I saw this video twice yesterday. I love this. He's breaking out of the mold!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Fashion Spot: The Sheath Dress
I am all about the sheath dress now-a-days. Sheath - shaped to the body with vertical darts, this classic style offers a straight and narrow fit. (definition by Nordstrom) I own not a one, so I think it's about time I added one to my wardrobe. I'm inspired by Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. Look how bad these ladies where. Talk about CLASSIC STYLE!
You Go Sophia!
Fast forward 50 years or so and this is what we have. I LOVE these dresses.
And now... the divine Ms. Audrey Hepburn. There is no one like her.
You Go Sophia!
Fast forward 50 years or so and this is what we have. I LOVE these dresses.
And now... the divine Ms. Audrey Hepburn. There is no one like her.
Monday, November 26, 2007
NBC Series On Black Women
African-American Women and Where They Stand - 5 Part Series beginning November 26th
Throughout the week of November 26, "NBC News With Brian Williams" will take a look at the issues facing African-American women across our nation in a new series "African-American Women: Where They Stand." The series will cover a wide-range of issues from their role in the '08 Presidential race, to the increased health-risks that they need to be concerned about.
Monday's installment will discuss African-American women's progress in the education field. Nearly two-thirds of African-American undergraduates are women. At black colleges, the ratio of women to men is 7 to 1. And that is leading to a disparity in the number of African-American women who go on to own their own businesses. Rehema Ellis will talk to educators, students and businesswomen about why this disparity exists.
Tuesday, Ellis will look at relationships within the African-American female community. Many agree the gender disparity in education and business among African-Americans is having an effect on relationships that African American women have. Some even say the implications could redefine "Black America's family and social structure." In the past fifty years, the percentage of African-American women between 25-54 who have never been married has doubled from 20% to 40%. (Compared to just 16% of white women who have never been married today). Ellis sits down with the members of a Chicago book club and talk about this difference and how it impacts them.
Dr. Nancy Snyderman will discuss the increases risks for breast cancer for African-American women on Wednesday. Mortality rates for African-American women are higher than any other racial or ethnic group for nearly every major cause of death, including breast cancer. Black women with breast cancer are nearly 30% more likely to die from it than white women. Premenopausal black women are more than twice as likely to get a more aggressive form of the disease. And, not only are African-American women more likely to die from breast cancer, but they're less likely to get life-saving treatments. Dr. Snyderman will profile one of the only oncologists in the world who specializes in the treatment of African-American women with breast cancer.
On Thursday, Ron Allen will take viewers to South Carolina -- the first southern primary state -- and ask the question: Will race trump gender or gender trump race? In South Carolina , black women made up nearly 30 percent of all democratic primary voters in 2004. This year, polls show a significant number are undecided, torn between choosing the first African-American or first female Presidential candidate. Allen talks with the undecided, as well the state directors for the Clinton and Obama campaigns, who happen to be African-American women.
To close the series on Friday, Dr. Snyderman will raise the frightening statistic that African-American women are 85% more likely to get diabetes, a major complication for heart disease. And, like breast cancer, more black women die from heart disease than white women. Dr. Snyderman will profile a leading expert and a unique church-based outreach program in South Carolina that seeks to spread the word about heart disease risks to black women congregants.
Mara Schiavocampo, Digital Correspondent for "Nightly News," will address two hot topics in the African - American community: interracial dating and the impact of hip hop music on black women (For those of you who attended NABJ this year, Ms. Schiavocampo won the Emerging Journalist of the Year Award). Interracial dating is a growing trend in the African - American community. An Essence.com poll found that 81% of participants approved of black women dating non- black men. According to a U.S. Census Bureau report in 2000, 95,000 black women were married to white men. In 2005, that number increased to 134,000. Schiavocampo will talk to experts about the trend and discuss how this defines the "Black family" of the future.
Essence.com poll found that 81% of participants approved of black women dating non- black men. According to a U.S. Census Bureau report in 2000, 95,000 black women were married to white men. In 2005, that number increased to 134,000. Schiavocampo will talk to experts about the trend and discuss how this defines the "Black family" of the future.
Check it Out!
Throughout the week of November 26, "NBC News With Brian Williams" will take a look at the issues facing African-American women across our nation in a new series "African-American Women: Where They Stand." The series will cover a wide-range of issues from their role in the '08 Presidential race, to the increased health-risks that they need to be concerned about.
