Oh Hayyyy, 2011

Gawd. Another year has come and gone. It sounds cliche, but where did the time go? Honestly. At this time last year, I was waiting to return to college after Christmas break. I had no stable means of income. I had never worn jeggings.

2010 will always be a special year for me because I graduated college. When you're in the thick of academia, graduating doesn't seem like such a big deal. However, now that I am not spending my time in school and can look back, man, I'm pretty damn proud of myself. Additionally, I landed my first job. It still baffles me sometimes that I have clients...that companies pay me to do public relations work for them...whoa. I'm a big girl?

Normally, I don't make resolutions because I have never in my life kept them. Last year, I vowed to write in a journal, swim laps, and practice meditation...about that... I am attempting to banish my self doubt in 2011 and actually accomplish my resolutions. Below, are my goals for the new year.

1) Take care of my body. Everyone and their mom makes this kind of resolution, but I vow to stick to it this year. My hopes are to find an exercise program I really love and workout at least 3 times per week. In addition, I shall attempt to eat more whole grains instead of white, processed flour. I will replace soda with water (though I am will not give up coffee, never). Also, I need to learn to relax, so add that to the list too. My past massage - which left me with broken blood vessels in my neck and shoulders, as a result of insane tension - made me realize that I have to find a way to chill out.

2) Become more confident at work. As I said earlier, it is still insane to me that people pay for my advice. At times, I feel overwhelmed and unsure of my abilities. I have to remember that I possess the skills to succeed. As one of my professors said, "Allison, you have all the tools you need...you just have to believe in yourself."

3) Manage my finances. I'm the butt of all jokes when it comes to managing money. Blame it on my grandmother's genes or the fact that I would rather light my hair on fire than sit and do math. In any case, I suck at money management. This must change. I am on the road to becoming a big girl, and big girls balance their checkbooks, efficiently pay off their college loans, and save to move out of their parents' home. Which brings me to my next resolution...

4) Move out! I love my parents dearly, but it's time to peace out. I lived on my own for 4 years in college and managed to feed and clothe myself, get to class/learn/etc, and manage to return home alive and well. However, my mother does not seem to understand that. Also, my own space means lots of awesome things like picking out furniture at Ikea. Mmmm affordable, Swedish furniture. Therefore, assuming my money situation is under control, I hope to change addresses in 2011.

So, if you're reading this and need a workout buddy/conduct personal finance classes/or have a spare couch lying around, please, let me know.

The Relaxation Station

Today hit me like a ton of bricks. The late night Santa sightings, early morning present unwrapping, and overabundance of sugary treats had finally caught up with me. By 3 pm on Monday afternoon, I began to feel the ill effects of the whirlwind holiday weekend. Naturally, the holidays are a time of stress, so read the following tips and begin to unwind.

1) Take a long, hot shower. Water has always been a source of comfort and relaxation for me. Something about a steamy shower is enough to turn me to mush. Plus, the hot water is awesome for soothing tight, sore muscles. An extra tip: try showering in the dark. It sounds silly but is surprisingly super relaxing. Suds up in there using Stress Relief - Eucalyptus Spearmint shower gel from Bath and Body Works. The scent is said to "clear the mind, uplift the spirits, improve concentration, and help the mind to focus."



2) Give yourself a massage. I like to use a muscle rub like Icy Hot to really penetrate and relax my muscles. You can use a tennis ball to de-stress the back and feet. Put the tennis ball in between your back and the wall and move around, allowing the tennis ball to get into your shoulder blades and loosen kinks. Place the tennis ball on the floor and place your foot over the ball, rolling as you go. Instant foot massage.



3) Embrace the power of aromatherapy. I use to think aromatherapy was crap. However, after spending over a year with constant tension headaches, I was willing to try whatever was on the market for relief. Insert Origins Peace of Mind, On-the-spot relief. This stuff is a god send! This elixir, formulated with natural ingredients, helps zap headaches and tension instantly. Apply two dabs to the temples, back of the head, and ear lops and tension and pressure begin to melt away. The tingling sensation lets you know this stuff is working. Amazing, Period.



4) Breathe. It sounds so simple but deep breathing can go a long way. When I feel tense, I close my eyes and take a deep breath in, hold it for a few seconds, then slowly let the air out through my nose.

5) Invest in a good nature CD. When I was in college my roommate, bless her soul, allowed me to listen to the sounds of rainwater all night long. Something about the pitter patter of rain - even from computer speakers - was enough to quiet my racing mind and relax my body. Maybe rain doesn't do it for you? If not, there are plenty of options, including: ocean waves, forest sounds, babbling brooks, and jungle noises.

A Grammar PSA

It's the holiday season. A time when old friends come together and Christmas cards flood the mailbox. It is during this season that many gather together. It also means that you're probably getting a crap ton of emails, texts, and Facebook messages beckoning you to bars, holiday parties, and other festive gatherings. The Christmas season is also the time when many old flames decide to creep back into your life - for better or worse.

Recently, I was propositioned for the latter. It's not that the individual is a bad person...they just have bad grammar. And when I say "bad," I mean horrible-atrocious-i-don't-think-i-can-even-speak-to-you-because-I'm-so-embarrased-for-you bad.

I understand people make typing mistakes or forget to proof their words but some errors are just unforgivable (see above). Additionally, propositioning me while using the wrong form of "their," "there," "they're" and "your" or "you're" also crushes your chances substantially. I don't expect everyone to be a spelling Nazi, and I certainly am not a grammar whiz by any means of the imagination...but there are some you should just know...period.

