Smile...

As to not brag and be Miss Snotty over here, I will refrain from jumping for joy and singing jubilation from the rooftops (but, it'll be hard... only, not really. I'm not that excited. I only get that excited for certain things. Like Daniel Craig a la James Bond --this weekend kids!, or an ice cream cake-- two weeks!-- or fabulous little coin chocolates that I can gum--right now!...you get the idea), but, I will take this opportunity to mention things that make me smile... and, as some of you long time readers may recall, it wasn't too long ago that I wasn't smiling all that often. And, that I may look back on this when times aren't so smiley.

Today, I am happy because....
-I got to go to a lovely luncheon where they served risotto (food I can eat!), and chocolate mousse (why not?!).
-At said luncheon my little heart swelled with scholarly joy as I heard my former Professors yack about politics. And then one remembered me--pink hair and all. (It faded kids. I am not kidding--and yes, I've used the special shampoo and color stuff. I've spent more $$ at Ulta that I care to discuss). And my heart swelled some more.
-It is a lovely day out. And I got to spend 1 full hour outside doing a photoshoot with my BFF (and they call this work??)
-There are yummy candles of every variety in the stores. I have personally bought up SuperTarget's supply of Gingerbread, Autumn Harvest and Pumpkin Spice. I currently have my little sniffer on Cardamon and Pear.
-In troubling economic times, I have a job. it may not be my dream job, and, the pay might suck, but, it's a job. And it allows me to do some pretty neat things (like have yummy luncheons).
-I get to go to a super fancy work party tonight. Astin Martin's are involved.
-My BFF at work is moving to Qatar. Which, is not necessarily a "happy" for me, but, I'm overjoyed for him. And, this means, if I ever get the hankering to go to Qatar, I know someone with a 3 bedroom flat that I will be crashing at.
-I have a wonderful husband and three four leggeds who have been the sweetest little things the last week.
-I realize that I really want to be a mother. Not just have children, but, be a mother. And, more specifically--have a daughter. I had such a wonderful relationship with my mother, and I cannot wait to pass that on. (that said, if you see any unattended babies--specifically girls--please FedEx them my way. I'll send you some cookies. And some jewelry. And maybe some chocolate.)
-I have a wonderful BFF who despite being sick, having a fever, me forcing her to work today, still was excited about ice cream cake event and wants to do something for my b day. Which means so much to me--because usually, it's some sort of Turkey/Birthday combination crap.
-The fact that this year, for the first time, I won't be spending the holidays surrounded by news reports and lawyers. It will be the first time in 5 years. I might actually find The Christmas Spirit I lost 5 years ago. And the anticipation is divine.
-I got to use the word "divine".
-Because I have people who comment and read my blog and make me smile every day.

So, now, please let me remove my Happy Shiny I Love Life face, and just say, what are you happy for? Do you ever have those moments where things are finally "OK"?

Thank you to all of you--I owe a lot of this to you!

**Update** Also, Puppy Cam. Have you seen this thing? It's pretty much free happiness and warm fuzzies for the rest of your life. And, it will waste your entire day. omg, puppies!!!

How to eat a burrito: SP style

Step 1: Purchase said burrito from the g-to the hetto Taco Bell nearest your house and place of employment (sidenote: I'm actually fairly certain there is one closer to place of employment than this one, but, that's clearly a moo point*)
Step 2: Wait forever whilst they make your burrito. Angry, hungry and sick person in passenger seat may be wailing about "Do I need to teach you how to make a burrito? Just put the beans in the tortilla! I'm not asking for much!". To which husband gives a look of "shut it, honey".
Step 3: Begin picking apart burrito because clearly you can't chew, and if your dentist was reading this, he'd put you in time out.
Step 4: Manage to somehow eat burrito (more like gum, but, whatever) and find inner peace.
Step 5: Acknowledge that all the penicillin, IBuprofen and whatnots are making your tummy hurt, but you can't eat anything, which equals angry, hungry, grumpy SP. (which is why the TB bean burrito is genius--it is the one starch I have figured out how to eat!)
Step 6: Figure out how to repeat these steps with microwave burrito from office for lunch today (I'm envisioning lots of "smashing" of the burrito itself)

*name that TV show and episode :)

Annnnnd this was my weekend....

