A moment of silence please

My right heel broke today on my favorite (and oldest) work shoes.

Black, strappy, sexy.

I would get it fixed, but I fear there wouldn't be much more life in them after that anyway.

If you would please take a moment of silence - not only for my favorite pair but also for all those favorite shoes out there now permanently sidelined - that would be wonderful.

Thank you.

Why are fake trees so expensive?

This little baby will set you back $150 (Target).

Breaking down your finances

As a member of www.thenest.com, I receive emails periodically regarding newlywed life and all it entails. Today, I received an email linking to the below. I found it quite interesting and was a bit excited/relieved when I realized A and I aren't doing such a bad job with our finances. Thought I'd pass on.

Question: What percentage of our salary should we spend on our first home, considering we also want to invest money in stocks, increase our savings, pay off school loans, and contribute to retirement funds? -- NatalieAnn

Answer: With so many future goals, it�s hard to figure out how to divvy up each paycheck. But here are some guidelines of the maximum percentages you should put your paycheck towards.

15% transportation: Including all car payments, gas, repair, insurance, taxis, and public methods.

35% housing: This means your mortgage, taxes, home insurance, maintenance, and any other living costs (utilities, renovations, and the like). Because real estate prices have climbed far fast, you may find you�re unable to find a house you like within this percentage. Get as close as you can. But before you sign on the dotted line, make out a new budget that includes what the monthly mortgage would be. If you�re cutting it too close and can�t save or have to drastically cut corners, it might not be worth it.

10% savings: Put aside money for your 401(k), IRA, and any other retirement or safety-net funds. Saving the full 10 percent may prove difficult when you first start out, but try to save at least 5 percent, and increase your savings by at least 1 percent each year.

10% debt repayment: This means credit cards and student loans. If you don�t have debt, put this money toward your savings or housing percentages -- whichever needs it most. Just remember: Pay more toward your credit card debt and the minimum on your student loans. In most cases, student loans are cheaper debts (because of the low interest rates) that are okay to stretch out.

25% everything else: Before you get too excited about this chunk of cash, remember that it has to cover your medical expenses (doctor visits and prescriptions), food, clothes, entertainment, and travel. Besides medical treatment and the necessary food items, this is where you can be the strictest with your budget. Track this spending closely (on a computer or even in your day planner) -- it will help you narrow down what you really need. After all, if you can cut here, you might be able to put more money toward your home, your savings, or paying off your debt.

Drunken man parks horse in bank

BERLIN - An early-morning bank customer had a bit of a shock when he found a horse at the automatic teller machine.

The horse's owner, identified only as Wolfgang H., had a bit too much to drink the night before and decided to sleep it off inside the bank's heated foyer, police said Tuesday.

The 40-year-old machinist told Bild newspaper he had had "a few beers" with a friend in Wiesenburg, southwest of Berlin, and decided to hit the hay in the bank on his way home. Confronted with the lack of a hitching-post, he brought the 6-year-old horse, named Sammy, in with him.

When a customer came across the horse and sleeping rider in the bank at 4:15 a.m. Monday, he called police, who then came and woke the owner up and sent him on his way.

No charges were filed, but there might be some cleanup needed: Apparently Sammy made his own after-hours deposit on the carpet.

* Not feeling all that inspired today, so thought I'd steal some stories to entertain you.

Assault with a deadly weapon

LONDON - Hugh Grant has been arrested for allegedly throwing a container of baked beans at a photographer, London police said.

The Metropolitan Police don’t identify suspects who haven’t been charged, but said a 46-year-old man was arrested Wednesday night on suspicion of assault and released on bail. No charges have been filed, police said. Grant’s lawyers weren’t immediately available for comment.

Photographer Ian Whittaker told the Daily Star tabloid that Grant had kicked him and shouted abuse before hurling the beans at him Tuesday morning.

The newspaper ran photos Wednesday showing the actor holding a plastic tub over his head. Grant’s screen credits include “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” “Notting Hill” and “About a Boy.”

Does anyone else find this hilarious?

So many movies!

I just watched the trailer for the next "Harry Potter."

Awesome. (Check it out here.)

