Trash Can Game

Everyday I walk into my office and my trash can is somewhere new.
It's like a game the cleaning people play with me. I've never been a willing participant, but they have me at their mercy because I use my trash can pretty frequently.
Anyway, this morning I couldn't find it. Five minutes of searching later, I found it in the office adjacent to mine. Really? Is it rude to tape a post-it to the floor indicating "Trash Can Here"? I think that may be the only reasonable solution left.

Ina Garten's Apple Pie Recipe

Tomorrow, 1201am and I are baking cookies. I decided to also make an apple pie for the next day's Christmas Eve dinner party. Thanks to Ina Garten for the recipe: 

Ingredients

• 4 pounds Granny Smith apples, peeled, quartered, and cored
• 1 lemon, zested
• 1 orange, zested
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1/2 cup sugar, plus 1 teaspoon to sprinkle on top
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
• Perfect Pie Crust, recipe follows
• 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Cut each apple quarter in thirds crosswise and combine in a bowl with the zests, juices, 1/2 cup sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
Roll out half the pie dough and drape it over a 9- or 10-inch pie pan to extend about 1/2-inch over the rim. Don't stretch the dough; if it's too small, just put it back on the board and re-roll it.
Fill the pie with the apple mixture. Brush the edge of the bottom pie crust with the egg wash so the top crust will adhere. Top with the second crust and trim the edges to about 1-inch over the rim. Tuck the edge of the top crust under the edge of the bottom crust and crimp the 2 together with your fingers or a fork. Brush the entire top crust with the egg wash, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon sugar, and cut 4 or 5 slits.
Place the pie on a sheet pan and bake for 1 to 1 1/4 hours, or until the crust is browned and the juices begin to bubble out. Serve warm.

Perfect Pie Crust:

12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) very cold unsalted butter

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 tablespoon sugar

1/3 cup very cold vegetable shortening

6 to 8 tablespoons (about 1/2 cup) ice water

Dice the butter and return it to the refrigerator while you prepare the flour mixture. Place the flour, salt, and sugar in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade and pulse a few times to mix. Add the butter and shortening. Pulse 8 to 12 times, until the butter is the size of peas. With the machine running, pour the ice water down the feed tube and pulse the machine until the dough begins to form a ball. Dump out on a floured board and roll into a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Cut the dough in half. Roll each piece on a well-floured board into a circle, rolling from the center to the edge, turning and flouring the dough to make sure it doesn't stick to the board. Fold the dough in half, place in a pie pan, and unfold to fit the pan. Repeat with the top crust.

Yield: 2 (10-inch) crusts

The Christmas Fettucine

Thanks, Giada:

Ingredients

• 18 ounces fresh fettuccine
• 2 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cups grated Parmesan
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
• Pinch freshly grated nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground white pepper

Directions

Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 4 minutes. Drain.

Stir 2 cups of the cream and the lemon juice in a heavy large skillet to blend. Add the butter and cook over medium heat just until the butter melts, stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat.

Add the pasta and toss. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of cream, and Parmesan to the cream sauce in the skillet. Add the lemon zest, nutmeg, salt, and white pepper. Toss the pasta mixture over low heat until the sauce thickens slightly, about 1 minute.

The Sing-Off

Let me be clear that I don't watch Glee.
I don't think I'd like it to be honest. But A Cappella? A Cappella I can get down with!
If you love to be amazed by the awesomeness of beautiful voices, you must watch The Sing-Off.
Enjoy some Christmas tunes by The Sing-Off contestants here

Predictions From Miss Jae (Asian Miss Cleo)

Miss Jae:

okay, can i tell you something?

this is what i picture foryou....

 

Lola: 

tell me :)

 

Miss Jae: 

you're going to meet someone and it's going to be the right fit. you'll know it, mango will know it, your friends will know it, your sisters will know it, etc. i can totally see you and this beau just moving fast. you meet, you date, you get engaged, you get married all within 6-12 months.

i can see you being in passionate and stable romance that will sweep you off your feet.

you guys will jet off to some exotic location and you'll just shoot me an IM or text, "dude, we're getting married."

this is what I picture.

Chomp Chomp

I don't usually do this, but it's appropriate in this instance.

