Suuuuuuuper Bowl!

I know, I've been rather MIA this past week. But, I'm back. Just in time for a little Super Bowl excitement!! I can't wait. I will be watching the game in the comfort of my boyfriend's apartment, with his HD TV and eating his delicious chili. No, he will not be there. He he he... Don't worry Steve, I'll do my best not to leave my terrible towel at your place.

HERE WE GO STEELERS, HERE WE GO!!!

glassy trees

As much as I cannot wait for the beach in June, I am secretly loving how beautiful and sparkly the trees are right now...so pretty! 

I hope you are all staying warm and safe and enjoying this little snow storm. :-)

I have no idea how I will ever get my car out. Hopefully it will all melt off!!

A winter driving tip

*Cleaning off your car is more important than you think. Even though you may believe you can competently drive with just a little hole scraped away on your front windshield, the driver behind you is being pelted with the snow you failed to dust off your car. This makes it quite dangerous for the driver behind you. In fact, she may have to swerve a little onto the shoulder just so she can see-and as we all know-the shoulder is rarely plowed or salted, making it quite slick.

I am so glad I bought new tires this fall! My drive into work was easy as pie.

touching

I came across this letter when I was reading the news online yesterday. Jenna and Barbara Bush wrote a letter to Sasha and Malia Obama with some "advice" for living in the White House. Ultimately, George Bush and Barack Obama are human beings. They are dads and husbands. And I think one of the things that I respect and admire about both of these men-though they may not share the same political ideology-is the way they love their family.

I've highlighted the sections I thought were extra sweet in bold. :)

Sasha and Malia, we were seven when our beloved grandfather was sworn in as the 41st President of the United States. We stood proudly on the platform, our tiny hands icicles, as we lived history. We listened intently to the words spoken on Inauguration Day service, duty, honor. But being seven, we didn’t quite understand the gravity of the position our Grandfather was committing to. We watched as the bands marched by — the red, white, and blue streamers welcoming us to a new role: the family members of a President.

We also first saw the White House through the innocent, optimistic eyes of children. We stood on the North Lawn gazing with wonder at her grand portico. The White House was alive with devoted and loving people, many of whom had worked in her halls for decades. Three of the White House ushers, Buddy, Ramsey, and “Smiley”, greeted us when we stepped into her intimidating hallway. Their laughter and embraces made us feel welcome right away. Sasha and Malia, here is some advice to you from two sisters who have stood where you will stand and who have lived where you will live:

– Surround yourself with loyal friends. They’ll protect and calm you and join in on some of the fun, and appreciate the history.

– If you’re traveling with your parents over Halloween, don’t let it stop you from doing what you would normally do. Dress up in some imaginative, elaborate costume (if you are like us a pack of Juicy Fruit and a Vampiress) and trick-or-treat down the plane aisle.

– If you ever need a hug, go find Ramsey. If you want to talk football, look for Buddy. And, if you just need a smile, look for “Smiley.”

– And, a note on White House puppies–our sweet puppy Spot was nursed on the lawn of the White House. And then of course, there’s Barney, who most recently bit a reporter. Cherish your animals because sometimes you’ll need the quiet comfort that only animals can provide.

– Slide down the banister of the solarium, go to T-ball games, have swimming parties, and play Sardines on the White House lawn. Have fun and enjoy your childhood in such a magical place to live and play.

– When your dad throws out the first pitch for the Yankees, go to the game.

– In fact, go to anything and everything you possibly can: the Kennedy Center for theater, State Dinners, Christmas parties (the White House staff party is our favorite!), museum openings, arrival ceremonies, and walks around the monuments. Just go. Four years goes by so fast, so absorb it all, enjoy it all!

For four years, we spent our childhood holidays and vacations in the historic house. We could almost feel the presence of all the great men and women who had lived here before us. When we played house, we sat behind the East sitting room’s massive curtains as the light poured in illuminating her yellow walls. Our seven-year-old imaginations soared as we played in the enormous, beautiful rooms; our dreams, our games, as romantic as her surroundings. At night, the house sang us quiet songs through the chimneys as we fell asleep.

In late December, when snow blanketed the front lawn, all of our cousins overtook the White House. Thirteen children between the ages of two and 12 ran throughout her halls, energized by the crispness in the air and the spirit of the season. Every room smelled of pine; the entire house was adorned with thistle; garlands wound around every banister. We sat on her grand staircase and spied on the holiday dancing below. Hours were spent playing hide-and-go-seek. We used a stage in the grand ballroom to produce a play about Santa and his reindeer. We watched as the National Christmas Tree was lit and admired the chef as he put the final icing on the gingerbread house.

When it was time, we left the White House. We said our goodbyes to her and to Washington. We weren’t sure if we would spend time among her historical walls again, or ever walk the National Mall, admiring the cherry blossoms that resembled puffs of cotton candy. But we did return. This time we were 18. The White House welcomed us back and there is no doubt that it is a magical place at any age.