Monday's installment will discuss African-American women's progress in the education field. Nearly two-thirds of African-American undergraduates are women. At black colleges, the ratio of women to men is 7 to 1. And that is leading to a disparity in the number of African-American women who go on to own their own businesses. Rehema Ellis will talk to educators, students and businesswomen about why this disparity exists.
Tuesday, Ellis will look at relationships within the African-American female community. Many agree the gender disparity in education and business among African-Americans is having an effect on relationships that African American women have. Some even say the implications could redefine "Black America's family and social structure." In the past fifty years, the percentage of African-American women between 25-54 who have never been married has doubled from 20% to 40%. (Compared to just 16% of white women who have never been married today). Ellis sits down with the members of a Chicago book club and talk about this difference and how it impacts them.
Dr. Nancy Snyderman will discuss the increases risks for breast cancer for African-American women on Wednesday. Mortality rates for African-American women are higher than any other racial or ethnic group for nearly every major cause of death, including breast cancer. Black women with breast cancer are nearly 30% more likely to die from it than white women. Premenopausal black women are more than twice as likely to get a more aggressive form of the disease. And, not only are African-American women more likely to die from breast cancer, but they're less likely to get life-saving treatments. Dr. Snyderman will profile one of the only oncologists in the world who specializes in the treatment of African-American women with breast cancer.
On Thursday, Ron Allen will take viewers to South Carolina -- the first southern primary state -- and ask the question: Will race trump gender or gender trump race? In South Carolina , black women made up nearly 30 percent of all democratic primary voters in 2004. This year, polls show a significant number are undecided, torn between choosing the first African-American or first female Presidential candidate. Allen talks with the undecided, as well the state directors for the Clinton and Obama campaigns, who happen to be African-American women.
To close the series on Friday, Dr. Snyderman will raise the frightening statistic that African-American women are 85% more likely to get diabetes, a major complication for heart disease. And, like breast cancer, more black women die from heart disease than white women. Dr. Snyderman will profile a leading expert and a unique church-based outreach program in South Carolina that seeks to spread the word about heart disease risks to black women congregants.
Mara Schiavocampo, Digital Correspondent for "Nightly News," will address two hot topics in the African - American community: interracial dating and the impact of hip hop music on black women (For those of you who attended NABJ this year, Ms. Schiavocampo won the Emerging Journalist of the Year Award). Interracial dating is a growing trend in the African - American community. An Essence.com poll found that 81% of participants approved of black women dating non- black men. According to a U.S. Census Bureau report in 2000, 95,000 black women were married to white men. In 2005, that number increased to 134,000. Schiavocampo will talk to experts about the trend and discuss how this defines the "Black family" of the future.
Essence.com poll found that 81% of participants approved of black women dating non- black men. According to a U.S. Census Bureau report in 2000, 95,000 black women were married to white men. In 2005, that number increased to 134,000. Schiavocampo will talk to experts about the trend and discuss how this defines the "Black family" of the future.
Check it Out!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Calling All LA Residents
Everything Must Go!
Do you know anyone who's interested?
Please pass this on!
Thanks!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Oh Shutup Oprah
Oprah's My Favorite Things episode comes on today; the episode where she gives all of her favorite gifts to the audience. Stuff like iPhones, diamonds and cars. You know...the stuff that only Oprah can give to 100+ people just for attending the show. I hate/love that show. I get mad watching it, but just can't seem to turn from it.
Here's some of the crap that the audience gets. I'm glad they didn't get iPhones, diamonds and cars this time around. lol. I'm so mean! =)
Have a good evening everyone.
Here's some of the crap that the audience gets. I'm glad they didn't get iPhones, diamonds and cars this time around. lol. I'm so mean! =)
Have a good evening everyone.
Ran-Dumb Thoughts
Today's a brand new day, and to be honest with you, I can't wait for it to be over. These 9 excruciating hours at work seem to go by SOOOO slow. Honestly, there's no point in me being here, except to go on the lunch that my executive mentor is taking me on. But for a pass from work, I'd even give that up.
I was an absolute couch potato yesterday afternoon. Watching the Project Runway marathon was so calming. After PR, I watched a little Dancing With the Stars (which I can't really get into this season for some reason), Girlfriends, The Game and then The Hills. I love those shows. The Monday night line-up is great for me. There are so many shows on tv though. I have to put the shows in my phone as appointments just so I won't forget what comes on. What comes on tonight by the way?
The cruise is 2 months away. I don't want to shop for it but I may just have to. Although I must have a week's worth of fabulous summer outfits in my closet already. Most of the trip will be spent in a swimsuit and a cover up so I shouldn't need that much. As a matter of fact, I over-packed for my last cruise. I might just get a dress, a pair of nice linen pants and call it a day. I'm moving across the country in a couple of weeks for goodness sakes...without relocation help...so there's not much money to spend.