There are SO many movies coming out this summer!

"Pirates," "Harry Potter," "Ocean's," "Spiderman"... I can't wait!

Ebay is Dangerous

I went to Ebay for like the first time ever today.

Wasn't looking for anything in particular. Just browsing.

Didn't even see it coming. Couldn't stop myself from bidding.

Now, A and I are the proud owners of a portable dvd player.

I'm grounded and no longer allowed to frequent Ebay.

Financial planning

I’m getting older. (Not old, just older.)

I have a home (that I don’t live in...). I have bills. I have a retirement plan. I have a life insurance plan.

Frankly, I have all these “plans” but don’t really know if what I’m doing makes sense in the long run.

I have no stocks. I have no bonds. I have set no concrete “plan” for the future.

My question, oh loyal readers is at what point in life do people get financial planners? Have you already met with them? If so, did you feel it was well worth your time and money?

It's baaaaaack!

Heroes.

9 p.m.

NBC.

Be sure to tune in.

Quick fixes

A and I are trying to make some quick (and cheap!) fixes around the house to make it more appealing to buyers.

On the list for next weekend? Replacing old shutters with new, fertilizing lawn, planting flowers, putting a bit of sod down, and shipping in a bed and furniture for our downstairs bedroom.

I've read about "staging" your house, but feel a bit at a loss because we're not necessarily down in T-Town to do so before showings (with lighting and such...).

Anyone out there have any ideas to make a home more appealing to buyers? Any and all suggestions are welcome!

Perceptions

Does your appearance predetermine other’s perceptions of you? If so, in what ways and by how much? When people meet you, do they immediately decide what kind of a person you are and what you represent based on your height, weight, hair color, clothing, etc.?

I’m short. Never quite went through the kind of growth spurt most people go through. Reached “5 foot and one-half inch” in fifth grade. Haven’t grown since.

For me, most people tend to automatically box me in the “goodie goodie,” “doesn’t ever swear,” “cute and little,” “isn’t ever mean to anyone” category. Now, I’m not saying I do or don’t belong there… It just seems to be a perception that people get from me.

I know I should be happy that people see me as such because, obviously, it could be worse. Even so, it gets old. I’m not saying I’m the devil reincarnated. I’m just nowhere near as angelic as some people perceive me to be. (Exp. When I swear, I often hear, “Oh my gosh, I can’t believe you just swore! That’s the first time I’ve ever heard K swear!” – Crazy.)

Anyway, I’m just wondering if height has anything to do with it. If I were 5 foot 8 inches for instance, would people still be apt to say such things? Or, is it just the personality/attitude one conveys to people?

Not your ordinary soap

LONDON - Inventors have created a soap infused with caffeine which helps users wake up in the morning.

The soap, called Shower Shock, supplies the caffeine equivalent of two cups of coffee per wash, with the stimulant absorbed naturally through the skin, manufacturers say.

“Tired of waking up and having to wait for your morning java to brew? Are you one of those groggy early morning types that just needs the extra kick?” ask the makers, thinkgeek.com.

Scented with peppermint oil, each bar is designed to provide a stimulant boost within five minutes for a clean buzz.

I don't know about you, but I'm pretty sure I'd be quite terrified to use this product. The thought of caffeine just absorbing in your skin like that... They might as well just come up with a "Power Caf Pack" that would strap on underneath your clothing and proceed to intravenously feed caffeine to every crevice of your body.

I just don't need caffeine that badly.

Would you try it?

Please forgive me

Ok. This is embarrassing already... Does anyone happen to watch "The Search for the Next Pussycat Doll?"

(I swear I wouldn't tune it if it didn't directly follow ANTM...)

Anyway, did anyone happen to see Lil' Kim last night?! She doesn't remotely look like she used to... Downright frightening. I'm pretty certain she can't breathe out of her Jacko nose and she can only talk out of one side of her mouth due to an overdose of collagen. So sad. Who will I look to next? She was such a wonderful role model. (Hehehehe...)

Also, are the Pussycat Dolls large enough an act to warrant their own TV search?

* She should have stopped with the surgery after this picture.

