When did it become acceptable to talk on the phone in a public bathroom? As far as I know, it is still taboo to have a conversation with anyone when conducting business and it is certainly not cool to strike up a conversation with a stranger, so how on earth could it be acceptable to have an open telephone conversation…in a bathroom? We don’t even let boys in there! Are conversations really that important that you can’t wait just a few minutes? Do you really dislike your phone friend so much that you are willing to risk them suffering through the sewer symphonies with you? Do you know that we can hear your entire conversation? Do you know that I now hate you and am fuming in the next stall...dangerous.
I put up with your annoying phone conversation in the dressing room, checkout line, tiny elevator, library, restaurant, airplane, grocery store, bank, concert, movie, bus (ok I don’t ride the bus, but if I did it would be really annoying), but can you please respect the sacredness of the ladies restroom?
It’s time to make a choice – pee or phone. I promise the acoustics are horrible and next time I’m not holding anything in!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
What the Nike shorts?!
So, is it just me or does the University of Texas have a new dress code?
While on my break earlier, I counted 43 girls wearing Nike color-blocked running shorts. Really?! Now, granted, they were of varying colors and sizes but there were 43 people in a 5 min window wearing the EXACT SAME item of clothing. If you don’t know what shorts I’m talking about, then I’m afraid, you are more behind in the fashion world than I - shame on you. Oh and if you are asking why I was counting them, you are missing the point and well...my job is really boring.
So apparently, work-out clothes are the new college uniform in 2009. Why does everyone seem to know this? Maybe there was a critical Tweet I missed while checking Facebook, but I surely did not get that memo. However, I don’t think I get the fashion either. Sure, they look pretty comfortable and it is really hot here, but if running shorts are what you wear to class what is it that you wear while running? Isn’t that why they are called running shorts? I’m just being practical.
I suppose I might be slightly biased being that I went to BYU and we had a strict honor code that kept Polos and khakis in constant style. I just feel like people should wear real clothes in public. Maybe that’s far too old school and I need to start embracing the trend tides. Perhaps kids now-a-days are all about multi-tasking, you know, “I’m not only a student but also an athlete”. I could support that, especially if neither had to actually be true.
While on my break earlier, I counted 43 girls wearing Nike color-blocked running shorts. Really?! Now, granted, they were of varying colors and sizes but there were 43 people in a 5 min window wearing the EXACT SAME item of clothing. If you don’t know what shorts I’m talking about, then I’m afraid, you are more behind in the fashion world than I - shame on you. Oh and if you are asking why I was counting them, you are missing the point and well...my job is really boring.
So apparently, work-out clothes are the new college uniform in 2009. Why does everyone seem to know this? Maybe there was a critical Tweet I missed while checking Facebook, but I surely did not get that memo. However, I don’t think I get the fashion either. Sure, they look pretty comfortable and it is really hot here, but if running shorts are what you wear to class what is it that you wear while running? Isn’t that why they are called running shorts? I’m just being practical.
I suppose I might be slightly biased being that I went to BYU and we had a strict honor code that kept Polos and khakis in constant style. I just feel like people should wear real clothes in public. Maybe that’s far too old school and I need to start embracing the trend tides. Perhaps kids now-a-days are all about multi-tasking, you know, “I’m not only a student but also an athlete”. I could support that, especially if neither had to actually be true.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Solicited, unsolicited compliment.
I don’t think there is any question that we all love to be complimented and praised. It feels awesome to be told you’re fantastic. A really good, unexpected compliment can literally make your day. Of course, some of us require more compliments than others to stay afloat, which can quickly become annoying. Personally I find that when I’m not satisfied I’ll just compliment myself, but still, compliments are much appreciated and in general a healthy level of reinforcement benefits us all.
The extremely frustrating and irrational expectation is when we want someone to tell us something nice but we certainly don’t want to have to ask for it. I find this occurring most often with the opposite sex being that same gendered friends are usually more aware of each others’ nondescript codes. In general we want to be noticed for things like our outfit or shoes or general amazingness but we don’t want to presumptuously point it out. Then on top of that, we want to hear the "right" thing not just anything. In reality this is a problem on at least two levels, we can’t control what someone else does or thinks and second, we really need to find a way to be happy with ourselves with what we can control, our own opinions.
I rediscovered this little paradox yet again this weekend when I found myself fishing for reassurances from my friend about something rather silly. It didn’t work, as it rarely does. After I walked away disappointed I thought, why didn’t I just say – hey, buddy, it would be great if you would tell me this right now because I really need to hear it, but don’t say it like I told you to say it, make it seem like you were going to say it and don’t forget to mean it. Somehow saying such a truthful statement out loud manages to miss the entire point. Fiddlestix.