Last night right after turning off my tv, I called baby boi. In old fashioned girlie-emotional-random style, I asked him how he felt about the relationship. His reply was, "It's straight." I swore I heard crickets while waiting for him to say more, which never happened. Then he said, "how do you know I'm in the right mind frame to answer your question right now?" Oh word?! Ha! Fine. That's Absolutely Fine. Ladies and gentleman, please answer this for me. Is it easier to "get in the right mind frame" and answer a pms-ing woman's question or spit out a annoyingly brief response worthy of the dirt on the bottom of my shoe along with a insanely ridiculous man-question? Yes, a man-question. There is such a thing. I guess this is the part where a man doesn't know how to express his feelings and a woman asks an out-of-the-blue emotional question with expectations. Such is relationships.
I have John Legend's "Once Again" ringing in my headphones. I haven't heard this in a while. It's a great CD but I'm not sure if it's what I'm in the mood for. I don't know what I'm in the mood for right now. Let's see what I have on my computer here at work... Do I want to hear a little Radiohead, Tank, Common, Roisin Murphy, Swizz Beatz...? There are too many options. Perhaps I'll go to Musicovery, which plays music based on your mood. Eh. Not really feeling that particularly because I have no idea what my mood is. Dah well. Johnny Boy it is.
I was freezing in bed last night! I don't know why I didn't put on some long pajama bottoms being that it's winter time. Tank tops and shorts do NOT cut it anymore.
I may not go to the meeting tonight. I know I should, but I just don't feel like it. It is only 7:36 in the morning. I have time to change my mind.
You know what I wish I was doing right now? Taking a ballet class or sitting in a photography studio reviewing my shots. Is anyone watching that reality tv show "The Shot" on VH1? The contestants take some amazing photos. I'm learning a lot. New York's going to be a great backdrop for my hobby.
I turn 25 tomorrow. You know what my mom said to me yesterday? "Wow. You're going to be 27 or 28 when you get married!" Lol. Thanks mother. =) Oddly enough, I'm willing to wait. Truth be told, I'm not ready to get married. I have a whole new life ahead of me. Plus, baby boi is no where near ready either.
I wish I could right forever considering I don't have anything else to do today. I might have to give 3 posts today to keep from dying of boredom. =) Holla!
I was an absolute couch potato yesterday afternoon. Watching the Project Runway marathon was so calming. After PR, I watched a little Dancing With the Stars (which I can't really get into this season for some reason), Girlfriends, The Game and then The Hills. I love those shows. The Monday night line-up is great for me. There are so many shows on tv though. I have to put the shows in my phone as appointments just so I won't forget what comes on. What comes on tonight by the way?
The cruise is 2 months away. I don't want to shop for it but I may just have to. Although I must have a week's worth of fabulous summer outfits in my closet already. Most of the trip will be spent in a swimsuit and a cover up so I shouldn't need that much. As a matter of fact, I over-packed for my last cruise. I might just get a dress, a pair of nice linen pants and call it a day. I'm moving across the country in a couple of weeks for goodness sakes...without relocation help...so there's not much money to spend.
Last night right after turning off my tv, I called baby boi. In old fashioned girlie-emotional-random style, I asked him how he felt about the relationship. His reply was, "It's straight." I swore I heard crickets while waiting for him to say more, which never happened. Then he said, "how do you know I'm in the right mind frame to answer your question right now?" Oh word?! Ha! Fine. That's Absolutely Fine. Ladies and gentleman, please answer this for me. Is it easier to "get in the right mind frame" and answer a pms-ing woman's question or spit out a annoyingly brief response worthy of the dirt on the bottom of my shoe along with a insanely ridiculous man-question? Yes, a man-question. There is such a thing. I guess this is the part where a man doesn't know how to express his feelings and a woman asks an out-of-the-blue emotional question with expectations. Such is relationships.
I have John Legend's "Once Again" ringing in my headphones. I haven't heard this in a while. It's a great CD but I'm not sure if it's what I'm in the mood for. I don't know what I'm in the mood for right now. Let's see what I have on my computer here at work... Do I want to hear a little Radiohead, Tank, Common, Roisin Murphy, Swizz Beatz...? There are too many options. Perhaps I'll go to Musicovery, which plays music based on your mood. Eh. Not really feeling that particularly because I have no idea what my mood is. Dah well. Johnny Boy it is.
