Let’s raise some cash! Viva la eBay!

My sister-in-law Jen is 100% responsible for this…

I’m getting married this Fall in California. Memo to my readers: weddings cost a lot of money- seriously, A LOT of money. If you’re reading this right now and thinking, “Oh sure, but there are ways to cut corners…” just know that even after corners are cut, there is still a big bill with your name on it. Word.

So anyway, Jen tells me that she has started selling things on eBay to bring in a little extra cash (let’s face it- money isn’t exactly growing on trees these days). Since Christmas, she has made over four figures selling things! I was amazed and in the back of my mind I thought about the boat load of crap I have stored up in my closet…purses I used once, impulse-buy dresses that have me scratching my head, old gifts from ex-boyfriends (don’t ask), Avon products that I don’t even know how to use, a few jackets that I probably shouldn’t have bought to begin with, etc. I have a friggin’ GOLD MINE of stuff that could better serve others…people who will use these things and genuinely appreciate them.

So what do I do? I grab my digital camera and go to town, listing crap like it’s going out of style. If you’re interested in purchasing something from me,  check out my listings on eBay.  And just know that your purchases will contribute to my financial aptitude as well as my wedding and personal sense of accomplishment. Happy bidding and rock on!

Also, a big thank you to Jen for booting me out of my laziness and into the entrepreneurial spirit!

This could be yours

P.S. I’ve also found that busying myself with eBay biz keeps my mind occupied until the Twilight dvd comes out next month…oh yes, it will be mine.

Random Thought of the Day

I’m going to start watching some high-school themed movies just so I can get back into that emo/angst-ridden/uber annoying vibe that I rocked for four long years. Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, Romy & Michelle’s High School Reunion, Can’t Hardly Wait, Varisty Blues, Mean Girls…hell, I could go on for weeks. Maybe I will. Maybe I have.

That’s about all.

It’s ‘Work it out’ Tuesday!

Hey everyone! It’s time to party down! No more of this recession-depression nonsense. I can only lament my finances, the economy, and the rate of unemployment so many times before my head spins off and explodes like a firecracker on the fourth of July.

It’s time to kick it…old school.

I decided to kick my recession-depression late last week, when I found a string of purple holiday lights in a file cabinet in my office (don’t ask). Without thinking twice, I put up the strand of lights at my cube (yes, a recession means that I got booted from my cushy office). Strangely, half the strand of lights occasionally blinks. I think this is an indication that it’s time to party.

Yeah, you know what’s up…when life knocks you down, it’s time to work it out. And by work it out, I mean dance like a silly fool. I’m sick of turning on the news and getting angry, stressed, and freaked out. So today, I’m not going to succumb to it!

My Oscar Predictions, Check ‘Em Out

Enjoy and feel free to share your predictions as well:

Best Actor in a Leading Role
Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler
(I have all of my fingers crossed in this category. Fitz and I saw The Wrestler and it was AMAZING)

Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
(I think everyone can agree that this is a slam dunk)

Best Actress in a Leading Role
Kate Winslet, The Reader
(A brilliant actress; this statue would be most deserving)

Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Amy Adams, Doubt
(Again, Fitz and I saw this movie and were blown away. The only upset I can see coming- Penelope Crus in Vicki Cristina Barcelona)

Best Animated Feature Film
Wall-E
(This is a given. No other nominee even has a chance. The film is emotional and unique in its dystopian view of the Earth’s future)

Best Documentary Feature
Man on Wire
(The story of a wire walker who walks between the Twin Towers- Fitz rented it last month. The dedication and process is shocking and mind-numbing. A story that keeps the amazement going from minute 1 to the concluding credits).

Best Director
Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire
(A resoundingly great film, due in large credit to the talented Danny Boyle)

Best Original Song
“Jai Ho,” Slumdog Millionaire
(A catchy tune that will stay in your head long after the film ends)

Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay
Slumdog Millionaire
(If you’ve seen the flick, you know this story is mindblowing)

Best Picture
Slumdog Millionaire
(The crowd will rise to their feet in absolute joy upon this announcement- a simple love story will win a simple award)

The Rihanna Photo

I turned on The Today Show this morning and was greeted by a horrific photo taken of Rihanna, after she was allegedly beaten by her boyfriend, Chris Brown. To say that this image is shocking and heartbreaking is the greatest of understatements- there is no way I could possibly publish a link to it, it’s too graphic, it’s property of the LAPD, and it doesn’t feel right to exploit a victim who is seeking privacy during this difficult time.

