Beer me!

Today in my microeconomics class, the professor asked for an example of a "good" beer for use in one of his on the spot made up graphs. In my head, I'm thinking, "Ok, what about an IPA." Until one of the 18 year olds yells out, "Corona!" (She was so proud and excited about her answer too! Almost as if to say, "I can afford better beer than everyone else in here." You know, because Corona is so expensive.)

Anyways, her response made me think about a few things...

1. I was so fortunate in college to have parents who were able to provide for me. While they did not provide me with a lot of extra spending money, they were able to provide me with money to attend school, pay rent and utilities, and to eat. They also paid for my car payments, insurance, and cell phone bill - but only while I was enrolled in classes. If I wanted money to spend on my sorority, vacations, going out, drinking, etc., then I was expected to earn that money with a part time job. The only time I did not have a job in college was during my freshman year (I had to get acclimated, you know). But I will say that prior to that year in college, I held 3 jobs, attended high school honors/AP classes, and played volleyball and basketball year round. I also went home often during my freshman year and worked almost every waking hour at the vet's office that I so loved. (My younger brother, on the other hand, is a completely different story. To this day, the kid has only worked maybe 20 days in his entire life. Although he was required to cut the grass weekly once he was "of age.")

2. I am still so fortunate now to not only have a job, but have a job with a reputable company that I so adore. I've been very blessed in the job arena since graduating from college. I have always had a prospect or job waiting for me, no matter which city I chose to live in. When I made my final move from D.C. back to Wilmington, my old boss always said that I'd have a job in D.C. no matter when I chose to come back (if at all, which I won't, but it's a nice gesture). People like that make me believe them when they say that I'm a dedicated and passionate worker. I don't see it some days; I just think of it as getting the job done. I like to think that I have a good work ethic, but I don't really see it until someone else points it out to me.

3. With all that being said, I think credit is due to my parents. Mainly my mom for keeping us all so grounded. Since my parents divorced when I was so young, and since I spent most of my free time with my mom, one would think that I'd grow up to be damaged and somehow dysfunctional. But I'm not. My mom provided me with a completely normal and loving environment growing up, and my dad was still 100% involved in my life. My grandparents were also a heavy influence, as I spent almost every weekend and summer at their house. This is how I acquired my work ethic and love of reading, nature, and science. Suffice it to say, my grandparents are just as important to me as my parents.

You're probably wondering how I could get to thinking about all that from the mention of Corona, and I'll attempt to explain it as best as I can...

First I got to thinking about the beer I drink now and then I pressed the rewind button in an attempt to remember what I drank in college. That then got me to thinking about how my experiences in college were probably so different from kids' experiences now, and how those experiences probably stemmed from the way I was raised. (Aside: I feel that kids these days have absolutely no discipline or self worth, and that's due to the lack of parenting. I honestly feel that my generation was the last to truly be raised correctly, and even a few of those slipped through the cracks. Whatever we're doing now to raise kids just isn't working.) This then transgressed to thinking about my family, our ethics and morals, and expectations out of life.

And then came this blog post.

P.S. - I just realized a funny fact! And yes, I literally laughed out loud... my microeconomics professor asked about beer. His last name is Beer. HAHA!

Mother's Wisdom

When I was a kid, my mom would sometimes remind me, "If you don't have anything nice to say, then you shouldn't say anything at all."

I have tried to carry this motto into my adulthood but from time to time, it just doesn't work too well for me. Sometimes people just need to be told how dumb they are!

Am I wrong here?

Yeah, I didn't think so.

Found: Hairdresser

A small miracle has occurred... I have found a new hairdresser - a hairdresser that I actually like!

Kristi at Harbour Club Day Spa & Salon was recommended to me by multiple friends, without any prompting from me or others. (Another stylist at the same salon came highly recommended, so I figured this place was a safe bet.) It turns out that Kristi and I have a few mutual friends in common, and she also knows my boss. I would say that it's a small world, but we all know that this town really is small.

Kristi gave me a great trim and even gave me some pointers for styling my bangs. I can just never seem to get those right! She also dried and styled my hair faster than anyone I've ever encountered. My appointment was at 5 p.m. and I was out of there by 6. That is absolutely unheard of! But it worked perfectly for me since I had a girls night planned that involved yummy chicken curry and wine :)

Aside: Recall that back in June, I had written that my hairdresser, Andrea, was about to move to San Diego. (She's doing fabulous and loves it there, by the way!) I am so glad that I've found someone to replace Andrea, although no one can really replace her.