Therefore, I urge you guys and gals to reread your texts, emails, and messages before clicking "send." Your English teacher and the general public thanks you in advance.

The First Move

Men. They are a topic talked about quite often on this blog. Obviously, I enjoy the male species. They come in handy most of the time. They do great things for us women-folk like grilling slaps of meat or changing the oil in our car or stalking out and killing whatever rodent, insect, or small animal has inhabited our living quarters.

Men have many good qualities. But there is one man issue I would like to address: the issue of approaching women.

Last Saturday night my friend Emily and I met a man who served in the military. The man has been in Iraq and might be deployed to Afghanistan. The man drove large equipment through areas peppered with land mines. To say this guy is brave is beyond an understatement, however, after flirting with Emily all evening, he couldn't grow a pair and ask her out?

He was very obviously interested. He gave her his number. Spent the evening chatting with her in a very nice, non creepy way and even invited her out for breakfast at a 24 hour diner. They exchanged text messages. Still, it took her bluntly asking him to dinner. What the hell, guys?

I understand women can be intimidating but why not take the bait and make the first move? News flash, you men can be pretty intimidating too. Yet, we women manage to muster up the courage and make a move...shouldn't you?

Many of my guy friends admit to being lax when it comes to making the first move. So much so, that in such situations I assume I'll have to "man up" and take the initiative. I know this is the 21st century and everything but sometimes a lady likes to be chased.

Men, start a revolution. Vow to make a move. We aren't as scary as we seem, I promise.

For Kandi Puppy

I'd like to dedicate this post to my dog Kandi. In honor of all the joy she brought to my family.

We brought Kandi home on a sunny day in early June of 2000. I was an (almost) 12 year old, anxious to play with my first 'real' pet. (I put real in quotations because our family has had an odd assortment of animals in the past. The most noteworthy were Betty and Bobby the freshwater clams that my dad dug up out of our stream, so we had pets for pet day at daycare. I'm serious.)

We adopted Kandi from a kennel a few miles from our house. Her owner dropped her off on a cold, rainy evening and never returned for her. Kandi was timid and shy - a result, we believe, of being beaten by her previous owners. In short, Kandi had quite a sad background. However, our family, equiped with lots of love, was more than ready and willing to give her a new home.

Kandi had a beautiful redish coat that glowed in the sunshine. She was a mix of an Irish setter and golden retriever. She fit in well our family from the beginning. She always seemed to have a smile on her face, and a rapidly wagging tail. Her friendly bark welcomed all who entered our driveway.

I'd take her for walks up and down the streets surrounding my house. I can still hear her nails clipping on the pavement and her faint panting as we walked along. She enjoyed puppy treats and cheese and pretzels - often given to her by my mom. We all loved Kandi, but she loved my dad the most. Her loyalty to him melted all our hearts.

Kandi was always a good sport and played happily with all our other pets. She would sit nose-to-nose with Pudgy our bunny. She would snuggle with Patches our cat. She didn't even fuss when Gary the cat batted at her tail.

It has been almost three weeks since she passed away, and our house is empty without her. At 12 years old, she lived a good, long doggy life. She is buried in our field under a tree, so she will always be home...right where she belongs.

We miss you, Kandi.

Love always,

Your Family xoxo

Kids Say the Darndest Things

I had the most entertaining conversation at my place of employment this afternoon. My boss and his wife have an adorable-6-year-old-firecracker of a daughter. She generally comes in after she gets off the school bus and brings lots of crumbs and smiles to my office.

Today, I was getting ready to leave. She attached herself to my leg and wouldn't let go. I explained that I had to get going home. The rest of the conversation is as follows:

ME: K, I have to get home soon. My mom is expecting me.

K: Mom? You're a mom?

ME: No, no I'm not a mom.

K: But you're at work.

I had to smile because K thought that I must be a mom or 'grownup' since I was working. Her innocent expression absolutely melted my heart.

Also, it made me realize that I must make monies and move out of parents house because, as K sort of pointed out, 'grownups' don't live with their mommies.

Random Things That Make Me Happy: Part 2

Time for the second installment of RTTMMH. In this post's addition, I address this random thing that makes me happy: daydreaming about my future.

I've noticed recently (and I've been doing it for ages) I spend a lot of time inside my own head. My mind plays a continuous loop of thoughts. This loop of thoughts contains life moments like me picking out complicated Swedish furniture at Ikea for my first apartment, me jumping up and down after signing a huge client, or me kissing an attractive stranger under a starry sky.

I read somewhere that a way to achieve success is to picture yourself doing said thing you want to become successful at. In that case, I should be kicking back in new digs and rolling around in a giant pit of money while a handsome stranger waits to slip a sparkling Harry Winston diamond on my finger.

I would like to point out that none of this has happened....yet. Still, I can't help but smile when thinking about all the things I have yet to experience. I'm young. Technically, the above scenario could happen. Is there a one in a billion chance? Well, probably. However, I get off on daydreaming, so don't burst my bubble.

Pessimists would tell me I'm certifiably insane and that I should spend more time with my feet on the ground and less time with my head in the clouds. Yes, but I don't know if you've spent much time around here on Earth. It's kind of depressing, you know, with the recession and rising gas prices and corrupt government and everything. Life is much better in Allison land where everyone rides unicorns bathes in champagne waterfalls and meets men with good taste in jewelry.

Oh there I go daydreaming again! But wasn't that fun? I rest my case for part deux of RTTMMH.