The Bobby Pin

Bathroom post

2009-07-17T01:47:00.000-07:00

"Honey, I need you to speed home. I've had like 13 glasses of water today and I got to pee."

"13 glasses?"

"Well the Sparkpeople thing says to drink a lot of water. And you told me it would flush out the fat cells. But I don't think its doing anything. My pee is clear."

"That's a good thing!"

"Huh? That makes no sense, peeing water means its just going straight through me."

"Yes, which is good. I sold water, I know."

"I am Googling it."

I'm sure my single friends are jealous. Does two years of marriage mean there is no trust, that Google is the authority? Do you talk about bodily functions with your spouse? Does it eliminate the spark?

Yes, Husband did sell water while we were engaged. But we've decided the company is full of, umm, crap.

Oh, and to add to that, awkward public bathroom convos. Really necessary?

First scenario: See a coworker, person A walks in, says hi to person B and asks how her day was, but yet, slips into the stall at the same time, and so the door is shut in B's face. And then coworker A awkwardly says goodbye and slips out while B stays.

Or, person A stands there outside the stall and chats, all the while, trying to close up the conversation. Because, um, she's gotta go. And B knows that, but she's trying to be friendly, and the two keep just saying stupid stuff to chat, but really B wants to go back to work and A is ready to explode.

For the record, the issue was googled and drinking water can slightly increase your metabolism, but does not flush out fat. However, clear is also a sign of good hydration. Bright yellow means dehydration. And something about bilirubin levels -- which I had never heard of until I had a few friends have baby scares because the baby couldn't leave the hospital because of bilirubin. Which I think is just jaundice, right?

Probably reading too much into it

2009-07-16T09:05:00.000-07:00

Heard this song while driving around and the comparisons of dead flowers in a vase or burned out Christmas lights seemed like the best metaphor of depression I'd ever heard. Like something that should be vibrant but isn't.

How the boyfriend in the song is all "today's beautiful" and she's seeing everything wrong.

Yeah, I'm probably giving Ms. Lambert way too much credit, but I think that's what depression does - makes you hyperanalyze things.

At least for me.

Poll: Can I pull off the hippie look?

2009-07-16T01:34:00.000-07:00

Loving my new Truebirds headbands. But wondering if I should really be pulling off the cross-the-head bohemian look. And, what do you wear it with? Do a need a more bohemian, less office look.

A closed eye look - but a side look. And yes, my makeup is in the kitchen. It works for me to do it there while watching the Today Show. I love the Today Show. The unmade bed, well, its life. A life I was really hoping the mirrors all over our apartment wouldn't catch, but what can you do. Seriously, there are a lot of mirrors between both closets and our entry way. I've heard people say mirrors are kinky. I cannot confirm.

I think the celebs look cute when they do it. All cute and chic. I think I need a long necklace with the pendant.

Anyway, I'm embedding a poll in this post. It worked well with the shoes, that are now safely back in the loving arms of Nordstrom. Which, randomly enough, is where these bands will be sold, come this fall.

My pink corner

2009-07-15T13:42:00.000-07:00

Everything here reminds me of good things. A washbasin that I picked up at an antique store in Utah - Emilie Jayne - reminds me of my hoop skirt days. A needlepoint pillow that my Young Womens leader made for me. Lacy doilies made my my great-grandma, affectionately known as G-Wall (grandma still breaks it down at 93).

And a beautiful orchid that I am trying desperately to keep alive. It was a birthday present and it absolutely makes the corner perfect.

It all sits on a jewelry stand that my mother-in-law had as her first jewelry box, and saved it for years for my husband's wife.

(and yes, he takes up a whole drawer for his cufflink collection)

We love when Cooper comes to play

2009-07-15T01:28:00.000-07:00

Dahlia has made friends with the local puppy. He comes over and wags his tail by our door.

He wants to play, like I used to show up at my friends' house at random and ask if they could play.

They used to not be friends, but they have grown fond of each other. So many relationships like that.

Hershey's kisses vs. Rice Cakes

2009-07-14T13:25:00.000-07:00

So we're midway through the month. I thought I would post my tracking results from Sparkpeople.

