the year on tour. For a lot of music fans, a show at the Diamond or at the Conservatory is a chance to see one of their favorite bands live, but for me it's also a chance to briefly hang out with some of the people I love. So when I tweet the next day that I'm suffering from Post Concert Stress Disorder, now you know what I mean. ;)
Friday, April 15, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
underdemeciated
I find that God uses the most unexpected people to teach me lessons. Lately He's been teaching me the power of small actions and words like never before, mainly the power of showing your appreciation.
I've felt awfully unappreciated lately. I'll go above and beyond for someone and they act like it's nothing. That suuuuuucks. I rank it right below "just saw a dead puppy on the side of the road" on the list of "Things that make me feel awful." Have you ever seen Bedtime Stories? Like Adam Sandler, I'm feeling "under-demeciated" these days.
Sad thing is, the people who seem to forget to show appreciation are usually those who seem to have the manners to know better. I'm that person a lot of times. A lot of times you see it in business settings or even at church. On the flip side, I've seen firsthand how those you least expect gratitude from are the most likely to give it with enthusiasm.
Take for example some friends of mine in a touring band. They've got long hair and tattoos and their crazy concert to driving ratio means little time for showers. They're not exactly the type of guys you expect any kind words from AND they've had some bad luck lately that would make most people grumpy, but they are some of the most appreciative dudes you'll ever meet. We spent some time driving them around to get some errands done, and they thanked us approximately thirty billion times. No lie. As if that wasn't enough to make my entire week, before they started their encore they dedicated it to us!
Talk about awesomeness! I was living high off that moment for quite a while after that. Seriously, I've rarely felt so special. The entire rest of the weekend I've been thinking about how I can pass on that feeling, 'cause it's worth sharing. Everyone should get to feel appreciated and worthy of notice every now and then.
One of my prayers lately is that I'll learn to show my appreciation for people as earnestly as my friends. I don't think they realize what a blessing they've been to me, and I hope I can be a fraction as awesome as they are.
I've felt awfully unappreciated lately. I'll go above and beyond for someone and they act like it's nothing. That suuuuuucks. I rank it right below "just saw a dead puppy on the side of the road" on the list of "Things that make me feel awful." Have you ever seen Bedtime Stories? Like Adam Sandler, I'm feeling "under-demeciated" these days.
Sad thing is, the people who seem to forget to show appreciation are usually those who seem to have the manners to know better. I'm that person a lot of times. A lot of times you see it in business settings or even at church. On the flip side, I've seen firsthand how those you least expect gratitude from are the most likely to give it with enthusiasm.
Take for example some friends of mine in a touring band. They've got long hair and tattoos and their crazy concert to driving ratio means little time for showers. They're not exactly the type of guys you expect any kind words from AND they've had some bad luck lately that would make most people grumpy, but they are some of the most appreciative dudes you'll ever meet. We spent some time driving them around to get some errands done, and they thanked us approximately thirty billion times. No lie. As if that wasn't enough to make my entire week, before they started their encore they dedicated it to us!
Talk about awesomeness! I was living high off that moment for quite a while after that. Seriously, I've rarely felt so special. The entire rest of the weekend I've been thinking about how I can pass on that feeling, 'cause it's worth sharing. Everyone should get to feel appreciated and worthy of notice every now and then.
One of my prayers lately is that I'll learn to show my appreciation for people as earnestly as my friends. I don't think they realize what a blessing they've been to me, and I hope I can be a fraction as awesome as they are.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Music festival essentials
South by Southwest and South by So What are just around the corner (not to mention the fact that I'm already looking forward to Warped Tour), and it's time to pack those festival essentials! I've gotten so I barely even have to think about what to pack anymore, thanks to a formula I stick to religiously. Here are some of my fave items to take!
1. Covergirl concealer - Makeup melts pretty fast when you're out in the sun, so I keep it simple. Concealer is a quick fix to hide the fact that I'm completely sleep deprived, and it packs in my purse easily for touch ups.
2. JK Jemma Kidd Stain/Flush/Blush Makeup Concentrate - A pretty flush rounds out my makeup essentials and is my other secret weapon against a sleepy, bedraggled face. Jemma Kidd's is my fave since it's easy to apply with my fingers and comes in a tiny and packable package!
4. Small over-the-shoulder bag - I've got a trusty purse that goes on all my festival adventures with me. It has enough pockets to stay organized, and can fit a camera and a snack despite its diminutive size. Don't forget to throw some hand sanitizer in there!
5. Sunglasses - I always feel like a nerd when I forget my sunglasses. Let's face it, no one wants to go around squinting at everything!
6. Cheap, dark skinnies - Since I somehow always manage to spill something or get something spilled on me at festivals I'm a huge advocate of wearing a $10 pair of dark skinnies from Forever 21. They're stretchy, comfy, and won't induce tears if you ruin them.
7. Toms - Without comfy shoes it's awfully hard to enjoy days full of music! Ignore the urge to wear those cute sandals and go for cuteness and functionality. Your feet will thank you!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Today's small tale of woe
I've been feeling under the weather for a few days now, and today it all culminated in me taking a sick day from work. In my grouchy state, there was little to improve my mood.