Gratifying jobs

I found this interesting, so I thought I'd share.

(Yahoo.com) - According to a 2006 General Social Survey (27,000 people surveyed), across all occupations, on average 47 percent of those surveyed said they were satisfied with their jobs and 33 percent reported being very happy.

The Top 10 most gratifying jobs and the percentage of subjects who said they were very satisfied with the job:
Clergy—87 percent percent
Firefighters—80 percent percent
Physical therapists—78 percent percent
Authors—74 percent
Special education teachers—70 percent
Teachers—69 percent
Education administrators—68 percent
Painters and sculptors—67 percent
Psychologists—67 percent
Security and financial services salespersons—65 percent
Operating engineers—64 percent
Office supervisors—61 percent

The 10 least gratifying jobs, where few participants reported being very satisfied:
Laborers, except construction—21 percent
Apparel clothing salespersons—24 percent
Handpackers and packagers—24 percent
Food preparers—24 percent
Roofers—25 percent
Cashiers—25 percent
Furniture and home-furnishing salespersons—25 percent
Bartenders—26 percent
Freight, stock and material handlers—26 percent
Waiters and servers—27 percent

People who scored high on the happiness scale had the following jobs:
Clergy
Firefighters
Transportation ticket and reservation agents
Housekeepers and butlers
Hardware/building supplies salespersons
Architects
Mechanics and repairers
Special education teachers
Actors and directors
Science technicians

Read the article in its entirety here.

What a "rip" off!

My mom (accidentally) indirectly called me tacky for not wearing panty hose with my dress shoes last night. She said it's a Hollywood phase that will soon boil over.

Me, I'm not so sure. Nylons are SUCH a rip off! One gets a run the second they put them on! And, they're uncomfortable as hell!

My thoughts? We all ban together and start a revolution banning nylons from existence!

Are you in?!!!

Blogs

I like to read industry blogs on occasion. The information - regarding my areas of interest such as communications, marketing, fundraising, alumni relations, etc. - is priceless. The writers, experts at their chosen crafts.

Unfortunately, industry blogs also leave me feeling a bit insignificant.

While I continue on raving about my favorite TV shows, actors, clothing and personal debauchery, my industry peers are busy climbing the proverbial professional ladder.

This post begs the question, "Should I stop wasting time and energy posting about trivial matters? Or, should I instead focus that energy into something that might truly educate and enlighten readers?"

Perhaps only time will enable me the knowledge and capacity to engage in such an endeavor... For now, I'm guess I'm quite content blogging about the "trivial" things that interest me.

Cake Walk

Remember the "Cake Walk" at your elementary school carnival? (And, don't even tell me you can't relate. EVERY school carnival should have a cake walk... I'll start a petition!)

I went home with two or three cakes every year. Always went for the banana ones first. (Still would.)

Just arm everyone?

As I was listening to the radio on my commute home yesterday, I was absolutely shocked (disgusted) to hear the opinions of two callers with regard to the Virginia Tech shootings.

Their solution? Allow all students on all major campuses to carry a firearm. Even to class.

Hmmm. Yeah. That would solve everything. (Insert sarcasm here.)

I understand the thought of trying to defend yourself, but can you imagine if everyone whipped out guns in that kind of situation? Chaos would surely ensue. Accidental shootings would occur. Police officers wouldn't be sure who to arrest.

The day I walk into my University office knowing that my colleagues, and students, are armed with a weapon is the day I walk away for good.

So sad.

Not another one?!

Schools and universities continue to be prime targets for gunmen. Today's shooting at Virginia Tech is the worst in U.S. history.

Just terrifying.

My heart goes out to friends and family of the victims.

Read story here.

If I could...

... I'd take a vacation at least four times a year.

... I'd live closer to my family.

... I'd turn in my wardrobe for a new one from Urban Outfitters.

... I'd eat nothing but chocolate shakes and key lime pie for dinner.

... I'd play volleyball every single day.

... I'd sew my own clothing.

... I'd speak seven different languages.

... I'd work part-time.

You?

Thanks Grandma T.

So, I forgot to post this last week, but I thought I'd share given insane amount of laughter it caused.