I've learned a lot over the past two weeks. My eating habits mostly. I like to snack. I need meals that last a long time. So a Lean Cuisine - and just a Lean Cuisine - does not fill me up. So I go searching for chocolate somewhere. And a Hershey's Kiss has 26 calories. Which is a small number, except I've learned I can eat 8 snap peas and do 7 calories. And it fulfills me the same way, because I just like to be eating.

On Friday night, after date night, we stopped by the grocery store and I picked up some more vegetables and some rice cake 90-calorie packs. Because once at work last week, I ate an entire bag of rice cakes -- and it came in at like 490 calories. Which is a lot better, I've discovered than a bag of Hershey's kisses.

So I've learned a lot, but I've also learned that I have no problem eating something fatty and then entering it into Sparkpeople. It doesn't really deter me. Sometimes my eyes bug out and I'm all, whoa! But I've still managed to finish off my birthday cake and cupcakes and all.

Though I did take the bag of kisses out of my cubicle and put them in the breakroom. Which means they were gone in five minutes.

I also don't think it helped that I started tracking right before the GMAT. Hopefully now I can get my appetite under control, now that I'm not sitting and studying all the time.

Green Jello

2009-07-14T05:39:00.000-07:00

I am a fan of parodies, such as the rewrites of the Articles of Faith on What Mormons Like. Its cliche, but so are most Mormons with the green jello and all.

12. We believe in being subject to scoutmasters, pampered chef hostesses, and the writers of the U.S. News and World Report Rankings for professional schools, and in obeying, honoring, and sustaining Glenn Beck.

13. We believe in being above average, good at crafts, optimistic, and being fifteen minutes late everywhere we go. Indeed, we may say that we follow BYU football. We believe rumors about famous people joining the church, we hope to meet the three Nephites, we have endured many pyramid schemes, and hope to be able to endure all pyramid schemes. If there is anything cheap, free, sold in bulk, or given away when somebody is moving, we seek after these things.

But it was my GMAT tutor who was not LDS, who last hit me up for a pyramid scheme.

I told him I was from Utah, I knew all about MLMs. He said "wait a minute, this one is from Utah."

And I said no.

The real Articles of Faith, are basically 13 statements that summarize what the LDS faith believes.

Pop goes my heart

2009-07-13T12:59:00.000-07:00

OK, 300 points for anyone who can name the movie that song is from.*

For the Twilight Fans - Inappropriate Twilight Obsession. From my friend BabyBlooze, which is all about hilarious pictures of crying babies.

What to use for smokey eyes on Stylist. I can never get this look -- but more importantly I don't have too many reasons to do the smokey eye thing.

Hostess Blog has great tips on being photogenic for wedding photos - but I think they work well in all photos.

Who knew puddle jumping could be so interesting? This slideshow from a New York Times

Photographer is about jumping puddles while navigating New York City. I like the whimsy.

I hate the LOLcats. But the dog version is hilarious, especially when you search by breed. Thanks to A Girl.

*Points do not mean anything, but give you a lot of self pride. And I'm impressed.

Lets just have a baby.

2009-07-13T05:38:00.000-07:00

Confession. I am bored. Not bored, not-enough-to-do-bored, there is plenty to do, always. At home, at work, everywhere. Plenty.

Not, its the tasks that lack excitement. They feel so mundane, pointless, and most importantly like no one would care if I did them.

So I do a shoddy job and feel worse about myself because I can't seem to do any better.

Last week, after a long day, I'm pounding my head on the elevator, all 10 floors down and I realize I'm pounding my head to the tune of "Have a baby, have a baby." I don't know if there is a tune to that song, but there was that day.

Don't get excited, I'm pretty sure the only reason that pops in my head is because it is an eternal cop out for me. To quit the career thing and go the good Mormon Mommy role. After all, it is a good thing to do. But the "have a baby because I hate my boring life" cop out doesn't exactly seem like a good enough reason to create life.

I'm honestly not sure if I want to go to grad school. I decided that I want to go because I hate being at the bottom of the pile, being a peon, and I think I love the industry. But I also want to email the admissions director to see if I can take some journalism courses. Because really, I want to write.