Sometimes I think life would be easier if we were all comfortable enough to say so boldly what we want/expect/need from each other but then I think about it for 5 seconds and remember why it is probably best I keep those things to myself…or to a blog.
The extremely frustrating and irrational expectation is when we want someone to tell us something nice but we certainly don’t want to have to ask for it. I find this occurring most often with the opposite sex being that same gendered friends are usually more aware of each others’ nondescript codes. In general we want to be noticed for things like our outfit or shoes or general amazingness but we don’t want to presumptuously point it out. Then on top of that, we want to hear the "right" thing not just anything. In reality this is a problem on at least two levels, we can’t control what someone else does or thinks and second, we really need to find a way to be happy with ourselves with what we can control, our own opinions.
I rediscovered this little paradox yet again this weekend when I found myself fishing for reassurances from my friend about something rather silly. It didn’t work, as it rarely does. After I walked away disappointed I thought, why didn’t I just say – hey, buddy, it would be great if you would tell me this right now because I really need to hear it, but don’t say it like I told you to say it, make it seem like you were going to say it and don’t forget to mean it. Somehow saying such a truthful statement out loud manages to miss the entire point. Fiddlestix.
Sometimes I think life would be easier if we were all comfortable enough to say so boldly what we want/expect/need from each other but then I think about it for 5 seconds and remember why it is probably best I keep those things to myself…or to a blog.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Shopaholic? Nah.
I just finished watching another movie based on a bestselling novel, Confessions of a Shopaholic. It was disappointing but that is not my point. The main character is clearly out of her mind. She is helpless in the sight of shiny, new things and credit cards rule her life. Arguably her biggest flaw, however, is her horrific taste, but that is just my opinion.
As I watched this movie I discovered I was reassuring myself, out loud. I am not like her, I would never buy that much crap. Yes, I bought two pairs of shoes last night but they were so cute and they were on sale!
After a long look in the mirror - while wearing my new turquoise leather sandals - I came to the conclusion that shopping does not control my life and unlike the flaky protagonist, I am certainly not in debt. I do, however, buy things I don't need with money I could be saving for more important things...I guess.
The quick journey with our irrational buyer ends with her realization that her spending is really an attempt to define her entire life. What she owns is who she is. Once she decides to embrace who she really is inside she finds, of course, that she no longer needs all those things.
During a group meeting with the other shopaholics, the credit card queen explains all the reasons she loves to buy things. The stores are beautiful and they never let you down. The flutter in your heart when you find the perfect purse and the buttery comfort that follows as the credit card swipes to complete the purchase. All of these things, I totally understand and, I must admit, hit rather close to home.
I shop because I love it and I shop for how it can make me feel. A perfectly cut pair of jeans provides that additional confidence and excitement for a date. The purchase of a beautiful pair of shoes soothes my aching heart. A new dress makes a crappy week worthwhile and sparkling jewelry celebrates accomplishments. Shopping indeed regulates me and that, I'm afraid, is the true addiction.
There is no question that it is never a good idea to rely on 'things' to control feelings. I must remain the boss of me and this is why it's important to be aware of attempts to purchase happiness for surely it will go out of style, doomed to hang in the closet. On the other hand, it really is a crime to leave a clearance pair of red patent leather pumps in the store. C'est la vie.
As I watched this movie I discovered I was reassuring myself, out loud. I am not like her, I would never buy that much crap. Yes, I bought two pairs of shoes last night but they were so cute and they were on sale!
After a long look in the mirror - while wearing my new turquoise leather sandals - I came to the conclusion that shopping does not control my life and unlike the flaky protagonist, I am certainly not in debt. I do, however, buy things I don't need with money I could be saving for more important things...I guess.
The quick journey with our irrational buyer ends with her realization that her spending is really an attempt to define her entire life. What she owns is who she is. Once she decides to embrace who she really is inside she finds, of course, that she no longer needs all those things.
During a group meeting with the other shopaholics, the credit card queen explains all the reasons she loves to buy things. The stores are beautiful and they never let you down. The flutter in your heart when you find the perfect purse and the buttery comfort that follows as the credit card swipes to complete the purchase. All of these things, I totally understand and, I must admit, hit rather close to home.
I shop because I love it and I shop for how it can make me feel. A perfectly cut pair of jeans provides that additional confidence and excitement for a date. The purchase of a beautiful pair of shoes soothes my aching heart. A new dress makes a crappy week worthwhile and sparkling jewelry celebrates accomplishments. Shopping indeed regulates me and that, I'm afraid, is the true addiction.
