Up in the Air

It's Fucking Official

2011-02-03T19:46:00.000-08:00

I need to move back to Chicago.

Icepocalypse is Happening, People

2011-02-02T20:09:00.000-08:00

Things are crazy. This week has reminded me why I am glad that I don't travel nearly as often as I used to. Especially in freaking February. Ffffffffffff this!

I was scheduled to fly out of CMH and into Chicago this morning at 10am. My flight was canceled yesterday, and I rebooked and was canceled 2 more times. Guess who's not going to Chicago this week, friends? Yep. The trainer who is doing our spring seminar is stuck in Florida, so it's officially canceled. We're supposed to try again next week.

Funny thing is, Sarah is stranded here, too. We've been attempting to make the best out of it by enjoying the local fare (Bob Evans, Amatto's Pizza, Mark Pi, etc.), seeing movies (No Strings Attached... funniest movie I've seen since Forgetting Sarah Marshall and The Hangover) and drinking as much alcohol as humanely possible by 2 relatively small people. Last night we met at the Backstretch (yes, everything in Delaware is horse racing related, my high school mascot was a pacer... don't judge me!!), where we enjoyed being the only 3 people in the bar until 10pm or so. Spending 30 minutes de-icing my car and possibly risking my life to drive the 2 miles was worth what I like to call "The Incredible Shrinking Bar Tab," an entire Amatto's pizza, a bag of cheez puffs and amazeballs people watching.

Delaware is heaven for my favorite hobby: judging people. If you want to see every kind of person in the shortest amount of people, head down to the 'Stretch. You may or may not know that Delaware, Ohio is home to Ohio Wesleyan University, AKA Rich Kid School. It is also home to the Little Brown Jug, one of the largest/most important standardbred horse races in the world. We are also the fastest growing county in Ohio and the 11th fastest growing county in the United States. According to Forbes Magazine, this is the 5th best place in the US to raise a family (remind me what I'm doing here???). Rutherford B. Hayes was born here.

Anyway, what I'm trying to get at is that in Delaware? It really does take all kinds.

I am pretty sure that two weeks ago when I visited this same bar, I was hit on by a meth addict. Followed by a 22-year-old college-aged nugget named Kody. Later followed, at the Hamburger Inn, by a guy wearing a wife-beater (it was like 8 degrees, dude, can I drive you to Wal-Mart to get a sweatshirt?! Oh, but I forgot... things around here are only open until 9. Sorry 'bout your luck!).

Eventually we weren't the only people in the bar, a few OWU students and a couple of locals ventured out to have a drink, but only after we had done our senior pictures on the bar and played the entire Journey & Steve Perry catalog on the jukebox (you're welcome).

My Mom asked me last Saturday why I wasn't going to the 'Stretch again, like I had the week before. I had to re-explain to her that going two weeks in a row? Makes you a townie. I'm not ready to give that kind of commitment to you yet, Dirty D.

I have a feeling that half of the city of Delaware being out of power had something to do with people finally coming out on a Tuesday night. Hopefully this ice storm won't last much longer. I don't know how much more I can take. We took video of the trees coming down in the ravine behind the house last night- it was incredible. And this morning, it looked like a tornado had come through. A lot of my friends and family are without power. Thankfully, we have power and the internet/cable are back on. Hoooooooooooopefully I will make it to Chicago next week, this ice will melt and I can stop feeling like I am going crazy in the house!

Oh, Shit, P.S...

2011-01-23T23:52:00.000-08:00

The only jet going to the Super Bowl is the ones the Steelers will be flying there!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You Try Fitting Your Life into a Fifty Pound Bag!

2011-01-23T23:30:00.000-08:00

This is from a post I started writing back in July and never finished. So funny to me that I found it on here tonight, since I'm getting ready to fly for the first time in months.

My life consists of four bags. Every once in a while, as I am walking through the airport, I do a panicky double-check to make sure I have all of them. I imagine this is what a lot of mothers feel like as they make sure their children are all present.

The first one, my Hartmann 27" expandable rollaboard, carries the majority of the weight. Save for my laptop, my most important home-reminiscent belongings go into this bag: underwear, clothing to work in, toiletries. Cosmetics, hair dryer, 3 hair brushes, self-tanner, nail polish (nail polish remover, implements, cotton pads, top coat, base coat, nail primer, cuticle cream, buffer and file, of course). My entire skincare bag... Clarisonic, antioxidant treatments, antiaging peptide serums, day cream, night cream, exfoliants, moisture masks). Tennis shoes, sports bra, workout clothes, clothing to meet a friend in. Tea (plus tea brewer, and a 20oz cup to put my iced tea in each day), snacks for an emergency. This bag carries the things that make me feel comfortable, safe, and contribute to my "normal" routine. The art of condensing these things into 50 pounds has not been lost on me, until I pack in gratis makeup for 3-4 stores. Usually, I end up with a 60 lb bag that the people at the check-in desk harass me for.

"Is there anything you can put in your carry on bag?"
"No."
"Are you sure? It's $50."
"Yes, I'm sure. Charge it to the card." (I am not going to be one of those assholes unpacking my bag in the middle of the airport. How embarassing. And anyway, it's the company's fault the bag weighs an extra 10 pounds, right?)
"Next time you need to get some weight out of this bag."
"It's company-related stuff, please charge the card."
(insert dirty, all-knowing look from well-meaning airline employee.)

This is an exchange that I have weekly, if not twice a week. Aren't those of us "career-travelers" entitled to a little comfort when we're not at home? Doesn't it make sense that, when I am gone for 4 or 5 days at a time all I want is to make my own tea? To maintain my skincare routine? Yes, I want to exfoliate and shave and blow my hair out with a blowdryer that doesn't take 7 hours to finish the job on my thick-as-heck hair! Do not judge me.

Bag Number Two is my Hartmann rolling office. This bag stays with me at all times from the second I leave Point A to the second I get to Point B. My most precious possession (aside from Tuna, of course), is housed here. My laptop is the key to staying connected to home. It is also the key to saying organized in all things work-related and therefore being successful. My blackberry? Can't hold a candle to my computer. I also keep my planner, a book and a magazine, passport, headphones, all paperwork that I need (calendars, receipts, etc.) in this bag. I've had many an occasion in which I have turned a terminal into my office for an afternoon.

The last two are usually combined into one to fool airline security. God forbid I have two bags the size of your one bag!!!

And really, it's just my purse and a bright blue plastic bag that I use for miscellaneous things while I'm traveling. It holds magazines, books, pens, food, etc. while I am on the plane and have to put my rolling office in the compartment.

I am going on my first trip since I got back to Chicago from Austin at the beginning of October, right after my company cut me loose (3 weeks before my agreed last day) and canceled my AmEx while I was still traveling for them.

I am seriously struggling with the packing process right now. How did I do this for a year and a half? This is crazy and I cannot find any motivation!

I am seriously looking forward to getting back to the Admirals Club at O'Hare and to see the inside of a hotel again. Hilton, I have missed you!!!

It's Snow, People, Not Acid

2011-01-20T17:34:00.000-08:00

Ok, Ohio, listen up. This stuff falling from the sky? It's snow. It happens every year. Did the summer sun fry your brain and make you forget?

I promise you, it is not necessary to drive 4 mph in a 45 mph zone. Seriously. It is just not OK. The gas pedal is on the right, use it. Beep beep!!

So, it took me almost 2 hours to get from where I work at Easton to my parents' house in Delaware. It would figure that when I come up here to stay we get a ton of snow. Don't get me wrong, I love the snow, but if it was EVER implied that I will shovel it? You better check yourself. I will be snowed in here all day tomorrow if I have to be, it's cool.

Speaking of being snowed in, if it happens, I'm going to get so fucking fat. My mother shops like a 12 year old would (sorry Mom, but it is true), and she shops at CostCo so she does it in BULK. It's kind of glorious but holy hell, my stomach hurts because I am not used to it! Pick your poison: Fudgesicles (2 boxes), popsicles, pizza rolls, frozen pizzas, bacon, pepperoni, cheese, tortilla chips, cereal, chocolate chip cookies, fudge, home made caramel, coffee cake, juice boxes (ok, admittedly, those are for my 9 year old nephew), grape juice, soda, and like 5 bags of Hershey kisses in the freezer. I think I OD'd on dairy yesterday between the pizza rolls and nachos.

Andddd speaking of dairy overdoses, Jeni's released her 2011 Bakeshop flavors today and I pretty much had a heart attack. After I got over my initial anger that there is no cherry crisp this year, I got really excited after looking more closely. In particular, I am super pumped about the brambleberry crisp (which looks like it's the same thing as the cherry crisp but with blackberries and raspberries instead, which is great because I like both of those more than cherries) and the banana & honey. Bring on the stomach ache!

