I Haven't Met You Yet

The past few weeks have been filled with friend and family gatherings. Per usual, the question is always asked of me, "Do you have a boyfriend?" Or when I was at a recent wedding, "When are you getting married?" Of course, the answer to these questions are a) I don't know or b) Someday soon, I hope.

I feel at 22 (ok, almost 23) that marriage is something that should not be remotely on my radar. I really do not feel like I am ready for that right now. I have a lot of other things (namely, career) that are taking precedent (as, I feel, it should). However, as I continue to see my friends and relatives with their significant others, I wonder who I'll end up with.

I lay in bed and wonder about him a lot. What will he look like? Will he have brown hair and blue eyes? Or red hair and green eyes? What's his favorite food? Does he like seafood? Is he allergic to peanuts? Have I already met him or is he still a complete mystery to me?

Will he like my family? Does he own cats? Where did he go to school? What stirs his soul? Art? Music? Money? Where will I meet him? At a hole-in-the-wall bar over cheap beers? Or through mutual friends on a summer evening under the stars? How old is he? 23? 25? 28?

How tall is he? Do I need to wear a pair of three inch heels to kiss him? What stations are preset in his car? Country? Rock? Jazz? Is he a bed hog? Does he prefer a firm or soft mattress? Does he need a TV to fall asleep or total quiet?

In any case, I hope he is wonderful and compassionate and funny and strong. I hope he is supportive and a good kisser and happy. I hope we complete each other. I hope we can dream and play and laugh together. I hope and wish and pray that he understands me...that we understand each other. And that together we make the most of this crazy life. In essence, I just hope we find each other.

So you, whoever, wherever you are, I'm here. And I'm not hiding. I'm not hiding, so please, seek me soon.

Love is?

In my twenty odd years on this planet, I’ve learned many things.

Like how to properly apply liquid eyeliner, craft a stellar press release, and cook a perfectly browned grilled cheese sandwich. I’ve also learned a lot about love. After all, love and relationships are the inspiration behind hit boy band songs, the reason why Tiffany, Hallmark, and Godvia make millions, and when you reach a certain age, the question on everyone’s lips at Thanksgiving dinner.

In my humble opinion, love is...
-Leaning in for a bear hug even if I'm sniffly and contagious.
-Knowing exactly how I like my coffee...and leaving a cup on my nightstand in the morning.
-Being on my team but having the balls to tell me when I'm doing stupid shit.
-Letting me listen (and sing loud and obnoxiously) to Taylor Swift, Britney Spears and/or 98 Degrees on road trips.
-Spending (and enjoying) time with my family.
-Helping me over puddles, so as not to get my favorite flats wet and dirty.
-Continuing to crawl into bed and fall asleep with me even when I a) snore like a buzz-saw b) wear zit cream on my face c) steal all the covers and possibly kick you, hard (sorry) in my sleep
-Not complaining when you find out that I started leaving a box of tampons under your bathroom sink.
-Sharing the last bite of cheesecake.
-Agreeing to be the one to hold the cat when we clean his ears, so he bites your hand and not mine.
-An impromptu bouquet of wildflowers on the kitchen table you picked from the front yard (or neighbors yard).

...To be continued.

Spring Wish List

This cold, dreary weather is making me yearn for spring. I can't conjure up sunshine, so a fun beauty post will have to do :) I have been browsing Sephora like a madwoman and here is my Spring Beauty Wishlist.

1) Bumble and Bumble Hair Products: Sephora just started carrying this legendary haircare line. I have been researching products, trying to decide what I want to purchase. So far, it's a toss up between these...



-Surf Spray: When I was scrunching my hair during the summer, I desperately looked for this product. I craved "sexy, sun-dried, wind blown" looking hair and that is what the product promises to deliver. I will be purchasing this come summer care free, wavy locks.



-Gentle Shampoo/Super Rich Conditioner: I admit, I have not been very nice to my hair lately. I have permed it, colored it, and styled it with heat on a regular basis. My strands are dry and lackluster. This shampoo/conditioner combo is supposed to restore damaged/chemically treated hair. Currently, I'm using Redken's Color Stay shampoo and conditioner, and I am not pleased with the results. One one hand, my color stayed pretty true though the condition of my hair has not improved. Hoping Bumble and Bumble is better.



