Musings & Monday

"I don't care what Jim says. I am 99% sure that is not the real Ben Franklin."

1. I had an appointment at the Dentist this morning for a cleaning. That wasn't so fun. Why do my teeth (well, a tooth, specifically) hurt like all get out after a cleaning? Y-Ouch!!!
2. They have convinced me (with reasons based purely on vanity) to finally have my wisdom teeth out. In November. Birthday month. Luckily, The Quantum of Solace has been pushed back a week, so, my chipmunk cheeked pain killer self will not have to miss the first showing. Thank goodness! And now I'm just waiting for the call to confirm said appointment. And it's kind of scary.
3. Seriously, my tooth hurts.
4. For whatever reason, the website of the hotel in London (imagine I'm saying "In LONDON" like Joey on Friends when he finds out about Chandler and Monica) just refused to work, so, here I am, still without a hotel room. Let's hope that blasted website gets to workin' soon! Like, in the next 30 minutes.
5. Why is it Monday? Can't it be Saturday again? I need more sleep!
6. Who is already looking forward to The Office on Thursday?? (um, that'd be me)
7. I seriously suck at painting my own nails and just need to suck it up and pay the dang whatever it is for a pro mani. Because currently, it looks like I'm 12.
8. Spent waaaay too much $$ on makeup this last weekend. Damn BFF L and her amazing new mascara that I just had to have. And damn all the other crap I bought! I'm sure this fits into The Plan, so, we'll consider it an investment.
9. I don't want to go to Italian tonight. I haven't studied. I'm a total slacker. Thank goodness this is not got a grade!
10. Of course, as I did not study this weekend, I thought to myself "Hey, slacker, you realize if you book a trip to Italy next summer that you're going to actually have to speak Italian, right? So, get to it!". And you know what I did? Watched Casablanca on PBS instead. Twice.
11. I also got radically excited last night while watching Feasting on Waves--they were in Tortola. The shrieks I'm sure were audible down the street. I would, of course, sacrifice my trip to Italy--any trip for that matter, to go back to my home away from home... And before you even ask... Yes, yes, I realize it's a whole heck of a lot cheaper than Italia, but, I cannot bring myself to go back--yet. So, I just sulk. And day dream. And really, really hope that one day I can afford to stay in The Villa again...
12. I think my hair is starting to recover from the Haircutting Disaster of August 30. Although, I have been flat ironing it, so, of course it looks longer.
13. I love my job, but, lately, just feel... worthless... And it makes getting here every day... just... hard... I suppose...
14. Wow! Ok, picking self back up. Sorry about that y'all.
15. I need new shoes. Work shoes to be specific. Sad.
16. Work clothes too. But, problemo: I am cheap. Except when it comes to makeup. Clearly.
17. Sheesh!

Have a fabulous Monday! Hope it is fantastic... Check back in the next few days for a... giveaway!!!! You'll be glad you did :)

xoxo
SP

Raise your hand if....

You somehow managed to burn your pinky finger on a very hot skillet while cooking dinner, totally unaware of how important said little finger is until it is out of commission; laughed, jumped, and squealed like a little girl during The Office (thank goodness it's back!); then, en route to take very hot shower because no one explained to you know sore you would be the day after yoga, you stumbled across a mostly dead* cockroach (can I not escape them?) in your bathroom--oh, and brought a Lean Cuisine for lunch.

::SP raises hand enthusiastically::

Just me? OK then.

Wow, I get classier by the day, I tell ya!

*I seriously hope you can all name that movie!

Happy Friday! I'd love to discuss The Office awesomeness, but, I don't want to ruin it for any sad souls who didn't watch last night. And TiVo is not an excuse people.

Me, me, me!

So, my darling, lovely mommy-to-be, friend A tagged me for 6 random things about me. So, here goes:

1. I have to eat things like crackers or pieces of candy in twos or threes. Only. Usually threes. My husband knows that if I ask for "a few" crackers, I'm going to need three. No idea why I do this. (this rule does not however apply to candy corn--it's a free for all at that point)

2. I write with my left hand but cut with my right. My mom never could understand this and I have many a pair of left handed scissors laying around that I cannot use.