And

2011-01-14T08:05:00.000-08:00

Snap back to reality.

2011-01-03T22:42:00.000-08:00

I feel like I have so much to say lately, so much word-vomit coming up and no one to really say it to. Something about having moved home and feeling like I finally live here again that has me freaked out.

Or, maybe it's something about the fact that I haven't really been sleeping sans ambien? Or that my adderall prescription ran out 2 weeks ago and my new doctor here in Ohio couldn't get me in until Thursday so I'm pretty much socially retarded? OR, it could be that I feel completely lost in my life right no in general. Who knows.

Overall, I have a feeling that the problem is mostly that I had three (yes, THREE!) whole days in a row off. Someone please tell me how I did not completely fucking lose my mind when I had a whole month off. It's inexplicable.

So here is a list of things that I want to say but don't really need said:
- I'm a really, really good cook except that I cut myself pretty much every time I pick up a knife.
- Inception pretty much made my head nearly explode- I'll try watching it again after I get back on my rx.
- I'm obsessed with my gym here. It is one of the big reasons I wanted to move back. Love.
- Speaking of the gym, I think I got there too late today to see all of the New Years Resolution joiners. Will try again Wednesday.
- I miss Sarah to fucking death. Why do I feel like all of my friends have moved in the last year? Oh, because they fucking have. At least 6 of them.
- School starts tomorrow and I don't know what to think. I'm excited but also very overwhelmed. This is what I moved back for so I have to keep my eye on the prize and make it happen.
- Today was my first completely dairy-free day in a long time and I feel really great. I need to keep this in mind when I feel like shit because I OD'd on lactose.

I clearly need to get back to work and real life so I can stop clogging up my brain with shit no one (including myself) cares about.

New Years Eve was good- quiet, like I like it.

As a whole, 2010 was a good year:

+ I visited 21 states (and Canada, yay) in 10 months
+ Saw tons of friends and family I haven't seen in a long time
+ Met some really great people
+ Moved around a few times
+ Saw David Gray (x2), Ray Lamontagne and John Mayer.
+ Saw The Eagles, Keith Urban & The Dixie Chicks on my 26th birthday.
+ Oh, and Mat Kearny at the Taste (for free, yesss!).
+Went to Austin City Limits and saw Cage the Elephant, Pat Green, The Eagles (again!), Silversun, and a ton of other bands that I can't even remember right now because it's 2am.
+ Had an amazing 4th of July: Saw the Reds beat the Cubs at Wrigley and fireworks on the beach
+ The Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup

- Sarah got punched in the boob by a homeless guy
- Moved twice, ew
- Missed out on my nephew's birth because of traveling
- Lost my grandma

Is Facebook the New Door-to-Door Sales Frontier?

2010-11-18T20:02:00.000-08:00

Lately, I've been noticing a lot of shit for sale on Facebook, and I need to say this:

Isn't selling your crap to people on Facebook kind of like being an online door-to-door salesman or a Jehovah's Witness? Please stop soliciting me via my newsfeed- once is all I need to know that you are selling a product (this includes your craft projects, home-based business and Jesus). I am sorry if you are offended by this- delete me if you are, PLEASE.

My feed has been clogged by the following in the last week:

Mary Kay, Lia Sophia, God, Premiere, Tastefully Simple, Pampered Chef, somebody's kids' raffle tickets for a sports team, somebody else's kids discount pizza coupons, Jesus, Allah, Thirty-One Gifts, hand-knitted scarves and hats and Pure Romance.

Yes, I am keeping track.

With that said, some of the people who have posted a couple of these things did only mention it once- which is totally understandable, so don't get your panties in a wad.

With that said, the majority of the people posting their bullshit and trying to sell me their brand, post something about how life-changing and GREAT! their business is and how EASY!!! it is to host a party (or... CHANGE YOUR OWN LIFE BY STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS!!!!!!)

I know there are people reading this who come to this blog via my Facebook, which means you (yes, you) are on my friends list, which may mean you're on my feed. Please know that if you are a repeat offender, I've probably blocked you from my status updates. If, after reading this, you realize your sins and you'd like to be unblocked, by all means send me a notice.

I am NOT BEING A HATER, people. Get a grip. You have to understand that I am in sales. I have been in sales for a long time, and I will probably always be in sales. I love to promote my shit and love even more when you buy said shit from me and not someone else (I work for a Large National Department Store in Central Ohio selling Large, National Brands of Cosmetics, Designer Clothing and Ugg Boots), but I recognize that if you are seeking out the previously mentioned shit, you will start asking around and then I can let you know that I would like to make some money off of you.

Also, I enjoy nearly every one of the above services. I have nothing against Sex Toys, or Embroidered Lunch Bags (even though it's not my style), or, for that matter, the idea of pizza on the cheap. And I love the idea of your life changing for the better and you making some money. This is not a matter of me being prude, or cheap. Nor is it a lack of Faith or a bias against religion. It is just a complete irritation and frustration with the pushy, entitled way it has been gone about.

I am proposing some rules to selling yourself on Facebook:

- Advertise only at reasonable intervals (by reasonable, I mean once a month, max.)
- Pick one cause and stick to it. The more things you're selling, the more confused I get.
- Talking about how GREAT and EASY and LIFE CHANGING in your status EVERY DAY is just as irritating as saying "buy my brand, buy ME!"
- Set up a webpage and post a link in your "about me" profile section- this way people can find out what you do and how much you love it and how easy it would be for them to have a party and get free gifts without clogging up MY feed.

Well, I Got a Bigger Suitcase...

2010-10-27T13:32:00.000-07:00

It's 1100 sq. feet in Columbus, Ohio. AKA my house. AKA NO MORE HOTEL LIVING! Yesss!!

My sister said to me last night "You know, you could update your blog."

So here we are. I think I've been avoiding this update because I don't know what to say. A lot has changed and I'm kind of excited about the prospect of things being different, but I have spent the last month or so grieving the loss of everything I thought I wanted.

I just finished moving my things back into my house in Columbus, and I'm pretty relieved to be home. It's an interesting, bittersweet feeling. I wanted so badly to find a life in Chicago, and I never really had the chance to do it. I think it was a combination of only being there 1-2 days a week and Cory being in Ohio that never really made me feel settled. I am so happy to be able to just come home, and see my friends and be with my family.

I really didn't think I would be so upset to leave Chicago, but I was. I think it is the feeling that I'm giving up on something, failure, and in some ways, giving up my freedom. But ultimately, that's not true at all. I have had to spend some time thinking and getting to the bottom of my feelings, getting past that initial feeling of defeat.

It is funny how your priorities change, and what you want most in the world isn't actually what makes you happy. I suppose that was the entire reason I left in the first place, though, wasn't it? To figure out if that was what I wanted. For the first time in my life, I am happy to call Columbus home, and I am content to just be here at home.

This year, I visited 21 states. Twenty-one!! I saw friends in places I haven't had the time or money to visit, and did some pretty fun things. I am exhausted, but I wouldn't change that for anything.

The hardest thing for me to do is admit that I was wrong. So I'm not going to say I was even a little bit wrong in making the choices that I made- I really, really enjoyed what I've been doing for the last year. What I think I want to make the most clear is that I never expected my move to Chicago to be long-term. Yes, I wanted to stay until at least June of next year, but I really did not think I would stay longer than that. So on that end, I did not fail.

I learned so, so much professionally with the company I was working for, but there were a lot of things that were promised and not delivered. There was no coaching, no development. Ultimately, I am really, really good at what I do, but you have to give me something to work with. Those things were never provided. If there was a position available for me in Columbus, I can't say I would want to do the same job for the same company much longer. So moving home and finding new opportunity was my best option.

I accepted a job as a business manager for a brand at a local department store. It's not what I thought I would be doing for the next period of my life, but they made me an offer I couldn't turn down. There is definitely room for opportunity and the schedule is flexible enough for me to go back to school, something I have been talking about doing for 5 years.

I don't know where to go with this blog; I no longer live in airports and hotels, which is super nice. I do miss the freedom it gave me and the independence, but definitely love being able to agree to go to dinner with friends just for the heck of it and not a month in advance. So there's that. For the time being, I will try to update with things that are going on around here, and hopefully, with happiness, comes motivation.

Embracing the Superior Season: Fall

2010-10-03T22:33:00.000-07:00

Something about fall is invigorating. The slow, hot, sticky, lazy summer exhausts me, but fall? Fall excites and energizes me in so many ways.

