Thursday, January 8, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
The 25 Things I Can't Live Without. (Part 1).
In honor of turning 25, I decided to list 25 things that I can't live without...in no particular order, here are the first 7!
Chicken Skin? No More!
Ever since about 12 I've suffered from Keratosis Pilaris, a big name for little red bumps on the back of my arms (they can also occur on the legs, face, etc, but I only have them on my arms.)
They're caused by clogged hair follicles, but no matter what amount of exfoliating I do those darn red bumps just-won't-die!!!
For all you lucky people who don't suffer from this, here's an example (note: this is NOT my arm, just a picture courtesy of the always fabulous Google Images).
Enter my new dermatologist. He took one look, and prescribed Differin Gel for me. It's covered by insurance (or at least by my insurance), and I think the co-pay is like $15. You apply it once a day, at bedtime in a thin layer over the affected area. That's it!
I've used it TWICE. That's right, TWICE, and the red bumps...drumroll please...are almost completely gone!!!
They're caused by clogged hair follicles, but no matter what amount of exfoliating I do those darn red bumps just-won't-die!!!
For all you lucky people who don't suffer from this, here's an example (note: this is NOT my arm, just a picture courtesy of the always fabulous Google Images).
Enter my new dermatologist. He took one look, and prescribed Differin Gel for me. It's covered by insurance (or at least by my insurance), and I think the co-pay is like $15. You apply it once a day, at bedtime in a thin layer over the affected area. That's it!
I've used it TWICE. That's right, TWICE, and the red bumps...drumroll please...are almost completely gone!!!
I think this is a cause for celebration - wish I was drinking something a little stronger than Starbucks white tea... :)
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Musings on a Quarter of a Century.
Today is the big day! Yep, I'm the big 2-5 today...but strangely it doesn't bother me as much as I thought it would. I've always been the youngest at everything I did, so it's a little bit of an adjustment to look at myself as the 'older one' in any situation.
Let's take a look back at the last 25 years, shall we?
WARNING: This post is extremely long, and for that, I apologize in advance. You are under no obligation to read it, but it was very theraputic to write, for some odd reason. Love ya'll :)
January 6th, 1984
Born the first (and ONLY) child to a couple of nature-loving, conservative, introverted parents. Dad is 6'3", Mommy is 5'8"...Their daughter grows up to be a mall-loving, sort-of-conservative, WAY extroverted 5'3" on-a-good-day. They still have no idea where I came from.
1985
Mommy and Dad are ecstatic when I start talking...then quickly realize that I have no intention of stopping, but instead proceed to babble on non-stop for the next 24 years...
1987
Mommy is diagnosed with breast cancer. She starts aggressive chemo, and undergoes a double mastectomy. I have no idea what's going on, other than I get to spend the night with Grandma and Grandpa a LOT! (I can be bribed with blueberry pancakes, and Grandma knew it...)
1988
Saw my first movie in the theatre - Bambi. Scarred for life, I can't look at a baby deer to this day without breaking out into sobs. (Thumper was awesomeness though).
1991
Mommy's breast cancer is in remission, she focuses on her only child and giving her every educational and social opportunity possible. Homeschooled since pre-school, I had no idea I was supposed to be a socially awkward outcast...and made friends with everyone who would talk to me.
1994
10 years old, Mommy's breast cancer comes back. With aggression. The way Daddy takes care of Mommy inspires me in the future to look for a husband who shared the same kind of commitment and deep-seeded love. She never had to worry if he would be there, (and I don't either...thank you sweet Newlywed Husband!)
1996
The breast cancer moves to Mommy's bone marrow, and my Dad becomes a single parent. I didn't cry for almost 8 years.
1996 - Spring
First plane flight ever - to Washington DC to visit family and see all the historic sights. Also my first time playing Nintendo...no video games allowed in our house!
1997
Joined a private swim team, and found a formerly unrecognized love for sports. I lack any type of hand-eye coordination, so a sport that doesn't require it is fabulous! Went to Dallas for the summer, and made some of the best friends I still have today.
1999
Start first job as a tae-bo/aerobics/yoga instructor at a local gym. A job where you get to tell grown-ups what to do (at age 15), is a dream come true...kinda got burnt out on spandex though.