Wisdom teeth removed + a roaring case of PMS (sorry boys who might be reading this).

Further proof that God does indeed have a sense of humor.

And, now I'm at work. And feel like death.

Who knew those pesky teeth could cause so much trouble?

Adventures in Voting

Dear Freakishly And Unnaturally Dark Brunette Standing in front of me in the line to vote,

1. Mike stole, really? It's 80 degrees out.
2. If you have a mink stole, then I find the fact that you are complaining about your "7 hour work day" very odd. Methinks you don't really need to work.
3. That haircolor isn't the most flattering. Maybe try some high lights next time. Yeah?
4. It's a bad spray tan if I can spot it from 30 yards away--without my glasses.

It was just a little surprising. I didn't expect to see mink stoles and spray tans--that's all. I guess there's a first time for everythig, right?

I'm just sayin'.

Hair It Is

Yes, I am a professional self portrait taker, in case you were wondering.

Pre-hair coloring experience. Self portrait a la Westminster Abbey ("Hands down, best Abbey I've ever seen") (please ignore the squinty eyes and wind blown hair. You'd think someone would offer to take my picture, but, you'd be wrong)

Backyard photo shoot a la Sunday afternoon.

Yesterday, my boss told me I reminded her of Isla Fisher.....

Maybe The Plan has worked, after all?

Thoughts?

PS. Aunt Suzi, is it just me, or have I turned into a carbon copy of my mom?

Musings & Monday

Greetings! I hope you're still as hopped up on sugar as I am--we didn't have nearly the amount of trick or treaters we had planned on, so, naturally, I am making up for that my breakfast, lunch, and dinner-ing on the candy. Yum. Is it bad if I'm hearing buzzing sounds? (anyone else picturing the Friends episode where Ross eats all the maple candy?)

1. So glad to be back in the States. England was a blast, but, there's only so much bad British TV one can handle.
2. Not so much with the censoring of the TVs over there--holy moly!
3. Thanks heaven's for that lovely "fall back"--of course, the dogs were unaware that they did not need to be up at 6 AM, but, whatever.
4. So, I'm a redhead.... Yeah, apparently when I said "like Jenna Fischer, you know 'Pam', on The Office" and brought in 5 pictures, that translated to "like Debra Messing, from Will & Grace, or, Kate Walsh". I washed it this morning and it has faded a bit... so, we'll see... I'll post a picture tomorrow (which was taken yesterday, so, it's not quite as purple-red now)--it's very different for me.
5. Make my eyes look fan-freaking-tastic though, I won't lie.
6. Haven't been to the gym in almost 2 weeks. I'm hoping that the lovely dental work I have this Friday and the subsequent pudding cups, Frostys and yogurt will result in the 5 lb weight loss I'm lookin' for by my birthday.
7. We're having a family debate about the holidays. We are finally putting our money where are mouths are and for once, are not spending Christmas in the h-e-double hockey sticks that is, home (long story). I'm pushing for Florida. My dad and stepmom are not beach people. I should also mention that I have a half sister--who I'm 15 years older than. Who I will be babysitting over the holidays. Florida = tons of crap for us to all do and make me not want to kill self because I'm stuck babysitting. Any ideas here kids?? (PS. Dad already vetoed Hawaii... And, we'd like to stay in the States, please)
8. Did you know that Glade has Gingerbread Cookie scented candles? They sell them at that magical store I go to (Target) and I now have an even bigger stash of smelly good-ness for when the family comes.
9. I am a genius, I know.
10. It's strange to be back at work after last week--I think I could get used to this whole not working every day thing... Sigh...
11. Kinda sorta freaking out about my teeth this Friday! Yikes! What if I'm not under the whole time? What if it goes wrong? what if??? Ahh!! Oh, and, I'm a pain wuss. I don't do pain.
12. Lovely and darling C and her sweet family came a trick or treatin' to our house--which was the highlight of my dogs lives, I think. We also learned that lovely and darling S's daughter K talks about "my friend Hanna", which has been translated to HRH Princess Puffy Cheeks Hanna Banana. How stinkin' cute is that? (sidenote: being around darling little girls who love on my doggies and call my doggies their friends, just makes me want little daughter that much more--oh the humanity!)
13. Where oh where has the year gone? I swear just yesterday I was in court! Just yesterday BFF L and I decided to start kickboxing. Just yesterday the verdict was read. Just yesterday....(only, that was really months ago)
14. OK, now I'm starting to freak out that I washed my hair too soon and all the $$$$$$$ that I spent will be washed down the drain--literally. (I am obsessive about hair color, can you tell?)
15. Any advice??