I don't even think I can count the ways that I want to wrap my arms around the autumn season and hold on to it for more than the 3 months it stays.

My annual guest, friend, love. Fall comes bearing gifts, knowing that I will greet it with open arms; warm, brightly colored copper, amber, burgundy leaves. Pumpkin everything (please, put it in pie, coffee, tea, muffins, pastries, donuts, soup, it's like bacon, you guys, it's good in anything), spiced apple cider, bonfires. Warm, early sunny mornings for football games, crisp, cool football evenings wrapped in sweatshirts and blankets.

I'm just getting started, fall. I want to thank you for the gift of fabulous, comfortable, stylish, warm, practical but so chic boots. Boots, boots, boots. The one piece of my wardrobe that I would do anything for. And sweaters? How I love you. Plaid, deep, bold colors, an excuse to wear a cute hat? Yes, please. Oh, and scarves.. fabulous scarves. What better to accessorize with than a scarf of any kind? I'll tell you: nothing!!

I love to layer my clothing. For one, I'm always hot or I'm cold. There is no in-between and there is no comfort temperature level for my body, so I start fully layered, take the layers off at some point, and at another, relayer as needed. It's a process, but not one you can do quite as well in the summer as in the fall.

I have to tell you, Autumn, that I think most people have the wrong idea about you. Don't get me wrong- everyone loves fall. But when do they start asking about you? Not until they've bitched about how much they missed summer, and when summer comes around and disappoints, they realize how much you mean to them.

Let me tell you. You have always been, are, and have always been the superior month in my book. For starters, you typically aren't 1000 degrees on average, which wins you points with me. Second, you are associated with way more interesting sports than the winter/spring and summer. Don't get me wrong, I love me some baseball, but it's more of a social interaction. Fall? Your sports own them. Naturally, the other thing that I love is that fall means Christmas is coming. Yeah, sure it's a couple of months away, but how quickly does a month go by anymore? Too quickly.

There are so many things left unsaid in this quick post, because the excitement I feel regarding fall goes to my bones and gives me chills. It invigorates me and wakes me out of the hot, lazy puddle I turn into in the summer. I feel so revitalized the second it stays under 80.

With all of that said, I am in Texas and have been in Texas and have really not gotten to experience very much of my beloved Mid-Western fall this year. I have some time left to do it. Michigan mid-month, then Houston again, and Minneapolis for Halloween. And then, my long-lost fans, I have to tell you my travels will be coming to an end.

More about that later, don't want to ruin the post discussing-fall-high.

A Bit of Everything

2010-08-23T13:51:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm still here. I haven't felt like I've had much to write about in the last 6 weeks or so, mostly because I haven't felt much like myself. I definitely went through a "what the HECK am I doing here??" phase through most of July and up until a week or so ago was questioning my very existence.

Anyway, I can't say I'm totally out of the water yet, but I feel like I'm getting there. I can't change the fact that I live 6 hours away from my family, most of my friends and my boyfriend. What I can do, however, is take control of the things I moved here to take control of: my career, my health, my general well-being... me.

So here I am. To fill you all in, since I've posted I have been to Michigan twice, Pittsburgh, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Tulsa, Rogers, AR, Springfield, MO, Houston, Ohio, Minneapolis, Winnipeg, MB, and Wednesday I leave for Dallas. Yay, Texas!

I had fabulous times in Austin- I got to see my friend Angeli for the first time in 5 years. Her and her wonderful husband made me filet mignon with bernaise sauce, potatoes, carrots and even took me to McDonalds for dessert!, and San Antonio where I saw my cousin from New York City who is going to school down there.

In Arkansas I had dinner with a new friend, M, who reps for a fragrance brand, and I made my way through the heart of the Ozarks (and bible belt) driving from Rogers to Springfield, and hit Kansas on my way from Springfield to Tulsa. Tulsa has a Hard Rock! Next time I go, you know I'm gambling!

In Pittsburgh, Cory came to visit me and we hit up the Jam on Walnut- a free festival in the Shadyside district. Survivor played for free- don't get your hopes up, they did not play Eye of the Tiger.

Minneapolis is probably one of my new favorite cities in the U.S., it is clean, and hip, and the weather is divine right now. They are #1 in public transportation and literacy, and you know I am all about people being intelligent! (and let's hear it for the ability to read and spell well!)

Winnipeg was a blast, too. I stayed right downtown, at the Radisson on the 24th floor facing the city. It is beautiful. What I love about it is that it is about the same size as Columbus and pretty diverse. What I don't like is the lack of pride people from Winnipeg have! I guess it is not unlike Columbus in that regard, too.

So Thursday I am off to Dallas again, where I am staying at the same hotel I stayed at last time. The hotel has a rooftop pool with a gorgeous view of all the concrete that makes Dallas the sprawling field of gray that it is. I plan on practicing my breathing in the pool while I am there. I have been swimming quite a bit and determined that that is the one thing I really need to work on.

Also, I am fully engaged in the battle against high fructose corn syrup once again. This means no eating out, really, which is fine. My bout with homesickness has spurred on a bit of emotional eating and I'm trying to get that back on track. I picked up some organic Smuckers jelly at the store today, and apparently if you want organic jelly? You have to get strawberry. Small price to pay for cane sugar? I guess.

Now that the weather has cooled down some, I am totally planning on getting out more and I can feel the laziness of a truly hot summer leaving me, which makes me happy!

Happy Birthday, America.

2010-07-05T11:41:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, Cory and I paid a visit to Wrigley Field to see the Cincinnati Reds (go team!) beat the Cubs. I guess I did not realize that Cubs culture is not because the team is good, but because people in Chicago really, really like afternoon drinking.

Our seats were not in the stadium, but across the street on Waveland- on a rooftop. This was probably my favorite baseball experience (and I've been to a lot of baseball games). We had all you can eat (pizza, hot dogs, hamburgers, pulled pork, potato chips, coleslaw, etc.), all you can drink (beer, wine, soda and water), private bathroom, lots of space to move around tickets. The view was great, too.

I did really well with my sunscreen, but still got a tiny bit burnt in some random spots on my chest and back. Oh well, at least my face is not hurting today! I'd be regretting that in 10 years. Cory got a little pink, but he's much less of a baby than I am (and much, much darker complected), so he can handle it.

Later that evening, we headed down to Montrose Beach to view some fireworks. I love, love, love fireworks. Is there any better way to relax than to sit around while fireworks are lighting up the sky? Especially if there is good company involved. And there was.

My two favorite people. I love this picture!

This is the best picture I got all night:

Overall, we had a great day. It was hot, but the breeze helped out a lot. Being up on the roof, we got pounded by the sun but the wind was always blowing. I do have a nice tan line on my feet from my gladiator sandals!

Cory leaves tomorrow night, so we are doing our best to max out our time together. It is so tempting to just lay around and relax, though! It is HOT!

I hope everyone had a GREAT Fourth!

Letter to My 40-Year-Old Self aka A Really Emotional Exercise

2010-06-30T06:22:00.000-07:00

I started this blog in February when I began embarking on my new adventure: conquering the continental US. Since then, I've struggled to find a format for this blog. I'm lost between the beauty products that consume my life, spending about 25% of my time in airports and on airplanes and detailing my Chicago experience on a personal level for my family and friends.

I've been torn between skincare and nail color and style. I have wanted to appeal to readers in order to find a following. Somewhere along the way, I lost my voice.

But let's get real. I am my favorite subject and this blog is for me. So, I may write about my favorite products, a great new book I've just read, or the new season of NBC's Community. And I may write about my crazy big-city night out, or my thoughts on being away from home so often. I will probably try to chronicle my trips and how many frequent flyer miles I've racked up. There will be times when I need to complain and times when I have nothing worth really saying. And it will probably be completely random. And I don't care, because so is my life.

Yesterday I headed down to Champaign, IL for a new-store training. On my way back in to the city, I was (per the usual) listening to NPR. All Things Considered is one of my favorite programs and I have learned that I love talk-radio more than anything when I am on the road. It makes me feel less alone, I guess. Not to mention that when I spend 5 hours in the car on one day, I don't have time to read the paper, many blogs or books so it makes me feel informed.

Cassie Boorn is a 22-year-old Illinois native who was featured yesterday. She started a project on her blog in which women have written letters to their 20-year-old selves, looking back. These letters brought me to tears on an already emotional day. She also has a couple of letters to your future self. I started thinking about what I would want myself to think when I look back in 20 or so years, and decided to give this letter thing a go.

40-Year-Old-Kelsey:

Thanks to the Strengths Finder assessment you did last year at your no-income-shitty-salon-job, we both know that being futuristic is one of my strengths. Therefore, I think about you a lot. If I have learned anything in the last year, it's that some things can be planned, controlled, and some things will always be up in the air. Change is inevitable. I'm trying to stay open to that, and I hope you are, too.