I WORK WITH THE LOUDEST EATER EVER. LIKE IN THE HISTORY OF EATING.
WHEN I SAY EATING, I MEAN CHEWING, SWALLOWING, IT'S JUST... FOUL!
HOW DOES HE NOT KNOW HE EATS LIKE A LOUDASS COW?
VOMIT.

$1,278

That's what I owe to Piedmont Hospital for the gastric emptying study I did back in September.
Merry Christmas! You're all getting cards. Mama is poor!

O Tannenbaum

I put up my fake ass Christmas tree last night.
I was looking at this thing as I was assembling it and laughing at myself. I mean. It isn't just fake. It's ultra fake. It's a "fir" tree, but the fir is tiny strands of green shredded paper. While I was in Virginia for Thanksgiving, my sister dragged me to The Home Depot to check out their trees (real and fake) and there was a beautiful fake one that almost looked real...FOR TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS! I mean, I guess its worth it if you are going to die with your fake Christmas tree, but damn!
I will say my fake ass Christmas tree makes me super happy. Every ornament, except the glass balls, have so much meaning behind them. I want more, but you can't just buy them. People have to gift them to you (which honestly, is the reason I give ornaments for Christmas, you'd think someone would have caught the hint by now, but I have zero ornaments to show for it). This year, my sister gave me a a pink Barbie Christmas tree ornament. It's got little shoes as ornaments. I LOVE IT! The Georgia Aquarium one she gave me last year is hanging proudly on there, too.
I love Christmas!

falling apart

I always joke about being sickly but I never really stopped to think that, maybe, I am.
Well. I stopped and thought about it.
I am falling apart!
I was hanging out with my friend Michael* the other night and the conversation turned to daily medications. I started listing them out.
1) Birth control
2) multi-vitamin
3) prilosec
4) some other drug that breaks down my food
5) anti-depressant

and, recently, a variety of cold/flu medications.
Jesus. At this rate, I will be dead by next year.
Super.


*not really his name.

Parenting as an Addiction

From Freakonomics: “Shankar Vedantam of Slate hypothesizes that people continue to procreate, despite overwhelming evidence that parenting isn’t very fun, for much the same reason that cocaine users can’t quit: they’re addicts.”  More to the point, it’s not parenting that’s addicting but the act of baby making.  The babies are just an unfortunate side effect.


Thanks, J :)

Use Your Vagina To Make A Difference

You’re watching Have Sex With a Guy With A Mustache Day. See the Web's top videos on AOL Video

My Hand Fucking Hurts

This morning I burned the shit out of my hand.
A friend of mine came over Saturday night with a friend of hers. The plan was for them to come over after watching the Georgia-Auburn game (YEAH! AUBURN! YEAH!) and get ready at my house. Well. For one of them, that meant using a curling iron, which is totally fine by me... if you turn it off.
This morning as I was leaving, I did my routine check of the house to make sure everything was off and locked.
I noticed the curling iron and saw it was plugged but didn't think it was on. I grab the barrel and burn the shit out of my hand. my fingertips are raw and my palm is on fire.
I'm pissed that I burned my hand but even more pissed that the motherfucking curling iron was on for 2 days.
It was on my dresser and you all know I'm not exactly neat. Everything in my house is flammable. That stupid curling iron could have caused a fire. And it wasn't even mine. AND my HAND FUCKING HURTS.
Okay, I'm done venting.

Friday Night Dinner

The main event:

Lady and Sons' Chicken in Wine Sauce

Ingredients

• 4 large skinless boneless chicken breasts
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted, plus more for casserole
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 6 ounces (about 8 slices) Swiss cheese
• 1 (10 3/4-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1 cup herb-flavored stuffing mix, crushed

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Add the chicken to a shallow buttered casserole and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Layer the cheese slices on top.

In a medium bowl, add the soup and the wine, season with salt and pepper and pour over the cheese. Sprinkle stuffing mix on top anddrizzle with melted butter.* Bake for 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve.

*Cook's Note: If desired use more butter. (You didn't have to read this far to know this is a Paula Deen recipe)

Soup + Sammies

I am making dinner for some friends tomorrow night. I came up with comfort food. Soup and grilled cheese sammies! 