But let me just say that NO HUMAN BEING should ever have to endure this kind of violent treatment. Violence is never the answer and should never be tolerated!

As I have been a fan of Rihanna and Chris Brown’s music for a long time now, it saddens me to say that I will be boycotting ALL of Chris Brown’s music going forward. Later on today I will delete all of his music from my iTunes and iPod, because I can’t bring myself to support his career anymore. I hope that he seeks help and puts out an apologetic statement that actually seems geniune rather then contrived. I realize that one cannot fight violence with violence, so I will do it in a more powerful way- with words.

***If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please check out the website for the National Domestic Violence Hotline: http://www.ndvh.org/ Help is available 24 hours a day in 50 states.

I’m happy now, my heart says

I’ve let go of the frustration that consumed me yesterday morning. It’s time for happiness. So let’s focus on the quote of the day:

“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature” (Anne Frank)

Source: Happiness Quotes

Here is a photo of me, enjoying nature…and a glass of cabernet from Sbragia Vineyard in California.

Ahhh....

To the guy that was rude to me on the Blue Line train

I managed to bite my tongue this morning, but I must say that it was very difficult to do so because you sir, are a certified jerkoff. I’m sorry that your personal space felt invaded but GET. OVER. YOURSELF.

The El trains are overcrowded, old, and constantly running behind schedule, or straight up off the tracks. We all wish that the train would feature individual plush couches by which we could lounge glamorously while gripping a Starbucks Latte in one hand and a copy of the Trib in the other, relishing in the aroma of fresh baked cookies, all the while enjoying the views of the dynamic city skyline while the sun streams it’s warm rays on the most stunning architecture in the world. If this is what you were expecting, then I’m sorry but you, sir, live on Fantasy Island, and it’s time to wake the F*** up.

Because this is not reality. Reality is that the trains are overpopulated and each morning when those creaky, janky-a$$ doors open up, I suck in, get a running start, and hurl myself into a train car like an Olympic long jump champion, hoping for the best, typically taking down a few people along the way. It’s not uncommon that I stand so close to complete strangers that I worry about being accused of sexual assault.  But I’ve gotten over it because I have been afforded the opportunity to commute to my job for the economical price of $2.25, which is hella cheaper then car payments, car insurance, and gas. 

So here’s what I have to say- KARMA.

Also…how about a little perspective? We’re in a recession. People are losing their jobs, homes are being foreclosed on, the stock market plunges daily, Illinois can’t employ a decent politician to save it’s life, and don’t even get me started on Alex Rodriguez and Madonna. People are stressed out and emotional and the last thing anyone needs at 8am is your sh*tty, self-righteous attitude.

Word.

This is why I haven’t joined your nerd Facebook nonsense

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/technology/chi-biz-facebook-terms-of-use-feb16,0,3730083.story

Read it and weep, kids. On a daily basis I encounter many people attempting to coerce me into joining Facebook- I’m not on Facebook nor do I have any plans to be. Ever.

I don’t want to join your groups, I don’t want to hear that it’s “like MySpace, only better,” and no, I don’t care if it allows me to pseudo-cyber-stalk people I went to high school with. I don’t know what a tab or a poke are, and I really don’t care to. Life is pretty good as a non-Facebook participant.

So imagine the lip biting and eye brow raising that ensued when I read The Chicago Tribune story regarding the idea of Facebook owning it’s members’ content (see above link). Here’s a special excerpt:

“However, Consumerist and other observers believe that Facebook’s changes have left its members vulnerable to having their content used without their permission, even if they delete information from their profiles. Both the old and the new terms of use specify that Facebook members grant the site a license to use content “on or in connection with the Facebook Service or the promotion thereof.”

Lazy Sunday Afternoon

Today was one of those FANTASTIC lazy Sundays! It started off strong with a delicious breakfast prepared by Chef Fitz (who is SUCH a great cook). On the menu- blueberry pancakes (bb’s in the pancake batter for Fitz, on the side for me), turkey bacon, and coffee (beverage of champions). Beyond delicious.