26 hours in a day

If there were at least 2 more hours in each day, I think the probability of me surviving the next 3 months would exponentially increase.

When I was in undergrad, I never understood how people would work full time AND attend classes on a full time basis (some also tended to families). Now that I have become one of those crazy adults, I still don't understand how people do it. I've only made it through one full week of classes and I'm not quite sure how I'm still functioning.

I have somehow managed to [almost] close out everything at my soon to be "old" job, get things in order for my "new" job, attend 3 classes on campus, "attend" one class online, do homework and read for said classes, work out, and play volleyball. Phew.

Notice that I didn't mention sleep. That's because I haven't gotten any. (I also didn't mention showering or eating, but rest assured that those tasks are being taken care of.) Between working 60-70 hour weeks and keeping up with schoolwork, there just isn't time to sleep. And I love to sleep.

Last Saturday, I had to attend a board meeting for work for close to 7 hours. I barely had time to get home, shower, change clothes, and get my butt across town for a bartending gig. I attempted to meet some friends for a few drinks downtown, but barely made it through one. I collapsed into bed around 1 a.m. and slept until noon on Sunday. WHO DOES THAT?!?! Apparently, I needed the sleep. But I haven't slept much since then. WHO AM I!??!

School really isn't the issue. I can easily make time to study on my lunch break, before bed, or even during class. It's work that's killing me. A normal work week consists of 40 hours. But because our staff is so small, and because events season is starting again, and because I'm attempting to tie up loose ends before I leave, I have been working 60-70 hour weeks. For those of you who know me well, you know that I am absolutely miserable doing this. For those of you who don't know me well, I will explain to you why...

- working that much does not allow me time to work out

- nor does it allow me time to sleep

- nor does it allow me time to keep my life in order (read: my closet tends to throw up all over my room)

- the people I work with drive me insane

Thankfully, I work half a day tomorrow (Friday), a full day on Monday, and half a day on Tuesday. That's roughly 20 hours of time I have to spend in my office with a staff that has slowly started to drain my soul. No no, I'm not counting down or anything.

However, I will say that last week was a bit out of character for me. I was house/dog sitting; I had to work 2 events for work; and I had a bartending job that isn't normal for me. So I was veering away from my usual routine. Even if I veer away the tiniest bit from that routine, my whole week is thrown off.

Anyways, this week has been somewhat more normal. My sleep schedule is almost back to normal although I still don't think I'm getting enough. I'm just ready for my new job to start so I can kick these work outs up into high gear.

20 more hours, 20 more hours, 20 more hours...

Sassy & Single

This article made me laugh. And not because it sounds like something I would do. But because these women sound like they could be two of my friends.

While they bring information to light that some may be unaware of, I [sadly] have already figured this out. Sometimes I'm just too smart for my own good. :)

This article also made me further realize that I have absolutely no desire to date. Anyone. Period. For a long time.

Call me broken, scarred, bruised - whatever you want. But that isn't the case. Apparently some think that I'm abnormal because I'm completely content not being in a relationship. I'm sorry, but last I checked, that was called "being comfortable with myself."

It amazes me how some of my friends long to be in a relationship and "with" someone. We all have those friends who bounce from relationship to relationship, regardless of whether or not it's in their best interest. These people are no weaker than I am; I have simply chosen to live my life differently.

I have found that I am:

1. comfortable enough with myself to be alone

2. too completely consumed with my career and school to worry about someone else

3. having too much fun being single (i.e. able to do what I want, when I want)

I don't know what my future holds so I really try not to say things like "I don't ever want to get married." (Unfortunately, I misplaced my crystal ball in 1993 and therefore lost my ability to look into the future.) I'm simply saying that for the next 5 to 10 years, I am completely content continuing as I always have: alone.

Reality Is Sinking In

HOLY CRAP.

I quit my job.