My Grandma T. (a.k.a. Granny Goodrich for all the treats she used to give us back in the day) gave me a card for my birthday. It said the following...

Front: "I thought I'd do something really nice for you on your birthday..."

Inside: "So I went ahead and turned your scale back 20 pounds."

Hehehe... So. Incredibly. Random.

Hilarious.

Will you watch?

PerezHilton.com - For the first time in the show's more than fifteen year history, the Real World is reuniting the cast from one of their season's for a special series.

Trishelle and the other misfits from Las Vegas are returning to their suite at the Palms Resort and Casino. Trouble is sure to ensure.

The Real World Las Vegas "Five Years Later" series will air this summer on MTV.

(Embarrassingly enough, I'm sure I'll watch... I wonder why they picked this cast?...)

A Disney Christmas

My family has decided to take off for Florida before the Christmas holiday this year. And, A and I have decided to join them!

We’ll spend Christmas Day traveling back home, but I don’t care. Something about Disneyworld is just so exciting.

I can’t wait to ride It’s a Small World and Pirate’s of the Caribbean with my nephew!

(I can't believe I'm writing about our Christmas plans in April...)

A lesson in patience

Disclaimer: This post is a bit gross and personal. Caution to readers.

Like most people out there, I will forever battle acne. (Fortunately the wonders of birth control have made this far less of an issue in life, but I digress.) The other day, I was blessed with the ugliest zit/scar on the end of my nose.

I know. Pretty, right?

Anyway, I kept telling myself not to pick and/or further iritate the blemish. It took every ounce of my being to will myself to leave it alone.

Well my friends, I'm proud to report that my patience has paid off. The scab has fallen off and left not a trace.

As one of the least patient people I know, I should be applauded for my efforts.

(I didn't think a picture was necessary for this post.)

Heroes withdrawal

As yet another Monday night passed with no "Heroes" episode, I realized that I'm in withdrawal. I'm CRAVING a new episode!

Did anyone see the really long preview for the next episode (which is scheduled for like two or three weeks from now)?! I can't wait!!!

Easter candy

A and I received Easter baskets from "The Easter Bunny" (a.k.a. the Cope's) on Sunday. In our baskets we found: Hot Tamales, M&Ms, jelly beans, Hershey's kisses, Good and Plenty's and chocolate bunnies.

What was I most excited to see? Hot Tamales. Hands down. (That and the deviled eggs at my parent's house...)

Do you have a favorite Easter treat?

Forever young

I’m the youngest child in my family. Now, before I go on simply complaining about that fact, I would like to first express a couple points.

1. Yes, my parents were a little more lenient toward me than my older siblings.
2. Yes, I often received a lot of attention.
3. Yes, I’m sure they managed to spoil me more. (Although, I really think my parents always made a conscious effort to treat all three of us the same on this point…)

So here’s my beef. Besides the fact that the youngest child sometimes misses out on years of family traditions (i.e. your parents stop preparing stockings and Easter baskets whence the oldest child is too old for such time-honored traditions) and often reap less benefits by way of household chores (i.e. your mom decides, whilst your eldest sibling is a senior in high school and you are in your awkward teenage years of middle school, that she’s had enough and you are now responsible for doing your own laundry), they are also forever the youngster. The naïve one. The least wise.

No matter how old youngest siblings get, they are never quite as knowledgeable or experienced as the rest of their family. Never will be.

For the most part, I’ve come to terms with the fact that my thoughts will never be heard and/or respected as much as those of my older siblings. Instead of knowledge or passion, they often see opinion and emotion. New experiences to me, are always old hat to them. And, while friends and co-workers are able to see a wise professional/friend, my parents and siblings always just see their little sister. Their youngest child.

I know those born first, second, third or fourth (etc.) could probably talk, vent or complain about a plethora of things in relation to birthing order. And, I’m not sure exactly why I’m writing about this today. Perhaps just because of my recent birthday celebration and the thought of turning another year older… Staying forever young in the eyes of loved ones.

Are you the youngest sibling? If so, do you agree/disagree? (Maybe it’s just my circumstances…)

Thank you

Just wanted to post a quick thank you to my family and friends. I had such a wonderful Easter/B-Day weekend.