I know this last birthday was probably pretty hard for you. Remember how I don't think 40 is old and I'm actually looking forward to 30? Women so get better as they age. Remember that. Not to mention, remember last year's birthday? The first half of 25 was awful. 2009 was the summer of being broke as hell- remember how Mom and Dad paid you and Cory to hang out with them on the 4th? So you could buy groceries? Because you had quit your job on a whim and didn't have an income? Not to mention, 25 was the year you started to take life by the horns- I hope you are still doing this. If not, please reassess. This year? 26 was pretty great- I have relearned things about myself that were forgotten, and I have a whole new strength I never had before. You're not getting old, you're getting better.

Self, first thing's first. Please, when you look back at these last few years, do not regret anything. I'm doing the best I can to set you up for happiness. Remember how hard I worked to get all the credit cards paid off and start saving so that you can retire in another 25 years? Not having a Gucci purse is a sacrifice. And please don't think that any of the decisions I made were because they were the easy option. Moving to Chicago alone, leaving your entire family and boyfriend behind? Wasn't easy. Staying in a long-distance relationship is way harder than leaving him completely. But worth it. We both know he was and is worth it. And calling off a wedding? Also really, really hard. Please look back and always respect the decisions you've made.

Also, all the sunscreen and skincare I'm paying for? You're welcome. You look fucking good! Don't get down on yourself if you think you look old. You look better than all of those skanks who were "hot and bronzed" through their 20's! (but we all know 20-year-old you looks better than those girls, too. Remember the damaged, orange skin of one JD? That bitch looks 40 already! Please, hunt her down on facebook or whatever social networking site is popular in 2024 if you need a reminder).

If you haven't been to Morocco and Greece yet, please go this year. I mean it. Just go. I don't care what excuse you may have for not going- kids, holidays, work, lack of money (so not an excuse, I gave up a lot of designer shit for you to not be broke)- go.

Oh, and that whole college thing? That may be my one regret. However, I know you will agree with me when I say I am lucky. And therefore? Wouldn't change a thing. Never forget the events that led up to landing your first "dream job." If you hadn't done cosmetology school, and put in 2 miserable years at a dead-end salon job, and planned a big, fancy, way overpriced and unrealistic wedding, you never would have met the people who set the wheels in motion. Account executive with no education or experience? Lucky, yes, but you earned it. With that said, if you haven't gone back to school? Please make it happen as soon as you get back from Morocco. Rule #76: No excuses, play like a champion.

Also, if you have stopped spinning, dancing, lifting weights in any capacity or riding, find a gym, a bicycle, a Zumba or Jazzercise or ballet class, and a set of handweights and get through that first miserable month of hardcore working out. Then, feel your energy levels skyrocket and your confidence soar. Again, I don't care what your excuse is- there is time, there is money, there is energy.

I also know that, no matter what decisions you've made to get you where you are right now- whether you decided to have children or not, because we both know that's totally up in the air- they were the right decisions. If you have kids? I am sure you are a great mother. Even when you are doubting yourself, even when they are crying and acting like little jerks, it will be worth it. If not? Don't look back. Spoil your neice and nephews. Like crazy.

Whether you are in Columbus, or Chicago, or Austin, know that you make what you want it to be. Know that in any situation, you can set the wheels in motion and you can be the change, you are never stuck. If stuck was an option, I would have stayed where I was a year ago. But stuck is never an option. If you still want your own boutique but feel like you can't do it? Make a plan, and make it happen.

Love,
Your Fabulous, 26-year-old 2010 Self

Don't You Judge Me

2010-06-28T19:11:00.000-07:00

I just returned from my first trip back to Columbus since the move. I won't lie to say I didn't get a wave of homesickness that came over me as soon as I drove onto I-670. I love that place. Maybe it has to do with my newness and subsequent lack of connection with my new city, but Columbus has something I haven't found here in Chicago. I am sure it will come, but it's going to take some dedication on my part to find it.
Anyway, I did a little shopping (also known as product hoarding) while I was there. In case you don't know, I hold a cosmetology license in the state of Ohio which means I can shop at the wholesale beauty supply stores... You can understand why I refuse to buy products here in Chicago! Here is my haul:

Yes, I did buy three cans of Body Drench QuickTan (which I wrote about last month, check out the review)... it's that good, you guys. I would have bought 12 cans if I wasn't planning on going back to Ohio in August!

I also picked up a couple of the other products in my arsenal:

Qtica Half Time Polish Dryer seriously, one drop of this and your nails are dry in 5 minutes- I can do my nails before bed!!
Alterna Caviar Firm Hold hairspray (this one is new and I have not tried it, but I obsessively love their working hairspray). I have heard rave-reviews about this one, not the kind of stiff-hold that Kenra 25 gives (I don't care what you say, it dries hard and does not hold my hair all day), but flexible, workable hold.
Lanza Trauma Treamtent leave-in-conditioner in mini (yes, I already have the full-sized version of this, but come on- 3 oz is way easier on my suitcase than 16!). Not only does this moisturize my (incredibly dry, damaged) hair, it doesn't weigh it down and it has really helped my color hold.
Aquage Uplifting Foam rootlift in travel size (I can't find my go-to rootlift Alterna in travel size, so this one works pretty well on the road)... I actually bought 2 of these, they don't last terrible long.
Joico Humidity Blocker spray this is a product that I knew I enjoyed but have recently, in experiencing the humidity that is Memphis, Houston and New Orleans, started to swear by. It is a weightless, zero hold spray that blocks out the moisture that flattens your hair.
Dermalogica PreCleanse facial cleansing oil seriously, another must-have that I was so-so on when I first tried it. I picked this bombass, lightweight oil up to remove the new Sheseido sunscreen I picked up.
Sheiseido SPF 60+++ (not pictured) self explanatory, yes? Super lightweight, non-greasy formula but I learned that hard way that you must remove it with a cleansing oil. Sheseido makes one to take it off, but it's pure mineral oil so I will stick with my Dermalogica. (Have heard great things about the NUDE Skincare oil, too, though)
Korres Quecertin and Oak Antiaging Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin do not let this fool you- normal to dry skin, yes, but also works AWESOME on my super, super dry skin. I love it 11/10 and it smells great, too.
And the icing on the cake, Perricone Face Firming Activator, free because I won the Sephora Skincare Challenge!! Ok, in all honesty, all this means is I have a product problem but I bought the 4 skincare products I would have bought anyway, and they let me choose a free one. I heart all things Perricone, and free? WINS!

Ok, seriously, don't judge me. These are products that will last me until the end of time! The last time I bought any of these things was end of last year! I'd say that's pretty good- definitely a factor in why I don't mind investing in better products... they last twice as long!

And, also, I am sick of hearing "your skin is so great!" and then be appalled when I tell them all the things I use on it. I have to work at it, people!

And, ok, I did buy a few new nail polishes in St. Louis at the beginning of the month...Essie Mink Muffs
I wanted to buy this color last fall, but it sold out at my salon before I could get my hands on it. I found it at Ulta and snatched it up. Loving the muted, neutral colors right now.

With that said, this is the other color I picked up at Ulta:

Essie Turquoise and Caicos

is on my toes right now, and it took me about a week to get used to it (it's definitely not anything close to my normal colors) but now I'm really liking it!

It's Still Coming Together...

2010-06-09T16:03:00.000-07:00

Today, I made my first REAL grocery shopping trip since moving here:

Grocery shopping on a budget is really something I have yet to figure out, my budget for this trip was $50... I spent $73. But seriously? I don't even care because look at all the stuff I got!!! I bought things like vanilla extract and cinnamon that I might only buy a couple of times a year. I also got fresh salmon, greek yogurt, almond milk, blackberries, raspberries, peaches, apples, and canola oil- which is not cheap, people. Anyway, I plan to make blackberry-peach mock-crisp with light coolwhip a la mode.

Here is a picture of the pride and joy of my kitchen:

Until you have a quality set of knives, I think it's hard to know what a difference they make. I adore this set and someday covet the rest of the knives they make.

Here is what my office is beginning to look like:

Cory got me this John Mayer print for Christmas a few years ago. I had it matted and framed but never hung it. It goes perfectly here. It makes me happy to look at this when I am sitting at my desk, facing it.

My favorite pieces of furniture in this whole apartment:

My file cabinets from Ikea. I planned on buying one when we went in May. I wanted to buy two but at the price, I could only have afforded one. Thanks, Ikea, for your scratch and dent section! I got two for the price of one and they are in pretty good shape.