3. I detest being even the slightest bit cold which is why even in the middle of summer, it is not unusual to find me cuddled up with a blanket while watching TV or writing.

4. I have a specific treadmill that I have to use when I go to the gym. If it's being used, it's really hard for me to find the motivation to use another one. Really.

5. I have a rather abnormal love for musicals. I'm kind of cheesy like that.

6. I scar very easily. And I'm allergic to mosquitoes. You do the math.

So, now you know a little bit more about SP. Apologies if I did in fact frighten some of you.

Also, also, also, also!!!!!

The Office is back tonight. So excited, it's downright dangerous.

One day...

Today during a wave of unhappiness, this sucks, I'm miserable, woe is me general-ness, I was reminded of this simple phrase:

"It's only temporary. One day you will look back on all this and laugh."

So true.

And that day cannot come soon enough.

Lago Clooney?

What I learned last night:

We had an Italian geography lesson (which just made me want to move there even more, by the way) in which our professor showed us you know where all the famous cities are, Tuscano, Capri, yada, yada and, of course "Lago Clooney". To which we all burst into laughter, he caught himself and said "Lago Como". I will officially now only refer to it as Lago Clooney.

thanks, flickr

I just totally made you smarter. Now you can feel like a real Italian when referencing the famouso lago.

You're welcome.

Musings & Monday

(this may be random. I'm simultaneously trying to type, monitor a media website, drink a bottle of water so I am hydrated for my lunch time date with the gym and nom, nom, nom on some crackers so that I don't pass out of starvation on my date. Apologies in advance)

1. This morning as I was frantically running around the house trying to iron clothes, find clothes, find hair clips (because, well, let us just say, SP slept in this morning) when I was greeted with the lovely opening bars to The Office. And then I about died laughing because The Today Show did a whole bit on our favorite little Pennsylvania town, Scranton. And how it's the political epicenter this year. And then I burst into hysterics because they kept showing clips of The Office. Needless to say, brightened my morning.

2. Friday night was interesting. I was supposed to go to a baby shower after work (yes, at 6 on a Friday. Sure), but, surprise, surprise, it was after 5:30 by the time I got in my car, went to start it up and heard "click, click, click". Oh the humanity!! My battery was dead. And, I had cars on either side of me, so, no one could jump me--so, husband was going to come pick me up, but, then we realized that cars get towed on Fridays before game day, so, I had to call the campus cops to give me a jump with their portable car jumper thing (yes, it's official name). And it was after 6 by the time my car finally started. The battery was 1 year old. Seriously.

3. Some of the YM came to the tailgate on Saturday and I think that the skank-tastic attire of many of the college girls traumatized them. It traumatized me too.

4. I am really nervous about Italiano tonight--I did not buy flashcards yet. Star student, I know.

5. Anyone else watch the Emmy's last night? Anyone else really, really disappointed in the Emmy's last night? It was kind of painful to watch--but, I kept watching because I wanted to see Best Comedy Series. Which I missed somehow. Which went to 30 Rock. Don't get me wrong, I like 30 Rock and all, and think when Jerry Seinfeld was on, it was hilarious, but, everyone is all so hot to trot on it right now, and you all know that I do not get on bandwagons. So, whatev. I just wanted to see Rainn Wilson rush the stage when they won. But whatever Academy, go have your love affair with Tina Fey. I'll be waiting...

6. I really need a mani pedi, but, running has done a number on my toes and I don't think anyone wants to see that. (sorry for the TMI)

7. And I really suck at painting my own nails.

8. BBF L is a published photographer! Her photos appear in many a publication done by my office. It's actually really cool.

9. Little sister is back from her 3 years in Hawaii and I'm not sure how she's adjusting. She has yet to decide if she's going to come see us or not. I think she should. Heck, we bought the dang house based on having a "Rachel Wing", and if it goes unused, I'm going to be sad.