2) Philosophy Hope in a Tinted Moisturizer: Once summer is here, I switch from foundation to tinted moisturizer. I like the lighter feeling a tinted moisturizer provides in the heat. I am a fan of Hope in a Jar (a Philosophy cult moisturizer), so I have high hopes for the tinted moisturizer. Plus, this has sunscreen built in. I do see one con already - the $38 price tag. :Cringe: Looks like I'll be saving my pennies for this product.



3) Smashbox Limitless Beauty Collection: I have been drooling over this collection since my Ulta catalog showed up last week. This set is sold exclusively at Ulta and features a bevvy of long lasting products (primer, blush, eye liner, eye shadow palette, and lipgloss). The eyeshadow palette is what I'm most excited about. The shades are gorgeous neutrals that I am dying to play with.

March Makeup Haul

I have decided to post a makeup haul blog. Anyone who knows me understands that I have an unnatural obsession with all things makeup. I love reading reviews on products and watching Youtube tutorials (how else are you supposed to achieve the perfect smokey eye?).

So, here are the products I've been loving lately(and spending the majority of my paycheck on - seriously though, it's a problem).


1) Clinique Advanced Concealer: I have tried a lot of concealers (currently there are four in my makeup bag) but this is my favorite by far. Why? Because it covers everything and has ridiculous staying power. I am notorious for picking my pimples to the point of scabs (TMI, I know). This stuff covers them all day long. I pat it on with a brush and add a dusting of translucent powder and VOILA! my pimple looks less nasty. However, word of warning: apply sparingly or else it can get cakey.



2) Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in 'Warm Me Up': I bought this lipstick because InStyle did an article about makeup shades that flatter all skin tones, and this was one of them (FYI: the fact that I bought this lipstick is PR in action, my friends. InStyle - a third party source - endorsed this, and I purchased it. That was your PR lesson for the day. You're welcome). The color is a better, prettier version of your own natural lip color. The formula is hydrating and works perfectly with my new lip pencil (Clinique's Defining Liner for Lips in Nudey).



3) Lush Ocean Salt Scrub - Lush is a Canadian company that specializes in "fresh handmade cosmetics." The only store in the area is in Philadelphia, so when I was visiting a few weeks ago, I made sure to stop in. The scrub is an aqua blue color and is gentle enough to use on your face and body. It smells divine - a mix between a margarita and a tropical paradise - and is made with all natural ingredients. I use it twice a week and love how soft and smooth my skin feels.



4) Two Faced Shadow Insurance: This is eyeshadow primer...or liquid amazing-ness, whatever. People often scoff at the need for primer, however, if you want your shadow to stay and not crease, this is essential. Plus, this stuff is for real. My shadow and liner stayed picture perfect through a muggy, soggy subway commute. I arrived looking like I just crawled out of a sewer grate...though my eye makeup was still fabulous.



5) Hard Candy Baked Eye Shadow Duo in 'High Maintenance': Hard Candy used to be sold in speciality stores, but is now exclusively at Wal Mart. This eyeshadow duo is a combination of two metallic-y brown and copper shades. The lighter color shadow instantly warms up the face, and the darker color smokes out the creases beautifully. The duo is perfect for daytime - not too harsh and gives the perfect hint of shimmer.

A Dating Conundrum

I am known as a fairly impatient person. And when I saw "fairly," I mean "ridiculously."

Because of my impatient nature, I have always made things happen for myself. Why? Simply because I cannot wait for someone or something else to put things into motion for me. Thus far, my "go getter" attitude has faired well for me in all aspects of my life except one...my love life.

In our society, women are told to wait and be pursued. Social norms tell us that we cannot be the "pursue-ie." Let me tell you, that is a hard pill for me to swallow. In my life, I go after everything - jobs, friends, that great deal on a pair of peep toe pumps, and...men.

My dating life bears the brunt of this frustration. Things are generally fine and dandy until I decide to make me real feelings known. Why? Because I don't like waiting! If you like me and I like you then why the hell do we have to play games? Let's move forward.