I want to write a book that is on the New York Times bestseller list. I want to write an award-winning grant proposal. I want a life I don't downplay at parties.

I want people to not downplay their lives at parties. Ever. So we can cheer each other on. And celebrate everything from the peon jump start to the successful career move to the baby on the way. Because celebrations are so much more exciting than my life.

My new crush

2009-07-12T17:24:00.001-07:00

Oh, Ryan Reynolds is married! To Scarlett Johansson!

Um, is that OK honey?

Well, I just liked him better knowing he was single.

Were you thinking of starting something?

Well he was just really hot in the Proposal.

(don't you get me wrong. I love my husband. But celebs, they are like the alternate reality or something. And obviously I'm out of touch, I think they've been married for a few years.)

Why I love Twitter

2009-07-11T17:29:00.000-07:00

It all started with an innocent tweet to my pal when I saw her tweeting about the weekend. On Tuesday morning. It led to a discussion among pals - totes longing for a Saturday.

But then, Schedulicity, a company that helps small businesses with online scheduling and email marketing.

She convo'ed me and I talked back - and then we direct messaged.

I got my massage today and it rocked. I went to Body Zen in Hillcrest (don't judge by the web site) and it was really great. Total deep tissue, so I feel kind of beat up, but I can stand up straighter so that's awesome. I tried to tip him, and he told me the tip was paid for too, and wouldn't take it.

Seriously made my day. Because the GMAT didn't. I've been meeting with a tutor twice a week for a month now. I thought I was getting smarter. And well, I improved my score, but not enough to make a difference. So, I just feel like everything was a waste. But I'll get over it. I just wanted to picture myself with a big fat good score and a scholarship. Because I didn't pay for my undergrad because I had good enough grades and for some reason I feel it should carry over.

Oh, and I'm never going on any GMAT messaging boards again. Because they tell me how bad my score is. And I don't need the negativity.

French bread french toast

2009-07-11T01:00:00.000-07:00

I'll post on the GMAT when I get the strength to say more than cursewords. I don't curse, but sometimes I do.

But first, there came a night when I didn't want to cook. Oh wait, that may be everynight lately. And husband cooks French Toast really well. Amazing well. He claims this is because he survived on it while serving his mission in Portugal and West Africa.

Awesome. Glad to know those guys in white shirts and black tags are eating so well. Maybe I should have signed up to feed them on Sunday. Guilt. Total guilt.

It started with a trip to the Farmers Market in search for more raspberries. They had none. What, farmers aren't growing raspberries in these parts?

Farmers Market Fail.

Vons came through. And they also had French bread on sale. And well, we are planning on going to Paris, right? So we bought some in the genius idea that french toast would be so much better if it came on bread from the country of its origin.

Its true. And hubsy is a master at that griddle. True also.

Neapolitan Ice Cream

2009-07-10T01:58:00.000-07:00

Chocolate, Vanilla and Strawberry. But I like it better as a ice cream flavor than a look to flaunt.

I'm all for being Pasty By Choice. Cancer freaks me out.

I do however love the warm days of summer and stepping out with a short sleeve shirt and not feeling one bit of chill. I am a desert girl.

And apparently a dessert girl too, because the first thing I thought of when I looked at my arm was ice cream.

Just a friendly reminder from my bicep to enjoy a little more SPF and little less ice cream this July.

I take the GMAT tomorrow

2009-07-10T01:02:00.000-07:00

On the GMAT, if you get a question right, it gives you a harder one. Get that one right, and it gives you a harder one.

It reminds me of life. Sometimes when it rains, it absolutely pours. But usually we have that background of problem solving to help us.

As for the test, I'm doing it again.

After working with a math tutor twice a week for the past month, I am hopefully ready to do better on the GMAT. I kind of underestimated how busy I would be with girls camp and birthday and what not - but I didn't want to schedule it too late because I didn't want to forget.

No matter what, I am better at math right now than I ever have been. Score.

If I don't do as well, that's OK. I mean, by saying its OK, I am not saying I won't cry. I was devastated last time. But I'm also not going to take it again (famous last words). I know what my psyche can handle and I want a break before I actually start school. A 550 will probably get me into school, over 600 will guarantee that I get into the school I want. A 700 will get me a scholarship.