I was freezing in bed last night! I don't know why I didn't put on some long pajama bottoms being that it's winter time. Tank tops and shorts do NOT cut it anymore.
I may not go to the meeting tonight. I know I should, but I just don't feel like it. It is only 7:36 in the morning. I have time to change my mind.
You know what I wish I was doing right now? Taking a ballet class or sitting in a photography studio reviewing my shots. Is anyone watching that reality tv show "The Shot" on VH1? The contestants take some amazing photos. I'm learning a lot. New York's going to be a great backdrop for my hobby.
I turn 25 tomorrow. You know what my mom said to me yesterday? "Wow. You're going to be 27 or 28 when you get married!" Lol. Thanks mother. =) Oddly enough, I'm willing to wait. Truth be told, I'm not ready to get married. I have a whole new life ahead of me. Plus, baby boi is no where near ready either.
I wish I could right forever considering I don't have anything else to do today. I might have to give 3 posts today to keep from dying of boredom. =) Holla!
Monday, November 19, 2007
A.Keys New Video
I posted this last Tuesday but the link was discontinued. Here we go again. GREAT video. GREAT song.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Tears of Joy
I'm almost in tears reading all of the caring and moving responses I've received from my "goodbye" email. I'm so amazed by how much energy and time people have spent expressing what I've meant to them and how happy they are for me. There are no amount of words to describe what I'm feeling right now. I'm so moved. So touched. So appreciative. So thankful.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
The Happy Grind
My family is about to drive me absolutely crazy. Lol. It's been 3 days since I accepted the job at Essence and I get four or five phone calls every single day asking me how I'm getting home, what I'm packing, what I'm selling, when my last day is, which family member I'm going to stay with.... AAAHHHHH!! Okay. I know you guys are excited but dag! My response is not going to change much from day to day so please, CHILL. I'm not leaving until the the 5th! =) I love my family.
On the real though, I have a lot to do. I'm filling out all these forms, digging up old tax returns so I can fill out my W-4 right, reminding myself to take my passport to work so I can photocopy it and send to Human Resources for proof of citizenship. Phew! Direct Deposit forms. References. Notaries. Leasing Office Notifications. Address Change Forms. This is a lot. My to do lists and calendar have to be TIGHT. I'ma try to get as much done as early as possible. Hopefully I'll have everything done even before my last day, so I can tigh up lose ends on my week off. Your whole mind frame changes when you give a job two weeks notice. I can't even focus on work. I'm too busy writing to do lists and answering my family members 150,000 questions! =) But these 2 or 3 weeks are going to go by REALLY fast. So it's off to the grind! A Happy Grind!
On the real though, I have a lot to do. I'm filling out all these forms, digging up old tax returns so I can fill out my W-4 right, reminding myself to take my passport to work so I can photocopy it and send to Human Resources for proof of citizenship. Phew! Direct Deposit forms. References. Notaries. Leasing Office Notifications. Address Change Forms. This is a lot. My to do lists and calendar have to be TIGHT. I'ma try to get as much done as early as possible. Hopefully I'll have everything done even before my last day, so I can tigh up lose ends on my week off. Your whole mind frame changes when you give a job two weeks notice. I can't even focus on work. I'm too busy writing to do lists and answering my family members 150,000 questions! =) But these 2 or 3 weeks are going to go by REALLY fast. So it's off to the grind! A Happy Grind!
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Lady of Essence
I am the newest team member of Essence Magazine! Hooraaaayyyyy!!!!!!!!!!! =) After USAirways lost my luggage, which forced me to walk into the interview of my life without a suit on, makeup on my face, or bounce and curl to my hair, I managed to pull it together AND LAND THE JOB OF MY DREAMS! How amazing is that?! After a year of rejection from Mattel, Sony, Disney, and a whole slew of other con-j.a.c. companies, I have finally made it. I made it ladies and gentleman! I've truly made it!!!!The stupid airline still has not found my luggage, but that's okay. I'm going to milk them for all they're worth. LOL. I itemized everything that was in my suitcase and it looks like they'll be giving me a fat reimbursment check. Yep! Most of my items were purchased from Banana Republic, Nine West, Victoria's Secret, Aldo, Macy's, American Eagle Outfitters, Ralph Lauren, H&M, Maybelline, Cover Girl and Revlon, so you KNOW I'm about to get paid. Can you believe that they are not liable for jewelry? My cartouche...my favorite birthstone ring...costume jewelry. Gone. They should compensate me for the emotional meltdown I had when they told me that my suitcase was lost! You know I cried. But once I realized that I had bigger things to accomplish, I refocused my energy. I had no choice!