On the other hand, if I like you and you don't like me and that kiss was just the result of one too many gin martinis, just tell me, so I can move on with my life. Let's not waste each others' time. This seems logical, yes? Well, whenever I consider testing this logic, I am told to sit and wait it out because men like the thrill of the chase. I feel this is the same logic that makes men drive in circles for hours and not stop and ask for directions. And that never turns out well, now does it?

Am I going to have to sit around - stalled on the freeway of love - forever? I don't think I buy the whole "wait for your prince to come" nonsense. If I waited to take the "bull by the horns" in every other aspect of my life, I'd be shit out of luck. So I ask you, dear readers, what's a girl to do?

I Got A Bad Case Of The (Winter) Blues

I have a bad case of the winter blues (winter blahs?).

The weather outside is beyond frightful. It's dark and cold. And slipping on ice and falling repeatedly on your ass just makes a bad situation worse (and a lot more painful). All I want to do is sleep through January until April. I think my body is going into hibernation.

I can't concentrate. I'm blue (literally and figuratively...forget gloves in 10 degree weather and see what color your hands turn). I'm just not a happy camper. I especially dislike this because I am usually a pretty damn powerful ray of sunshine, which could be due to my sunny demeanor or the excessive amount of caffeine I drink in one day. In any case, it is not like me to feel out of it.

If anyone has any cures for the winter blues/blahs, please share. If I were in Philly, I would go to Max Brenner (look it up) and drown my sorrows in copious mugs of thick, rich hot cocoa and gorge myself on bon bons (seriously, they have them there).

However, I am not in Philly and a cup of Swiss Miss and a handful of Hershey Kisses just isn't cutting it for me. The moral of this story...send sunny weather...and Godiva...lots of Godiva.

Bad Boys

I have a lot of wonderful single guy friends. Last week, we got to talking about the saying, "nice guys finish last." The first thing I think when I hear about that statement is 'bullshit.' However, when I sat down and thought about, I realized there could be some logic to that statement.

I, and probably 99.9% of other women, have fallen prey to the 'bad boy.' The 'bad boy' comes in a few different forms.

a) The stereotypical bad boy: This is the guy with the badass attitude (he may or may night drive a motorcycle). He lives by his own rules. He says what he thinks. You find his honesty refreshing not to mention his disdain for the rules of society is kind of sexy. He plays hard, so you fall harder. SBB is fun...until he ultimately disappears. SBB can't be tamed. He loves 'em and leaves 'em. You swear you won't be one of 'em, however, you always get hurt in the end.

b) The nice guy with bad boy tendencies: This guy is a sweetheart on the outside. He is charming. He is flirty. He is seemingly everything you're looking for in a guy...that is, until he doesn't call...or text. NGWBBT plays games. He can always somehow always seem to slip back into the picture. Why? Because he has never really hurt you. Therefore, you continue to crush on him. Per usual, he continuously screws you over.

So why do we as women continue to gravitate towards men who we know are going to hurt us? This is especially confusing to all those nice guys out there (and they do exist, we just seem to overlook them). They watch us get taken advantage of time and time again. They sit there and listen to us bitch and moan about the shitty guys in our lives. Yet, they never get a chance. Ok, I get it nice guys. You do get the short end of the stick.

Yet, as I type this, I know that will probably pass over a potentially nice guy for a bad boy. Part of me understands this and part of me does not. I think bad boys have this aura of mystery that nice guys don't have. Women sense that. It attracts us. Though at the end of the day, we really don't want to be with an asshole...we want to be with you nice guy!

After all that typing, I still don't have a solid conclusion on this ongoing dating dilemma. Maybe someone needs to invent a bad boy antidote. Maybe the spell breaks with age. Maybe I need a good smack to the senses. While I ponder, listen to Carrie Underwood. She gets it.

I Need a Hobby

Now that my life is absent of internships, papers, and coursework, I have time to actually focus on something. And that "something" cannot be the gym, watching three back-to-back episodes of Two and a Half Men, or reading.

I always fumbled on the "what are your hobbies?" question on job interviews. Because, honestly, I don't have one set thing I like to do (and napping is not an appropriate hobby). In the past, I've tried many different activities. For instance, I was really into making jewelry for awhile. However, I've since forgotten everything I learned in the summer class I look three years ago.