2000
Get driver's license (Confession: I had to take the test twice, I couldn't pass the parallel parking, and telling the instructor that everywhere has valet anyway really didn't win me any points with her). Daddy begins to get gray hair. Also decided high school was for wimps, and started taking college classes. Definately the youngest person there, and my dad definately had to drop me off my first day. Embarassing.
2001
Moved to Dallas, fell in LOVE for the first time. (With the city, not a human). Took a trip to Europe, fell in love with traveling (not so much with trans-continental flights). Went to community college for 6 months, then got a scholarship at a school back in Missouri.
2001-2003
Met my best friend the first week we moved into the dorms. She was pretty much the only positive thing I got from college, aside from the diploma, of course. Had my first kiss, it was pretty awful, in retrospect. Was nicknamed the "One-Date-Wonder" (you figure it out). Battled an eating disorder, tried to live up to everyone's over-achiever, child prodigy expectations of me, and was overall miserable.
2003
Moved back to Texas, was finally happy for the first time in 2 years. Went to grad school, made friends, gained enough weight to put me back in the triple digits. Took up running, hated it, stopped running. (Haven't tried it again since).
2004
Graduated with a master's degree less than a month before my 21st birthday. Got my first "real" boyfriend, promptly dumped him, and landed my first job.
2005
Turned 21, drank less than anyone else at my birthday party (first time I had ever tasted alcohol, and I thought it was absolutely vile). Loved my job, went to Canada for my first business trip (in February, while I had pneumonia), got a new boss...hated my job. Upheld my reputation as the "One-Date-Wonder. Went to Disneyland for the 1st time, then started working in the retail side of the business I am in now, and FELL IN LOVE WITH IT!
2006
Got bored with working 12 hour days, so I took an 11 day trip to Brazil. Landed a job at a Big 4 accounting firm. Went to England my 2nd week on the job to review tax returns - WHAT??? I don't even do my own taxes! Learned quickly that corporate life is difficult...wearing pantyhose and sitting in a cubicle is not my style. Dated a complete loser. Why? I have no idea.
2007
Decided to go back into the business that I fell in love with initially. Family is wondering when I am going to settle down. Love my roommate, hate, loathe, and despise her devil-cat. Stewie...if you're out there, I'm still hunting you down for chewing on my favorite shoe. Damn feline.
2008
2nd week on the job, my new boss (who is more of a fun older brother type) introduces me to one of our clients (who happens to be an old colleague and friend of his). I learn what it feels like to be hit by a bus. Apparently he does too, because he asks me out on the same day. We meet in February, get engaged in July, and married in September. (No, I am not pregnant). Husband gets laid off, is happier and more relaxed than he has been in months as he calmly searches for a new job. I start to blog, now that I have a happy life to chronicle.
2009
I turn a quarter of a century, husband (cross your fingers) gets a fabulous new job and...WHO KNOWS!
Let's take a look back at the last 25 years, shall we?
WARNING: This post is extremely long, and for that, I apologize in advance. You are under no obligation to read it, but it was very theraputic to write, for some odd reason. Love ya'll :)
January 6th, 1984
Born the first (and ONLY) child to a couple of nature-loving, conservative, introverted parents. Dad is 6'3", Mommy is 5'8"...Their daughter grows up to be a mall-loving, sort-of-conservative, WAY extroverted 5'3" on-a-good-day. They still have no idea where I came from.
1985
Mommy and Dad are ecstatic when I start talking...then quickly realize that I have no intention of stopping, but instead proceed to babble on non-stop for the next 24 years...
1987
Mommy is diagnosed with breast cancer. She starts aggressive chemo, and undergoes a double mastectomy. I have no idea what's going on, other than I get to spend the night with Grandma and Grandpa a LOT! (I can be bribed with blueberry pancakes, and Grandma knew it...)
1988
Saw my first movie in the theatre - Bambi. Scarred for life, I can't look at a baby deer to this day without breaking out into sobs. (Thumper was awesomeness though).
1991
Mommy's breast cancer is in remission, she focuses on her only child and giving her every educational and social opportunity possible. Homeschooled since pre-school, I had no idea I was supposed to be a socially awkward outcast...and made friends with everyone who would talk to me.