Granted, it was a week ago, but it's finally sinking in. I wish I could tell some glamorous story as to why I quit my job, but I really can't. I wish I could say that I've quit so that I can travel the world for a year, or so that I can go back to school for my Ph.D, or so that I can move to The Keys to work in a dive shop under every tourist's beck and call. But alas, I cannot.

I am simply moving to another department on campus. However, I am VERY comfortable with my current job. I have molded it the way I want it and completely reorganized everything in that office. All that is left to do is maintain it. Maintenance bores me. Hence, the job search and me stepping outside of my comfort zone.

I would randomly apply for jobs here and there, mainly at the suggestion of a co-worker. The job that I accepted and will start September 1 had completely fallen off of my radar by the time I was called for an interview.

I was interviewed on a Thursday morning. My boss was called Friday morning for a reference. The woman conducting the interview was on vacation the following week. I was offered the position the next Monday and I accepted on Tuesday. I told my boss the following Monday, giving him over 3.5 weeks of notice (which he greatly appreciated). The posting to find my replacement was posted online today (and yes, I wrote it).

Now, the reason I say it's just now finally sinking in is this: I have an incredible amount of work to do to prepare my replacement for the daily tasks of my job. I thought a month would be plenty of time to work the 6 events that we have planned, conduct my normal daily duties, plan a BOD meeting, and compose a job manual for my position. Boy was I wrong!

Per usual, random "emergencies" keep popping up on an almost hourly basis which tears me away from my daily tasks which in turn tears me away from composing the job manual.

On top of all of this, my full time classes start on Wednesday. What on Earth was I thinking?!?!

Clearly, I am Superwoman.

The Rat Race

Holy cow! Has it really been 2 weeks since my last post?! Oh how time flies...

As I was leisurely driving to work this morning (read: going the speed limit), there were multiple cars who sped by me at least 15 mph faster than the rest of the vehicles on the road. But guess what? I met up with them again - at the stoplight. Is it really necessary to go 60 mph on a little country road, just to sit at a stop light with everyone whom you passed 5 seconds ago?

Call me crazy, but I am in no rush to get to work in the mornings.

organ donation

Do me a favor and read this article. Do you think that accused killers should be eligible to receive organ transplants? What about people who have ruined their organs in an attempt to commit suicide?

I do believe in equality for everyone. However, I do not feel that someone who has taken a life, in addition to attempting to take their own, should be "allowed" to receive a life saving organ transplant. I mean, this guy swallowed rat poison so he obviously did not want to live.

It's people like this who deserve to receive organs. I may be partial to this one because this is my cousin, but she's just one example of a life worth saving.

I personally am an organ donor. I really don't see the point in keeping your organs inside your body if you're just going to be buried/cremated. The doctors are not going to "kill" you just because they see the organ donor designation on your driver's license. Don't be selfish.

Inception

Rachael was in town over the weekend and suggested we go see Inception one afternoon. Oh sure, twist my arm.

I also wanted to see this movie, as I had heard from multiple people - most of whom cannot stand to sit through a 2 hour movie, let alone a 2.5 hour movie - that this was an amazing movie. I did some research into the theme/summary of the movie and was thoroughly confused. I then accepted the fact that I was going to have to rely on other people's opinions and just go into this movie blind. So I did. And the movie was phenomenal.

The acting was amazing. The directing and production was even more amazing. The special effects looked real and not computerized. The complexity of the characters and the plot is mind blowing. Christopher Nolan is a genius. I can't even imagine what goes on inside his head when creating these movies, let alone when writing the script. I really cannot put into words the experience that this movie offers to the viewers. You're just going to have to go see for yourself!

An aside: I really don't understand all the fuss about Leonardo DiCaprio. I mean, he is a great actor and some of my favorite movies have him as the lead character, but I just do not find him attractive. At all. He does, however, choose excellent movie rolls.

I do believe that Inception raked in over 70$ million opening weekend; I'm sure it was close to that again this past weekend. I gladly contributed my 7$ (hello, matinée!) and will probably contribute at least another 10$. Maybe even 20$ if I can find multiple people to attend.

phone [over]use

It really drives me crazy when a person is constantly on his/her phone. I understand that technology is important these days, and I know that texting and/or emailing is one of the easiest ways for people to stay in touch with each other. I get it. I really do. But I do not understand how an individual can ignore the other people they are with (say, at dinner) and just sit and text the entire time. Not only is that rude, but it's disrespectful. If you'd rather be talking to someone else, then just stay home and talk to them. Or better yet, go spend time with whoever you're texting!