Sarah and I are going to to our favorite OSU Alumni bar tonight to watch the Blackhawks game. I have a feeling it's going to be crazy.

I am going to Dallas this weekend. My parents are coming to Chicago with my 9 year old nephew next week, and I can't wait. I love that I'll be surrounded by family even though I moved 7 hours away. It helps to keep my mind off not knowing anyone here and missing Cory!

Memorial Day in Chicago Goes Perfectly Right

2010-05-31T19:29:00.000-07:00

Happy Memorial Day, everyone. Here is a shout out to my sister who gave up 4 years of her life to live in Hawaii for free and sit in an office and do top secret shit all day (like reading books) to serve our country. I'm kidding, of course. Thanks for serving, yo!

This weekend was great- Cory is here, we got a lot of shit done (the place looks supacute!), found some great deals on things we were looking for and planning on purchasing (see below for my new, classy, no-questions-asked-lifetime-warranty Hartmann luggage), and had our first relaxing weekend in a long time.

Last Wednesday I got a manicure and pedicure at the nail salon across the street from my apartment. They have a Monday thru Wednesday special- $35 for a manicure and pedicure both. Seriously, can you beat that?

Of course, I had to go with one of my signature shades of coral- this one is Illamasqua "Lament." It's a bright, bright shade of hot pinky-orange. Love it. It dries rock-hard and is pretty chip resistant.

To recap, I spent Thursday, Friday and Saturday in Houston. This is a photo of the highlight of my trip. Not! I wasted about half of my day on this flat tire. Thank God for Triple A (Once again, thanks Dad!)

One might ask how a tire manages to become this flat? Well, if you find out, please let me know. I wasted half my day on it! However, Houston is always fun for me. It was hot but how can you be upset when there are palm trees involved?

Cory came to visit this weekend, and we were able to transform the two areas of the apartment that mean the most to me. It went from something like this:

To this:

Please do not judge my sleeping arrangements, and keep in mind that I have a fully furnished house in Columbus, OH. I do, however, have super cute curtains and wall art. Now working on a rug. Thanks.

My office looks great, too. The file cabinets I found for 40% off at Ikea (I was going to buy them full-price, when I found them in the irregular stuff I almost peed my pants with excitement!) are my favorite pieces of furniture in this whole place.

Sunday Cory and I visited the Crate and Barrel outlet store as well as CB2- C&B's pretty cool, a little more mod line of home decor. We found some good deals on little things we needed, and Cory ended up with a great deal on a fireplace screen we had our eye on last fall. (it will look adorable in said fully-furnished house that my name is associated with in Ohio).

The rest of the day was spent walking up and down Belmont Avenue (well that's what it felt like, anyway), sweating our asses off. We stopped in a couple of little antique shops, stopped and had lunch and just enjoyed each other. We headed down to Michigan Avenue to do a little exploring, and ended up getting very very sidetracked when I stumbled upon a set of Hartmann Luggage 40% off at Macy's in Water Tower Center. Um, 40% off? Yes, please.

Tuna approves.

Hartmann was the other brand I have never seen a negative review on and their warranty, as of February, is as good as Briggs and Riley. Most people say they have had their Hartmann for years with no problems. I will absolutely take that challenge.

Also, as a side note: if an item is some shade of hunter, khaki or olive green with any leather accent in the shades of brown or tan? I'm in love. Add a couple of equestrian inspired metal pieces? Sold!

So after our (very) quick trip downtown, we came back and did a bit more around the house. We ended up eating a late dinner at a little Mexican place around the corner from my house. It wasn't amazing but a (banana) Margarita was just what I needed after walking like 4 miles.

Monday we decided to head out to Oak Brook Center to do a little more shopping without the craziness of Michigan Ave on Memorial Day. We were glad we did- it stormed like crazy for the whole first half of the day. We came back into town, finished up some things around the apartment, and headed out to dinner.

Our first choice was 44th Ward Dinner Party- a grilled cheese bar that makes amazing gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches (how American!). It was closed and we ended up at a diner across the street from our intended final destination- Paciugo. The highlight of my entire week? Maple Bacon gelato. Um, YES, PLEASE!!!

Here is my cone- Maple Bacon, Chipotle Cashew Butter Pecan and Sea Salt Caramel. Three of my very favorite things in the world- bacon, caramel and a little spice. Paciugo is worth the trip if you visit Chicago!

Cory left this morning, and it's been a tough day. I am trying to get caught up on some important work things, as well as get some things organized around here. It is all coming together. Unfortunately, the laundry situation has not been resolved and I have a hamper full of dirty clothes and nothing to wear. Not to mention I have yet to find a gym here and get back to my regular eating habits.

Tomorrow I head to St. Louis and it will be good to spend a week around family. I will be back June 7 and my parents will be here June 16. June 27 I will be back in Columbus and I can't wait to see Cory again. Good thing the month is filled with things to do and places to go!

Moving Provides Much Insight About Myself, Pt 1

2010-05-25T20:25:00.000-07:00

Well, we're here! (And, obviously, we have our priorities straight. Out for drinks on our 2nd night) Seven hours in the car with a crying, drugged cat, 1 small license plate casualty, and 3 hours of hot U-Haul unloading, but we made it.
In all honesty, things went pretty smoothly. Other than a couple of small things (and one large thing in the form of our landlord being a total asshole about the lack of laundry even though we were told it would be in-building), we have done a pretty good job getting settled in. I am definitely a little overwhelmed at this whole thing, and I've kind of turned to being a huge bitch to block out some of the emotional aspects of leaving my whole life in Ohio, but I'll be OK. And, if I avoided calling you or stopping by to say good-bye, it's because I do not like to cry when my makeup is done... which is always. So, bye!

With all that said, let me detail in photos (thanks to my wonderful Father who loaned me his camera for an indefinite amount of time. Best. Family. EVER. Now do you understand why I'm so sad?) Sarah and I's newest chapter in our lives. Hello, 2nd quarter of my life. Good-bye, Ohio Suckers!

These are from sometime in the process of everything being unloaded off the truck. Yes, there is shit everywhere. I now remember why I so badly wanted to buy a house- I never, ever want to have to pack, load, unload, and unpack again. (Sadly, this doesn't look promising.)

I might have a product hoarding problem... and who needs 6 (ok, 7) boxes of Bobby pins?? No one, that's who. I don't even want to start on my hairbrush collection. Not worth the shame I'm going to feel when you judge me.
Obviously, I have a deep love for Moroccan Oil, all things Alterna, and expensive foot scrub that I never use because it makes the shower too slippery and Cory almost cracked his head open on it last time I used it. I did NOT take a picture of my cosmetics collection because, seriously, I don't need your judgment you hippie.

I reiterate: One must always be strategic in her priorities when taking on this kind of task. Here, you can see mine were planned well in advance:

One more thing: Welcome to the neighborhood (x2), thanks for supporting the Roscoe Village new residents fund!

SUCK IT, JERKS!

And last, I want to share some photos of Sarah and I's first outing. Dinner was at Jack's on Halsted (delicious butter with some bread, huge burgers!) and then we visited McGees on Webster, an Ohio state Alumni Bar (You know we had to), where we met the owner and received much free alcohol (yay!). Enjoy!

The Curse of the Purple Suitcase: Part 2

2010-05-20T06:35:00.000-07:00

I am officially still on the hunt for the perfect luggage. After returning my crappy purple bags to Macy's (not very helpful, or competent, but they did take the bags back, I guess) luggage department, I ended up going home with 2 new bags. Unfortunately, they are not the bags I want and after doing some research on them, I'm going to take them back.

The first bag I decided to take back actually has nothing to do with any reviews, it just has to do with the way the bag is set up. It is a Delsey business rolling bag, and after getting it home and looking at it some more, it is really small. So, back it goes.

The bigger piece that I brought home is actually pretty nice, for someone who doesn't do the amount of serious travel that I do. Also, I think it is really overpriced even though I know that brands do that so they can put them on "sale." What a bunch of bull. So, the Samsonite Silhouette 11 Centennial edition, priced at $620 (I paid about half of that for it), is going back.

Here is what I do like about this bag:

The spinner wheels allow me to push it along side me or roll it in front of me, I think this is a really great feature and from what I have read, it's better for your back than pulling 50 lbs behind you.
It's a 30" bag (read: HUGE), but it's not wide, just really deep. I seriously think I could get inside this thing and be comfortable (not willing to try it, don't ask).
It is relatively lightweight. Weighing in
The pockets inside are great to keep things organized.