WEIGHT WATCHERS ZERO POINTS GARDEN VEGETABLE SOUP RECIPE

Hands-on time: 20 minutes
Time to table: 1 1/4 hour
Makes 9 cups

6 cups broth (today I used Light Vegetable Stock)

Cooking spray
2 carrots, peeled and diced
1 large onion, diced
4 teaspoons garlic (from a jar or substitute four cloves minced garlic)
1/2 cabbage, chopped (or use a bag of slaw, the biggest chunks you can find vs the fine, don't skip the cabbage for it somehow makes the soup)
1/2 pound frozen green beans
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 large zucchini, diced

Bring the broth to a boil in the microwave. (This is a time-saving tip that can be skipped if there's no hurry.)

Spray a Dutch oven with cooking spray and heat on MEDIUM HIGH. Add the carrots, onion and garlic and cook for about 5 minutes. Add all the remaining ingredients EXCEPT the zucchini and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat to MEDIUM and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the beans are tender. Add the zucchini and cook until the zucchini are tender. Serve and enjoy!

Happy Halloween

Snooki loves you!

Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen

I loved ALL the pieces in the Alexander McQueen spring 2010 RTW collection. More couture than RTW & reminiscent of his last collection. Just beautiful...

all photos by Monica Feudi/GoRunway.com

told you

what with all my friends procreating, I've been exposed to things I wouldn't normally. Case in point: Trunk or Treat.

This is about as lame as it sounds. Basically daycares and pre-schools host this event for kids that are either too little to go trick or treating (or in the case of my friends' children, too young to remember) or who's parents fear for their safety.... at least that's what I think is the purpose of it all. In short, parents line their cars up and have candy in the trunk of their cars. Kids trick or treat at each car.

I told you, lame.

Here's what I want to say to schools: If the kids are younger than 3, they aren't going to remember, so spare them and their parents the experience.

ALSO

if your kid is just before kindergarten age, take them trick or treating, don't make they trunk or treat.

stupid.

disposable

While I was in Chicago to watch JY run her first marathon, we did an architecture tour via boat - very cool. I love architecture in general, so this was right up my alley.  JY loves taking pictures. I HATE taking pictures. This wasn't always the case. I think when I was thinner and happier about the way I looked it didn't matter. Now it does. It's an issue I'm trying to work out. Anyway. I noticed a couple of people taking pictures with disposable cameras. I didn't realize a) these were still made and b) people still used them. For real. I really didn't. I wonder why, when digital cameras are so cheap, you'd chose to buy a disposable. Such a waste - both financially and environmentally. That's my rant for the day.

Don't worry. I will probably have more.

SEXY

I realize this is a question universally asked, but why do women dress like whores on Halloween?
Recently found myself on Yandy and I wanted to scream. I understand being a freak in bed, but why on Earth would you go out in public dressed like a sexy Harry Potter character? Just. NO. NOOOOOOOOOO

WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

For my one follower, here's what I've been doing that I haven't had a chance to blog:

1) found out Tony was married
2) went to Argentina
3) went to Chicago to support JY in her first marathon
4) had company in Atlanta (my Mango)
5) work, lots of it
6) booked a trip to NYC in December for a bestie's 30th birthday
7) booked a trip to Virginia for Thanksgiving
8) working out (I recently had to retake my license photo and in it I look obese, for real)
9) cleaning (never done)
10) found out I have gastro-paresis and dealing with taking 8 pills a day to make me a little more comfortable
11) saving money as a result of doctor's visits and travel

...and that's just the top 11. when I have time, I'll post, so don't be pushy.

Shameless Promotion

The Atlanta Ballet is one of my agency's clients and this Friday, October 22, their 2010-2011 season kicks off with the opening night of Moulin Rouge. If you are in Atlanta, consider going and supporting Atlanta's performing arts scene!

Bali Hai Called John Galliano

Christian Dior Spring 2011 RTW, photos by Yannis Vlamos for GoRunway.com:

Lola's YouTube Page

I don't take many videos, but when I do, they go here: Click Me!

Dad Humor

Cray-Z sent me this today. It's corny, but sometimes we need corny to get us through a Wednesday:

Your Duck is Dead
A woman brought a very limp duck into a veterinary surgeon. As she laid her pet on the table, the vet pulled out his stethoscope and listened to the bird's chest.

After a moment or two, the vet shook his head and sadly said, "I'm sorry, your duck, Cuddles, has passed away."

The distressed woman wailed, "Are you sure?"

"Yes, I am sure. Your duck is dead," replied the vet..

"How can you be so sure?" she protested. "I mean you haven't done any testing on him or anything. He might just be in a coma or something."