10. Apparently, purple is the hot color. I'm wearing a purple sweater and was told how "in" I was like 3 times already. I accept the compliments because honestly, this is about as "in" as I ever get.

11. Passport came!! But, we realized my DL expires very soon--so, I need to go re-apply and get a new one. Problemo: what if the new one doesn't come before I leave in mid-late October? Then do I wait and risk missing the expiration deadline and then have to take the test?! Ack!! What should I do? Can I travel internationally is I just have my Passport? Or are they gonna need like 50 billion forms of ID? (it's been a while since I've been out of the country, folks) HELP!!

12. I need to get workin' on the book!! I've been so busy and let me tell you, when I get home, I am so drained that there is ZERO creativity left. Which is a bummer and a half. Boo!

13. I am currently searching the World Wide Web for a picture of my dear Jenna Fischer at the Emmys last night and cannot find one!!! And it's driving me mad. Because, really, I don't want to see another picture of Eva Longoria or Kate Walsh. No offense ladies, your mind numbingly beautiful, but, I wanted to see a what my dear JF was wearing and, most importantly, the hair.

14. This day is already killing me!

Hope you all had lovely weekends, mine was clearly, not restful enough, but, that's OK. Now, I better get movin'!

oxoxxo

SP

Workin' for the weekend

(except, I will, actually, be working on the weekend.... We want that Iron Skillet back, dangit! And I'll be workin' the tailgate with the best of 'em... ugh...)

What's getting me through today:

Diet Coke
Lots o' non healthy possibly made with sugar products

Rold Gold brand pretzels

And this...

thanks, YouTube

In other news, The Office comes back in 6 days people, 6 days!! I can't wait! (it's so sad that this is the highlight of my life, but, we'll just breeze past that)

Enjoy the weekend! Enjoy college football--feel free to come by my campus and visit me--I'll be bored, I'm sure. Enjoy the fabulous fall weather.

And, eat lots of Autumn Mix for me.

Italia on my mind...

I'm still not feeling so hot, which is a pain the boo-tay when all I want to do is hit the gym, but, can't because I'm fairly certain that the room is spinning. Non molto bene! (look! I quasi-speak Italiano!)

On that note, I do not speak Italiano it seems. My memorization is not up to par. So, I need to buy flashcards or something--I feel like I'm in high school again! Although, last night when my dog woke me up for the 4 billionth time and I couldn't fall back asleep because warm dog on bed + literally warm dog on my legs + I'm so exhausted because I was at work until 7:15 night + I'm cranky when woken up = I couldn't fall back asleep--I digress... Anyways!! When I couldn't fall asleep I did find myself reciting the Italiano alphabet. But, I got stuck at "I", and then fell asleep.

And, lest we forget why our Shabby Princess wants to learn Italiano so badly...

thanks, flickr

That is Portofino, and, funny story, when my mom went there years ago, she actually ran into someone she went to high school with!!

The reason I've actually gained weight while sick

I present to you...

Autumn Mix

from here

a.k.a the best part of fall, or the reason I'm actually not getting thin, or the yummiest combination of sugar ever. And no, I will never be one of those people who gives up sugar. Seriously, I've tried. I can't do it.

I can't believe so many of you had not heard of said Autumn Mix! It's the perfect combination of the little pumpkins (my favorite) and candy corn--so that you don't get too many pumpkins. Pure Halloween Perfection. Oh, and, it has to be Brach's brand.

Now, hurry off to your local grocery store or Target and get yourself some. You'll thank me. Your waistline may not thank me, but, you will.

Enjoy!