I just hate coming up short.

Kites!

2009-07-09T11:25:00.000-07:00

We ran into these kites on the Bay. Aren't they awesome? This large flat one is the biggest kite I have ever seen. Love it.

Fish Oil: Let the gagging begin

2009-07-09T08:50:00.000-07:00

We have started taking fish oil. It is so gross. I can't take it without gagging at least once -- and following the dose with something really good.

But the benefits are supposedly amazing, hence why we started.

Fish oil can help prevent heart disease, which runs in both my husband and I's family.

It can help reduce inflammation and joint problems, which I'm hoping will help my achy hands.

It can even help lower your risk of macular degeneration in your later years (though they say more study is needed) and I could likely be a carrier of that gene.

We're doing the cod liver oil route as opposed to the salmon route because cod liver oil has more nutrients -- and if I'm going to gag down this crap, then I'm going to go all the way. They do say the extra vitamin D isn't necessary for residents of Southern California because supposedly they get sunshine. But I spend the majority of my days trapped in a windowless cubicle, so I think I could benefit.

Also, the desire to go all the way is why we're going the liquid route - it is easier for your body to absorb the liquid.

The crazy things we do to be healthy. Sometimes I just want to eat a carton of ice cream and call it good. But I've been doing really well at eating healthy - well, except for my birthday - and I want to continue that.

Do I look like a Snuggie person to you?

2009-07-08T13:13:00.000-07:00

My new Snuggies. I got two for my birthday! Two!

Thanks Kates and Chelsi. Happiness is having choices to match your outfit, right?

Just like this video. Do you think they'll hire me to be a model? Cuz my new opinion is that snuggies rock my socks. And yeah, that's a wet bun. That resolution lasted four days.

My crush on Coronado

2009-07-08T09:15:00.000-07:00

My favorite part of Coronado Island is the houses. They are all storybook worthy. Whenever husband and I drive through the neighborhoods to find beach parking and what not, we're always commenting on how beautiful everything looks.

It always makes me think, I need to enjoy this beautiful place more.

So we finally took advantage of it and walked around the neighborhoods on the Island.

This one was very traditional - but all about the astroturf, even inside the little pavers on the driveway. How handy.

I wish I was a better photographer - and not scared to stand out in the streets. I'll learn.

The juxtaposition of a big house next to a small house is everywhere -- but it doesn't matter the size, every one is individually landscaped and custom built. It is something rarely seen nowadays with the cookie cutter world. I love the personality the houses have, and it reminds me how we're all different and that short people are cool too.

Big house. Wrapped porch. Flowers everywhere. Yes, please.

And this one is for sale. Three bedrooms, 2,200 square feet, for a sweet $2 million price tag.

I don't know what people do for a living to reside in Coronado, but I'd be interested to know if there was an opening where they work. The streets seem safe and kids play with each other - all very idyllic and somewhat like the neighborhood I grew up in.

Not pictured is a little yellow one that is just off the bridge. I picture myself being a little housewife in there, and I'm definitely always wearing an apron and cooking. So see, its the house not me, that is the problem.

Another reason to love summer

2009-07-07T17:31:00.000-07:00

I'm going on spending lockdown until my second wedding anniversary (July 28). But if I wasn't, watch out Ann Taylor. I'm loving their July Collection.

Maybe the July Collection will be on clearance by then?

Dear Sarah Palin. Good luck.

2009-07-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

I haven't been political on the blog lately. I thought it was time to pen the thoughts. Because I do love the news. Back to the regularly scheduled program next post.

First, Sarah, you committed to serve a whole term. No way around it, you are quitting. When I quit piano lessons as a 10-year-old, I was known as a quitter. When I quit gymnastics, I was known as a quitter. There’s no other way to say it. However, me quitting piano likely won’t affect my career now, but it will prevent me from being a concert pianist. You quitting politics to go into more politics seems wrong. But maybe that’s what is wrong in America.

And quitting to avoid more political scandal, and costs to the state -- p.s. it will cost your state mucho dollars to make an transition for 18-months. Just sayin.

