First Ladies

I find all the buzz about Michelle Obama quite interesting. I feel like she has almost become a bigger public figure than her husband. I have to say, that even though it is early in her term as first lady, I expected more from her. I love how she has been portrayed in the media as such a family woman and volunteer for so many worthwhile causes. I guess I just thought she would be a bigger advocate for legistlative changes pertaining to certain issues. I know it is not her job, and she probably does influence her husband a bit behind the scenes. I am just a little disappointed. I know she has been compared to both Jackie O. and Elenor Roosevelt. I see her mainly as a modern day Jackie O. She always looks amazing and is constantly in the public eye. The cameras love her.

She has graced this cover of the upcoming Glamour, though, and I am not impressed. I rarely see photos of Michelle where I don't want to run out and buy her outfit and get her hair cut. This cover does not evoke any of that in me. I love the color of the dress and the necklace. I want to like the silhouette--I usually love a full skirt--but, the part across her torso looks strange to me. And, what is with the pseudo-bowl cut! Her stance just looks awkward and forced. Glamour should have done her up right--this is a disgrace to the first lady.

Anyway, fashion aside. Let me talk about my true political inspiration--Hilary Clinton. Those of you who know me, know I am a huge Hilary fan. She will never have the mainstream appeal--or fashion sense--that the current first lady has, but she has some qualities that I have yet to see from Mrs. Obama. While Hilary may be what some would see as domineering, I think she has conviction. She has what it takes to make people listen, whether they agree or not. I believe she is a modern-day Elenor, rather than a Jackie--and that's what I like about her. Like Elenor Roosevelt, Hilary stands up for human rights. For Elenor, the big issue was housing. For Hilary, it's family services and healthcare. They both are primarily interested in equal treatment and quality of life for all mankind. Both faced attacks and mocking from the media, but each refused to be silent. I still contend that, under the Clinton administration, we had 2 leaders for the price of one. I was hoping the Obama administration would be the same. I have yet to see it, though. Maybe one of these days, I will stand corrected.

Disclaimer: I know not all of you reading this politically agree with me, I felt like my feelings should be made known.

Professional Athlete to Design Professional

I love when professional athletes actually have other fall back careers. I don't think many people know this, but Eddie George, who played for the Titans is also a landscape architect. His company's plans for the "Gateway to Herigate" were unveiled yesterday. The plans include lots of aesthetic improvements to the I-40 corridor near Jefferson Street.

http://www.wsmv.com/download/2009/1029/21467608.pdf

For Reals?

In preparation for an upcoming wedding, in which I am to be Maid of Honor, I decided to weigh myself Monday morning. Evidently, I have gained 7 lbs in the last 8-12 weeks. I have not tried on my bridesmaid dress in several months. When I tried it on a few months ago, it fit. Of course, I was thinking it would look better if I could lose about 5 lbs. But, gain 7?? Out of the question. Since the wedding is in a mere 2 weeks, I decided drastic measures needed to be taken. I set a goal of losing 10 lbs by the end of the year, and preferably 5 lbs by November 7th (the wedding). If you know me at all, I am a firm believer in setting goals that are actually reachable. The downside to that--I could probably actually lose more if I set my mind to it (well, that statement is mainly in regards to the 10lbs by the end of the year). Anyway, I guess I'd rather be successful and meet my goal than take a chance in being disspointed after a bunch of hard work.

Progress has been made. I don't know if it is a fluke or what. I weighed this morning. I have lost 4.5 lbs since Monday. 4.5 lbs in 3 full days!!! Is that right?? Maybe all the water I have been drinking just flushed my system?? All I know is the most I have ever lost in a week is 4.2 lbs, and that was only once when I had just joined Jenny Craig 4 years ago. I dunno what the deal is, but I am extremely pleased....and hope I don't weigh on Monday morning to find out it was just an off day!

Weight loss aside, my exercise regimine for this week has been very productive. In fact, yesterday, I did a full 20 minute run without stopping followed by a 15 very, very brisk walk. For me, this is progress. I started the couch-to-5k back in the spring and made it almost to the end--and quit. Every month or so, I will run just to see if I can still do it. A full 20 minute run is really good for me. Most runners would roll their eyes at me, but I am still proud. A friend of mine and I actually agreed this week to do a 5k in February, and I think I am off to a good start!

I have been very frustrated with my weight loss battle during the last year, but this week has put me back in good spirits. Let's hope it continues!