The fact of the matter is that I got my job!!!! Nothing can stop me! Didn't Satan know?!! The Devil is messing with the wrong one!
New York here I come!!
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
To The Big Apple
Off to New York tomorrow for a quick in and out adventure. I haven't stepped inside that lovely city in quite some time. Has it been two years? I think so. I'm excited to be going back. To feel that busy, city energy pulsate through my veins. It's going to be great to see Nana, Aunt C., and Sean. I don't think I'll have a moment to see my college girls. I'm not really trying to plop my carry-on at my Nana's crib only to run out again. Gotta spend time with the woman, ya know? Good thing Nana knows Sean and he lives down the street. I'll still email the girls to let them know I'll be in town. Holla!
I'm On An A.Keys HIGH!
Let's go back there. Let's take it there.
When ya didn't know me. Didn't need me. Wanted to touch me. Couldn't leave me. I couldn't know how far this would go. I couldn't know if this was for sure. We just could not.
We just could not get enough of it baby...
Let's go!
Have that wreckless love!
That crazy love!
That off the wall won't stop til I get enough kind of love!
I need that love.
So baby Let's Go!
Have that wreckless love!
That crazy love!
That I don't really care we can have it anywhere kind of love!
That wreckless love.
-Wreckless Love
This song is CRAZY!
When ya didn't know me. Didn't need me. Wanted to touch me. Couldn't leave me. I couldn't know how far this would go. I couldn't know if this was for sure. We just could not.
We just could not get enough of it baby...
Let's go!
Have that wreckless love!
That crazy love!
That off the wall won't stop til I get enough kind of love!
I need that love.
So baby Let's Go!
Have that wreckless love!
That crazy love!
That I don't really care we can have it anywhere kind of love!
That wreckless love.
-Wreckless Love
This song is CRAZY!
This Is Why I Love Music
Alicia Keys - Like You'll Never See Me Again
If I had no more time. No more time left to be here. Would you cherish what we have cuz we're everything that you are looking for.
If I couldn't feel your touch. And no longer were you with me. I'll be wishing you were here to be everything that I've been looking for.
I don't wanna forget the present as a gift. And I don't wanna take for granted the time you may have here with me. Cuz Lord only knows another day here's not really guaranteed.
So everytime you hold me
Hold me like this is the last time
Everytime you kiss me
Kiss me like you'll never see me again
Everytime you touch me
Touch me like this is the last time
Promise that you'll love me
Love me like you'll never see me again
How many really know what love is. Millions never will. Do you know until you lose it that it's everything that we are looking for.
When I wake up in the morning. You're the sun beam. I'm so thankful that I found everything that I've been looking for.
I don't wanna forget the present as a gift. And I don't wanna take for granted the time you may have here with me. Cuz Lord only knows another day here's not really guaranteed.
So everytime you hold me
Hold me like this is the last time
Everytime you kiss me
Kiss me like you'll never see me again
Everytime you touch me
Touch me like this is the last time
Promise that you'll love me
Love me like you'll never see me again
If I had no more time. No more time left to be here. Would you cherish what we have cuz we're everything that you are looking for.
If I couldn't feel your touch. And no longer were you with me. I'll be wishing you were here to be everything that I've been looking for.
I don't wanna forget the present as a gift. And I don't wanna take for granted the time you may have here with me. Cuz Lord only knows another day here's not really guaranteed.
So everytime you hold me
Hold me like this is the last time
Everytime you kiss me
Kiss me like you'll never see me again
Everytime you touch me
Touch me like this is the last time
Promise that you'll love me
Love me like you'll never see me again
How many really know what love is. Millions never will. Do you know until you lose it that it's everything that we are looking for.
When I wake up in the morning. You're the sun beam. I'm so thankful that I found everything that I've been looking for.
I don't wanna forget the present as a gift. And I don't wanna take for granted the time you may have here with me. Cuz Lord only knows another day here's not really guaranteed.
So everytime you hold me
Hold me like this is the last time
Everytime you kiss me
Kiss me like you'll never see me again
Everytime you touch me
Touch me like this is the last time
Promise that you'll love me
Love me like you'll never see me again
Monday, November 05, 2007
Reflections from "Get Yours!" - Part 2
Here's my take on the rest of Amy DuBois Barnett's book Get Yours! The Girlfriends' Guide to Having Everything You've Ever Dreamed of and More.
