Musings & Monday

"I'm always thinking ahead. Like a carpenter. Who builds stairs." -Andy Bernard

1. It was raining this morning. It's not raining now. All I want to do is go home and snuggle with my pups. They don't care.
2. So, lazy weekend= no gym + conference + blueberry bread + longing for cookies (but we didn't have butter. I know, I know) + somehow managed to get the guest room quasi set up = fabulous.
3. Did I mention there will be a temple in Rome?! And I was giddy with glee.
4. Did I mention that my fam is coming out for Thanksgiving and they I'm wildly freaking the heck out?
5. I planned out our meals for the entire week. On the calendar. I usually just plan them in my mind, but no, this time, it's on the calendar. Which makes it official.
6. I'm slowly becoming a better housewife--even though I'm only home and functioning a few hours a day--which are mostly taken up with e-mail, watching mindless TV and the occasional evening nap on the sofa.
7. I am wearing my new le Target shirt today. Complete with chunky turquoise necklace, brown sweater and brown shoes. Its actually cuter than I had envisioned. Blue shoes would be better. I'm also going to need a red sweater, and a black one. I can see this becoming a slippery slope.
8. Very similar to my makeup spree from a few weeks ago and what happens when I'm bored on Friday night--I online shop. Don't we all??
9. And we're supposed to be saving. I blame my lack luster wardrobe.
10. And the fact that I'm trying to conform to The Plan--and have realized that dressing certain ways helps us to feel certain ways. Happy colors and snappy outfit? Feeling fabulous, thankyouverymuch.
11. I have l'italiano tonight--hopefully, more than 6 people will show up and I won't be forced to do assignments on my own. Again.
12. Can it hurry up and be 7:35 PM already? I just want to go home!! (mainly because it's clean! And that excites me. Oh, and the husband and pets and all. Duh.)
13. Have you looked for jewelry on Etsy lately? It's dangerous. So much great stuff. And, I'm a total sucker for handmade ditties.
14. I somehow managed to go through a lot of soda over the weekend. I think I must be drinking the stuff in my sleep. Not good.
15. I'm drinking some right now. But, I am, in fact, awake.
16. Please tell me The Office is on this week. Because seriously, last week, not cool.
17. Don't forget, the giveaway winner will be announced tomorrow!

Alright lovelies, I better get'.

xoxo

SP

By the Numbers

1: Number of times I went to yoga this week
2: Number of times I've walked into Michael's, not found what I wanted and left (I want to start making jewelry, why the heck doesn't Michael's have good stuff?!)
3: Number of times I've worked out this week (I've been sleepy)
4: Number of times dog and or cat work me up last night
5: Number of episodes of The Office I have watched in that last 48 hours
6: Number of random magazines I've been sifting through this morning (Southern Living, Rachael Ray, Real Simple x 2)
7: Days in the week
8: Number of times the dogs have gone running for the front window and attempted to break out this morning (I've been counting). Seriously, there's been lots of "Stop! There is nothing out there!"s this morning. And, it's still early.
67: The number of comments on the Giveaway post as of right now (ah!!!)

And finally, the biggest number...

$122: amount I spent online shopping for new clothes last night (we're trying this whole "new clothes, new make up, working out = new outlook on life" thing. So far, so good. Kind of not helping me with my budget, but, good). And, I should mention, I don't really spend a lot of money on clothes, so, holy guacamole!!!--but, according to everyone I know, my black suits are getting a little boring...

What is a girl to do?

**Update**: questions/comments will be turned off at 5 PM Central Time tomorrow (Sunday), but, the winner will still be announced on Tuesday. I had no idea there would be so many questions!

Fabulous Friday Target Finds

First of all, holy guacamole--I mention mascara and people come out of the woodwork! And, I love it! I love all these comments (/questions)--it's so fun!(that said, one time lurkers, please keep commenting, I'd love to get to know you all better!).

Last night, I promptly ditched le workplace at a reasonable hour and decided to pop into my beloved le Target in efforts to find a new pair of my favorite heels which are now falling apart. Lovely, I know. I didn't find new heels, but, I did find super cute little jacket and super cute white button down.... Of course, both will be making a little trip to the tailors this weekend, because some people (ahem) are just better off shopping in the kids section ("Sometimes, the clothes at GapKids are just too flashy, so, I'm forced to shop in the American Girls store and buy clothing for large Colonial dolls").

