More cuteness

By the way - there's new cuteness up on my photography blog ...

Candy Whore

There is a good reason I keep the candy bowl on the edge of my desk (behind the computer monitir so I don't see it) stocked with candy I don't like.

Otherwise, my trash can would look like this every day before 3:00

Me in pictures

I'm usually not into meme's but I saw this on The Pink Shoe and thought it was very cool.

Here are the rules:

a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
b. Using only the first page, pick an image.
c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd's mosaic maker.

Questions:
1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite food?
3. What high school did you go to?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
6. Favorite drink?
7. Dream vacation?
8. Favorite dessert?
9. What you want to be when you grow up?
10. What do you love most in life?
11. One Word to describe you.
12. Your flickr name.

And here are my results:


A few comments on the photos I chose:
3. My high school shares it's name with a lake, I'm assuming that's what this is.
6. cosmopolitan
7. This is the "Carrousel de paris" - I love carousels and I love France!
9. mother
10. I debated whether to state the obvious (God), or something non-spiritual/family (travel). This picture came up under both :)
11. I typed in Happy - this is perfect and it makes me happy too!
12. This is tagged "uncommon blonde" - I have no idea why

It's the little things

I read this post yesterday and was thinking about the wonder we find in the little things when we are kids. Then I went to a luncheon that was held at a nice restaurant here in town. The Boys & Girls Club was having an event in one of the ballrooms so there were little kids outside greeting their guests. One little girl came running out of the restaurant and excitedly told her friends "I just went to the bathroom, the bathrooms are AWESOME here. It was so fun, such an awesome bathroom!" I could not help but smile and wonder what on earth about a bathroom that seems unremarkable to me, made it so awesome to her.

hanky panky

So, I will probably regret posting about a thong on my blog. (what did you think this post was going to be about? lol) First reason, I don't usually talk about thongs to everyone I know. Secondly, I tend to forget how many people read my blog until one of you breaks out with a comment about one of my posts when I least expect it, or when I read my stats and see how many of you are reading and not commenting (comment people, I need love!) All of that aside, I have found a thong that is worth talking about.

I think I might be a little behind the curve on this one but the other day I was in Simply Spoiled (a local skincare store that makes me happy because of it's name) and saw these thongs beckoning to me. The salesgirl started raving about them so enthusiastically that I was intrigued. At $18 each I was a little hesitant but I had a $10 frequent buyer reward so I decided to see what all the fuss was about. HELLO! These are fabulous! The most comfortable thong ever made and sexy too - not a combination that I have often found. I bought the low rise but if you're not into thongs they do sell other styles. I'm now afraid that I am going to have to do laundry every night or go break my budget to buy more. Why do I always like expensive things? It would be so much easier if I was a plain jane (but not as much fun as it is to be uncommonblonde!) Sorry if this post is TMI but seriously, hanky panky can change your life.

I'd hate to make them actually do work

For the last several weeks I have been getting endless calls at work from salepeople for various versions of the yellow pages and a few other publications. It seems there is a new trend, they get all pissy when you ask them to actually work for their commission. A few examples:

Salesman 1: So, would you like to go ahead and continue with what you've always done?
Me: Well, I was not here last year when we purchased that ad space, could you email me a copy of our contract and the rates?
Salesman 1: You're not going to make me do all of this work just to tell me no are you?
Me: Well excuse the hell out of me. (I didn't really say that)

Salesman 2: Two years ago you bought a 1/4 page ad, would you like to stay with that size?
Me: Could you send me a summary of what has been done in past years?
Salesman 2: The lady that I used to work with had all of that information.
Me: Oh, of course. I'll call the person who used to work here and moved away and ask her if she remembers what the rates were so you don't have to pull my file. (again, only said this in my head)

Telemarketer: Sales pitch, blah, blah, and can I have your email address to start the free trial?
Me: Is there a website that I can look at to see what your company offers?
CLICK
Are you kidding me? You don't hang up on me, I hang up on you!

I feel better now.

Books, Books, Books

Just a few thoughts on my current summer reading. Last week I finished reading Chasing Harry Winston by Lauren Weisberger (author of The Devil Wears Prada). I had high hopes for this book since I loved her previous books so much but this one was a bore. Not enough substance, it was cliche- overall, not so great. Right now I am reading Escape by Carolyn Jessop. It is an account of Jessop's life and escape from the cultlike Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints with her eight children. It is alternately horrifying and fascinating. I normally don't like non-fiction but this book is very interesting. Ever since I started watching Big Love I have been fascinated with the concept of polygamy and the FLDS church. It is such an extreme lifestyle that it's difficult to imagine. Aside from this book, the last few books I have read have been disappointing - any recommendations for a fabulous read?