The vet rolled his eyes, turned around and left the room. He returned a few minutes later with a black Labrador Retriever. As the duck's owner looked on in amazement, the dog stood on his hind legs, put his front paws on the examination table and sniffed the duck from top to bottom. He then looked up 
at the vet with sad eyes and shook his head.

The vet patted the dog on the head and took it out of the room. A few minutes later he returned with a cat. The cat jumped on the table and also delicately sniffed the bird from head to foot. The cat sat back on its haunches, shook its head, meowed softly and strolled out of the room.

The vet looked at the woman and said, "I'm sorry, but as I said, this is most definitely, 100% certifiably, a dead duck."

The vet turned to his computer terminal, hit a few keys and produced a bill, which he handed to the woman..
The duck's owner, still in shock, took the bill. "$150!" she cried, "$150 just to tell me my duck is dead!"
The vet shrugged, "I'm sorry. If you had just taken my word for it, the bill would have been $20, but with the Lab Report and the Cat Scan, it's now $150."

I f you're smiling, you must pass it on, give someone else a smile too! 

Buenos dias desde Buenos Aires

I am finally in the great city of Buenos Aires! YAY! The flight took 10 1/2 hours. It was pretty awful. I tried to sleep through most of  it.

The airport was a breeze, though I wasn't expecting to pay a $140 "reciprocity fee" (good for 10 years! great.) at customs. Eh. Customs story: There were two shady looking dudes ahead of me in line. One had a US passport and could pay the fee, the other had an Armenian passport and no visa. Apparently he didn't know you needed a visa to get into Argentina so he was denied entry. Can you imagine paying $1,000+ to fly to Argentina and being told you can't come in? Awful.

I was picked up at the airport by a car service. My driver was super friendly telling me since I am travelling alone not to be in the La Boca barrio after dark (it's a bit slummy) and to carry my purse in front of me not on my back, among other things.

When we pulled up at my hotel I had to ask him where it was. There is no sign marking the entrance to the Cocker. The facade is nice enough, but when you walk in it is so beautiful and unique. It's less a hotel and more a B&B (there are only 4 rooms here) and the staff really makes you feel like it is your home away from home. For example, I leave snacks and drinks in the kitchen fridge and I read the BA Herald in the mornings sprawled out in the most comfortable couch ever in the salon.

I had a shower and a nap when I got in. Woke up around 1pm (12pm ET) and familiarized myself with San Telmo, the barrio (neighborhood) I'm in.

San Telmo is the oldest barrio in BA. This barrio is an antiques shoppers dream. If you walk down the main road, Defensa, there are nothing but antique shops, some quirky and relatively inexpensive, some amazing, but expensive, with the most beautiful antique jewelry you've ever seen in the windows.

OH! So I should mention the exchange rate though it is still confusing me. It's currently about 3.8 Argentine pesos to 1 US dollar. I changed about $360 when I came in and got a bit over $1,400 Argentine pesos. Yesterday I got THE BEST STEAK OF MY ENTIRE LIFE for $87 pesos which means I paid about $22. NOT BAD! Last night I got a bottle of Malbec and a ham and cheese sandwich for $12!!! NICE. To say I'm amazed by the awesome cheap food here is an understatement for sure.

Gastroparesis

Tests are back. Blood work looks good. Except I need more potassium. That I can deal with.
Unfortunately, the gastric emptying study I had on Tuesday indicates I have gastroparesis.

Gastroparesis, also called delayed gastric emptying, is a disorder in which the stomach takes too long to empty its contents. Normally, the stomach contracts to move food down into the small intestine for digestion. The vagus nerve controls the movement of food from the stomach through the digestive tract. Gastroparesis occurs when the vagus nerve is damaged and the muscles of the stomach and intestines do not work normally. Food then moves slowly or stops moving through the digestive tract. If food lingers too long in the stomach, it can cause bacterial overgrowth from the fermentation of food. Also, the food can harden into solid masses called bezoars that may cause nausea, vomiting, and obstruction in the stomach. Bezoars can be dangerous if they block the passage of food into the small intestine.

Treatment of gastroparesis depends on the severity of the symptoms. In most cases, treatment does not cure gastroparesis—it is usually a chronic condition. Treatment helps you manage the condition so you can be as healthy and comfortable as possible.