Second, it follows you. As a (former) news girl, I wrote stories. And just like almost every story of Michael Jackson mentions the court case and most about Mitt Romney bring up his religion, the Sarah stories will provide background, on the off chance that no one knows who the former governor of Alaska is. It’s a style thing.

Case in point, the news stories that described the resignation:

Palin emerged from relative obscurity nearly a year ago when she was tapped as then Republican presidential candidate John McCain's running mate.
She was a controversial figure from the start, with comedian Tina Fey famously imitating her elaborate updo and folksy "You betcha!" on "Saturday Night Live."

Ah, I'd almost forgotten about Tina Fey. Another reason to not push politics - I really do love 30 Rock.

Add all those background statements to Google and: “Palin, who resigned 18 months early as governor of Alaska” and it doesn’t seem too pretty.

But then again, one could also say “Natalie, who quit piano lessons when she was 10 and gymnastics at 11.”

So who am I to talk? More power to you Mrs. Palin.

Third, Sarah, if you can’t handle the heat, get out of politics. Do you think a run in 2012 won’t generate personal attacks? And as president? After all, George W. Bush was never a victim of Letterman top 10 lists.

If it’s any indicator from my conservative husband who tried to be your fan, I think people will remember that your former running mate first heard your name two days before he picked you. Sure, they might not remember the weirdness that is Bristol aiming for celebrity status by selling pictures of her baby to a tabloid. That’s just me who reads entertainment news. But if they remember that, they might wonder why you get so upset about your family being in the spotlight. They have, after all, jumped in.

I’ll remember wondering if McCain really thought he was fabulously tricky for picking a woman while Hillary was down in the polls. As if he was thinking surely, women don’t think and all women are equal and thus by choosing a woman, I’ll get the women vote. Whaaaat now? Ah yes, the decision making skills of someone who can’t remember how many houses he owns. (Not saying the other candidate is doing 100 times better – what happens to people in Washington?)

But - I do hope I'm wrong. I do wish everyone success and we all have glitches. So, whatever you have up your gaiters, or whatever you wear fishing, good luck and I’m sure it is good. The next Oprah for Fox News perhaps?

I don’t buy the stories of scandal, but a confession: the news girl in me would love it.

Just like I loved last October.

Pin it: Good things

2009-07-06T11:28:00.000-07:00

My new favorite site - Sensibly Styled is all about finding modest clothes from department stores and posting them. I've done that mall treasure hunt so many times, its nice to know someone is doing it for me.

Make photos old-looking using this site (click on English in the upper corner, will make things a lot easier)

Mailing labels that are DIY and look nothing like the freebies you get from the credit card company

Sarah Palin is old news. Dancing With the Stars/Bachelor reject Melissa Rycroft is engaged.

A YouTube channel that is checkout worthy. Strawberry Koi Vintage is all about vintage hairstyles. I love that.

Loved this post on Consumerist about vintage ads. Seriously.

24 started right

2009-07-06T07:09:00.000-07:00

As birthdays go, this one is on top of the list. It may just beat out the vintage 1880s birthday party at the Lion House that featured a taffy pull. Which I did twice - for 8 and 12.

Caution - mucho picture heavy post.

Breakfast started the day at DZ Akins - a Jewish owned bakery and deli with photos of celebs plastered all over the wall. And a jar of pickles at the table. A jar of pickles! So weird.

Note to self: this is what I looked like at 24 with no make up, no shower, no nothing. In 10 years will I be jealous or will some anti aging cream do wonders to that skin tone?

I told the waitress it was my birthday and she brought me a cupcake. It was so cute. I can't remember the last time I did that.

After a mound of French Toast, we were exhausted. So we napped. I think as long as I can remember, I've napped on my birthday. Gotten up for a parade or to watch the 5K run that went by my house (to cheer for passers by) and then napped. The beauty of birth on a holiday, I suppose.

When we woke up, Husband built my present. A nightstand. So I can keep my mouthguard, Excedrin and hand braces in there. Really, its a present for him so he doesn't have to retrieve things in the middle of the night.