It was so wonderful to see you/hear from you. I'm so incredibly lucky.

Counting the days

It's now been nearly eight months since A and I lived together in our quaint T-town home.

That's 213 days.

It's been just over four months since we "moved in" to my in-law's home.

110 days to be exact.

I CAN'T WAIT to get back to a normal life with my husband and pup. (And I am sure my in-law's can't wait to get back to their normal life too!)

Seriously, anyone interested in a house?

What a Holiday!

I know I've written about this before. However, I would just to reiterate my LOVE for the movie "The Holiday."

A so wonderfully purchased this movie for me as an early B-day gift. I swear I could watch it a million times in a row.

And, seriously, Jude Law has momentarily taken over the top spot on my list! (Until, I'm sure, Johnny Depp brings back Capt. Jack this summer... Maybe I'll forever have a tie for first place...)

If you haven't seen "The Holiday," you're missing out.

Happy Birthday B!

Happy Birthday to my big sis B, who turns 30 today!

Hope you get a little sleep on your birthday!

See you this weekend!

ANTM

This is the post you’ve all been waiting for.

OK. I lied. This is the post that “Mr. Hint,” a.k.a. “bro-na,” a.k.a. “Twiggy II” has been waiting for – a post highlighting the madness that is ANTM (America’s Next Top Model).

I must start by expressing that I really haven’t been tuning in as much this season as past seasons. So, if I miss the boat on some things, I apologize. (But, it’s my blog, so I’ll say what I want to…)

Let’s start with a model breakdown of those models still in the running to blah, blah, blah, shall we? (Breakdown followed by thoughts and predictions by yours truly…)

Brittany – "The redhead." My favorite. She takes awesome photos and has, so far, been on the down low. She’ll be in the top two. (Pictured above.)

Dionne – “The quiet one.” Seeing as I can’t even remember what she looks like, I’ll pick her to go home soon. Either that, or she’ll be in the finals. (Remember how quiet, calm and nice Danielle was last season?)

Jael – “The stoned one.” I don’t think she’s been aware of her surroundings for quite some time. She’s too high to be in control of what she’s doing. Therefore, she’ll go home soon.

Jaslene – (My bro-in-law’s fav) “The fiery walking queen.” She takes awesome pictures, but she’s too petite to walk high-fashion catwalks. And, the judges killed her on her first “walk-off.” She’ll go far, but won’t win the competition.

Natasha – “The Russian mail-order bride.” She is absolutely beautiful “in person” but doesn’t seem to know how to model. (Save for that last challenge!) Plus, her inability to speak the English language won’t help her any in the quest to be AMERICA’S Next Top Model.

Renee – “The resident bitch.” She has a Michelle Pfiffer-esque quality about her. Pretty, but a bit hard in photos. Thanks to her cattiness, though, she’ll be sticking around for a while.

Sarah – “The know-it-all.” She’s definitely skinny and cute, but I just don’t see Tyra handing her the final photo. She may last a while but her pictures just aren’t strong enough to see her through to the end.

Whitney – “The plus-size model.” With fellow plus-size model, Diane, now gone, Whitney seems to have a lot to live up to. She’s very pretty and seems to take nice pictures, but she doesn’t seem to have that wow factor to her. I wouldn’t be upset if she went far, but I’m not holding my breath.

And, there you have it.

I look forward to your comment(s).

Time for some color

It's that time of year when my pasty white skin begins to really get on my nerves. Since I've resigned myself to the fact that I can no longer enjoy the occasional tanner visit (too many moles and too scare of cancer), I'm wondering if there are any tanning products out there that don't leave you orange and streaky.

Any ideas, advice or horror stories would be wonderful! I definitely don't want to look like an oompa loompa!

P.S. Is that John Kerry as an oompa loompa?

The return of the jelly shoe

I was flipping through one of my 50 Victoria's Secret magazines last night and was shocked to see jelly shoes adorning the bottom of a shoe page.

When did these come back? Am I completely out of the loop, or is this the start of the resurgence of the jelly trend?

I had pink and purple ones back in the day.