Medication

Several medications are used to treat gastroparesis. Your doctor may try different medications or combinations to find the most effective treatment. Discussing the risk of side effects of any medication with your doctor is important.

• Metoclopramide (Reglan). This drug stimulates stomach muscle contractions to help emptying. Metoclopramide also helps reduce nausea and vomiting. Metoclopramide is taken 20 to 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime. Side effects of this drug include fatigue, sleepiness, depression, anxiety, and problems with physical movement.
• Erythromycin. This antibiotic also improves stomach emptying. It works by increasing the contractions that move food through the stomach. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
• Domperidone. This drug works like metoclopramide to improve stomach emptying and decrease nausea and vomiting. The FDA is reviewing domperidone, which has been used elsewhere in the world to treat gastroparesis. Use of the drug is restricted in the United States.
• Other medications. Other medications may be used to treat symptoms and problems related to gastroparesis. For example, an antiemetic can help with nausea and vomiting. Antibiotics will clear up a bacterial infection. If you have a bezoar in the stomach, the doctor may use an endoscope to inject medication into it to dissolve it.

Dietary Changes

Changing your eating habits can help control gastroparesis. Your doctor or dietitian may prescribe six small meals a day instead of three large ones. If less food enters the stomach each time you eat, it may not become overly full. In more severe cases, a liquid or pureed diet may be prescribed.
The doctor may recommend that you avoid high-fat and high-fiber foods. Fat naturally slows digestion—a problem you do not need if you have gastroparesis—and fiber is difficult to digest. Some high-fiber foods like oranges and broccoli contain material that cannot be digested. Avoid these foods because the indigestible part will remain in the stomach too long and possibly form bezoars.

Game Over.

Text exchange over the weekend with Tony:

Tony, 10:24pm:  What are you doing!?
Carolina: What are you doing? I am actually about to go to bed. Overdid it yesterday (clearly). Have fun whatever you're doing
Tony: Let's hang! What are you doing?
Carolina: Calling you. No answer. Sooo yeah... Goodnight!
Tony: Can't answer. Let's hang party pooper
Carolina: Now? Where? When? What?!
Tony: In 1 to 2 hours. Party pooper.
Carolina: So this is a scheduled booty call?
Tony: Nevermind party pooper
Carolina: Don't do that. You wouldn't like it if I asked you to hang out at 1 or 2 in the morning. I am super upset with you now. When will you learn? I'm done.
Tony: No worries : )

ARE YOU FUCKING FOR REAL? NO. DONE. DON'T CALL ME. DON'T TEXT ME. JUST DON'T.
I AM FUCKING OVER THIS BULLSHIT.
Game over.

Fuck You!

This song and video are FUCKING amazing!

Happy - I think.

Last night I went to watch Eat, Pray, Love with 1201am. If you haven't read the book, I encourage you to read it and then watch the movie. The books are always better than the movie, but the movie was pretty fantastic. Javier Bardem was especially good....on the eyes. I'm playing. This isn't your ordinary chic flick. I cried - several times. Many of the situations Elizabeth Gilbert, the writer and protagonist, finds herself in are entirely too relatable.

On my way home I called Tony to see if he was free to hang out (I was at Phipps and he lives close-ish). He didn't answer. I left a message. On the drive home I thought about how wonderful my life is - I have all that I could need, my friends are wonderful, my family is healthy and happy. At one point in the movie, Elizabeth proclaims at Thanksgiving dinner that she is the luckiest girl in the world. I am familiar with the feeling.

As I was getting ready for bed, my heart was filled with so much joy it was impossible not to cry. So I did. Dudes won't get this. I am hoping my girlfriends do. I was just at a loss as to how to express my joy so I cried. It was a good cry.

Tony called me as I was crying. We did eventually get together and we had a spectacular night laughing and joking around and cleaning the house (don't ask). It was like icing on the cake.

It is rare for me to feel content for longer than a couple of hours. My anxiety or depression usually gets the better of me. It did for a couple of hours today, but for the most part, I think I am still happy and I am definitely still grateful for my blessings.

People have asked me if I am in a relationship with Tony. I can't answer that right now. He makes me happy, so for now, thats going to have to be a good enough answer for inquiring minds.

I love the Italians!