Well, I suppose I have traumatized you all enough with my hair drama.... I hope that everyone had a fantastic Halloween and a lovely November weekend. And, of course, have a fabulous Monday! (crap, I forgot, I have l'italiano tonight).

xoxox

SP

In Case You Were Wondering

Halloween candy calories don't count either. It's actually negative calories if consumed at work--while thinking about going to yoga at lunch (key word here "thinking).

I should know.

I killed 3 (or was it 5? Where are those wrappers?!) mini Tootsie Rolls and a mini box of Dots.

Don't judge me. I've been in England. They don't have Dots there.

PS. Who loved The Office last night (um, that'd be me. "Bernard Farms". tee hee hee).

Annnnnnnnnd.... getting my hair done tomorrow!! Holy guacamole, tomorrow is Nov. 1, which means it's almost my birthday (theme party perhaps? James Bond? Mama Mia? Chocolate? Ah!), which means I'm screwed because I haven't lost the 5 lbs I wanted to by my birthday, which also means I have failed The Plan.... Boo... but, in any event, tomorrow, I will have shiny, swingy, possibly red-ish hair. And that will have at least accomplished Hair Sector of said Plan. Yup.

OK, I'm done now.

Happy Halloween!!

xoxo

SP

Dear Mom (London Edition),

So I just got back from my first business trip (of course, I remember that for you, any trip we went on was, of course, for business--being a photog and all)--I was in London. One of your favorite places. It was fantastic.

I wandered around St. James park and shoved my camera lens through the fence at Buckingham Palace to get better shots (what, was I not supposed to do that?). I mastered the self portrait, so I could prove that yes, I was there--these weren't just pictures I found on Google.

I also somehow managed to get from Heathrow to my hotel--which was really impressive in my humble opinion. It was a feat, let me tell you.

I explored my way through St. James park, trying to find my way to Big Ben--I could hear the blasted clock, but, I couldn't see it. And to avoid a Joey from Friends moment, I resisted opening my map. I decided that it was better to just go back to the hotel. But I did go through a roll of film my first afternoon in London (it was rainy anyway).

We went to dinner in Notting Hill and I was sorely disappointed to not find Hugh Grant anywhere. Are you kidding?!

I woke up early the next day, had myself a pain au chocolate (what, that's breakfast!), and hopped on the tube to Westminster where I emerged from the station to Big Ben on my right (which scared the bajeezus out of me). I walked along Westminster bridge and took as many pictures as I could without getting too nauseous on the shaky bridge while aiming my camera up up up.

Westminster Abbey was gorgeous, just as it always is. The crowds were huge and I didn't have the time to stand in line, but, I enjoyed being there again. I took pictures, don't worry.

I also didn't go into The Tower (I know! The shame!), tickets were like a bagillion dollars and it was already 3:30 by the time I got there (they close at 5). It was fantastic to be there. To wander around and take pictures. The bridge was under "refurbishment", so, those pictures kinda suck, but, whatever.

I watched Mama Mia! on the plane ride to London and cried my eyes out--there was a scene that reminded me of us. How I miss you.... How I would have loved for you to have joined me on this trip... But, I know you were there.

I didn't see a show while I was there (sorry!)--tickets were again, a bagillion dollars and I didn't really want to go by myself. I did get teary every time I passed a Les Mis poster (they were everywhere on the tube). Dad reminded me that going alone would not have stopped you--which is so true. You would have said "Ok! I want to go! I'm going!"--you would have also spent the bagillion dollars because all that was left was orchestra seats (it's evident that my cheapness did not come from you).

I'm hoping that maybe next summer Justin and I can spend a some time in Scotland with a brief "stop over" in London. Lara wants to go to Bath--I of course want to go to the Lake District. We'll see.