The power of the blog

While reading about Dooce's vacation to Destin last week, the PR girl in me could not help but think that her posts were a public relations dream. She was giving an unprompted, authentic review of what she called her "best vacation yet" complete with pictures. Based on her opinions, I'm sure thousands of people across the county will consider Florida more carefully when planning their next vacation. There's no denying the power of personal recommendations. At all of the PR conferences and meetings lately they are talking about blogging - except many people just don't get it. Businesses should not have a blog just to have a blog. BORING. It has to be real, interactive and conversational - you can't fake it. Now, I have read several bloggers lately complaining about having PR people contact them about promoting various products, places, etc. I do NOT feel sorry for them. Someone is offering you free stuff and you are complaining? I LOVE free stuff. While Dooce cannot be bought, I can. I got to thinking, if I were the PR person for unlimited brands/products out there what would I offer to those in my blog world?

Sevenchicks - I would send you toys to review, kids clothing, Christian music and books, and products for busy moms/families. I would also send you on a girls trip so you could review every aspect of my resort in great detail. BeverlyDru - I would send you on trips to review (and you could take me!), Christian music, lots of books, things for entrepreneurs and business women, clothing, spa products. Heather - I would send you Nikon cameras and lenses, photography equipment, and cool clothing and props to use in your fabulous family shoots. Mrs. Sofa - Kids clothing, toys & strollers (lol), spa products, wine & cooking/baking equipment. (I had to link to your baking blog since the other is private). TiaraCo (TV Gold) - I would send you lots of designer stuff because you would appreciate it, wear it, and blog about it. I would also send you modern home design stuff. PraiseJunky & Tara - I would send you both music and products for busy moms. And spa products ... you guys both deserve some "you time." Le Petit Chic - Clothing & wine ... and trips for travel reviews (even though you did just get back from Paris). Kat - You would get funny and interesting products that you can't find just anywhere. Your blog is always full of crazy trivia and funny stories. I know I left a lot of you out of my "gift" list, I love you all but I HATE long posts and this one is out of control.

And for me (get ready, I want stuff):
Trips - I am a fearless traveler and will go ANYWHERE for free (seriously, even Iowa).
Clothing - from Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft & White House Black Market - my entire closet consists of things from these stores and given a limitless budget this blog could get really fashionable. I could start a Michelle Obama dress craze all by myself.
Louis Vuitton - no explanation needed. I wear their purses every day (and they aren't even fake) and they can't send me a free wallet? lol
Books - I'm in two book clubs. I read a lot and am happy to write about it.
Photography equipment - lots and lots of it. I promise to write how-tos, reviews and tips.
Anything else that is free. I told you, I can be bought and it doesn't take more than a $1 off coupon to make my day. So, if you are a retailer - call me :)

What should the retailers send you to promote on your blogs?

So many posts, so little time

I have wanted to write so many different posts today, yet none of them really seem to come together when I sit down to write. I'm having a writer's block day overall which is unfortunate since I am supposed to be writing web copy, brochure copy, and an e-newsletter. So far, not going so well. Since I can't seem to put a coherent sentence together today, here are my random thoughts.

After watching this week's episode of 30 days, I am convinced that I need to take my new mission to try and eat more organic to the next level and start buying organic and cage free meats. That's going to hurt my budget but I think it's important.

I keep finding reasons why I should start charging for my photography (equipment I want, people will value my time more, etc). Then I talk myself out of it.

If your boobs look like pancakes, let's not wear shirts that make it impossible not to look at them. I'm not mean, it's just that it hurts my eyes. Too bad the people that need this message will never see this.

Update - Crazy Betty was calling incessantly on Tuesday to tell me that my aunt went to the doctor. yep, that's all - just that she went.

I am in a cake induced sugar coma ... it is divine.

Crazy Betty Strikes Again

Crazy Betty and I are playing a game this afternoon. She is calling my cell phone repeatedly and I am not answering. She is refusing to leave a message and give me a chance to screen her request, so I will not answer. I figure if it was an emergency she'd call my office number, or she would call every 2 minutes instead of every 10. I'm betting she wants to know something non-urgent like what kind of place cards they are using at my brother's wedding. She has called 5 times in the past 50 minutes, it's actually getting kind of funny. I know, I'm a horrible granddaughter.

Just another manic Monday

You know it's going to be a great week when your Monday starts with an email from your director reminding you of the hostage situation procedure, along with a photo of a person that might show up, with instructions to call 911 immediately if he does. Just another day at the office ...

remind me again why I thought this job was a good idea?

On a happier note, I took one of my favorite pictures yet on Friday with this snuggle bug.

It's been confirmed. I am insane.

This weekend my brother's fiance came to town so we could address her wedding invitations. Being the over-acheiver that I am, I learned calligraphy 5 years ago so I could address my own invites and I was happy to help her with this project. One minor detail that I forgot - I did not do all of them in one day. We addressed for 15 hours ... I think I might have permanent nerve damage in my arm.