But the biggest surprise of the day, was the birthday party husband hosted for me. I've never ever had a birthday party on my birthday. Everyone is always too busy on July 4 - which is cool, but its also awkward to show up to other people's barbecue's and be all "its my birthday!" feed me meat.

Ah, social anxieties.

As an adult, I realized that I'm the type of person that could never throw a birthday party for myself out of fear that I have no friends and no one would show up (am I alone, please say no?)

So when husband emailed me Tuesday saying people were coming over and celebrating with us, I couldn't believe it. I was so touched and felt so blessed to have a hubsy that wants to realize my dreams. He even made an evite. I've still never seen it - but he tells me it exists.

I blew out all the candles at once. All 24. Heck yes I'm documenting that. I was intimidated. I almost started blowing them out before people sang - and we didn't turn out the lights, I hope my wish comes true.

A "Wild Side SNUGGIE!" Awesome. No seriously, ever since, I've been yelling "snugggeeee"
Husband said "no gifts," but all week I was touched by how sweet friends have been. My mom flew here, flowers, work friends gave me gifts, a friend baked the quad-layer ice cream and chocolate and mousse cake.

It makes me want to be more generous in my gift giving. I don't think I am generous enough.

We topped the evening off with fireworks. I love fireworks. I did my best to shoot the fireworks with the new SLR. I had no clue, but I think this one turned out OK. Whatev, we've all seen fireworks. They are splendid, aren't they? I look forward to them all year long.

Sidenote

2009-07-05T21:33:00.000-07:00

There were a few questions from the last few posts, and nothing frustrates me more than liking something and not knowing where it is from - even if I'll never buy it. Maybe I'm weird.

The swimsuit I wore to girls camp is from J.Crew - and it is on sale. Fewer colors are available now, though if you're a D cup - there are plenty. A note about their swimwear that I learned after having to return a few - they run small.

I do like it though - with the strap that makes it a halter. Its my first one piece in years, but I like it.

The shoes I was wearing in my "Worth a Thousand Words" post - are indeed the Jessica Simpson shoes I debated about. I planned on returning them, but they were still sitting in my closet. So, I took them out to try them, and they really didn't fit. So problem solved, I took them back. On the same day I bought 5 maxi dresses at different stores and returned them all. Man, that will play tricks on your checking account.

My mom showed up

2009-07-05T08:09:00.000-07:00

My mom flew in on July 3, and out on July 3. Yup, some serious same-day action. Why not? Its only an hour and a half flight after all.

So we did typical mother-daughter vaction things. We picked food out of each others' teeth at the beach in Coronado (can't believe my husband got a picture of that)

It was Cricket's first time to a dog park or dog beach - and it was sensory overload for her. She's lived a pretty sheltered life as a guide dog - and usually doesn't get to interact with too many dogs. She does live with Missy the pug, but Missy's not exactly playful.

I showed mom how her grandpuppy can "come" like nobody's business.

Husband was a good sport and played along with the mother daughter antics - walking the puppy so I could be with my mom and Cricket. He's such a good daddy.

Then we hit up a Mexican restaurant on Coronado - Costa Azul - and followed it with the fabulous Extraordinary Desserts in Hillcrest.

Extraordinary Desserts is my favorite place because of the beautiful presentation. It makes you feel special. My parents have flown in many times, but we've never made it there because my dad is anti-sugar.

We made up for it. We may have ordered strawberry shortcake, a orange zest scone and this passion fruit pavlova.

My mom and I can really really eat. Like Rory and Lorelai Gilmore eat. We bond over food. So we followed up the Extraordinary Desserts with a large order of froyo at Seaport Village. Husband balked at that decision and sat out.

Thanks mom for flying in, it was cool to spend a day with you, like we actually lived closeby or something. I know if we lived close by, we'd party all the time. Someday.

And thanks Delta for keeping it real this time and not messing up. I was so scared that something was going to happen and our plans of a day was going to get wrecked. For all the hatin' I do, I might as well recognize you for a job well done. This time.

Its my birthday!

2009-07-04T05:56:00.000-07:00

I'm 24 now.

As of 3:19 a.m.

Whatever this next year brings, its going to be good.

I'm hoping for less wet hair buns, but you never know.