I enjoy interior design. I thought perhaps I could get into refinishing furniture. I started to refinish a cabinet in October. It's January, and I'm still not finished. Of course there was baking at one point, though that went by the way-side. I attempted painting, but when you suck, it just isn't fun.

My problem is that I am incredibly impatient, and I have the attention span of a two year old. I get bored easily of things, and I can't sit still and focus for long amounts of time. (Ask anyone who has ever tried to watch a movie with me. Unless I'm riveted to the screen, I'm up walking around after 20 minutes.)

I think I'd like redecorating an apartment...but I don't have one. My mother suggested I redo my room at home. I told her that was not happening because I plan on moving out...in the next year (or decade).

Therefore, if you have any suggestions...please share.

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.

Swoon Playlist

I want to sip a glass of red wine, light a candle, and listen to this song.

Ladies and Gentleman: Diana Krall, The Look of Love. Go grab your sweetheart and take a listen.

Growing Pains

Taylor Swift sings...

I'll be strong, I'll be wrong, oh but life goes on
I'm just a girl, trying to find a place in this world

Amen, Taylor. Amen.

I think I have things together, and then I realize I have nothing together. Do grownups ever really have it 'together?' Or is that a facade that we believe as children? Maybe the idea of 'together-ness' isn't reality?

In any case, I'm trying to get all the pieces of this life puzzle to fit. It's really hard. They don't warn you about this shit in college. Of course, what was I thinking? That I was going to leave campus with a diploma and a magical unicorn spewing fairy dust was going to pick me up and carry me, seamlessly, into a 'big girl' life? Well, that didn't exactly happen.

I need a post college support group. One where we talk about how it is possible to transition to life back in the nest, pay off college loans, and still retain the ability to drink a case on a Thursday night and function Friday morning.

The thing is, I like being a twenty-something. I just wish I had a path to follow. The whole "forge your own path" thing is great....until you realize you're deep in the forest without a map, which is equal to being up shit creek without a paddle. Guess what? Shit creek was a lot more like fun water rapids than "holy-crap-I'm -going-to-fly-off-this-raft-and-impale-myself-on-a-rock" when my biggest worry was what time I had to wake up for class and not how am I going to pay off thousands of dollars and save for a future.

Not to mention, now people want to know when I'm getting married. Dear God can we not throw that wrench into the mix yet! I don't even know what I'm going to wear when I wake up in the morning not to mention who I'm going to spend the foreseeable future with. Obviously I'd like to spend my life with a man and not just Gary that cat, but put the brakes on, people. I'm 22.

For now, I'm going to enjoy being young and hopefully find some more pieces to my life puzzle. If anyone has seen any 'Allison' life pieces, please point me in the right direction because I'm just a girl, trying to find a place in this world.

Automobiles: A Woman's POV

Today, I was on Glamour.com (go there!) and perusing their lifestyle blog, Smitten.

One of the posts I found particularly interesting was this one: When it Comes to Guys and Cars, What Drives You Wild?: glamour.com.

I definitely note what kind of vehicle a guy is driving. I'm not going to base a whole relationship around what brand is on your keys, but I'm always curious. As an automotive enthusiast, it's in my nature. Furthermore, if you can fix what you drive...well, I'm beyond sold. Below are my picks (and glamour.com users) for sexiest vehicles:

-Audi (or German-made cars, in general): Now, if you know me, this was a given. I can't help it. I have a huge passion for Audi, and if a guy shares that, well, that's awesome. I always scan the driver's seat when I pass an Audi. Then, I subconsciously day dream about said driver. I can see it now: the two of us waxing our cars in the driveway in preparation for that car show we are entering together. Our Christmas card picture where we pose, clad in four-ring gear, in front of our S5 and Q7 (respectfully). The rec room in our basement (which we have converted to Le Mans-viewing headquarters) decorated with Audi racing flags and memorabilia. The Audi Club of America magazines in the rack in our bathroom or the Audi Driving Experience in Switzerland that we are saving up or the four-ring onesie we buy for our kid. I'm getting slightly carried away here. Moving on...