Here is what I don't like about it:

The 10-year warranty? Very, very limited. So when this bag breaks because some airline employee decides so slingshot it into the bin and it busts, I'm out $350.
The color is really nice, but I think it's going to get really dirty, despite the "coating."

Overall, I think this bag would be great for the casual traveler, it seems to get good reviews from people who just do the occasional leisure travel.

So, my next step? Briggs and Riley. I'm going to take the plunge. After spending hours and hours doing the research, I have not read a single mixed review on B&R. TravelPro also gets good reviews, but I also see a lot of poor ones, too.

This weekend, Sarah and I had our going away party. In 8 hours I will wake up, load the last of my belongings, and drive them to Chicago. My Dad is awesome and gave me his digital camera, so I can (and absolutely will) take lots and lots of photos.

Today was really, really hard, but tomorrow is the start of something good.

Apparently, Purple is Not a Good Enough Reason to Pick a Suitcase

2010-05-15T19:09:00.001-07:00

I think by now we're all aware that my suitcase is a regular and important part of my life. I mean, a huge part of my life. With that said, you will excuse me when I say this: my fucking suitcase broke tonight on my way into my hotel. Thank you, Ricardo Beverly Hills.

You want to buy a suitcase? Don't waste your money on Ricardo. Both of the bags I use on a regular basis are broken- they are less than 6 months old. The zipper on my 17" carry-on rolling bag is busted and now the handle on my 25" Upright Suiter snapped off. This was not a usual wear and tear issue, nor was it airline abuse. This was shotty craftmanship, and I hope the marketing person at Ricardo finds this on the Google feed and tells their boss. Your product SUCKS! I usually try not to write negative things, but I'm steaming mad. Pulling 50 lbs of my life around without a handle? Not OK.

So here I am, 9:15 on a Saturday night, researching the best luggage to invest in. I thought these bags would last me at least a year, until I can ask for money for a set of Tumi luggage for Christmas next year. (ha!) In my research, I'm learning a lot. Also, using a crappy suitcase for the duration of my career has given me some insight. It's the same thing with my rentals cars- the more pieces of junk I drive (Ahem, my current rental car. My skin crawls thinking about driving it, it's so cheesy.), the more I realize what is acceptable and what is not (and seriously? I think I should be writing a car blog. I get to drive 2-3 different cars each week, and I can tell you exactly what sucks about each and every one. Who has time to read reviews that write about horsepower and all that crap? I want to know how big the mirror in the visor is, and if I can reach my GPS when it's attached to the windshield, for crying out loud!!)

So, added to my list to get done on Tuesday, my last free day (I'm only home Saturday and Sunday after that, and I have to work all day both days) in Ohio before I move, I guess the hunt for the perfect bag ensues. I fully plan on test driving each bag, and I swear to God in Heaven if I don't like the bag, it's going back. Time to get my newly paid off credit card back out. I will definitely plan on reviewing the bag I end up with, and if there any in between I am sure I will write about those, too.

I don't think you have to be a career traveler to deserve to have good (read: not going to fall apart in your hands at the worst possible moment) luggage.

I've been reading good reviews about the TravelPro series, and my favorite guy Ryan Bingham uses one in the movie written about my life, Up in the Air. So, I guess that's where I'll start. First up? The TravelPro Platinum 6 28" Expandable Rollaboard Suitcase.

One good thing? I've been looking for an excuse to get a bigger bag.

The Not-So-Bronzed Goddess

2010-05-08T17:26:00.000-07:00

Everyone who knows me knows I am just about the whitest person ever. What the people who don't know me don't know is that I am just about the whitest person ever. I get asked a lot about my favorite self-tanning products, and I guess it is the right time of year to write this post.

It seems to me like every single person has had a traumatic self-tanner experience. Am I wrong? I didn't think so. With that said, in my quest to not look like I have jaundice, I've figured out some things that I think make the whole excruciating process a little less painful. The thing that I always try to stress to the clients I work with is that although I may look like I spent an hour on my makeup every day, I am seriously L-A-Z-Y. So my whole self-tanner routine? Super quick.

I think the key things to be aware of before delving into your faux-glow are exfoliation, exfoliation, exfoliation and hard core moisturizing. I'm serious, you may as well not even try the products I'm going to recommend if you don't do these two crucial steps. Capiche?

Start out in the shower by exfoliating the areas you want to apply product to, if you're going to do your whole body than exfoliate your whole body. Not doing this will really screw up the evenness of your tan as well as the wear, you're going to look spotty a lot quicker if you don't slough off the dead skin first. I always, always shave before I apply, too, because shaving is another form of exfoliation. If you're sensitive, you might want to shave the day before and exfoliate in the shower the day of.
After I get out of the shower I dry off, moisturize with a regular weight body lotion and give it a few minutes to absorb in my skin. After 5 or so minutes I go back over my knees, elbows, ankles, tops of my feet and wrists with a little more lotion. Ever notice these are the hardest areas to get right? It's because they get drier than the rest of your skin and suck the lotion up more. The rest is easy if you have done these two things and are using the right product. I am super fair so it's hard for me to find products that don't a) streak or b) turn me into an Oompa Loompa.

My prize winning self-tanners (and I've tried them all) are...Peter Thomas Roth Natural Looking Self-Tanner ($28)

Body Drench Quick Tan Sunless Tanning Mist ($25?)

The application is really not the hard part, it's just figuring out how to best work the individual product. The PTR is a lotion, so I start with a quarter sized amount on my shins and calves, feather it up around my knees (but not on my knees yet), do my thighs and b-u-t-t-o-c-k-s and when it's pretty well rubbed in I feather it over my knees, ankles, and top of the foot.

Same idea for the arm, rub it in good on the forearm, feather it around the elbow, rub it in well on the upper arm, then feather over the wrists, elbows, etc.

The Body Drench spray is really easy to use, too. It can get messy so I suggest opening your window and laying some towels on the floor. Unless you have the luxury of doing this in a hotel room and having a maid clean up your overspray, like me, that is. This spray works best when you hold it about 8 inches away, mist it very finely, do the whole leg and what I find works really well is to wait until it is nearly dry and then rub it in with your hands just to even it out. If you do this when it is wet, though, you will rub the product off.

The best part about these two products? They do not stink, yay! The PTR lotion has a slight self-tanner spray so I prefer to do it at night, but the Body Drench smells like cookies. Also, the Body Drench has an instant bronzer built in so if you're in a pinch and don't have time to wait for the color to develop, it's a good option. I typically build my faux-tan up, 2 applications of the PTR lotion and then I'll do the spray as needed. Usually I can get about 10 days out of my tan if I've done it right, then I have to exfoliate it off and start over. But really? It's quick.

You can use both of these on your face but I have some other preferences because I am sensitive. If you'd like to know about the face tanners I prefer, e-mail me and I'll fill you in.

I'm interested to hear if other people have fave self-tanning products that they can recommend, I'm always open to try new things!

Chicago is the New New York

2010-05-04T18:36:00.001-07:00

I spent five hours today learning about why the way I sell works. Five. Hours. You know why the way I sell works? I'm going to tell you. Because I freaking listen to what people want and need. It's not rocket science, so tell me why 3/4 of the people in the training didn't know and/or don't utilize the basic, common sense skills of today's selling and customer skills ONE-OH-ONE (AKA "how to effectively tell someone that they need to spend $60 on a bottle of primer for kindergarteners).

Anyway, I had planned on spending the rest of my day (we were released from hotel conference-room-hell at 1pm) having lunch with a couple of my other account exec buddies (it is so nice to have friends who understand my lifestyle), and wandering Michigan Avenue. Apparently, that isn't something I'm going to get to experience quite yet. After we left the training, Michelle, Amber, Amber's coworker (we'll call her "Fran" as in Drescher) and I were going to head someplace close to get a quick lunch. They had the good sense to feed us breakfast (sugar, sugar and more sugar in the form of muffins, croissants and fruit), get us hopped up on caffeine (coffee, tea, coffee and coffee) but couldn't provide anything to sustain us until the end. Explain that one, big corporate company with the money to do it. (Sorry guys, I know this is evasive but I actually REALLY LOVE my job and don't really need to say things that might eventually bite me in the ass). Ok, anyway, so we're all reallyreally hungry and at this point I'm ready to turn into raging bull.

Fran decides that we should go to the Tavern at the corner of State? and... ? I don't even know, I was too hungry to pay attention to anything but my plummeting blood sugar. I suggest that we just go to the restaurant in the Embassy Suites we were standing in since, you know, it's 10 freaking feet away, but Fran insists we ride in her ittybittyAudi and that I hold her Louis while she navigates us toward the restaurant. Three blocks and twenty minutes later, we're valeting the car and getting ready to walk over to the restaurant.