Get Your Money Right - "I've found that the less I obsess about money, the more money I earn." "But earning is not enough. It's incredibly important for women to be independent and to have our own assets. Call your savings your "screw you" money. If you ever find yourself in a bad situation, personally or professionally, you have the ability to say "You know what? Screw you." Some people think wealth is about what you have. What you have more so talks to how much cash you have. Instead wealth means owning your own home. Getting all your bills paid off. Being able to send your kids to the best schools. Having a thick 401K ready for retirement. We've talked about this before in an earlier post, but I can't say it enough. Start investing. Build an emergency fund worth 6 months of your income. Sell some stuff. Take your lunch to work. Get a lower credit card rate. Know your credit rating. Stop sabotaging your savings... you know the deal people. "You deserve to live an abundant fulfilling life. Be grateful for what you have, work for what you want. Dream big and go for it!"
Get Him - I thought this was a cute chapter. It dived into the issues that we women have to prevent us from holding on to good men. We often search for Mr. Exactly Right and ruin our chances of meeting a great guy. Let go of the list ladies. Accept imperfection. Amy also suggests that we stop believing in the man-shortage hype. She gives a great statistic about there being over 1 million extra men in 2010 in my age range and goes on to say this. "Besides, as a unique and exceptional woman, you don't expect the right man for you to be a dime a dozen. So quit complaining about how bad men are; that just invites bad men into your life." Priceless. She also recommends dating like a man - see a few different guys at once, end the phone call first, lean over and plant a kiss on him. You know how men love women to make the first move! In this same chapter she talks about how women are expected to be Desperately Seeking Stability (husband, kids, house in the burbs). That kind of hit me in the face because that's exactly who I am. But I learned a thing or two about celebrating my fun, fabulous years. She put me in check! The section concludes with an interview with Hill Harper which I was very bothered by...but I'll leave that for another blog.
Get Your Chic On - Another fabulous section discussing how "beauty is temporary and fashion is transient, but sexy and stylish are forever." It's not about scoring that new pair of stilletos, rather it's about walking in them like you rule the world! HELLO! I'm finally figuring out my primary style. I've always had a style, but not that I have a job, I can afford the more expensive staple pieces that I adore. I absolutely have a NY sense of style. Nice tailored wool coats, a long pair of dramatic wide leg black pants, deep purple pumps. No more cheap clothes for me! Forever 21 is OUT (unless it's for jewelry or a cute hat)! Oh and don't underestimate the importance of shoes, bags and jewelry. Your accessories make your outfit. Believe that.
Get Your Personal Space - This was the chapter that helped me to see how much I disdain I have for my studio. Amy says "...I truly believe your living environment deeply affects you - spiritually, mentally, and physically. Your home can clear your head, soothe your soul, define your world, show your appreciation for yourself, and enhance your private and family time." My place does none of that. I not only wake up with a sore back and neck everyday, but I don't know the meaning of a light and airy space. It's so dark in my apartment and that's not good. Now I know what to look for in a place next time!
Get Creative - I think this was one of my favorite chapters. Especially because of all the creative juices I have flowing within me. The quiz determined that I'm a creative inferno, which is great BUT I sometimes have trouble completing projects. So true. Here are some of the points Amy recommends. Turn off the TV. Identify your strengths. Tell yourself you're talented. Try something unusual. Spend time alone. Find others who share your interests. Consider profiting from your passion.
Get Spiritual - This was my least favorite chapters. She has an idea of spirituality that is completely different from mine so I kept getting distracted as I tried to read through it. What I took from it though was that we all have a spiritual need. So supply it!
If you haven't already noticed, this book changed my life! I have so many quotes that I can't wait to write/type up for my personal use. Whenever I get into a rut, I know exactly where to go for motivation. Thank you Amy DuBois Barnett!
Get Your Money Right - "I've found that the less I obsess about money, the more money I earn." "But earning is not enough. It's incredibly important for women to be independent and to have our own assets. Call your savings your "screw you" money. If you ever find yourself in a bad situation, personally or professionally, you have the ability to say "You know what? Screw you." Some people think wealth is about what you have. What you have more so talks to how much cash you have. Instead wealth means owning your own home. Getting all your bills paid off. Being able to send your kids to the best schools. Having a thick 401K ready for retirement. We've talked about this before in an earlier post, but I can't say it enough. Start investing. Build an emergency fund worth 6 months of your income. Sell some stuff. Take your lunch to work. Get a lower credit card rate. Know your credit rating. Stop sabotaging your savings... you know the deal people. "You deserve to live an abundant fulfilling life. Be grateful for what you have, work for what you want. Dream big and go for it!"