As older girls, we were constantly inspired by the amazing people we met, politicians and great philosophers like Vaclav Havel. We dined with royalty, heads of states, authors, and activists. We even met the Queen of England and managed to see the Texas Longhorns after they won the National Championship. We traveled with our parents to foreign lands and were deeply moved by what we saw. Trips to Africa inspired and motivated us to begin working with HIV/AIDS and the rights of women and children all over the world.

Now, the White House ballrooms were filled with energy and music as we danced. The East sitting room became a peaceful place to read and study. We ran on the track in the front lawn, and squared off in sisterly bowling duels down in the basement alley.

This Christmas, with the enchanting smell of the holidays encompassing her halls, we will again be saying our good-byes to the White House. Sasha and Malia, it is your turn now to fill the White House with laughter.

And finally, although it’s an honor and full of so many extraordinary opportunities, it isn’t always easy being a member of the club you are about to join. Our dad, like yours, is a man of great integrity and love; a man who always put us first. We still see him now as we did when we were seven: as our loving daddy. Our Dad, who read to us nightly, taught us how to score tedious baseball games. He is our father, not the sketch in a paper or part of a skit on TV. Many people will think they know him, but they have no idea how he felt the day you were born, the pride he felt on your first day of school, or how much you both love being his daughters. So here is our most important piece of advice: remember who your dad really is.

It's back!

Are you ready??? I'm very excited to once again to be engaged in the perpetual debate of who is the better man, Jack or Sawyer...er, I mean of what happened on (and to) the island!

Tonight, LOST returns...get your DVR ready!

a red, white and blue kind of day.

Exciting day, no? I'm guessing you have no pulse at all if you can't get even a little excited about inauguration day. The news coverage of people celebrating literally all over the world is amazing. Oh-and I totally chose a red sweater for work today due to the inauguration!

Lucky for me, I have to work and do not have a television in my office. Maybe I will sneak out to Fountain Square to watch it on TV there.

Speaking of TV's-this morning at the gym, the man next to me whipped out a portable DVD player for his enjoyment while on the eliptical. Strange, right? I mean, my gym has a movie room and each machine has its own television screen. I don't get it. Do people really hate exercise so much that they need 17,000 distractions so they trick themselves into thinking they aren't working out? Bizarre. But, I'm pretty sure he was watching The Tudors, which is a television series I've been wanting to see...

Lastly, last night I downloaded a Taylor Swift song to my iTunes. No lie. Stop judging me.

Ladies, don't forget to pick up your free make up today! Tip-if you go to more than one store, you can get more than one item. Just sayin'...

life lessons

My boyfriend nearly broke up with me over text message last night.

But, the Steelers are going to the Super Bowl!!!!

Lesson learned: sometimes you have to take the good with the bad.

Did you also know...

Friday Night Lights is back on the air? It is on tonight! I am all ready to stay in, do nothing, and watch tv.

Fantastic.

Also-Slumdog Millionaire was awesome. Go see it. Parts of it are quite disturbing, but it has a hopeful ending...and the little child actors who play the adults as kids are the most adorable kids ever. Seriously.

Did you know...

It's illegal to leave a car running on a public street, unattended in Ohio? I did not. For, oh say the last few years, I've warmed up my car by turning it on and letting it run for about 10 minutes in the winter.

Oops. I could be convicted of a minor misdemeanor! Just call me Lizzy Law-breaker, but I like my car warm when I get into it in the morning!

One more "perk" of my current on-street parking living arrangement.

Attention Ladies

January 20 is your day. According to cincinnati.com, on January 20, 2009 to settle an ongoing class action lawsuit (which alleged price fixing), you are entitled to a $20 bottle of make up from several different name brand make up companies, including Clinique, Lancome, and Chanel. 

Here's the best part-all you have to do is show up! Go to Macy's, Dillard's, Sak's...whatever department store is near you. You don't need anything but a love for fun beauty products!

The complete list of products available can be found here. 

I will be at the downtown Macy's, oh, say around noon? Great, see you there ;)

White Death

It's coming. Or so they say. There is not a flake to be seen as of yet...

But, hey, at least I got a casual day at work out of it!!

It's a long one.

What is getting me through the day? Chick-fil-A for dinner.

I cannot wait.

What is it they put in that delicious batter for the chicken sandwich? It is fantastic. Plus, they have Diet Dr. Pepper. Love it.

What the crap was I thinking??

Jabs talked me into watching the Bachelor tonight. Aside from portraying women as catty, vain, only-care-about-getting married bitches, they also show how intelligent women are!

For instance, one woman showed her wit by knowing the three branches of government. Smart with a capital "S"!! But, shoot, I'm sure you could find your dream-spouse by going on fantasy dates and drinking non-stop...all while wearing a string bikini! That's how Steve and I spend every Thursday date-night!

The guy had already made out with 1/3 of the women by the time I turned in for bed. Yikes. 

So yeah...despite this very realistic show, there are just a few falsities about women I must expose:

1. Not all women wear make up to the pool. (Some girls even go underwater! GASP!)

2. Some women not only know the 3 branches of government but also WORK in government. Wow.

3. Not all women giggle incessantly. 

4. Not all women make out on the first date. 

5. Not all women say whatever a man wants to hear to get his attention. 

6. There are women who go to college for things other than a "mrs. degree"

7. Not all women think the best date would be taking shots in a string bikini while sitting in a hot tub.

Bottom line--NOT ALL WOMEN ARE CRAZY, despite the media's attempts to brainwash us otherwise. (Though that woman who jumped in the car to surprise the dude when he came out was pretty freaking crazy. The best way to start a conversation is always "we need to talk." hehe) Where do they find these women??