Don't worry, don't worry, I'm going to the gym on my lunch break.... After all, I can't let yummy goodness derail The Plan.

xoxox

S. Princepessa

Musings & Monday

September 25th cannot get here soon enough. And I'm not in the mood for work today. These two elements cannot and should not combine. It can be dangerous... (and, these factors may have combined, and I may be hopped up on DayQuil, and I may be very hungry but refusing to eat because I managed to plow my way through a bag of Autumn Mix over the weekend when I was confined to a sniffly, sneezing, coughing, upset mess on the couch. With DVDs of Friends, The Office and the occasional TNT movie)... What? I'm not making any sense? Moving right along...

1. So, I had the ultimate brilliant idea to do big curls in my hair today, a la Amy Adams, but, then I remembered that since I hit the snooze button at 5:40 and did not go to the gym pre-work, I will be going on my lunch break. Which means--yay for hair in a clip the rest of the day. tres chic.

2. We didn't get much rain up here from our evil friend Ike, but, it was hilarious to see people at Target stocking up on beer. Yes, because that's what's really important.

3. I, of course was wandering the isles examining the Halloween candy. This year, I will probably actually have to part with some of it, as I think this neighborhood actually gets trick or treaters. Drats! I'll have to buy extra for me! (come on now, when else can you get 100 little mini pieces of gummi goodness for $9.99?)

4. So far, all friends and fam in Houston are safe and accounted for. Although, none are too thrilled to be without water and power. Ike sucks!

5. I've been fighting this blasted cold/illness/hell for the past few weeks, which means no real time on the treadmill. Which also means, with the induction of my coveted Autumn Mix, I am now a chub a lub. Shoot.Me.Now.

6. I'm actually wearing a rather cute ensemble today--pink skirt with red flowers, red heels, white cami and white sweater. Why am I so "blah"?

7. I have Italian tonight! It's crazy to only go once a week, but, it's fun, although scary, and, I'm not getting as overwhelmed, thanks to 1 night a week class. (we'll see how I feel after tonight, of course)

8. The air is actually slightly "chilly" today, and the sky is taking on that fall like look.

9. I don't like it. I don't like fall. I know, I'm weird. I don't like cold weather, and I really don't look forward to Thanksgiving and/or Christmas. They are just really hard holidays. So, fall=almost winter=Christmas=depressing. Although, I do love me some Autumn Mix (I'm going for a record of how many times I can use "Autumn Mix" in a post).

10. Someone remind me why we don't get Columbus Day off anymore? I need to work for a bank--they're always closed!

11. Why are Cheez-Its so good?

12. More important question, how did I get my hands on Cheez-Its?

13. Seriously, addictive....

14. I need more sticky notes.

15. I need more caffeine.

16. I signed up for yoga. Yeah, because that's really going to help my running situation. But I'll be zen!

17. Ok, ok, I'm putting the Cheez-Its down....

18. I have decided that when it's time for me to get my hair colored (not for like another month kids, I gotta stretch was few dollars I have) that I will in fact, go reddish with blondish highlights (and now I'm onto using "ish" in a post). So, thank you all for your input and encouragement!

19. The Plan has begun: I ran today, got some new moisturizer over the weekend, and am going to take yoga--I read somewhere that relaxation helps in anti-aging. Other than the Autumn Mix and Cheez-Its, I think we're making progress.

20. While I was on the treadmill today, I watched Samantha Brown Passport To Europe--and the episodes were Tuscany and London. Tis a sign, no?? If only I could have taken notes!

Ok... I better bust out my textbook and start studying!

Have a great Monday! I hope that if you have friends or family in the Houston/Galveston area that they are safe.

And so the plan begins.... (y'all must think I am crazy)

So, I mentioned earlier about this whole wanting to be "cute & petite" thing.... And, the new James Bond trailer is online (yay!) which reminded me that even though I'm a Thanksgiving Child every few years, that really, my birthday celebration will begin the first week of November with Mr. Bond.

So, holy moly, that cut 3 weeks off my plan!

Plan is: cute, petite, young, fun, fresh. By November.

Annnnd go!