I personally love it when I "forget" my phone and am without it for a few hours. My favorite is actually when I'm in Europe and am without phone for weeks at a time. I don't even like to get on a computer when I'm over there. Yes, I prefer to be completely detached from all forms of technology.

For those of you who are reading this and are constantly on your phone, please do all of us who are able to leave our phones in our purses a favor: put the phone down. At least while you're with us.

attack of the whales

I like to tell people that I'm a marine biologist. Because really, that's what I got my degree in at university. I just leave out the fact that I'm not a practicing marine biologist.

Naturally, all of the news stories regarding whales and sharks recently has been front page news in my life.

A humpback whale was spotted in Ocean City, MD back in June. I find this odd.



A southern right whale was recently seen breaching and landed on a sailboat off the coast of South Africa. Now that is really weird.



I hope they have good insurance.

Kefi's

Every day on my way off of the island, I drive past Kefi. And every morning I am amazed at the mass of people sitting outside on the patio enjoying breakfast. From a bar.

The only time I have ever been to Kefi's is for the occasional Machine Gun show or Stache Bash celebration.

I have never eaten breakfast at Kefi's (or at any bar, for that matter), nor have I met anyone in town who has eaten breakfast at this establishment. If you have, or if you know someone who has, please tell me the obsession with this spot!

writing utensils

When writing at work, I often write with a natural pencil.

Those with the white erasers are my favorite.



But sometimes I can't find them so I have to make due with the pink eraser natural pencils.



I always get really excited when I find an excellent writing utensil. Normally, I will take notes, etc. with a natural pencil and sign documents, etc. with a kick ass pen. I don't know what it is about the natural pencils that appeals to me but I won't use a pencil unless it's natural. Or mechanical. But it has to be a Bic.



I am now taking suggestions for kick ass pens. No fine points, please.

Chick fil A breakfast

I love Chick fil A! I could eat there at any hour of the day and fill my belly with something delicious.

However, my favorite meal to indulge in while at the CFA is breakfast. Specifically, the chicken biscuit.



I have always had a minor obsession with CFA. When I lived in Vegas, the closest CFA was in CA, about 2.5 hours away. Once I moved back to the east coast where CFA's are around every corner, I felt the need to make up for lost time. I do believe that I had CFA for at least 2 meals a day for the first month I was back in MD. I'm not exaggerating either - just ask my mother. (I was also 20 lbs heavier then. I wonder why?)

Normally, I try not to indulge in fast food. But if I must, I always find myself at CFA. I try to get just chicken since protein is the healthiest thing there, but every now and then I go for the fries or hash browns. I just can't help myself!

A coworker of mine received an extra chicken biscuit on her drive through experience at CFA today and kindly offered it to me. I found this mighty convenient, seeing as how I ran out the door without eating breakfast. I didn't think I was all that hungry, but before I knew it, the chicken biscuit had disappeared into my tummy. Whoopsies!

I really am a healthy eater - I swear! I think the last time I had CFA (or any fast food, for that matter) was about a month ago. I try to hit CFA only once a month, if that. The rest of the time, it's boring grilled chicken, veggies, and salad.

Sigh.

WHAT am I doing?!

Sometimes I wonder what the heck I'm doing with my life. Do you ever feel that way?

I went to university and got a degree in the only subject area that interested me - biology/chemistry. But of course I don't use it now! In order to use my degree, I'd have to go to grad school. After 4 straight years of classes (full summer sessions included), I just didn't want to do another 2 year program. But now, I have decided to go back to uni for yet another degree.

This time around, I have chosen accounting since you know, I've basically been an accountant for the past 5 years. I think that since I'm paying for the classes this time around, I'll be slightly more motivated to continue further after this program is complete. Hopefully. Fingers crossed.

It will take 4 semesters (possibly 3) to complete my second degree; a 2 semester Master's program will follow immediately after. And then I will sit for a 4 part exam to become a CPA.

Clearly, I have gone insane.