Road Trip

My older, autistic bro who I lovingly call "Lil Stevie," recently visited the great Music City with his roommate and bff, Mark. The boys' staff took them to the zoo and a few other touristy sites. Stephen has had some tough times in the last few years with the kidney failure, kidney transplant, and the big move, but he is very happy in his brand new home that he shares with Mark. He even has his own 24-hour staff, which I am sure he enjoys--most of the time anyway.

It is really nice for my parents, too, because they can travel and such and not have to worry about Stephen because they know he's in good hands. My entire family is so happy that things have worked out so nicely. Not to mention, the new kidney was a miracle--thanks to the incarcerated man who left this world on a good note.

Anyway, I thought I would share some photos from Lil Stevie's latest road trip....one is of Stephen and Mark, partaking in Stephen's fave beverage--Mello Yello. The other is of Stephen being all hard-core with the Dukes of Hazzard characters!

Best Brit of the Day

So, I am not normally a fan of Lily Allen's ensembles or hair for that matter. However, I believe this pic from yesterday morning represents her at her best. How awesome does her hair look!?! And that outfit is adorable! Yay for her.

Confessions of a Shopaholic's Daughter

I must confess--I think I had a shopping addiction for 10 years. I don't think you can say that I am still a shopaholic, but I wish I were. Due to several things going on in my life right now and the realization that I am a full-time employee and must behave like one, I no longer have the time to dedicate to my favorite pastime. So, what do I do when I can't shop?? I ask my mom to do it for me! Luckily, the shopping gene, much like the addiction part, didn't fall too far from the tree. This weekend on her way to Gatlinburg with my dad, mom stopped to drop off some new purchases for me. Yep, she is the best! Included in my bundle, were 4 (yes, four) plaid shirts from Old Navy in such fun colors for fall. This one is my fave. I actually wore it yesterday and today! Promise I won't show up to work in it tomorrow, though! Well, not without washing it, anyway :)

Public Goods

For those of you have your own offices, be very grateful. When I started my lovely job, I was blessed with my own space with my own door. I may have complained about not having a window, but little did I know how bad it could get. About 6 months after I started my job, my division of my department was moved to another part of the buiding. Now, I have still have no window, nor my own door. While I kind of enjoy the comradery, I am encountering numerous issues that I never dreamed would hinder me from my duties. First of all, my coworkers desparately need to be aware of sound. When you have no walls, one person can make your entire day miserable by merely speaking. Have people heard on inside voices??? More on that line, keep your music down. My supervisor that sits directly across from me luckily has similar taste in tunes and keeps his volume at a respectful level. A previous co-worker did not. Let's just say that I am not sad to see her go. Finally, speakerphone. You should never use it unless more that one employee is being included in the convo. Otherwise, pick up the receiver and stop being lazy because it is just distracting everyone else.

Next, temperature control. We just had a new administrative assistant move down to our end. She gets cold--alot. And, honestly, I cannot blame her. It is cold in our office right now. However, three of us in the immediate vicinity wear contacts. Heat=dry eyes. Dry eyes mean I can't stare at my computer for long. Not being able to look at the computer means I may have difficulty finishing my work. That just stresses me out. Our air is everyone's air in cube world. Just like with the noise, you have to be respectful. But my question is, when is it okay to call someone out on their office wrongdoings with out becoming the office bitch? Until I figure that out, I will just suffer in silence (with a my eyes shut and earplugs in).

The great debate: heels vs. flats

Ok, so I ran across this post on Jezzy (www.jezebel.com) today that totally represents my daily dressing debacle. I have always admired my friends that can wear--and painlessly survive in--sexy stilettos. I will just never be one of those people. I obviously wear flats more often than any other alternative. But why do I feel like I am not “dressed up” when I don’t wear heels?

I am an advocate of heels at work for the sole reason (no pun intended) that they make you feel more powerful, but my heels are a mere 2 inches, which is not exactly unbearable. I guess you could say that I grew up in a time where comfort just happened to be in style. Jelly shoes, sam and libby's, and clunky mary janes were all the rage in my childhood and adolescence. It wasn't until I reached college that I realized how ill-perpared my feet and ankles were to handle the stress of cross-campus high-heel wearing. I have tried and failed for years.

Finally, I have learned to deal with finding and investing in bearable, yet cute, heels. I have settled on the fact that I will never be like my friends who can wear 4 inchers. So, why do I still feel the need to try them on at the store, just to check? Our culture has taught us that the addition of a 3-4 inch rod under our heels make us feminine and sexier. All I know is, that when I put on that leopard print peep-toe with a 3 and half inch heel, there is no stopping my confidence. Well, except the pain that will emerge in 2 hours....

Check out the Jezzy post: http://jezebel.com/5387639/on-fashion-statement-heels-vs-feel+good-flats