How cute is this jacket?

I'm thinking it will become my Holiday staple.

Anyone who knows me knows I love nothing more than a crisp white shirt of any variety. This will be in the everyday rotation, I'm sure.

(this picture does not do it justice) I'm picturing it with a big chunky bright necklace (red, yellow or blue!) and some snappy colored shoes with jeans.... Now, I just need said chunky necklace(s) and snappy shoes and we'll be set.

So yes, yes, I admit it, I'm a Target clothes buyer. I can't help it. It's a weakness.

Have a Fabulous Friday and, in case you haven't entered, don't forget about the giveaway!

xoxo
SP

Q&A and a Giveaway!

In honor of my 100th post which will be coming up here very soon (why am I so nerdy and actually keep track of these things?), I thought that I would share some of my favorite things with some fabulous bloggers out there.

And, since, I know that you all are just dying to know more about yours truly, and since it seems the cool new thing to do, I thought we'd have some good old fashioned Q & A. You ask, I answer. Easy enough.

To enter said giveaway, leave a question on this post--you can ask as many questions in one comment as ya like, but, each question will not count as an "entry". You can enter up to two times by "posting" additional questions in an additional comment (does that make sense? I just want to be fair!).

I'll post the answers and the Winner on Tuesday, so, that gives all you lurkers plenty of time to leave me a question and possibly win something very fabulous.

Oh? You mean I haven't told you what you could win? How silly of me! Well, my lovelies, this should get your Q & A juices flowin'....

The Winner of Fabulous Q & A Giveaway will receive:

Dior DiorShow Iconic mascara

This is the mascara that BFF L introduced me to last week which resulted in me damn near sprinting to the nearest department store. I am a DiorShow devout follower, but, my one beef is that if you apply some later in the day, you get spider eyes--which are not fabulous. This does not create spider eyes! It leaves you with lovely long and separated lashes. And, if you're like me and Eyelash Challenged, you can apply a coat of the original DiorShow on top.

Bare Minerals Eye Glimmer in Celestine

This is the perfect silvery cream shade of glimmer. It's not too much for the office and it can be layered for after office looks as well. This has also become a staple in The Plan, just, fyi. (also, the color pictured above is not Celestine)

OPI nail lacquer in Vodka & Caviar

My all time favorite red. It looks great on any skin tone and is perfect for the holidays. It is currently on my little piggies.

Autumn Mix

Duh.

So, have at it!

Leave me a question or two and I'll answer them all on Tuesday along with the Winner.

PS. I was not informed until the wee hours of the AM that The Office is not on tonight (thanks to the VP Debate). Even the poli sci major in me is bitter....Sigh...

**UPDATE**: Questions/Comments will be stopped as of 5 PM Central Time on Sunday, October 5. (there are just SO many!)

The winner will be announced on Tuesday (October 7).

Apologies if you were still commenting. I'll host another giveaway soon!

Um, yeah, I'm not funny today

But The Office is funny every day of the week:

"Andy Bernard does not lose contests. He wins them. Or he quits them. Because they're unfair."

Have patience, I promise I'll post my giveaway soon!

Trust me, in true SP fashion, it will be fabulouso.

xoxo

Things that make you go "hmmm?"

You know you are rather underpaid at Yuppy Workplace when walking to class after long and rather eh day at the office (however, tickets are purchased--happy dance y'all!), when you walk past a Maserati.

Yes, a Maserati.

And then you realize that you're in the student parking lot. And then you decide to be nosy and check for parking permit, lest a Visiting Dignitary be visiting (but why would Visiting Dignitary be parked in said lot?), when hope among hope--please don't have a permit. And then it does. Student.

And then you realize that said student in Maserati spends more in a week than you make in a year.

And then you stomp off to class in your pumps de le Target--with worn heel caps and all to l'italiano class, where everything is happy.

(two posts in one day--I this must be some kind of record)

What makes you go "hmmm"?

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