Here's Reese, aka my blonde idol
from here

And my other blonde idol. BFF A says I could go Grace Kelly blonde, but, I worry that it could backfire and I'd end up looking like a rejected Playmate.

from here

And I do love me some Amy Adams....(who's not a natural redhead by the way)

from here

And the "Fs"--Jenna Fischer...

from here

(Um, also, don't you adore this picture? It's Jim & Pam fantasticalness. And yes, I'm aware that this photo is 'old'. I don't care. They sooo need to be together in real life. Like a Ryan Gosling & Rachel McAdams type thing. Jenna & John: start dating. Like now.)

And Isla Fischer--who is so cute I could just pinch her cheeks

from here

Why am I so hell bent on red(ish) hair??

Here's the dealio kids: Reese, Amy, Jenna and Isla are so darn cute! And older than me.

My goal: figure out how the crap to look like that. Before November.

Now, before you get all bent out of shape, I'm not talking about some "extreme makeover", no, no, I'm just talking about wanting to look younger, fresher (read: not exhausted 24/7), and cute. That's all I'm looking for. My job has really sucked the life out of me, I'm tellin' ya, and I'm going to need it back.

I was always the "cute" one of my friends. Not pretty, definitely not "hot", I was "cute". These days, notsomuch. And, that photo on my sidebar, yeah, do you realize how Photoshopped that thing is?? For real... And, also, this isn't me saying I'm ugly or anything, or waaah waaah my life is terrible, no, no, this is just me, wanting to feel the way I did several years ago.

That's the plan, Stan. Now, how to implement said plan? (wow, I am just asking for advice all over the place this week)

PS. I'm hopefully going to London on business next month, but, since we are sans official boss, my ticket and hotel room purchasing has been put on hold. Let's hope there's a room and a flight available!! And, also, that my passport photo works. They told me it was "really close", but "that is should work"--comforting words, no? The Shabby Princess will be very sad if she doesn't get to go to London for work--mainly because she'll sound super cool. And will hopefully get to see a show while she's there.

It's Friday!!

Oh my!

Hallelujah, it's finally true!! In case you haven't heard, Lance Armstrong is coming back to cycling--and the SP household couldn't be more excited. It seems like just yesterday I was lamenting about the Tour, but, it looks like this next year will be very exciting. And of course, this makes us Texas folk uber proud. And thank goodness, this means he's not running for Governor.

I should also mention, my favorite thing about the Tour is that everyone and their dog gets into cycling and I always notice an influx of cyclists around town, you know, thinking they're all cool and whatnot--so, yesterday, I'm out for a run in my neighborhood and of course, there is Lance Fever, and I get passed by a cyclist wearing a....wait for it.... wait for it..... a Hooters cycling team uniform! I about died! It was the one singular time that I nearly stopped running and wanted to knock on someones door so I could use their phone to call the husband. It was hilarious. Yeah, because I'm really going to take someone seriously who's got the words "Hooters" across their back and stomach. Seriously. (I just looked it up on Google and can't find a picture, which makes me sad)

Anyways, Lance is back. I'm excited. It took long enough. And, he better win.

Is it only Wednesday? Aw, man!

PS. In regards to my comment yesterday about skin care, I currently use Aveeno Positively Ageless Serum. I try not to spend boatloads of $$ on skin care unless it works. I think this works, but, it's making me all oily and break-y out-y. Any advice is welcome! After all, my birthday is in 2.5 months (+/-) and since I clearly failed my "get in shape before August 25", my new goal is "get in shape, regain petite figure, look cute and young by November 25th". Annnnnd go! Pour on the advice, per favore.

I don't have anything exciting to say other than my little factoid about Lance. It's pretty much the highlight of my week. Is that sad? (um, yes, SP, that's very sad). Hmph, well then!

Have a fabulous day everyone! Oh--one last thing! Wish me luck--tomorrow I have to go get my Passport so that I can go on a trans Atlantic work trip next month. Wish me luck that my application actually gets processed tomorrow--cause, I need this trip.

I guess that's all for now!

Arrivederci,

SP