1994
10 years old, Mommy's breast cancer comes back. With aggression. The way Daddy takes care of Mommy inspires me in the future to look for a husband who shared the same kind of commitment and deep-seeded love. She never had to worry if he would be there, (and I don't either...thank you sweet Newlywed Husband!)
1996
The breast cancer moves to Mommy's bone marrow, and my Dad becomes a single parent. I didn't cry for almost 8 years.
1996 - Spring
First plane flight ever - to Washington DC to visit family and see all the historic sights. Also my first time playing Nintendo...no video games allowed in our house!
1997
Joined a private swim team, and found a formerly unrecognized love for sports. I lack any type of hand-eye coordination, so a sport that doesn't require it is fabulous! Went to Dallas for the summer, and made some of the best friends I still have today.
1999
Start first job as a tae-bo/aerobics/yoga instructor at a local gym. A job where you get to tell grown-ups what to do (at age 15), is a dream come true...kinda got burnt out on spandex though.
2000
Get driver's license (Confession: I had to take the test twice, I couldn't pass the parallel parking, and telling the instructor that everywhere has valet anyway really didn't win me any points with her). Daddy begins to get gray hair. Also decided high school was for wimps, and started taking college classes. Definately the youngest person there, and my dad definately had to drop me off my first day. Embarassing.
2001
Moved to Dallas, fell in LOVE for the first time. (With the city, not a human). Took a trip to Europe, fell in love with traveling (not so much with trans-continental flights). Went to community college for 6 months, then got a scholarship at a school back in Missouri.
2001-2003
Met my best friend the first week we moved into the dorms. She was pretty much the only positive thing I got from college, aside from the diploma, of course. Had my first kiss, it was pretty awful, in retrospect. Was nicknamed the "One-Date-Wonder" (you figure it out). Battled an eating disorder, tried to live up to everyone's over-achiever, child prodigy expectations of me, and was overall miserable.
2003
Moved back to Texas, was finally happy for the first time in 2 years. Went to grad school, made friends, gained enough weight to put me back in the triple digits. Took up running, hated it, stopped running. (Haven't tried it again since).
2004
Graduated with a master's degree less than a month before my 21st birthday. Got my first "real" boyfriend, promptly dumped him, and landed my first job.
2005
Turned 21, drank less than anyone else at my birthday party (first time I had ever tasted alcohol, and I thought it was absolutely vile). Loved my job, went to Canada for my first business trip (in February, while I had pneumonia), got a new boss...hated my job. Upheld my reputation as the "One-Date-Wonder. Went to Disneyland for the 1st time, then started working in the retail side of the business I am in now, and FELL IN LOVE WITH IT!
2006
Got bored with working 12 hour days, so I took an 11 day trip to Brazil. Landed a job at a Big 4 accounting firm. Went to England my 2nd week on the job to review tax returns - WHAT??? I don't even do my own taxes! Learned quickly that corporate life is difficult...wearing pantyhose and sitting in a cubicle is not my style. Dated a complete loser. Why? I have no idea.
2007
Decided to go back into the business that I fell in love with initially. Family is wondering when I am going to settle down. Love my roommate, hate, loathe, and despise her devil-cat. Stewie...if you're out there, I'm still hunting you down for chewing on my favorite shoe. Damn feline.
2008
2nd week on the job, my new boss (who is more of a fun older brother type) introduces me to one of our clients (who happens to be an old colleague and friend of his). I learn what it feels like to be hit by a bus. Apparently he does too, because he asks me out on the same day. We meet in February, get engaged in July, and married in September. (No, I am not pregnant). Husband gets laid off, is happier and more relaxed than he has been in months as he calmly searches for a new job. I start to blog, now that I have a happy life to chronicle.
2009
I turn a quarter of a century, husband (cross your fingers) gets a fabulous new job and...WHO KNOWS!
Monday, January 5, 2009
New Year's Resolutions.
I've never made New Year's Resolutions before...but for some reason 2009 seems a good year to start.
Learn to apply liquid eyeliner without looking like I was attacked by a 3 year old with a Sharpie marker.
Kiss my husband every time I am a little frustrated or upset with him instead of saying something not very nice. (Amazing how smooching calms your nerves).