Get Him - I thought this was a cute chapter. It dived into the issues that we women have to prevent us from holding on to good men. We often search for Mr. Exactly Right and ruin our chances of meeting a great guy. Let go of the list ladies. Accept imperfection. Amy also suggests that we stop believing in the man-shortage hype. She gives a great statistic about there being over 1 million extra men in 2010 in my age range and goes on to say this. "Besides, as a unique and exceptional woman, you don't expect the right man for you to be a dime a dozen. So quit complaining about how bad men are; that just invites bad men into your life." Priceless. She also recommends dating like a man - see a few different guys at once, end the phone call first, lean over and plant a kiss on him. You know how men love women to make the first move! In this same chapter she talks about how women are expected to be Desperately Seeking Stability (husband, kids, house in the burbs). That kind of hit me in the face because that's exactly who I am. But I learned a thing or two about celebrating my fun, fabulous years. She put me in check! The section concludes with an interview with Hill Harper which I was very bothered by...but I'll leave that for another blog.
Get Your Chic On - Another fabulous section discussing how "beauty is temporary and fashion is transient, but sexy and stylish are forever." It's not about scoring that new pair of stilletos, rather it's about walking in them like you rule the world! HELLO! I'm finally figuring out my primary style. I've always had a style, but not that I have a job, I can afford the more expensive staple pieces that I adore. I absolutely have a NY sense of style. Nice tailored wool coats, a long pair of dramatic wide leg black pants, deep purple pumps. No more cheap clothes for me! Forever 21 is OUT (unless it's for jewelry or a cute hat)! Oh and don't underestimate the importance of shoes, bags and jewelry. Your accessories make your outfit. Believe that.
Get Your Personal Space - This was the chapter that helped me to see how much I disdain I have for my studio. Amy says "...I truly believe your living environment deeply affects you - spiritually, mentally, and physically. Your home can clear your head, soothe your soul, define your world, show your appreciation for yourself, and enhance your private and family time." My place does none of that. I not only wake up with a sore back and neck everyday, but I don't know the meaning of a light and airy space. It's so dark in my apartment and that's not good. Now I know what to look for in a place next time!
Get Creative - I think this was one of my favorite chapters. Especially because of all the creative juices I have flowing within me. The quiz determined that I'm a creative inferno, which is great BUT I sometimes have trouble completing projects. So true. Here are some of the points Amy recommends. Turn off the TV. Identify your strengths. Tell yourself you're talented. Try something unusual. Spend time alone. Find others who share your interests. Consider profiting from your passion.
Get Spiritual - This was my least favorite chapters. She has an idea of spirituality that is completely different from mine so I kept getting distracted as I tried to read through it. What I took from it though was that we all have a spiritual need. So supply it!
If you haven't already noticed, this book changed my life! I have so many quotes that I can't wait to write/type up for my personal use. Whenever I get into a rut, I know exactly where to go for motivation. Thank you Amy DuBois Barnett!
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Reflections from "Get Yours!" - Part 1
Amy DuBois Barnett's book, Get Yours! The Girlfriends' Guide to Having Everything You Ever Dreamed of and More, helped me so much that I've decided to jot down some ideas or points that I found inspiring. Hopefully you will find it inspiring too. Enjoy.
Get Happy - "It's impossible to really feel the good without the contrast of the hard and painful." Boy is that true. It's because of the hard knocks that I can appreciate all of the good in my life. How else will I know a great job from a horrible one if I've never had a horrible job? Would I be able to figure out that finance is not passion unless I tried it out and discovered that I hated it? Absolutely not. Like Amy says, life is a journey. I'll let her tell it. "...being able to understand challenges as experiences in one long adventure will change your whole attitude." It sure changed mine! "Real, deep happiness is not about immediate pleasure, it's about long-term gratification."
Get Out There - "Confronting your fears proves that you're living your life to its fullest potential - and that you're becoming everything you're meant to be." I've become overwhelmed with fear lately so this quote means more to me than I can explain. I realize that I can't shrink away from my fears like I have been. It only makes things worse. I'm finally ready to confront my fears and get out there. I promise to tap into my inner adventurer and get out there.
Get Healthy - In all of my stress and fear, I've managed to lose a lot of weight. That's not good. I realize that I don't need to exercise for a great body. I need to exercise for peace of mind. All the anxieties and worries of the day melt away when I exercise. So healthy food and exercise are in the new game plan. One piece of advice that stuck out to me was to establish a prebed ritual - reading, taking a bath, having a cup of caffeine-free tea... wonderful idea!