On the bright side, we got them finished and they are beautiful! I'm going to take some Advil :)

Best First Dance Ever

This is hilarious (fast-forward through the first minute to get to the good stuff)

Blog Etiquette

I can't believe it's taken me this long to write a post about etiquette. Anyone who knows me knows that I love etiquette. I truly believe that etiquette is intended to make other people feel comfortable and it makes a person a more considerate host, friend, etc. Blog etiquette is a little bit fuzzy to me though. Part of what I love about blogging is that I can be sarcastic and say whatever I want. My mom laughed at me the other day because she said even when I'm mad I'm polite (I used the word miffed in a post instead of being crass). My post about being irritated the other day prompted me to start thinking a little bit more about blog etiquette. So, in the interest of being a better blogger I have a few questions for you.

Comments - first of all, if you leave comments, thank you and I love you. You don't have to be a blogger to post comments and let me just tell you that it is much appreciated. Don't get me wrong, you are free to read and leave without a trace BUT just think about it this way - if someone poured out their thoughts and feelings to you would you just turn and walk away? I hope not. Give me your feedback, impressions, disagreements - whatever, just say something! I promise I'll love you for it ;)

Follow-up Comments - I tried to follow up with several of you who commented on my rant post to tell you what my situation was - I really wanted your advice! (plus, several people thought I was talking about them. lol, I knew that would happen if I was vague) I hit reply when the comment came to me however, I don't think you received it as an email and when you comment I never see your email address (see, you can comment and still be anonymous!). Does anyone (using blogger) know how to reply to a comment to that person only? I can always reply in the comments but I never can figure out how to send an individual email.

Okay, I'm going to stop now for the sheer reason that I don't like long posts. See, I'm considerate of your time - that's how much I love you for visiting my blog. And as Fussy would say - You're looking great today! ta ta!

Book Titles

If I ever write a book, it's going to have a title like one of these - sarcastic and hilarious!

Stop Dressing Your Six-Year-Old Like a Skank: And Other Words of Delicate Southern Wisdom

Bless Your Heart, Tramp: And Other Southern Endearments

We're Just Like You, Only Prettier: Confessions of a Tarnished Southern Belle

Grrr!

I have discovered a disadvantage to having my blog "outed." I am unable to vent about certain things for fear that people are going to read into them or gather unintended meanings. Or it could be that I can't vent about how inconsiderate people can be without the intended person reading it and knowing how miffed I am? I wish I could expand on a certain situation that keeps presenting itself because I really could use some advice but some people might get their feelings hurt so I must continue to stew in silence ... grr

How to lose credibility in 60 seconds

Want to know how to take your reputation for being professional & together and turn it upside down in 60 seconds? Just sit at your desk screaming hysterically with tears in your eyes. Let me explain, I am beyond terrified of roaches. I know that no one likes them but I am literally paralyzed with fear over them. I can't kill them, I can't pick up a dead one, I can't see one without being transformed into a complete basket case.

This morning I walked into my office to the lovely sight of a giant dead roach. I made a little tent out of copy paper and threw it over the bug in the corner so I could not see it. Then I heard a shriek from down the hall. I was not alone. I asked a brave co-worker to come get rid of my problem and when she picked up the paper, it started moving. I lost. my. mind. Unfortunately I had an audience that thought my performance was much more interesting than the bug. I was wailing "oh my god" and shaking. It's gone now and the office manager has called the pest control company (due to my serious threat to start working from home), however, I am still shaky. I am sitting with my feet up and all I want to do is escape. I have a radio interview in an hour and I can only hope nothing happens while I'm on the phone or they will find themselves with dead air.

Dinner is served

Last night's dinner was a success. Plannerchick's fabulous recommendations were my final pick, however, you all had some great ideas and this will be my first source of ideas next time I'm entertaining. I served salad, roasted chicken, rosemary potatoes & bread, with apple pie a la mode for dessert. Top it off with great friends and good wine and you've got the perfect evening! A few people did not finish the book (which I loved) so we ended up reviewing the movie from Sunday instead (which I also loved). Thanks again for all of the great ideas. Now it's on to the next thing on my calendar ... what a week!

All Over The Place

I have so many things to blog about and no time to blog these days. This weekend was packed! It started with "retreat" for an organization that I will be serving on the board for this coming year. I love the organization and the opportunity, but I must say that I take issue with the word "retreat." Let's call it what it is. Retreat makes me think of relaxation and rejuvenation. Not sitting in a meeting room for 8 hours listening to a speaker and working on strategic planning, all while overlooking a beautiful golf course where people are leisurely enjoying the sun. That should be called torture. I realize that no one would attend something called a "Board Torture" so maybe we can compromise and call it something code for "You have to come because you signed up for this but rest assured you'll want to poke yourself in the eye before it's over."

Sunday was much better because I got to see Sex & the City with some of my favorite girlfriends. It was all I'd hoped it would be! Loved it. We had a group picture taken by a woman who had apparently never held a camera (she completely cut a couple a few people people out of the frame). Afterwards I took photos of a beautiful friend who is expecting her first baby very soon. Hopefully I'll get her permission to share a few on my photo blog ... (hint, hint) The dinner/book club is tonight at my house so I have to go because I haven't even bought the ingredients yet. I'm all over the place:)