I had ONE thing to look forward to today, and nothing else would do. That one thing happens to be a Woe, Is Me and Stheart collab hoodie. This hoodie:
Nothing else in my rainy, grumpy world could perk me up. Nothing. I couldn't remember whether it was coming USPS or UPS, so I waited patiently for the mail and UPS trucks to come, peering out the front door every now and then in anticipation.
Finally I heard a thump outside the front door. Success! I hurried out the front door in my pj pants and baggy shirt, grabbed the box from the porch, and ran inside.
In my glee I ripped open the box. And when I say ripped, I mean carefully opened. I didn't want to tear my awesome new Stheart hoodie.
Anger. Sadness. More grumpy feelings.
Inside the box rested not my hoodie, but a pair of shoes. Shaun's new pair of shoes, to be exact. I sat down, frustrated, mumbling made-up curse words under my breath.
My only hope then lay in the hands of the United States Postal Service. Never before had I needed to put so much trust in the hands of a government service. Despite my reservations, I was sure they wouldn't let me down.
A little while later I pulled on my polka-dot rain boots over my shamrock pjs, grabbed a jacket, and headed toward the mailbox, scanning the neighborhood for possible witnesses. I reached the mailbox, my heart pounding, and found a package within!
I rushed into the house once again, tore open the package, and pulled out...two limited edition Arkaik shirts that Shaun and I had ordered a while back. Not my hoodie.
All hope lost, I flopped on the couch, weeping tears of agony. My hoodie would not make it in time to wear for casual Friday at work.
After some brief research, Shaun found that my beloved Stheart hoodie had been misrouted and should have been in my hands by now. Yet again, a government service failed me. So much anticipation, and so little reward.
I had ONE thing to look forward to today, and nothing else would do. That one thing happens to be a Woe, Is Me and Stheart collab hoodie. This hoodie:
Nothing else in my rainy, grumpy world could perk me up. Nothing. I couldn't remember whether it was coming USPS or UPS, so I waited patiently for the mail and UPS trucks to come, peering out the front door every now and then in anticipation.
Finally I heard a thump outside the front door. Success! I hurried out the front door in my pj pants and baggy shirt, grabbed the box from the porch, and ran inside.
In my glee I ripped open the box. And when I say ripped, I mean carefully opened. I didn't want to tear my awesome new Stheart hoodie.
Anger. Sadness. More grumpy feelings.
Inside the box rested not my hoodie, but a pair of shoes. Shaun's new pair of shoes, to be exact. I sat down, frustrated, mumbling made-up curse words under my breath.
My only hope then lay in the hands of the United States Postal Service. Never before had I needed to put so much trust in the hands of a government service. Despite my reservations, I was sure they wouldn't let me down.
A little while later I pulled on my polka-dot rain boots over my shamrock pjs, grabbed a jacket, and headed toward the mailbox, scanning the neighborhood for possible witnesses. I reached the mailbox, my heart pounding, and found a package within!
I rushed into the house once again, tore open the package, and pulled out...two limited edition Arkaik shirts that Shaun and I had ordered a while back. Not my hoodie.
All hope lost, I flopped on the couch, weeping tears of agony. My hoodie would not make it in time to wear for casual Friday at work.
After some brief research, Shaun found that my beloved Stheart hoodie had been misrouted and should have been in my hands by now. Yet again, a government service failed me. So much anticipation, and so little reward.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Pride & Peaches
There is something you must know about me. I love Pride and Prejudice with all my 24-year-old heart. Jane Austen, in my opinion, is one of the cleverest writers of all time. She could make a simple description of a house witty and entertaining.
I love all things Austen, but P & P holds a special place with me because Elizabeth Bennet has spunk that can't be rivaled, and let's face it: Darcy makes girls everywhere sigh longingly. I first read P & P in my 11th grade AP English Lit class, where we lovingly referred to it as Pride & Peaches. By the end of the book even the guys in our class were grudgingly admitting that the story line isn't all that bad.
Fast forward to today, and I'm lucky enough to have married the ONE man in the world who can retain his masculinity while thinking P & P is actually quite funny. He prefers the Keira Knightley version and I think Mr. Collins is his favorite character.
For Christmas Shaun even bought me the BBC Jane Austen boxed set. We've watched approximately 10 hours worth of Jane Austen's stories, and he hasn't complained yet. I'm so proud!
If you haven't already, I highly suggest making a reading of Pride and Prejudice a Valentine tradition. It'll have you sighing with thoughts of Bingley and Darcy in no time :)
"You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you."
Colin Firth. Le sigh.
I love all things Austen, but P & P holds a special place with me because Elizabeth Bennet has spunk that can't be rivaled, and let's face it: Darcy makes girls everywhere sigh longingly. I first read P & P in my 11th grade AP English Lit class, where we lovingly referred to it as Pride & Peaches. By the end of the book even the guys in our class were grudgingly admitting that the story line isn't all that bad.
Fast forward to today, and I'm lucky enough to have married the ONE man in the world who can retain his masculinity while thinking P & P is actually quite funny. He prefers the Keira Knightley version and I think Mr. Collins is his favorite character.