We then piled in the car to spend the afternoon with my family in A-town. I busied myself by flipping my nephew upside down so many times that I felt nauseous, discussing and giggling over wedding details with my also-engaged sister, preparing stuffing (which I hadn’t a CLUE how to make), chatting up my dad and siblings, and enjoying a golf tournament that made me wish I was back at Pebble Beach. It was just a lovely little day….on the heels of Valentine’s Day, I’m reminded of the love in my life and I feel so blessed, so elated, and so thrilled. Today was one of those beautiful reminders that I have  a pretty good thing going nowadays…

I hope the holiday held the same meaning for all of you! To send a little Cali love your way, below is photo I snapped when visiting Pebble Beach last June.

A little Pebble for you

Random Crap & Happy early Valentine’s Day

A few random things to ponder on this Thursday night:

1. How did the name ‘Richard’ ever evoke the nickname ‘Dick’?

2. Does the seasonal weather in Chicago like to F with my emotions? It was 60 degrees on Tuesday, now it’s 30 again.

3. I really want to see the new animated movie ‘Coraline,’ which is totally out of character for me. I practically had to be forced at gun point to watch ‘Wall-E.’  Yeah, yeah, it was good.

4. I love anything that has to do with dancing: Dancing with the Stars, America’s Best Dance Crew, So You Think You Can Dance, Dirty Dancing, Lionel Richie’s ‘Dancing on the Ceiling,’ and most importantly, the no-pants dance.

5. I bought some sugar-free caramel Jello pudding cups and they are INSANELY DELICIOUS.

6. In an economy that’s struggling, where people are losing jobs, opportunities, and hope…may we all relish the love and relationships we have in our lives, and remember that the things we hold most dear (our memories, our thoughts, our minds, our hearts) are not material…they are within.

Boy, you should be slapped

Anyone else completed astounded by the news of an assault charge involving Chris Brown and Rihanna?!

Is it wrong that I feel the need to slap some sense into him? OR would that just be propagating the violent outbursts that so many seem prone to expressing in domestic situations???

Discuss.

P.S. Be a lover, not a fighter, kids. There is a way to solve problems and issues- it’s called COMMUNICATION.

Word.

A few things regarding the Grammys

1. Even a ridiculous mullet cannot take away from the ridiculously selfish attitude that Kanye West cultivates. STFU.

2. Last summer I begged Fitz to see Robert Plant and Allison Krauss at Ravinia. He shrugged with uninterest. I pouted and likely stomped out of the room. We didn’t see them…and obviously, I’m still not ready to let it go. Seriously, just listen to ‘Rich Woman’ and you will know how I’m feeling!!!

3. How amazing is Adele?! Beautiful voice, beautiful girl.

4. I am actually quite impressed with the musical performances- except Neil Diamond. Any reason why he was talk-singing???

5. Okay, do NOT cut off Robert Plant mid-speech…that’s just offensive, especially when he’s accepting album of the year. Also…I love Green Day and ‘Dookie’ was the first CD I ever bought…in 8th grade.

In closing, here is my Grammy playlist:

1. House of Cards (Radiohead)
2. Rich Woman (Robert Plant & Allison Krauss)
3. American Boy (Estelle & Kanye West)
3. No Air (Chris Brown & Jordin Sparks)
4. Sex on fire (Kings of Leon)
5. Lost (Coldplay)
6. Stay (Sugarland)
7. It’s the same old song (Boys II Men)
8. I’m Yours (Jason Mraz)
9. Paper Planes (MIA)
20. Last Name (Carrie Underwood)

Hot Doug’s is Hot Dog heaven

Today Fitz and I bravely stood in line for TWO HOURS…in anticipation of eating the best hot dog of our lives.

Mission accomplished, kids. The wait was sooo worth it.

Hot Doug’s is a place that Fitz has been telling me about for awhile now, and was recently featured on an episode of Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations. The service is IMPECCABLE and the food will make your stomach sing with happiness!

Here’s what we ordered for lunch:

Kelly: Foi Gras and Sauternes Duck Sausage with Truffle Sauce Moutarde, Foi Gras Mousse, and Sel Gris. Diet Coke fountain drink.

Fitz: One Regular Dog with Everything. Smoked Cajun Pork Sausage and Roasted Garlic Mayonnaise and Smoked Gouda Cheese. Diet Coke fountain drink.

Also…an order of duck fat french fries to share.

WE ATE EVERYTHING. If you want the best Chicago hot dog…this is THE PLACE. Happy eating!