There is no question that it is never a good idea to rely on 'things' to control feelings. I must remain the boss of me and this is why it's important to be aware of attempts to purchase happiness for surely it will go out of style, doomed to hang in the closet. On the other hand, it really is a crime to leave a clearance pair of red patent leather pumps in the store. C'est la vie.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Self: Noted
I’ve had a lot of ‘Hmm...’ moments recently. I would like to say they were ‘Aha!’ moments of brilliant realizations but instead these are more like those in which you realize you did something silly or just blanked on common sense all together. I know you know exactly what I’m talking about.
Note to self:
If you leave a leaky cooler in your trunk, the entire thing will get wet, and if you live in Texas it will grow mold overnight and subsequently stink up your entire car, really bad.
If you decide to go tubing on a river in Texas during a drought, plan on carrying your tube instead of floating on it.
If you stop eating sugar for an entire month you will have nightmares about cookies.
Your eyelids are skin and as such can also get sunburned.
If your window blinds are slats up instead of down, a sheer curtain alone will not block the wide open view of your room from the swimmers in the pool below.
The paste on envelopes still does not taste good.
If you fall asleep under a tree, no doubt a punk squirrel will drop an acorn on your head.
Texans do not know how to merge, protect yourself by incorporating the constant honk and swerve technique.
If you call in sick but then show up sunburned the next day people might be slightly suspicious.
If the gas light comes on in your car, it is not a test, you are about to be out of gas.
Although some fine cheeses are moldy, hand grown refrigerator mold is not the same.
If you try to read a book while walking down stairs there is a high probability you will end up on your tookus.
Lastly, boys and girls never have and never will speak the same language.
Note to self:
If you leave a leaky cooler in your trunk, the entire thing will get wet, and if you live in Texas it will grow mold overnight and subsequently stink up your entire car, really bad.
If you decide to go tubing on a river in Texas during a drought, plan on carrying your tube instead of floating on it.
If you stop eating sugar for an entire month you will have nightmares about cookies.
Your eyelids are skin and as such can also get sunburned.
If your window blinds are slats up instead of down, a sheer curtain alone will not block the wide open view of your room from the swimmers in the pool below.
The paste on envelopes still does not taste good.
If you fall asleep under a tree, no doubt a punk squirrel will drop an acorn on your head.
Texans do not know how to merge, protect yourself by incorporating the constant honk and swerve technique.
If you call in sick but then show up sunburned the next day people might be slightly suspicious.
If the gas light comes on in your car, it is not a test, you are about to be out of gas.
Although some fine cheeses are moldy, hand grown refrigerator mold is not the same.
If you try to read a book while walking down stairs there is a high probability you will end up on your tookus.
Lastly, boys and girls never have and never will speak the same language.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
A Raccoon?!
This morning as I entered my office I was greeted by a hallway full of my coworkers. They were all starring at me. One of them finally said:
“You can’t go back there.”
Ok.
“There is a raccoon on the loose back there!!”
What?
“Yeah, a raccoon fell through the ceiling and is now running up and down the halls!”
Seriously? That is awesome.
The office was to be evacuated immediately. We must maintain a safe distance while we wait for the superb UT animal control force to hunt down the raccoon on the run. I was a lucky one, freed from both the confines of desk work and a terrifying hostage situation. The entire back half of my office mates were not as lucky. They found themselves trapped by the menacing mammal scurrying along the cubical walls and were directed to barricade themselves in the back room with cabinets and boxes...hm.
So, I took this short raccoon enforced break to catch up on some light reading: Harry Potter: The Prisoner of Azkaban – I know, people say I’m a little behind. Approximately 25 min later, a young lad – no more than 16 – comes strutting down the hallway, free of eye contact, with a large animal carrier, gloves and two large nets in hand. He was here to save us all and he means business. I was informed later that he is one of only three people on campus certified for this type of rescue mission – outstanding. Six minutes and 58 seconds later, out came our hero accompanied by a uniformed officer holding the now occupied metal carrier. Their chests stood proud as they walked down the hall of honor and grand applause. The raccoon has been captured. Well done, men.
So there it is, just another day at the office here at UT. And if you think this is entertaining, get ready, because bat season is just around the corner...
“You can’t go back there.”
Ok.
“There is a raccoon on the loose back there!!”
“Yeah, a raccoon fell through the ceiling and is now running up and down the halls!”
Seriously? That is awesome.