I haven't quite figured out what I want to do after all of this. I mean, I can move anywhere and take the different sections of the CPA exam. California has really been on my mind a lot the past couple of years. It's like the east coast, but warmer - all the time. My only requirements when moving somewhere are warm weather and a beach. Last I checked, CA was the leader of that pack. And conveniently enough, I have both friends AND family in CA. Granted, my mother will freak out on me but that's to be expected. She really shouldn't be surprised by my crazy moves anymore.

Ideally, I'd like to live/work/travel in Europe for at least a year. So I will definitely make an attempt to get a job over there after my accounting degree is complete (hopefully with one of the top 5 accounting firms in the world since they have offices all over). If that works out, great. If it doesn't, then I think I shall move west.

Come 2012, I think I'll need some new challenges...

Silly Bandz!

I have a mild obsession with Silly Bandz. And no, I am not 7. But my niece is! Anytime someone looks at me with a face that says, "Aren't you too old to be wearing silly bandz?" I immediately use Camryn as an excuse. "Oh, these are for my niece." Or, "My niece gave these to me." Why do I feel the need to defend myself to these people? I have no idea. I love silly bandz! And they're highly entertaining during boring meetings. Some days I forget which ones I threw on so it's like a guessing game that keeps me occupied through boring lectures.

My favorite silly band thus far (aside from the giraffe, obviously) is the hedgehog.



How can you not love that adorable fella?!

I was on the official SB website the other day, and I found a "beach" set. Apparently, these are UV activated! I must obtain a set stat.

What will they think of next?!

To Kill a Mockingbird

I am ashamed to admit that I have never read To Kill a Mockingbird.



Even my friends who despise reading claim to have read this novel and loved it. Granted, it was required reading in high school but they still read it nonetheless. How was this book not assigned for my required reading?! Oh, that's right - I had idiot teachers who liked to make their students suffer by reading Grendel and Beowulf. You know, books that we gain nothing from and will never ever need to reference ever again!

At the urging of one of my lawyer friends, I finally borrowed this book from the library. It is a super easy read - it offers a nice respite from the work day during my lunch break. I actually just started this book yesterday and am already half way through it (yes, I'm a fast reader). I fully intend to have this finished in a couple of days after a few porch sitting sessions.

While I'm not all that impressed yet with this novel, I'm hoping that the time will come. As I mentioned before, many people have said that this is one of their favorite books of all time. Seeing as how I read far more than they do, I doubt it will become one of my favorites of all time. Maybe one of my favorite classic novels, but not of all time. That's just crazy talk!

Upon further researching the author of this novel, Harper Lee, I discovered that she helped Truman Capote conduct some research for one of his novels, In Cold Blood (which is also on my "to read" list). I guess really will read about anything, won't I!?

Having missed out on this piece of classic literature is making me wonder what other popular works I have skipped over in my lifetime. If you have any suggestions, feel free to send them my way - I'm always up for a good read!

---

UPDATE:

I have finally completed this novel. As I neared the end, it was a little harder for me to get through. Probably because I kept putting it down in the middle of Atticus's trial and then when I picked the book back up the next day, I'd forget what I had read the day before. Such is life. (Well, such is my life.)

I wasn't as impressed with this book as everyone else was. I do feel, however, that this is a great book to assign to high schoolers for summer reading. It teaches great lessons about equality and honesty. If I had read this book 15 years ago, it probably would have made it onto my "favorites" list. These days, the book just isn't challenging enough for an old brain like mine.

Cruel Intentions

One of my all time favorite movies from the late 90's/early 2000's is Cruel Intentions. This movie stars Ryan Phillippe, Sara Michelle Gellar, and Reese Witherspoon.



At the time that this movie was made, most of the actors were fairly unknown. Well, except for maybe SMG as she was on WB's Buffy, the Vampire Slayer which Megan forced me to watch almost daily while in college...

I saw this movie once in high school and didn't watch it again until I came to college. I started dating this guy the summer between my freshman and sophomore years and we watched this movie almost weekly. We were on and off for 3 years and this movie was a constant during whatever our relationship was. I think the DVD wore out its welcome during that relationship because I have only watched it maybe 3 times since graduation. If the movie is on TV, however, I must stop all that I am doing to watch it. I don't know what the appeal is for me - the scandal in the movie or the time in my life during which I fell in love with the story. Regardless, it's nice to escape the real world that is my life, even if only for a couple of hours.

