Monday, July 26, 2010
36 Things Every (Single) Girl Should Do
So I don't think you necessarily have to be single for these 36 things to be something that you should do as a girl. Here is the list from Glamour.com via MSN.com.
To Build Your Confidence:
1) Go to a movie alone. (Done)
2) Lift weights. When I bench-press 45 lbs., I feel like the bomb.
3) Try surfing, water-skiing, or some activity you don't already know how to do. Could be riding a bicycle.
4) Take out the trash, set a mousetrap, do your taxes, build a bookcase. (Done, Done, Done, Done)
5) Live alone, or at least move apartments in NYC without the help of family. (1/2 Done)
6) Train for (and finish) a huge physical test like a half-marathon.
7) Go to a scary doctor's appointment by yourself. I once dragged myself to a CAT Scan in the dead of winter, all the way over on 1st Ave., post-break-up. I felt like I was made of steel. (Done)
8) Quit your job. It feels so good to take a job and shove it (and not be affecting anyone else's livelihood).
9) Fly to a foreign country by yourself. I was nervous on my first solo trip to Europe, even though I almost always have to travel alone.
10) Learn to stand up for yourself. (If you're not naturally assertive, may I recommend moving to New York City? It did wonders for me.)
To Be Able to Look Back and Say "I Had Fun"…
11) Witness something once-in-a-lifetime, like Jokulsarlon, a lake next to a melting glacier in Iceland (see photo).
12) Revel in being able to watch all the reality TV you want. I'm pretty sure no man will be able to stand as much Bravo TV as my roommate Erica.
13) Get drunk during the day, just because you can. Attend Santacon, the convention for Santas, or something similar.
14) Go on a date with someone who actually makes you nervous. (Done)
15) Go out with an older man who takes you somewhere nice and makes you feel like a million bucks.
16) Go out with a guy who makes you laugh ‘til it hurts.(Done)
To Get Perspective…
17) Be a good wingwoman. It's not always about you.
18) Chill with your widowed and single grandma. She knows "alone"! (Can I borrow someone's grandma?)
19) Volunteer.
To Make You Appreciate the Next Guy…
20) 20. Do at least one Valentine's Day alone. (Done)
21) Attend a wedding (or 15) alone. (Done)
22) Date the creeps. You'll really value the nice guys afterward. (pass)
To Make You Feel Sexy and Attractive…
23) Buy yourself some flowers.
24) Invest in a LBD (little black dress) and some sexy stilettos.
25) Invest in a LBD (little black dress) and some sexy stilettos.
26) Buy something frivolous and expensive that you LOVE wearing.
To Make the Most of Your Free Time…
27) Finish all your schooling if you can. Not that it was ever my goal to go to grad school, but I did, and it would've been tough dragging a guy up to isolated New Hampshire and making him sit there in the cold for two years while I studied (and partied).
28) Throw yourself into something time-consuming, like learning a foreign language. You may not have time to do this again until you retire and the kids are off to college.
To Make Yourself a Better Partner in the Future…
29) Make a list of all your faults. (Ew.)
30) Learn to cook well. I'm still working on this.
31) Get some hobbies. Something's gotta keep you occupied—plus it'll make you seem interesting.
32) Get some hobbies. Something's gotta keep you occupied—plus it'll make you seem interesting.
33) Get your finances in order.
To Appreciate Being Single…
34) Babysit someone's baby for an hour.
35) Babysit someone's baby for an hour.
36) Host a girls-only night. I think some coupled-up women forget how much we need each other.
To Build Your Confidence:
1) Go to a movie alone. (Done)
2) Lift weights. When I bench-press 45 lbs., I feel like the bomb.
3) Try surfing, water-skiing, or some activity you don't already know how to do. Could be riding a bicycle.
4) Take out the trash, set a mousetrap, do your taxes, build a bookcase. (Done, Done, Done, Done)
5) Live alone, or at least move apartments in NYC without the help of family. (1/2 Done)
6) Train for (and finish) a huge physical test like a half-marathon.