Last night I made an Italian dinner for Sasha's birthday.
I started with a caprese... all you need is a GOOD tomato like an heirloom, some fresh mozzarella (in bigger ball, so that when you slice it fits well on the sliced tomato), some fresh basil and some good balsamic vinegar.
The tomato is on the bottom, then the basil leaves (one or two will do), then the mozzarella (don't worry about making perfect circles). Wait until you are sat down eating before you drizzle on the balsamic vinegar.

It was delicious. You may also want to put out some salt and pepper. Just in case.

The main course was a modified baked ziti recipe I picked up from KraftFoods.com:

1 pkg. (16 oz.) ziti pasta

1 jar  (26 oz.) spaghetti sauce (use whatever sauce you want, the more flavor, the better!)

1 container (15 oz.) Ricotta Cheese (I couldn't find 15 oz of ricotta cheese, so I went with a 16 oz)

1 pkg.  (8 oz.) Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
*** I added cooked ground turkey seasoned with garlic salt and Italian seasoning for protein***

PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Cook pasta as directed on package. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water (if your jar of sauce is bigger than 26 oz, which mine was, don't worry too much about the pasta water. I don't know that I used any)
MIX spaghetti sauce, ricotta cheese and reserved 1/2 cup pasta cooking water in large bowl. Add pasta and 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese; mix lightly. Spoon into 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese. Cover.
BAKE 30 min.; uncover. Bake an additional 10 min. or until heated through.

SUPER UPSET

I have been upset since about 11 this morning. I hate getting upset at work. Looking like you've been crying when you work with a bunch of guys is the worst.

Basically, my mom and my sister are arguing over the appropriate amount of time my mom can spend with my nephew now that my sister and my nephew live in a home of their own. Or something like that. I've heard 3 or 4 versions of this story from various members of my family and to be honest, my heart is really heavy now, I'm tired and I have a headache.

This morning I got a few emails from my sister that didn't initially fire me up. In fact, I sympathized with my mom and her empty nest syndrome, but the emails from my sister got more specific and soon I started to worry that my mom was being a little overbearing. So I called and called and called. She didn't pick up. I called about 9 times. She finally called me back while I was getting my oil changed and we talked about it. Well, she talked about her version of the story and wouldn't let me talk. She's upset. My sister is upset. My nephew is probably confused and now I'm just exhausted from trying to decipher two different stories. I don't know who to believe and I'm super concerned about my love (my nephew). Between calls 7 and 8 to my mom, I called my dad because I was getting anxious. He didn't answer, but did call me back during my exhausting 30-minute call with my mom. By the time I called him back I felt like I'd been to a battle and lost - BIG TIME. I lost my composure. I don't even know how he managed to understand anything I said but he calmed me down and now all I have is a headache.

My dad has never been especially helpful, in fact, most of my life he has been the opposite, so the fact that he was able to help me out in this instance, really meant a lot.

Thanks, dude.

Mantra

Jae Yong thinks it's "I've got hoes in different area codes", but its really:

Tony

Alright, this is for those of you that I haven't told or those of you who I'm afraid to tell because of backlash (I know it comes from a good place but I hate being judged or being told I'm foolish).

I have been "seeing" Tony again. I've gotten questions like "Has he apologized?", "Has he changed?", "What's different this time???"

I know I've taken you all down this road with me several times over the past 7-8 years. Every time it ends abruptly. Each time it hurts me. Trust me, it hurts me more each time it happens than it bothers you to watch me go through it. This last time was the longest period of time I hadn't talked to him - nearly 3 years. You all know I missed him. Up until he quit talking to me suddenly, he was one of my very best friends. I was really hurt for 3 years, but I dealt with it. With your help. But I missed my friend. Every day.

So now he's apologized for what he did to me in the past. I could make him keep apologizing, but what does that accomplish? Has he changed? Yes. None of us are getting any younger and as we grow more mature we realize the things we could have and should have done differently. We apologize to the people we've hurt. We communicate how we've changed. Tony and I have covered this ground. Does it assure me he won't hurt me again? No. But then... who ever gets that guarantee?

By communicating and building our friendship, we move forward and choose not to dwell in the past. I am so happy to have my friend back. I look forward to our conversations, our inside jokes, our friendship growing and all I can hope is that he feels the same way. I'm sure we'll have some unnecessary talk about it soon.