After seeing this movie for the 100th time, I found out that in real life, Reese had actually been pregnant with Ryan's child during filming. (Of course, by the time this information was brought to my attention, they were already married with another child on the way.) In some scenes, you can definitely tell that she's a little heavier than in others. I wonder if that's why she was in a one piece bathing suit during the pool scene?

At the end of the movie, Reese Witherspoon's character is driving Ryan Phillippe's character's old roadster and "Bittersweet Symphony" (performed by The Verve) is playing. Every time I hear this song, regardless of place and time, I'm always taken back to that scene. I like to pretend that it's me driving an old convertible through the French countryside.

Sure, call me a dork. But one day when it happens, you'll be begging for a ride!

shake the glitter off your... boots?

As horrible as this is probably going to sound coming from someone in her late 20's, I'm going to say it anyways: I love shopping at Forever 21. My friends and I adoringly refer to it as "Forever Til You Wash It" or simply, "XXI."

While I do feel like some of the recent trends are too young for me, there are many pieces I will purchase separately to spice up a dull work outfit. I love the delicate and romantic sleeveless shirts that can be worn under a sweater or jacket from NY&Co. or Banana Republic and paired with a simple pair of khaki pants. I love the tunics that can be worn over a pair of colored tights with a boyfriend jacket and riding boots in the fall/winter months. There are some pieces, however, that really have me questioning the XXI designers and the people who purchase their "designs." Case in point:



Now I have never purchased a pair of shoes from Forever 21 so I cannot speak to how comfortable or resilient they are. While they have had cute pairs that I have longed to purchase, I just couldn't convince myself to bite the bullet. However, I may have to purchase these babies sometime soon:



Anyways, back to the issue at hand: glittery boots. Who in their right mind would purchase those suckers?! And what exactly would they wear them with? I mean, I know what I would pair them up with if I were to purchase them for a theme party outfit or Halloween costume. I also know that there are young girls out there who will willingly pay the 30$ for those boots and wear them out on a regular Friday/Saturday night downtown. I just wonder what skanalicious outfit they have matched with them.

I bet the next time I'm out downtown, I'll see someone in those hideous boots. I will then take a picture and post for all to see, because I know you're wondering the same thing I am: Why?

It really is perfect!

When my sister visited me at the beach in May, she unknowingly left behind her Cover Girl Perfect Blend brown eyeliner. I didn't even discover this little gem laying on my floor until a week after she had left. I decided that since she hadn't called me the next day in a panic, wondering if she had left the pencil at my house, she probably wouldn't mind too much if I kept it for my own use.

Exhibit A:



Upon my return to work on whatever day it was, I decided to use the CG brown eyeliner instead of my normal Sephora brand black eyeliner. I had actually been meaning to get to the store and purchase some brown eyeliner, as I have heard that it makes brown eyes "pop" a bit. Alas, my trip was delayed because I rarely ever use eyeliner other than the Sephora brand (I always have a hefty supply of at least 3 sticks!). Sephora eyeliner has served me well for the past 8+ years and I always feel bad veering away from a trusty friend.

I really am not one to branch out and try new products. The new products I do try are usually recommendations from my sister, as she is a hair/make-up/skin product whore and will try anything new coming onto the market. I love that she does that though because then I know what to try for myself!

Anyways, I'm glad that Jenna left the CG stick at my house because it is honestly the best eyeliner I have ever used! I've been wearing eyeliner since I was 11 years old (don't judge me - it was the grunge era when I started) so I've tested a few different brands. Why I never discovered this particular line of CG is beyond me.

When I called Jenna to tell her about how amazing the eyeliner is that she left behind, her response was, "Yeah, I've been using it since seventh grade - I love it!"

Ummm, hello, how has she kept this secret from me for so long?! We're sisters. We've shared a house, a room, a bathroom, a mirror... how have I not delved into her make up bag and stolen this from her before now?! (Not that I stole it this time, but you get my drift.)

I was telling my friend Cassie this story last weekend and her response was similar: "Oh yeah, I love Cover Girl Perfect Blend. See, I'm using it now! I've used this since I was in middle school."

People - really!?!? You must share these secrets with me!