The office was to be evacuated immediately. We must maintain a safe distance while we wait for the superb UT animal control force to hunt down the raccoon on the run. I was a lucky one, freed from both the confines of desk work and a terrifying hostage situation. The entire back half of my office mates were not as lucky. They found themselves trapped by the menacing mammal scurrying along the cubical walls and were directed to barricade themselves in the back room with cabinets and boxes...hm.
So, I took this short raccoon enforced break to catch up on some light reading: Harry Potter: The Prisoner of Azkaban – I know, people say I’m a little behind. Approximately 25 min later, a young lad – no more than 16 – comes strutting down the hallway, free of eye contact, with a large animal carrier, gloves and two large nets in hand. He was here to save us all and he means business. I was informed later that he is one of only three people on campus certified for this type of rescue mission – outstanding. Six minutes and 58 seconds later, out came our hero accompanied by a uniformed officer holding the now occupied metal carrier. Their chests stood proud as they walked down the hall of honor and grand applause. The raccoon has been captured. Well done, men.
So there it is, just another day at the office here at UT. And if you think this is entertaining, get ready, because bat season is just around the corner...
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Sugar Free June
That’s right, for 30 days I will be sugar free with the added bonus of removing carbonated beverages...more specifically, caffeine, from my diet. Before everyone goes crazy, rushing to remind me that it is impossible to be entirely sugar free let me clarify: I have removed "junk" sugars from my diet but maintaining natural sugars like fruit as well those incidental sugars in bread, etc.
Why on earth am I doing this? Well, good question. I figured since the 5k is over (which I totally ran in 42 min) I needed another goal which would increase my overall health and happiness...and give me more bragging rights. I’m looking to purge the system, shock the body into a more efficient processing machine and stimulate more weight loss.
Even with all these excellent reasons, what it really all comes down to is that 2009 is a year of conquering for me. I conquered Ireland, a 5k, some heavy reading and now it is time to tackle sugar and caffeine. Once I finally decided on them, my first few goals ended up being fairly reasonable to accomplish and sustained a high yield of gratification making them extra rewarding. I’m hoping June will continue on this path of amazinginess.
Today is sugar free day 4 and it is has not been easy. There have been incidents of severe headaches, a bit of drool, a tear or two and some mild hallucinations. It’s true, I knew it was going to be rough when I mistook a piece of orange paper for a Reese’s cup and wanted to devour it. No fear, I did not. Instead, I have replaced my normal sugar/caffeine intake with an excessive amount of peanuts. July food ban: peanuts.
Anyway...it is a pretty awesome feeling being able to knock out even a few things in life you either want to get rid of, overcome, or finally accomplish. The initial decision and accompanying challenge is extremely empowering, invigorating, inspiring and yet it can still be slightly scary. Change is good but change is change so expect some growing pains such as ridiculously sore calf muscles or caffeine withdrawal headaches and become BFF with Ibuprofen. But in the end, running through that finish line, it is totally worth it.
I’m not sure what will be next on the list after teaching sugar a lesson but one thing is for sure, nothing will stop me from making 2009 a year for the history books. Hey December, watch out – I’m already punching June in the face!
Why on earth am I doing this? Well, good question. I figured since the 5k is over (which I totally ran in 42 min) I needed another goal which would increase my overall health and happiness...and give me more bragging rights. I’m looking to purge the system, shock the body into a more efficient processing machine and stimulate more weight loss.
Even with all these excellent reasons, what it really all comes down to is that 2009 is a year of conquering for me. I conquered Ireland, a 5k, some heavy reading and now it is time to tackle sugar and caffeine. Once I finally decided on them, my first few goals ended up being fairly reasonable to accomplish and sustained a high yield of gratification making them extra rewarding. I’m hoping June will continue on this path of amazinginess.
Today is sugar free day 4 and it is has not been easy. There have been incidents of severe headaches, a bit of drool, a tear or two and some mild hallucinations. It’s true, I knew it was going to be rough when I mistook a piece of orange paper for a Reese’s cup and wanted to devour it. No fear, I did not. Instead, I have replaced my normal sugar/caffeine intake with an excessive amount of peanuts. July food ban: peanuts.
Anyway...it is a pretty awesome feeling being able to knock out even a few things in life you either want to get rid of, overcome, or finally accomplish. The initial decision and accompanying challenge is extremely empowering, invigorating, inspiring and yet it can still be slightly scary. Change is good but change is change so expect some growing pains such as ridiculously sore calf muscles or caffeine withdrawal headaches and become BFF with Ibuprofen. But in the end, running through that finish line, it is totally worth it.
I’m not sure what will be next on the list after teaching sugar a lesson but one thing is for sure, nothing will stop me from making 2009 a year for the history books. Hey December, watch out – I’m already punching June in the face!
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