Missed Call

I have a pretty overactive imagination.
Yesterday while I was cleaning my patio and watering my plants, I got a missed call from the Door. This would be a call from one of two callboxes around the building. I get super excited when someone calls me from the Door especially when it's unexpected. Since I was outside, I didn't hear it and you can't call the callbox and ask who called. So maybe it was a mistake. Maybe it was someone intending to visit me. I like to think so. A mystery man! :) Told you I have an overactive imagination.

Sleep To Dream

Where did she go? Loved her.

FREEDOM!

Recently, an office prowler hit our office and stole a laptop from one of the back offices. They didn't steal any of our equipment because the 2 back offices are being rented out by some friends of my boss.  I guess they worked from home and found that difficult, so their companies agreed to pay rent to my boss so that they would have a proper office.

Since the prowler hit, we've been required to take our laptops home (everyone has one) at the end of the day. Before the prowler hit, I'd just leave the laptop in my desk drawer (unlocked, because I have no idea where the key is). Now we're all being extra careful - which I understand, but it drives me up the wall because we also lock the front door now, so every time you have to go to the bathroom, you have to bring your keys. Such a pain in the ass.

Anyway, I have been lugging around my laptop each day in this ugly backpack that clashes with all of my outfits and today I said no more. I asked for a desktop. It's so beautiful. The two big screens, the speed. LOVE IT.

When I work from home, I use my Mac. Meh. I hate Dell laptops.

I am about to piss all of you off

I don't have children and I'm pretty sure I don't want any either. The right man may come along and change my mind on the matter, but for the time being, I don't want one.

99% of my friends have a child. Or are expecting a child. Or want a child. I think this is great news for you guys. I am truly happy this makes you so happy. I love your kids. They are so cute and I love that you share your blessings with me. I love spending time with them and holding them and getting cuddles. My not wanting a child has nothing to do with how much I love yours.

Here's the problem: When I met you, you were single. Then you met the love of your life and I adjusted. You bought a house. If it is far, I go the distance because I love you. I visit. I make time. I do all this because I want to and because I love you. When you and your love have a baby, I adjust.

I feel like new parents forget their single friends and forget all the changes single friends make so they can keep friendships strong. I realize newlyweds and new parents adjust to huge changes of their own (obviously), but it would just be nice to know we, the singles, are still important to you. One of the best ways to show us this is to refrain from parenting talk. I wouldn't know the first thing about kids and their needs, and I don't mind talking about it, but if this is all we can talk about, I just wonder where our friendship went.

Anyway.

Resort 2011

Technically RTW, but I mean, it's Dior, sooo.....

all photos courtesy Zhong Hai & Style.com

Galliano says this collection was inspired by "e savoir faire français", but I see more Frederico Fellini's sexy Italy in these designs. If only the models were curvier.

Coffee kick

Over the past couple of days I've had a lingering, annoying headache and I finally figured out what it is - I am hooked on coffee. Mochas to be exact. I've also been craving sweets in the morning, but only because I usually get a croissant with my mocha.

I've been hitting Highland Bakery for either an iced mocha and a croissant or Parish Market for a mocha and a croissant. This morning, after my psychiatrist appointment, I went to Starbucks (parking was a nightmare, so I left, also, I am not the biggest Starbucks fan) and then to Caribou for my mocha and sweet. Caribou had a parking issue, too but I waited it out.

This latest revelation is both sad and expensive. Why now am I addicted to coffee? And of course not the cheap kind. GUH.

Carolina

Saw Seu Jorge last night. AMAZING!

It's what you don't say that hurts the most

I've been extra sensitive lately, so I'm really aware of the things people say, their tone, the way they use their body to convey certain messages and I've found it's the things people don't say that hurt most.

Today I got in trouble for speaking without thinking so I'm even more aware of what I say, what I don't say and how they affect people around me.

I know I'm being vague, but I just want to encourage people to think before they speak and really think about how the person you're communicating with will receive your message.

TS Quest

Manolo Blahnik mary janes

Stripper shoes

When did stripper shoes become a trend? You know what I'm talking about. The platform. I do not approve.

TS Quest

Jimmy Choo Kalli

Tango Shoes

I'm officially on the hunt for good tango shoes. I would get proper dance shoes, but they're so blah:

 See?

I'm looking for sexy tango shoes (black or nude preferred) with a 2" - 3" heel and an ankle strap or a mary jane style. Suggestions are welcome.