Friends used to always say that I could be counted on to either be dressed to the nines, or look like a total bag lady in 4-sizes-too-big sweatsuits. I've gotten better (thanks to my fashion-forward husband), but need continuous improvement until I look more like Jackie O...(or my ultimate style icon, the beautiful Catherine Zeta Jones)
Work out. It doesn't make sense, I used to work out 2 - 5 hours a day all through high school, college, and grad school. Now, trying to get my lazy butt in the gym is like trying to give a cat a bath. NOT HAPPENING. But, sweet husband bought me super-cute new workout gear/shoes in the hopes of convincing me to take up running with him...we'll see about this resolution.
Cook more. I love love love cooking, but have to consciously make the time. It's time to make the time - I've reached my tolerance limit for takeout.
What are YOUR 2009 New Year's Resolutions?
Learn to apply liquid eyeliner without looking like I was attacked by a 3 year old with a Sharpie marker.
Kiss my husband every time I am a little frustrated or upset with him instead of saying something not very nice. (Amazing how smooching calms your nerves).
Friends used to always say that I could be counted on to either be dressed to the nines, or look like a total bag lady in 4-sizes-too-big sweatsuits. I've gotten better (thanks to my fashion-forward husband), but need continuous improvement until I look more like Jackie O...(or my ultimate style icon, the beautiful Catherine Zeta Jones)
Work out. It doesn't make sense, I used to work out 2 - 5 hours a day all through high school, college, and grad school. Now, trying to get my lazy butt in the gym is like trying to give a cat a bath. NOT HAPPENING. But, sweet husband bought me super-cute new workout gear/shoes in the hopes of convincing me to take up running with him...we'll see about this resolution.
Cook more. I love love love cooking, but have to consciously make the time. It's time to make the time - I've reached my tolerance limit for takeout.
What are YOUR 2009 New Year's Resolutions?
Two Fab Deals
Banana Republic Cap-Sleeve Knit Dress
Was: $118
Newlywed Wife Paid: $27.50
Ann Taylor Loft Taffeta Ruffle Skirt
Was: $59
Newlywed Wife Paid: $9.99
Newlywed Husband tells me I shop too much - but I'm actually saving us money!
Was: $118
Newlywed Wife Paid: $27.50
Ann Taylor Loft Taffeta Ruffle Skirt
Was: $59
Newlywed Wife Paid: $9.99
Newlywed Husband tells me I shop too much - but I'm actually saving us money!
A Warning...
***Note: Movie spoiler ahead, do NOT read if you plan to see the Clint Eastwood film "Grand Torino"***
Newlywed Husband sweetly offered to take me to dinner and a movie last night, to distract my poor pathetic self from the thought of having to come back to work Monday. We had a fabulous dinner at my favorite latin restaurant and then had to select a movie...that's where it all fell apart.
My choices: Yes Man (with Jim Carey), Bedtime Stories (with Adam Sandler), 7 Pounds (with Will Smith).
His choices: Grand Torino.
What did we see? Grand Torino.
I have the strangest taste in movies, I love romantic comedies (what girl doesn't), action flicks, and kids movies. I loathe and despise historic dramas, war movies, and love epics. Sad movies are the absolute worst.
This was a drama about a Korean war veteran (1st problem), whose wife had just died (problem #2), who hated his kids and grandkids (#3), was a racist (#4)...I could go on and on.
I do NOT recommend this movie. Unless you are a boy. Or like to be depressed.
Newlywed Husband sweetly offered to take me to dinner and a movie last night, to distract my poor pathetic self from the thought of having to come back to work Monday. We had a fabulous dinner at my favorite latin restaurant and then had to select a movie...that's where it all fell apart.
My choices: Yes Man (with Jim Carey), Bedtime Stories (with Adam Sandler), 7 Pounds (with Will Smith).
His choices: Grand Torino.
What did we see? Grand Torino.
I have the strangest taste in movies, I love romantic comedies (what girl doesn't), action flicks, and kids movies. I loathe and despise historic dramas, war movies, and love epics. Sad movies are the absolute worst.
This was a drama about a Korean war veteran (1st problem), whose wife had just died (problem #2), who hated his kids and grandkids (#3), was a racist (#4)...I could go on and on.
I do NOT recommend this movie. Unless you are a boy. Or like to be depressed.
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