Get Great Girlfriends - I took a girlfriends quiz and my results say that I'm solid as a rock, however, I know that there are many things I can work on where girlfriends are concerned. It's really difficult to be a good girlfriend when you don't know how to befriend yourself. No one wants to be around a depressed, complaining soul, so take care of yourself first in order to love and listen to your girls. It's important that you're there for them as much as they're there for you. Expand your circle! There's no reason why I shouldn't have a girlfriend I can go to a ballet class with and another than I can tear up a mall with. No need to force your friends into community service activities when they'd rather be at the spa. Make new friends!
Get Your Family Together - Thank goodness I don't have any issues here. My sister and I are great friends and my parents are the best. I could expend a little more effort reaching out to my grandparents though. What's the harm in calling them up once a month and offering an update? A good tip from Amy was to chart your family tree. You made learn things you wouldn't otherwise!
Get That Gig - I had a phone interview yesterday, but didn't feel like I really got my point across that this was more than just a job to me. After finishing this book this morning, I was so inspired that I called my interviewer back and spilled my guts about the meaning of this job. And guess what? Even if I don't get the job, she now knows me. She told me that no matter if this opportunity works out or not, she'd love to keep in touch. Fantastic! I have already achieved success. "Be happy and success will come." Do an attitude check. Stop waiting to be noticed. Ask questions. Stop putting your work ahead of your personal life. Set your eyes on the next prize. Self-promote like a pro. Expand your skills. Learn to love networking. Ask for what you want. Know when to quit.
Good stuff right? Stay tuned for Part 2. I already wrote it, but I don't want to overwhelm anyone with too much stuff. =)
Get Happy - "It's impossible to really feel the good without the contrast of the hard and painful." Boy is that true. It's because of the hard knocks that I can appreciate all of the good in my life. How else will I know a great job from a horrible one if I've never had a horrible job? Would I be able to figure out that finance is not passion unless I tried it out and discovered that I hated it? Absolutely not. Like Amy says, life is a journey. I'll let her tell it. "...being able to understand challenges as experiences in one long adventure will change your whole attitude." It sure changed mine! "Real, deep happiness is not about immediate pleasure, it's about long-term gratification."
Get Out There - "Confronting your fears proves that you're living your life to its fullest potential - and that you're becoming everything you're meant to be." I've become overwhelmed with fear lately so this quote means more to me than I can explain. I realize that I can't shrink away from my fears like I have been. It only makes things worse. I'm finally ready to confront my fears and get out there. I promise to tap into my inner adventurer and get out there.
Get Healthy - In all of my stress and fear, I've managed to lose a lot of weight. That's not good. I realize that I don't need to exercise for a great body. I need to exercise for peace of mind. All the anxieties and worries of the day melt away when I exercise. So healthy food and exercise are in the new game plan. One piece of advice that stuck out to me was to establish a prebed ritual - reading, taking a bath, having a cup of caffeine-free tea... wonderful idea!
Get Great Girlfriends - I took a girlfriends quiz and my results say that I'm solid as a rock, however, I know that there are many things I can work on where girlfriends are concerned. It's really difficult to be a good girlfriend when you don't know how to befriend yourself. No one wants to be around a depressed, complaining soul, so take care of yourself first in order to love and listen to your girls. It's important that you're there for them as much as they're there for you. Expand your circle! There's no reason why I shouldn't have a girlfriend I can go to a ballet class with and another than I can tear up a mall with. No need to force your friends into community service activities when they'd rather be at the spa. Make new friends!
Get Your Family Together - Thank goodness I don't have any issues here. My sister and I are great friends and my parents are the best. I could expend a little more effort reaching out to my grandparents though. What's the harm in calling them up once a month and offering an update? A good tip from Amy was to chart your family tree. You made learn things you wouldn't otherwise!
Get That Gig - I had a phone interview yesterday, but didn't feel like I really got my point across that this was more than just a job to me. After finishing this book this morning, I was so inspired that I called my interviewer back and spilled my guts about the meaning of this job. And guess what? Even if I don't get the job, she now knows me. She told me that no matter if this opportunity works out or not, she'd love to keep in touch. Fantastic! I have already achieved success. "Be happy and success will come." Do an attitude check. Stop waiting to be noticed. Ask questions. Stop putting your work ahead of your personal life. Set your eyes on the next prize. Self-promote like a pro. Expand your skills. Learn to love networking. Ask for what you want. Know when to quit.
Good stuff right? Stay tuned for Part 2. I already wrote it, but I don't want to overwhelm anyone with too much stuff. =)
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