7) Go to a scary doctor's appointment by yourself. I once dragged myself to a CAT Scan in the dead of winter, all the way over on 1st Ave., post-break-up. I felt like I was made of steel. (Done)
8) Quit your job. It feels so good to take a job and shove it (and not be affecting anyone else's livelihood).
9) Fly to a foreign country by yourself. I was nervous on my first solo trip to Europe, even though I almost always have to travel alone.
10) Learn to stand up for yourself. (If you're not naturally assertive, may I recommend moving to New York City? It did wonders for me.)
To Be Able to Look Back and Say "I Had Fun"…
11) Witness something once-in-a-lifetime, like Jokulsarlon, a lake next to a melting glacier in Iceland (see photo).
12) Revel in being able to watch all the reality TV you want. I'm pretty sure no man will be able to stand as much Bravo TV as my roommate Erica.
13) Get drunk during the day, just because you can. Attend Santacon, the convention for Santas, or something similar.
14) Go on a date with someone who actually makes you nervous. (Done)
15) Go out with an older man who takes you somewhere nice and makes you feel like a million bucks.
16) Go out with a guy who makes you laugh ‘til it hurts.(Done)
To Get Perspective…
17) Be a good wingwoman. It's not always about you.
18) Chill with your widowed and single grandma. She knows "alone"! (Can I borrow someone's grandma?)
19) Volunteer.
To Make You Appreciate the Next Guy…
20) 20. Do at least one Valentine's Day alone. (Done)
21) Attend a wedding (or 15) alone. (Done)
22) Date the creeps. You'll really value the nice guys afterward. (pass)
To Make You Feel Sexy and Attractive…
23) Buy yourself some flowers.
24) Invest in a LBD (little black dress) and some sexy stilettos.
25) Invest in a LBD (little black dress) and some sexy stilettos.
26) Buy something frivolous and expensive that you LOVE wearing.
To Make the Most of Your Free Time…
27) Finish all your schooling if you can. Not that it was ever my goal to go to grad school, but I did, and it would've been tough dragging a guy up to isolated New Hampshire and making him sit there in the cold for two years while I studied (and partied).
28) Throw yourself into something time-consuming, like learning a foreign language. You may not have time to do this again until you retire and the kids are off to college.
To Make Yourself a Better Partner in the Future…
29) Make a list of all your faults. (Ew.)
30) Learn to cook well. I'm still working on this.
31) Get some hobbies. Something's gotta keep you occupied—plus it'll make you seem interesting.
32) Get some hobbies. Something's gotta keep you occupied—plus it'll make you seem interesting.
33) Get your finances in order.
To Appreciate Being Single…
34) Babysit someone's baby for an hour.
35) Babysit someone's baby for an hour.
36) Host a girls-only night. I think some coupled-up women forget how much we need each other.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Layers
I haven't had a lot of time for my usual wedding inspiration browsing like normal. But today I stumbled across this cake:
Photo found: theknot.com
I love the mixture of round and square layers and I love the idea of the layered fondant. I like the vertical fondant on the round tiers better so I would probably use that theme on all the layers and I would nix the monogram in favor of a creative (non-people, or flower) topper to complete. I just love how this cake has dimension, lack of tacky frosting decoration and is unusual. Putting in my inspiration folder!
I love the mixture of round and square layers and I love the idea of the layered fondant. I like the vertical fondant on the round tiers better so I would probably use that theme on all the layers and I would nix the monogram in favor of a creative (non-people, or flower) topper to complete. I just love how this cake has dimension, lack of tacky frosting decoration and is unusual. Putting in my inspiration folder!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Church Key
Browsing anthro tonight after being inspired to look through their housewares from my sister's recent blog post. Well (un)unfortunately I found this:
Image courtesy of anthropologie.com
It is a key. No wait. It is a bottle opener! NO! EVEN BETTER ! It is a $12 key bottle opener. Can we say Lust!