Anyways, I just was thinking about you and how much you loved England. I certainly am your daughter.

Love you Mom.

Miss you more.

xoxox

London, baby!

thanks YouTube

I love this episode of Friends. I might need a map like Joey's--because, after all, getting in the map did help him find Fergie.

I leave tomorrow afternoon (eeee!) Thanks for all your travel tips--hopefully I can manage some fun time while there.

So, cheerio dahhhhlings--I'll see you all next week!

9:00 AM and a headache--really?

True story my friends, true story. But, it's OK because I've got my own personal pharmacy here: bottle of water, can of cold Diet Coke that I must have left in the office fridge last night (yay!!), and my industrial sized bottle of Advil that sits on my desk and makes me look like the office pill popper. Good times.

Anyways.... the fabulous Mrs. Forever tagged me for the Bookworm Award (fitting, don't you think?), in which I am to turn to page 56 of the nearest book, and write out the fifth sentence. Now, please, remain calm, the book I am about to read from will just blow your mind..... Ya ready? Really?? OK... The AP Stylebook--from 2002! Because apparently, we're classy like that around here. Of course, I have 2005-2007 at home and refuse to bring them because they will go missing. Anyways, get excited:

"But: 'Die Walkuere' and 'Gotterdammerung' from Wagner's 'The Ring of the Nibelungen.'" I know! How freaking exciting was that?

Annnddd, the lovely Kate, tagged me to share 6 random facts/quirks about myself. You've seen this before, but, I promise, I got waaay more than 6 quirks.

Uno: I have a tendency to forget that I'm not supposed to eat dairy in excess. Seriously, I just forget. (usually, it's the ice cream that makes me forget)

Due: I own a bagillion curling irons, flat irons and anything else irons you can imagine. 8 out of 10 times--my hair is in a clip or ponytail.

Tre: I was a very daring little child but developed an all consuming fear of heights at age 15. It's seriously out of control.

Quattro: I do sit ups or squats while microwaving/toasting my breakfast. The dogs think this is play time. It's really not. (and this is really embarrassing to share!)

Cinque: I absolutely cannot stand the cold, but, I adore snow. Weird.

Sei: I am constantly working on too many things at once--whether it is planning multiple books (in my head of course), decorating the house, or working my fingers raw with jewelry, there are always ten thousand things going on--which is probably why I'm constantly stressed and why oh why aren't there 26 hours in the day?!

Now, my apologies that I have surely traumatized you with fun (or, not so fun) facts about SP--but, I hope to make it up to you with the fact that I just taught you how to count to 6 in l'italiano, or, that if there is ever a Final Jeopardy question regarding yours truly, that you'll get in right and win a bagillion dollars. See? It all works out!

PS. Mrs Forever, the award is brilliant bribery, I'd love to be your workout partner!! Send me an e-mail and we'll plan somethin'!

Happy Thoughts

I was tagged by the lovely Milltini for 6 things that make me happy... And on a semi rainy day, what could be better than that?

1. Snuggling in a cozy bed with my puppies and my hunny. Although, the puppies are kind of over it these days--they are like angry little rebellious teenagers.
2. Long lunches and shopping trips with my other half/birthday twin/were really supposed to be real sisters/best friend and her sweet daughters. It's a birthday tradition that I won't have this year and it's the first time this has ever not happened.
3. Old family heirlooms. I love anything that relates to my family--especially my mom's side and I am kind of obsessive about old pictures, journals--anything. It's a way for me to be close to my mommy.
4. A really cold Diet Coke. I am not kidding.
5. Babies. Children. Especially really cute little girls who love my puppies (and, it should be mentioned, my puppies think that little kids are just the greatest thing ever)
6. White sand beaches. Because honestly, is there anything better?

What makes you happy?

Calories Consumed Before 9 A.M Don't Count

Which is really good because I may have found myself with a bag of cinnamon bears in my hand. And I have no idea how they got here.

Or how a good portion of the bag is gone.

Total mystery.

**Update** The entire bag is now gone, and I am left here scratching my head. Hm. Defiantly a puzzler. Also, there is a wasp/yellow jacket thing evilness in my office and my office mate is not here to kill it. Help!