*sigh* I'm so tired of it...reality tv certainly does not equate reality.

I am allergic to my office.

Seriously. I have sneezed 1,000 times so far today.

I detest that feeling like you have to sneeze...just waiting for it. It's the worst!!

At least the Steelers won yesterday.

Bring on Baltimore

What a fantastic weekend! This weekend was everything weekends should be-relaxing, fun, and exciting. On Friday night, Jana and I went to see Rachel Getting Married. It was...intense, but good. I've never thought Anne Hathaway was that great of an actress, but she was excellent in that film. 

On Saturday, I watched lots of food network, had a great run on the treadmill, and ate a delicious dinner prepared by Steve-YUM. I can't say enough how lucky I am to have a boyfriend who cooks! I also enjoyed watching Tennessee lose to Baltimore. Craziness.

Then came today....ahh perfection. I sported the Parker jersey--um, did he have an amazing game, or what? Fi wore her bandana. I did my work with my Steelers' pen and it all worked in our favor! Ben played so well...it was fantastic. I was making all kinds of noise in my apartment alone-I was really embarrassed when someone knocked asking for ketchup and I was all alone and he said "with all that noise, I figured you all were having a party." Um, nope. Just me. And my dog. *sigh*

I also made some delicious pasta AND jambalaya to have for lunch/dinner this week. YUM. Here are a few pics from my Sunday...

game day is near

I was all nervous about what to wear to work today. Should I wear my new Steelers bracelet? Bring my new Steelers pen to sign all of today's pleadings with? I haven't done that all season, so would shaking things up affect the game? eeek! Then I started thinking about what I would wear to the game on Sunday...jersey or lucky t-shirt? Bandana on Fi or no bandana? SO much pressure!

Or maybe I should buy her this pretty dog tag and get it overnighted?

Then, I realized...oh it really doesn't matter ;-) Superstition is fun, though, yes?

HERE WE GO STEELERS, HERE WE GO!

And to preserve our relationship, Steve and I have agreed not to watch any playoff games together. he he he...I'm 100% serious.

Confession

Just to confirm yesterday really was my day, my amazon.com purchase arrived!

This is where the confession part comes in. One present Steve got me for Christmas was a DVD-Jane Austen Book Club. I looooove Jane Austen. Pride and Prejudice is my second favorite book of all time (To Kill a Mockingbird holds a strong first). Austen's writing is witty, clever, romantic, and by no means outdated.

So last Friday, I had a night to myself and popped in the DVD (which story was first a book-that I read this summer at the beach!). As I was watching it, and loving all the Austen allusions, I realized it had been years since I'd read a Jane Austen book. In a moment of weakness (or perhaps I should attribute it to the 1.5 glasses of wine I had drunk at that point), I ordered 4 Jane Austen novels off Amazon.com. I could not help myself!

I might add I purchased the 4 books for a total price with shipping of $24, so it was quite the bargain.

I am re-acquainting myself with Jane Austen, beginning with her last book Persuasion. I started last night..and I'm loving it.

Oh-and it's never too early for a GO STEELERS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today is my day.

No, seriously it is. I didn't think it was when my alarm went off at 5:05a.m. I didn't think it was because I have to work late tonight. I didn't think it was when I realized I put my contacts away last night without covering them in saline solution. But, once I walked into the spinning class and the instructor promised an hour of all 80's songs that gained their popularity from MTV, I knew it would be a fantastic day.

Growing up, I used to wake up an hour early to watch MTV while I ate breakfast. I don't even think MTV plays music anymore. They just have those porn-like television shows like the Real World. (That show was SWEET when it first started with Pedro and Puck, etc...today it is like they try to find all the skanky co-eds and put them all in a room together with 25,000 gallons of alcohol and see what happens. So stupid.)

From 6AM-7AM I got to workout to some of my favorite songs by artists like: Bon Jovi, Madonna, Journey, etc. The entire time the instructor kept apologizing for the songs and I wanted to say "hey, I'm not embarrassed I know the lyrics to every song played this morning..."

It was great.

In other news, my intelligent, handsome boyfriend is debuting his online story today. You should read it...http://fullerblogisode.blogspot.com/

sooooo busy

But, I will spare a moment to share two things:

1. My eye will not stop twitching. It may be the most annoying thing in the entire world. And it's been doing it since I was in court this morning. Puh-lease eye, puh-lease stop.

2. I got $500 worth of Ann Taylor clothes for $66 dollars yesterday. Amazing, no? You should be impressed.

That's all. Back to work.

lazy saturdays

How are you spending your Saturday? I went to a spinning class at the gym and then made a beef stew from my new cookbook! (It's not done cooking yet ;) )

And Fiona has been laying in the sunlight being all lazy watching me cook. She's the world's best companion!