Apparently that restaurant is really popular at noon (and at 1:30, too) on a Tuesday and there is a twenty minute wait. The three of us do not want to wait and don't really care what Fran wants at this point, so we go to the place next door and ask for a table. The hostess begins to lead us to a table when Fran stops her. I want to also add that I spent 7 years working in food service- waiting tables, cocktailing, bartending, etc. and I try to always be completely respectful and almost too-nice. I do not get embarased easily but I was embarased today. I want to openly ask this: what makes you think you can be so demanding and that I will take you seriously? So I spent the whole awful experience (2 hours, awful food, and too much money later) trying to make up to the waiter for her horrible treatment by being evenmoresupernice (which, honestly, is a struggle, I do have a niceness cap) and making up for it with a big tip.

By this point, it's 3fuckingo'clock and I am just ready to go. Michelle has to catch either the 5pm train or the 7pm train to South Bend (I went on Saturday, and I promise there's nothing to write about in Mishawaka, IN), and Amber's stomach is freaking out (I assume it had something to do with being really, annoyingly annoyed with her coworker, who, I should mention, she just met the day before). We decide that we're all ready to throw in the Chicago towel and part ways. I take Michelle to her train station (actually, I tried to take her to 3 different train stations but as I have familiarized myself with the CTA L, buses and traffic patterns, I have not paid any attention to the Metra stations... should probably spend some time on that here soon). I dropped Amber off at her State St hotel and headed back up to Lakeview.

Really, my plan was to find a Starbucks or Panera and hang out for a few hours since my plane doesn't leave until 9:45, but I was already stressed enough about not getting any work done (at. ALL. Which means I have to do it on my only day off/at home for the entire week tomorrow, argh), and I headed straight up to the airport.

Overall, the trip was amazing. Sarah and I found a great apartment in a super nice, quiet, non-hipster area of the city, we walked and walked and walked (and in return, I got three ENTIRE NIGHTS of sleep), had great food, I found a cupcake place that makes maple bacon cupcakes (bacon obsession never stopped even after I challenged myself to give it up), I'm pretty good with navigation in the city now- seriously I am SHOCKED how easy Chicago is to get around... We met a couple of fun people (people are sonice here, I love the midwest!), I found a pair of Louboutins that I can't stop thinking about (they are the cutest boy I've ever seen and not talked to, sigh.), a Gucci tote that I will never own (have you read Jen Lancaster's Bitter is the new Black? You'd think twice before buying it, too), and tons of other things. It was a good enough trip that I can't wait to come back- on a more permanent basis- on May 24.

Chicago, I think I'm ready to commit to you now.

Project Get off My Ass

2010-04-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

With my 30-day not-so-detox coming to an end (One week left! More on that soon, and more on some of the easy things I've incorporated into my on-the-go diet), I'm ready to make a new goal. I've really figured out that what works for me are short-term challenges and goals. In light of the Today Show's segment on being "skinny fat" today, I'm challenging myself to an 8 week slim-down. I'm under 25% body fat, which is what experts recommend, but just barely. And, I am definitely comfortable with my size, but of course I could burn some fat.

The Today Show's expert put a healthy-sized woman with 27% body fat (which is actually obese) on a 5 day a week, 30 minute a day, cardio plan. They also educated her on cutting down portion sizes and introducing better options. These are things I try to do anyway, but I'm really going to focus on burning fat and cutting out even more of the crap. So, after my upcoming trip to Chicago (and, technically my detox doesn't end until May 6), my 8 weeks commences!

I have figured out that what works for me is not long-term goals (like the fact that I'm taking a medi-cruise July of 2011), but short-term challenges. Like 30 days of no dairy (which, get real, lasted about 2.5 weeks before I broke down and chased a Lactaid chewable tablet with a stuffed-crust hot pocket, shut up), or 8 weeks of fat burning. I'll let you know how long it lasts, but it's not going to require too much change on my part which is good. 5 days a week of at least 30 minutes and keeping the fatty diet low. I pretty much already so this so I'm going to do a little more research to find other things that will help.

I'm trying to come up with an actual format for this blog, as I have so many subjects that I want to touch on. I think my main topics will always be nutrition on the road, travel tips (obviously), local info on the places I visit but I'd also like to do some more specific series on beauty products (I mean, I do work in that industry and it is my passion) and fitness challenges.

I am too exhausted to try to put together anything amazing right now, so for now I will keep brainstorming, I guess!

Ohio Does Not Mean Suck in Algonquian

2010-04-17T08:19:00.000-07:00

Something one of my favorite writers, Jen Lancaster, wrote in her Tribune column made me start thinking the other day about the meaning of words. I just want to say, I'm not sure what Ohio means, but it does not translate to "suck" or "terrible place to live."

I want to start off this post by saying that I am not one of those people who take no pride in where I live. Home is where the heart is, right? So when I tell you I am moving to Chicago, what I am not looking to hear is "Good for you, Chicago is so much better than Ohio."

No, it is not. Do you know how much self-control it takes not to kick your nail tech in the face as she polishes your toenails (probably the only thing stopping me was the idea of not having a perfect polish job), and tells you how much Ohio sucks? Especially in Michigan, they are already biased enough (and, I admit it, it's in my blood to hate them back).

Chicago may be really, really great and I am sure I will learn to love it like I love Columbus, but Columbus? Is really great too. I don't have Ohio tattoo'd on my body because it sucks. First, and foremost, Columbus is a pretty big city. 15th biggest in the U.S., in fact. So please, you greatly underestimated when you guessed 150,000 people. It's more like 800,000. Get your facts straight before you insult me. And Columbus' arts district? Is pretty awesome, too. We have great restaurants, super cute neighborhoods, a pretty good local music scene and there is always something going on. The jazz and rib fest is always fun, gallery hops are worth going to and apparently ComFest is super fun (I don't do hippies).

Here is a huge lesson I have learned in my short time traveling: before you write a place off as SUCKING because it's called Ohio, or Birmingham, or St. Louis, maybe you should go there and experience it. And I am not talking about going out to the suburbs and seeing the subdivisions and strip malls, check out the city, do some people-watching, find the hole-in-the-wall galleries, shops, restaurants, pubs. Do it the right way.

With all this said, I am getting pretty nervous to make my big move. Don't get me wrong, I'm excited and really ready to take on something new and, yes, bigger, but it hasn't really sank in yet. In about a week we will be there finding an apartment and signing a lease... then, and I think only then, will it become real. Bring it the hell on!!

Crappy Food Detox Day 4

2010-04-10T06:52:00.000-07:00

Well, I don't feel much better than I did 4 days ago but I have noticed my ass getting smaller. Not kidding, either. I know it's a result of getting Jazzy in just about every city in the U.S., but also because I really have not been eating any of the SHIT I used to.

Ok, and I'm not going to lie, I could not resist the banana pudding (my favorite thing... ever? along with chocolate covered mashmallows, sour patch kids, bacon on everything, shut up) last night but I did just eat two bites. Andddd.... instantly regretted it. Live and learn. (I realize this is supposed to be my 30-day-removal-of-all-things-that-could-be-making-me-sick but if I was really going to do that, I think I would have to stop eating.)

Even at my eating best, I never ate THIS well. And, I've got to be honest, I know a lot of it has to do with the fact that I can now afford to eat the fresh, organic and unprocessed things I've been learning to love. And, my friends and family will love this, because they are sick of hearing me bitch about it, I have a doctor's appointment scheduled next week so we can possibly figure out what the issue really is.

My new obsession? Quinoa! It's something I had been avoiding for a while, but I decided to try a Quinoa Black Bean Salad at Whole Foods the other day and it's delicious. My only beef with WF? Each store has a different buyer and their recipes are all different, so I may get attached to something in Denver only to never see it again. So the Quinoa salad apparently does not exist here in ATL. That's ok, I've found plenty of other things to chow on.

I'm learning a lot about the south while I am down here. My first morning here I found out about the yellow pollen that covers everything down here in dust this time of year. The nice thing about it is that, unlike our native Ohio pollens, it does not affect people's allergies the same way. I know I joke about hating Southern people for being slow (and, admit it, sometimes stupid... but so are a lot of northern people), but it's really beautiful down here. I am checking out today and heading back to Birmingham where I will spend about 40 more hours, then it's time to go home. Which is great, because I? Am ready.

Oh, and P.S., you never know where you will meet a Buckeye. Being cashed out at the Nike Store at Lenox Square I was asked for my zip code. I gave it to her and she said "you're from Ohio?" So is she. A lady at the Jazzercise facility I've been visiting (big shout out to Sandy Springs Jazzercise for being SO hospitable to me this week) went to Ohio Wesleyan- which is in my hometown. In Denver? My Jazzercise instructor went to OSU (O-H!), and the woman who owns Sandy Springs Jazz went to Kent State. AWESOME!