-Glamour.com users ranked Jeep as the 'sexiest' brand. Most ladies seemed to agree that guys in Jeeps are outdoorsy and to quote the article , "[Men who drive Jeeps] Know how to pitch a tent...and then some." Maybe there is something to be said about the "it's a Jeep thing" slogan. However, I withdraw the previous statement if you drive a Jeep Liberty. Sorry, not sexy but fine if you're carting your kids to and from little league.

-Classic/Muscle cars were also cited in the comments. Specifically, Camaros and Mustangs. I can totally get behind that. Nothing better than cruising in a classic Camaro and who can resist those big block engines? In addition, vintage Mustangs will always be cool. However, I'm not impressed if you drive a 2000-ish 'stang. You know why? Because everyone and their grandma drives one, including the really sloppy guy in line at the McDonald's drive thru. When I saw him drop a pickle out of his Big Mac onto the dashboard, well, that killed it for me.

Pick up trucks, sports cars, and foreign cars rounded out the online list. You know what wasn't on the list? A Toyota Prius. I'm sorry. I don't care if it's "fuel efficient." You look like a dumbass driving one.

I've ranted a raved enough. Now, I want to know... What make or model revs your engine? (Bad pun but I had to take it).

A New Direction?

There is a saying..."When the going gets tough, the tough get going." Where do they go? If I could finish that sentence it would be "far away." Lately, that seems to be my fix for life's problems.

When things don't work out the way I planned, I fantasize about disappearing. Yes, essentially "running away from my problems." I know, that isn't healthy, but I don't have anything stopping me. I could just go.

I don't have any kids or a house or a man. I could get up tomorrow and move across the country. Sure, my family and friends are here, but they'll love me no matter what my address. Every time I try to put down roots, try to get settled, something comes along and ruins my plans.

Each set back makes me yearn for my suitcase and an unlimited bank account to buy a plane, train, boat ticket to God-knows-where. I feel like everyone else has taken a chance on life. I feel like I'm standing still. My life needs a jolt. I crave a scene change.

Perhaps this sapling needs a transplant...

A Goldfish Obituary

I regret to inform everyone, that my beloved fair goldfish, Garfield, passed away from natural causes this morning. Garfield was a good fish. He enjoyed swimming in circles, flapping his fishy fins, and watching the world go by from the confines of his fishbowl. Garfield had such a promising life ahead of him after Allison spent $12 to win him and free him from his plastic bag prison. Garfield is survived by his owner, Allison, and countless fellow goldfish brothers and sisters. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Garfield Goldfish Scholarship Fund. Services will be held in the downstairs bathroom at Allison's residence with Father Chris presiding.
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I have cried my tears and mourned over Garfield, but to be honest, it wasn't really a shock that he passed so quickly. Our family has never had much luck with goldfish. I think there is an invisible force field in our house. Once a fish passes over the thresh hold, his chances of life are slim to none. Now, I will admit, there were some times that the fish's death was out of his control.

Case and point, when I was a little kid and my parents found me sitting on the kitchen table petting our latest goldfish. Apparently, taking a fish out of water to pet it is not a good idea. However, my four year old brain thought it was brilliant. Blame my parents for that one. We didn't have any furry mammal pets, so I had to improvise. Also, I distinctly remember Megan and I skipping through the fairgrounds clutching our new pet fish and swinging the plastic bags in circles. I don't think you're supposed to do that...and then we wondered why "Goldie" was dead the next morning.

The fall seasons of my childhood were filled with opportunities to win goldfish. The Denver and Ephrata fairs provided many instances for my parents to drop cash for a scrawny, malnourished fish (and we wondered why they died? the fish is living - without food - in a plastic bag for 3 days).

Naturally, we named each fish and watched them swim in circles for hours the evening we brought them home. The next morning we would awake and clamor down the stairs to say good morning. The sight was always the same. Fish, belly up, floating at the top of the tank. Meg and I were devastated, and my Mother would sneak out of work during lunch to try and win us replacements.

The good news is that the Ephrata fair runs this week and will provide another opportunity to replace poor Garfield. RIP buddy, I hardly knew you.