New Moon: I’m cool with Dakota Fanning

There’s been a little haughty buzz on the Internet regarding rumors of Dakota Fanning taking the role of Jane in the Twilight sequel, New Moon. I actually think it’s a pretty decent idea. Here’s why:

1. She’s talented but she’s not a little twit. Ever seen I am Sam? Girl’s got depth and she’s not hanging out at clubs sans  knickers.
2. She fits the profile- both Stephenie Meyer’s description and the image that resides within my imagination.
3. I am confident that she could make this role her own. It’s important to stay true to the book but I also think it’s necessary for her to bring out elements of this character that fans haven’t seen.
4. She has that ethereal beauty that is a pre-requisite for playing a vampire. Don’t deny it.

Let’s face it- we could be stuck with some trixie like Miley Cyrus (as in, “whoops I took these inappropriate photos on my sidekick and now their on the Internet and I have 2 million fans all under the age of 12- my bad! I love Jesus!”).

Bring on Dakota Fanning!

25 things…harder then it looks

Some family members have been circulating a fascinating email where one discloses 25 randoms facts or things about his/herself. Seems blogworthy to me! Check it:

1. I am obsessed with Post-its. Big ones, little ones, tiny tabs, etc. They are all over my desk and I’m convinced that I cannot do my job without them.

2. I sooo badly want a Boston Terrier dog. I swear I have a dog maternal clock!!! I have the name picked out, the dog bed, everything. I just need the pup!

3. I am a professionally trained photographer. Throughout high school and college I learned how to shoot, develop, and print my own black and white and color photos. I give a lot of framed photos as gifts as a result- it is one of my favorite hobbies.

4. When I started dating Fitz I learned how to cook. But before I learned to cook dinners were lean cuisines, lean pockets, english muffins, and cereal! No, I’m not kidding.

5. The first tooth I ever lost was knocked out of my mouth due to a high stick in iceless hockey. My coaches acted like tooth fairies and gave me money- it was AWESOME.

6. I have a bizarrely impressive memory- I rarely mispell words (geeks unite!) and if I hear a song one time I can easily memorize the lyrics and tones. Clearly this talent only comes in handy when playing RockBand.

7. I am a forensics nerd. I love CSI, Law & Order, Snapped, Dark Heart/ Iron Hand, etc. I read tons of true crime books because I ridiculously believe that I might somehow dig up some clue that solves the mystery.

8. By the time I was 21, all of my grandparents were deceased.

9. I LOVE Medieval Times.

10. My favorite movies include Quiz Show, Sixteen Candles, Pan’s Labyrinth, Kill Bill, and The Shining. I actually can’t stand romantic comedies (women everywhere are shrieking in horror).

11. I love, love, love doing the New York Times crossword puzzles. I did one every day of college. They give my vocabulary a boost!

12. Though I was raised Catholic, I am non-practicing. These days I am a very spiritual person but more along the lines of  a non-denominational faith.

13. I am a diehard Cubs fan and cannot stand the White Sox. No, I did not root for the White Sox when they won the World Series. I actually left the country. True story- I was in Italy.

14. When I was in high school, I chose to shadow a newspaper reporter for career day. At the end of the field trip, they took a picture of me reading the paper. For the next year, a full page ad of me reading the paper was on the back cover of that newspaper.

15. I’ve been a dancer at Disney World in Florida, EuroDisney in Paris, and Wembley Hall in London.

16. Favorite foods include sushi, cheese, seafood, chocolate, cereal, and hummus.

17. Seventeen is a lucky number in my family. I was born on the 17th day of the month and so were my mom and brother.

18. I hate ironing clothes. HATE IT.

19. My new favorite color is purple- I just got a purple cell phone….that sits in my purple purse.

20. I’m an Obama girl. Fitz gave me the best Christmas gift- a black newspaper printing plate framed, from the front page of the Chicago Tribune, the day after the presidential election. It’s AMAZING.

21. My list of annoying celebrities: Beyonce, Miley Cyrus, Jessica Simpson, Mario Lopez, Ryan Seacrest, Paris Hilton, and Speidi. I reserve the right to add and/or remove celebrities from the annoying list at my discretion.

22. Target and Walgreens are my two favorite stores. For reals.

23. I do not eat beef and I do not drink milk. At all. Ever.

24. My favorite beverages include coffee, water, Diet Coke, green tea with lemon, Bud Light, wine (I don’t discriminate), and Chocolate Soy Milk.

25. My iPod is a staple in my everyday life. I love music and dancing.

Whew…it was pretty tough to come up with 25 things about me. Maybe because so much of it seems uninteresting. Either way I hope you learned something new and got a laugh or two!