That's this guy. Cringe-worthy.
For Christmas Shaun even bought me the BBC Jane Austen boxed set. We've watched approximately 10 hours worth of Jane Austen's stories, and he hasn't complained yet. I'm so proud!
That's right, I posted someone's fan art. Deal with it.
If you haven't already, I highly suggest making a reading of Pride and Prejudice a Valentine tradition. It'll have you sighing with thoughts of Bingley and Darcy in no time :)
"You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you."
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Random thought? Maybe.
There are so many things in movies that seem so cool, or at least appropriate to the scene, until you start dissecting what would have actually happened to get to that stage. I started thinking about this while watching Queen of the Damned yesterday. Take, for example, Lestat's transformation from "normal" vampire to vampire king in the movie. He goes from this...
..."normal," leather-pant-wearing, super-powered vampire man...
...to this. Skirt [or baggy pants] wearing vampire-god with a wide belt and fringe.
Very exotic and vampire king appropriate, right? Sure. Until you start thinking of the conversation that probably led up to the skirt wearing. It probably went something like this:
Lestat: "Hey, that gold sheen on your skin is pretty cool. Where can I have that done?"
Akasha: "Gold skin-sheen comes later. First, you must put this on."
Lestat: "This is a skirt. I think I'll just wear my leather pants, if you don't mind."
Akasha: "Kings don't wear leather pants. Kings wear skirts."
Lestat: "Well this king wears leather pants!"
Akasha: "This queen doesn't have kings who wear leather pants. Skirt, or get the heck out."
Lestat: "Pants!"
Akasha: "Skirt!"
Lestat: "Pants!"
Akasha: "Skirt!"
Lestat: "Pants!"
Akasha: "Skirt!"
Lestat: "Fine!"
Let's face it, that's less than cool.
..."normal," leather-pant-wearing, super-powered vampire man...
...to this. Skirt [or baggy pants] wearing vampire-god with a wide belt and fringe.
Very exotic and vampire king appropriate, right? Sure. Until you start thinking of the conversation that probably led up to the skirt wearing. It probably went something like this:
Lestat: "Hey, that gold sheen on your skin is pretty cool. Where can I have that done?"
Akasha: "Gold skin-sheen comes later. First, you must put this on."
Lestat: "This is a skirt. I think I'll just wear my leather pants, if you don't mind."
Akasha: "Kings don't wear leather pants. Kings wear skirts."
Lestat: "Well this king wears leather pants!"
Akasha: "This queen doesn't have kings who wear leather pants. Skirt, or get the heck out."
Lestat: "Pants!"
Akasha: "Skirt!"
Lestat: "Pants!"
Akasha: "Skirt!"
Lestat: "Pants!"
Akasha: "Skirt!"
Lestat: "Fine!"
Let's face it, that's less than cool.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
No day like a snow day!
There's no day like a snow day! Shaun and I worked from home today, since we currently can't get out of the driveway. Right now there's a seven foot snowdrift ending on top of Shaun's truck, and if I can ever get out the front door I'll take a photo of it!
Our back yard is always gorgeous in the snow. We've got some snow drifts that the dogs are all too willing to plow into, leaving them with snow beards and icy feet!
Meanwhile, the view out our front door is pretty too. I guess the dogs concur...
...because they'll sit and watch the windblown snow as long as we let them!
One of the best parts of working from home is the chance to enjoy a cup of hot tea in my Tinker Bell mug and watch Dorian Gray, The Hound of the Baskervilles, and Northanger Abbey. Yep...I'm a sucker for BBC and English literature.
Last but certainly not least, lunch was fantastic! I made chicken vegetable rotini. Many of you probably know that I'm that perpetual five-year-old who can't stand any soup other than chicken noodle. I'm weird, I know. Anyhoo, I dipped into the snacks we save for when we watch the foster sisters and ate some of their Club Mini Crackers. Every time I pick one up I feel like a giant. Nom nom nom...
Days like today probably seem boring to everyone else, but sometimes I like to enjoy a quiet day full of comfort foods and classic tales. It prepares me for the rest of the crazy work week!
Our back yard is always gorgeous in the snow. We've got some snow drifts that the dogs are all too willing to plow into, leaving them with snow beards and icy feet!
Meanwhile, the view out our front door is pretty too. I guess the dogs concur...
...because they'll sit and watch the windblown snow as long as we let them!
One of the best parts of working from home is the chance to enjoy a cup of hot tea in my Tinker Bell mug and watch Dorian Gray, The Hound of the Baskervilles, and Northanger Abbey. Yep...I'm a sucker for BBC and English literature.
Last but certainly not least, lunch was fantastic! I made chicken vegetable rotini. Many of you probably know that I'm that perpetual five-year-old who can't stand any soup other than chicken noodle. I'm weird, I know. Anyhoo, I dipped into the snacks we save for when we watch the foster sisters and ate some of their Club Mini Crackers. Every time I pick one up I feel like a giant. Nom nom nom...
Days like today probably seem boring to everyone else, but sometimes I like to enjoy a quiet day full of comfort foods and classic tales. It prepares me for the rest of the crazy work week!
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