Zzzz Zzzz zzZ zz Z

Lately I've been falling asleep at my desk. Like full on falling asleep. Like head bobbing sleep.
I've tried coffee, soda, cold water, EVERYTHING! I just can't stay awake. Yesterday I left work before 5, went home and slept for over 12 hours. I hibernated! Maybe I have mono.

Happy Wednesday. Click here for a special rainy day treat!

The Wealthy Will Look Like Flowers:

And now, some highlights from the Fall 2010 Dior Couture show:

all photos at Style.com and taken by Monica Feudi for GoRunway.com

Gravity/Addiction

This was just nominated for an Emmy. Loved it then, still do now:

Enemy: Downy

Whenever I go home, my mom always does my laundry and I'm super appreciative because she certainly doesn't have to. I will be the first to admit that I love the way my mom does my laundry (because she actually folds it nicely or irons it) and I love the way it smells when she does it. I've tried to replicate the smell and I just can't. Mom's do laundry the best.

Except this time.

My mom has to be using a new fabric softener scent (even though she swears she isn't) because my clothes smell like really bad, really strong perfume. It's even made me break out into a serious rash that I at one point thought was poison ivy, then bug bites, then poison ivy again and then EBOLA! (just kidding...but only on the ebola part)

After some detective work, I've found she's using Downy Mountain Spring, not the old school, pink cap Downy she's used in the past. My rash doesn't itch, but it is super unsightly. Not to mention I stink like bad perfume. I had to tell my mom and she sounded really hurt that I wasn't enjoying the scent of her laundry any longer. Sorry, mom.

Downy Mountain Spring, YOU STINK!

You'll be riding horses this fall

Every year, I like to feature my favorite fall and spring (sometimes resort) collections. I've found over the years, I flock to one designer in particular - Christian Dior. I'll never be able to wear any of Galliano's designs (size wise and, most importantly, cost wise), but they are too beautiful not to share, so here we go...the very equestrian Dior FRTW '10:

 all photos courtesy of Style.com & Monica Feudi for GoRunway.com

BACK!

First day back from vacation and I'm already over it.
In the spirit of notdoinganythingandnotcaring, do you remember THIS?!:

Tampons.

I just started my period and I have no tampons on me. I used to be able to ask the one other female here if she had a tampon I could have, but she left and now I work with all dudes. Eff. I guess I'll go out and get some when I go downtown to pay for my tag renewal. Which is another thing that bothers me. Every year, Georgia residents must pay their license renewal on or before their birthday. What the fuck kind of birthday present is that? Happy Birthday! You owe Georgia $200! Fuck you, Georgia.

I had a really great night last night. I went over to 1201am's for dinner and a walk. She made us tabouleh, Lebanese cauliflower and cornmeal battered tilapia filets. It was delicious! Then we went for a brisk walk on the Beltline Path. We turned around sooner than we would have because the clouds started looking ominous and we saw some lightning.

T-minus 2 days until I'm on vacation! Can't wait to come home!

My Milk Toof

One of the cutest things...EVER


My Milk Toof

I'm not 32 just yet...

BUT my birthday luau was a success!
I think people really enjoyed the food - especially the salsas, or at least that's what they said.
Thanks to all my Atlanta family that came out.
I had a great unbirthday!

Sublime

The Uniform Project

Watch this. Amazing. Truly Amazing. This is the art of how to dress yourself:

Uniform Project Picture Book from The Uniform Project on Vimeo.

Best Commercial. EVER.

Lola's Birthday Luau

Dessert: Store bought Key Lime Pie. Dude. I can't do it all.

Lola's Birthday Luau

Salad:  Arugula, Watermelon and Feta Salad

Ingredients

For the vinaigrette:

• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)
• 1/4 cup minced shallots (1 large)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 cup good olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 6 cups baby arugula, washed and spun dry
• 1/8th seedless watermelon, rind removed, and cut in 1-inch cubes
• 12 ounces good feta cheese, 1/2-inch diced
• 1 cup (4 ounces) whole fresh mint leaves, julienned

Directions

Whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, shallots, honey, salt, and pepper. Slowly pour in the olive oil, whisking constantly, to form an emulsion. If not using within an hour, store the vinaigrette covered in the refrigerator.

Place the arugula, watermelon, feta, and mint in a large bowl. Drizzle with enough vinaigrette to coat the greens lightly and toss well. Taste for seasonings and serve immediately.