Oh, and one more thing, by "really beautiful down here" I do not mean Little Rock.

Can You Imagine No Love, Pride, Deep Fried Chicken?

2010-04-06T17:33:00.000-07:00

Hellooo, Atlanta. I am high on sunshine and sooo many trees today after driving here from Birmingham. Looooooveeeeee!!!!

The last two months has been crazy. I have seen more of the United States in the short time than most people see in their lifetime. As of February 1? I have seen Arkansas (Little Rock), Texas (Houston), Tennessee (Memphis, and amazing BBQ), Indiana(polis), Kentucky (Louisville, Lexington), Springfield, MO & St. Louis, New Orleans, Pittsburgh, Detroit & Troy, MI, Denver, Birmingham and now Atlanta... with quite a few airports and cities in between. Time management? Not my strongest area, but I am getting better, being gone 4 or 5 days a week has really changed the way I function!

Life on the road has made me realize a lot of things, like how much I value having access to a microwave, parking my car directly next to my house and not having to lug 50lbs of crap with me. It has reminded me how much I love road trips, loud music, and lately, with the beautiful weather we've been granted, the windows down. And one of the most embarassing, awful things I've been enlightened with? Major, major gastrointestinal issues. Aghhhh!!!

I suppose, looking back, that this is something I've been dealing with for a long time, I just never realized it until I was stuck in a car for 4 hours with no access to a bathroom on a regular basis. Or on an airplane, where getting sick? Is not an option. So, without getting too personal, I've been dealing with some issues.

Of course I have my theories as to what's causing this. I've thought about gluten intolerance (I cut gluten out for about 2 weeks and felt a ton better. However, they can't do the gluten test until ), lactose intolerance (have cut dairy out and feel much better already), irritable bowel? Or, who the hell knows, it could be anything I suppose. Anyway, I've been trying to pinpoint the issue but because it could be any number of things or a combination of said things, it's really hard. And yes, I know, I need to see a doctor. That will happen when my new insurance kicks in and I have a tiny bit of free time when I am home (AKA soon when I quit doing hair on the side).

SO. Until then, I'm going to try to do a 30-day "detox" of sorts. No, nothing crazy, I'm not stupid. I just want to try to get rid of some of the toxins from the majorly processed shit I've been eating the last few months. I generally try to eat pretty well when I am not home, since eating terribly is so easy to do when I am always on the go.

Now if you know me, you know there are a few things that I am going to really struggle to give up. Ice cream? Wah. Skinny lattes? Boo hiss. Sour cream, cream cheese? I'm not very happy about it. To be fair, I've already cut out the majority of these things in my fight against lactose, but it doesn't make it any easier. In the next 30 days, I'm also planning on cutting out most of the processed shit that Americans live on. Here's the thing: I know how hard it is to eat well, I've been doing it since I started losing the 20 lbs I gained in 2008. However, I also know it can be done but much of my purpose in doing this is not only the hope of figuring out what the fuck is making me so sick, but also to try to put together some useful info for my friends (and other women) who do this traveling lifestyle. It is NOT easy. But the upside? I can afford it when I am on the road easier than when I am at home. Eating well is also not cheap, but I'm willing to give up things in other areas of my life (don't count on me giving up that Gucci savings fund, though) in order to feel well and be fit.

So, fried chicken, bye-bye. Pizzalicious? No mas. Jeni's? See you at the end of May for one last hurrah before I leave Columbus. Please save some cherry crisp for me. Sour patch kids, Bequet caramels, Mo's bacon bars? Farewell, friends. Jiggly thighs and ass? PEACE OUT! Sayonara suckers!

In my attempt to keep this at least somewhat entertaining, I'm going to try to seek out new things to eat on the road, quick and easy well-rounded meals to put together without an oven or microwave, and places to pick things up that can be cooked without butter (the Dairy Devil's Advocate) or crap. Oh, and you will get to hear all about my Jazzercise excursions! Kidding, I know you don't care.

My intention was never to make this an eating/fitness blog but since I am finding it's pretty much a huge part of not only my life, but everyone who lives out of a suitcase the majority of the time, I think it's necessary. Don't worry, I'll still update you on the other, more fun things in my life, like assholes on the plane (if I told you your music was so loud that I knew you were listening to Eminem, would you be embarassed? Because I would.)... and various other things.

Also, I keep getting asked what my favorite products are so I'm going to do an entry about that, soon!!!

Houston, You Old Dog!

2010-02-09T09:19:00.000-08:00

Jamba Juice! Taco Cabana! Palm Trees! Big, tall buildings! ETHNIC FOODS!!!

Austin, don't break up with me but... I sort of LOVE Houston! Color me surprised!

IDK, maybe it's just that I've spent 4 days stuck in Little Rock (AKA my personal hell), and another 20 hours in and out of airports, but I kind of never want to leave this place!

Maybe tonight I'll have the time and energy to actually detail the hell that was my day yesterday, but right now, I'm going to go bask in the sunshiny glory that is NOT BEING IN 2 FEET OF OHIO SNOW!!!

Let it Rock, Let it Roll, Let the Bible Belt Come and Save My Soul!

2010-02-08T23:30:00.000-08:00

Well, I think I can safely say that I will never, ever have the desire to move to Little Rock, AR. Seriously.

Also, I just want to throw a shout out to the woman sitting next to me from Little Rock to Atlanta wearing WAY too much perfume. Look, lady, I know you're Southern and therefore completely stupid, but I want to clue you in on this: RUDE! Oh, and to the two older gentlemen sitting behind me, shut the hell up!

Andddd.... I HATE!!!! kids. Officially.

Can anyone point out the theme here? Yes, it's been a TERRIBLY long day, I am exhausted and a little bit delirious. So here are my random thoughts. Oh, and if I hear ONE! MORE! Southern accent, ONE MORE "fixin' to," or "y'all," I am going to go off the motherfucking rails.

Also, don't the pilots get bored up there in their little cockpits? I mean, what do you do for hours on end if you can't do productive things like check facebook, facebook chat, stalk people on facebook, check your email or check the Craigslist missed connections? Or, say, read a book?

Do you know how many calories are in a bag of airplane peanuts? 70, with 6g of protein. You're welcome.

Home, But I Still Sweat Canada.

2010-01-29T18:52:00.000-08:00

So, I have 5 nights at home before I embark on a new journey. And by journey, I mean madness. I'm trying to make the most out of my time here at home. I love my city (queue Steve Perry: Ohhh, ohhh, ohhh, oh oh ohhh!)

Sarah and I went out to our Cheers this week, and relaxed to some amazing live music. I'm just going to be completely honest here, and not sugar coat anything; it is weird and creepy to stare. OK? Got it guys? At the very least, if you're going to stare at me for a good hour and a half, send me a drink for my services. Looking this good is NOT cheap. Yes, baldy, I mean you.

We're considering what time to leave, when we're summoned up to the bar (keep in mind, this is a Wednesday night, the bar is not exactly packed), by Baldy and his buddies. Never one to turn down an opportunity to tell someone to their face why I don't like them (read stop fucking staring, creep), we head up there. I'm getting ready to tell these guys to enjoy their night (alone) when I put two (they live in L.A.) and two (they work for a professional hockey team) together and realize they work for the Los Angeles Kings. For the record, I think I can forgive anyone for anything if they know the right people, or are Canadian. And these creepers just happen to fit both criteria. Ha, I'm kidding, they weren't creepers after we started talking and I heard that sweet, sweet Canadian accent!

So Baldy left me tickets to the game the following nights at will-call but we didn't go, which is too bad, I am hoping that the next time I'm in L.A. he can hook me up with the right people (obvious, I'm talking about the Kings players).

I'm hoping this blog will at the very least give me something to do from my hotel rooms, and give me a way to chronicle my travels. Hopefully, if any of you care, it will give you a way to figure out where I am and what the hell I'm doing. My hope is that I can find one thing to do, person to visit with, or amazing restaurant to eat at in each city. Any suggestions are welcome (as are invitations to buy me dinner). My other hope is that I don't get fat being away from home. You should all text, facebook, and e-mail me to remind me not to stuff my face, and to go to the hotel gym rather than staying in my room and watching Hulu. Thanks.

As a side note, I filter everything I write on Facebook, and a LOT of what I say the majority of the time, and I really don't want to have to filter this. If you don't like the F word, you should probably stop reading at the title of the post. Bon Voyage!