Love me some keys.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
I'm ALIVE!!
Ok kind of.
I am exhausted. But I have survived 4 weeks of the summer youth program, 6 weeks of doing two jobs, and haven't had a breakdown because of the heat (yet).
I am very excited for my new dress that I bought this week. I have been saving it for a co-workers going away party tomorrow and will possibly find someone to go grab a drink with after work so I can wear it out on the town. I found it when I was running errands earlier this week. I meant to just zip in and out of Target (which at this point I should know that NEVER happens with me in Target) well I saw the dress out of the corner of my eye and I just had to try it on. It is pretty darn cute. I want t buy a yellow cardigan to go with it, but for now a black one will do. Some black flats, jewelry, perhaps rock a clutch and some curly hair (maybe even the big flower headband) and I would say I am ready to mix and mingle.
I am exhausted. But I have survived 4 weeks of the summer youth program, 6 weeks of doing two jobs, and haven't had a breakdown because of the heat (yet).
I am very excited for my new dress that I bought this week. I have been saving it for a co-workers going away party tomorrow and will possibly find someone to go grab a drink with after work so I can wear it out on the town. I found it when I was running errands earlier this week. I meant to just zip in and out of Target (which at this point I should know that NEVER happens with me in Target) well I saw the dress out of the corner of my eye and I just had to try it on. It is pretty darn cute. I want t buy a yellow cardigan to go with it, but for now a black one will do. Some black flats, jewelry, perhaps rock a clutch and some curly hair (maybe even the big flower headband) and I would say I am ready to mix and mingle.
imagine courtesy of Target.com
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
HR Weigh In
Alright all you HR people (Stephanie I am talking to you). What do we think of this gem of wisdom:
"You're only as good as the people you hire"
I apologize for the lack of and short postings. Hopefully come August I will have a few more hours in the day outside the office. If you need to read something...check out Love Love Love and see the adorable photos of my nephew. You can't go wrong with those.
"You're only as good as the people you hire"
I apologize for the lack of and short postings. Hopefully come August I will have a few more hours in the day outside the office. If you need to read something...check out Love Love Love and see the adorable photos of my nephew. You can't go wrong with those.
I'm in a New Relationship with....Tom(s)
Well no use in hiding it at this point. I am officially dating Tom(s) at this point. We are pretty much inseparable. We were introduced through a friend and when I was in San Diego we took our relationship to the next level. We go everywhere together right now, and for the summer Tom(s) are just perfect. I am pretty sure this is just the start of a torrid love affair.
Ok I will be the first to admit I was skeptical and a little turned off by the looks of Toms shoes. Ever since a friend of mine mentioned them to me, they have been one of those things that you dislike to the point that you can't help but fall for and then eventually join the cult.
Toms are magical. I bought my first pair in grey, and they hardly ever come off my feet since I got them in San Diego (happy birthday to me a few weeks later). They are ridiculously comfortable and I must say are pretty cute on small feet. I love having a shoe that is summery but still provides support. Wearing flip flops all the time is starting to get pretty hard on my old lady back and knees so these are a great alternative. I can only wait to order more colors and hopefully get my hands on a pair of the coveted "one for one" pairs.
If you don't know anything about Toms you should check out their website not only to buy a pair of shoes but learn about their "One for One" campaign. Nothing like wearing shoes that are for a good cause!
can we also talk about how adorable the elephant fabric inside the shoe is? Love it!
Ok I will be the first to admit I was skeptical and a little turned off by the looks of Toms shoes. Ever since a friend of mine mentioned them to me, they have been one of those things that you dislike to the point that you can't help but fall for and then eventually join the cult.
Toms are magical. I bought my first pair in grey, and they hardly ever come off my feet since I got them in San Diego (happy birthday to me a few weeks later). They are ridiculously comfortable and I must say are pretty cute on small feet. I love having a shoe that is summery but still provides support. Wearing flip flops all the time is starting to get pretty hard on my old lady back and knees so these are a great alternative. I can only wait to order more colors and hopefully get my hands on a pair of the coveted "one for one" pairs.
If you don't know anything about Toms you should check out their website not only to buy a pair of shoes but learn about their "One for One" campaign. Nothing like wearing shoes that are for a good cause!
can we also talk about how adorable the elephant fabric inside the shoe is? Love it!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
SHRMing 2010
I am alive...well I think I am. I have had very little inspiration to post here in awhile and I chalk it up to work and the weather. It is so HOT here in DC. Today it was 100 degrees and even a low humidity factor of 46% was just a bit too much for me. This kind of heat makes me pretty cranky and tired, I lose my appetite and pretty much threaten anything that makes my walk to work any longer than it must be.
At work I feel like I am doing three jobs: My bosses (as well as I can possibly do that), mine (which is taking the backseat) and primarily a teacher/babysitter/intern coordinator. I am really stressed that I am not juggling things effectively and something is really going to blow up in my face, which has my stress levels working overtime. Despite the stress and nerves, I am loving the experience Times where you feel frantic and like you are just fumbling to stay afloat are the times where I feel I learn the most and become a more effective professional. However...they are stressful, and that takes it out of me. Hence the lack of bloggage.
Well on to San Diego and SHRM 2010 (Society for Human Resource Management) Annual Conference. It was amazing. I not only had a spectacular time in San Diego, but I learned so much and really felt like I re-sparked my passion for HR and was given that boost of "what you do matters" which can get lost very easily in the shuffle of day to day work.
Highpoints: Al Gore (enough said), Forbes ( I can't believe so many people walked out!), Marcus Buckingham (hilarious and inspirational) and many of my sessions were highly informational regarding health care reform, recruiting and retention, legal and compliance issues and professional development. To summarize the conference...I came back with a I Heart HR shirt...
Forbes
I stayed at the Se San Diego which was a great hotel and since the weather was nice (by nice I mean almost cold) I really enjoyed my morning walk down to the convention center. The bed was also one of my most comfortable things I have ever laid my body on. The curtains in the room were stunning...I had to take pictures:
Delish bed with the curtains
You can see my hotel in the back to middle right with the big red "Se" on the side of it.
My first night after the conference I headed to the Fish Market at the suggestion of SaraMarie to have some West Coast/Best Coast seafood. It was delish!!
I was on a ferry a few days later and this is the Fish Market from the water.
I also made it to a Padres game which was really fun to see. The last time I was in San Diego I got to take a tour of the ball park but didn't get to see a game so it was fun to be back at Petco Park. Unfortunately it was so cold I couldn't make it past the 8th inning due to my lack of appropriate clothing and I had to retreat back to my room to turn on the heat (?!?!)
I did a "Eat to Meet" evening where I met up with some other people from the conference (there were 11,000 people from all over the globe in attendance) and went to an over-priced tapas restaurant. Luckily the company was fun and it was neat to meet some other HR people.
On my final day in San Diego I was able to spend a few hours on Coronado reading some of the HR books I purchased and enjoying the sun and water.
That evening I headed to Old Town to meet up with a friend of my boss. We had a fun dinner and then headed to a casino (oh yes that is right).
Behind me is the Sex and the City slot machines. There are engagement rings, shoes and handbags involved. My type of gambling and makes me very excited for my trip to Vegas coming up in a few months with my girl friends!
The next morning I somehow managed to stash all my free bags and goodies from the exposition into my suitcase, grabbed a leisurely breakfast and headed to the airport.
I had a fabulous first SHRM conference experience and I can not wait to get to attend another conference in the future. It was also good to be back on the Best Coast and get a reprieve from this awful heat wave!
