Halloweenie Weekend.

{stefanskistudio}

Thank god for the weekends!  I am officially beat and actually kind of sick [so please excuse this random and thrown together post], and I am definitely taking it easy this weekend.  Halloween is not really my thing anyway.  Er, I sound like such a party pooper, but I'm just not feeling it this year.  Though, I do love me a good scary movie and will probably watch one of those this weekend.  Or maybe Twin Peaks.  I've had the complete series of Twin Peaks sitting on top of my DVD player FOREVER and really need to get on it.  I think it'll be part of my wedding present to Mike to actually watch it because it is his and, like I said, I've had it FOREVER.  I'll most likely end up watching Real Housewives, who is kidding who.

Thanks for all the Buster love, friends!  I was so happy to read all of the great things said!  Especially how cute Buster is; of course I think he is the cutest, but it's always nice to hear when other people think so, too. I'm sure he'll pop up again in the future.

This is really random and I really don't want to start the snark up in this place, but I gotta get this out.  I hate, absolutely hate those Zoe Saldana Calvin Klein commercials!  Arrrrggghhhh.  The ones where she is lying around in her underwear talking about just some of the craziest things I've ever heard.  If I hear the phrase, "I like the mornings, too" come out of her mouth one more time I am going to scream!  I can't pinpoint really why it bothers me so much, other than it seems so gratuitous and pointless at the same time.  I am sure I'm just jealous because I certainly don't look anything like that in my underwear, but it Drives Me Crazy every time I see it.  Who is she talking to??  I don't care about your bow and arrow skills, for god's sake.  Ugh.

Okay, sorry about that.  I'm moving on...

What are YOU GUYS up to this weekend??  Tell me all about your fun costumes, I'm dying to hear!  I hope you all have a blast and I'll see you back here on Monday, hopefully able to breath through my nose.          

Please indulge me.

It's been one year to the day since I've adopted Buster.  I can't believe it!  Seriously, this year has gone by so quickly and I'm sure he had a little somthin somthin to do with it.  I always had pets as a kid, generally cats, but Buster is all mine.  Hands off, brother!  Hands off, sister! [Did any of you used to fight over whose cat belonged to whom?  We totally did. (And, by the way, Tiger was totally MINE.)]  I was nervous to adopt a cat of my own, especially when I bonded with Buster, my Special Needs cat. 

I adopted Buster from PAWS, an awesome No Kill shelter in Chicago.  He is FIV+, which is basically HIV for cats.  Ya see, Buster lived on the streets for the first year of his life and a guy's gotta do what a guy's gotta do [I'm not really sure what I mean by that, but I'm gonna stick with fighting].  No one really adopts Special Needs cats for fear that they'll get sick and be more costly, and Buster lived in the shelter for over a year.  But I found him on the website and knew it was meant to be.  For real, the volunteers and workers at PAWS just gasped when I said I wanted to adopt Buster; someone told me I was going to heaven for doing so.  For reals.  ANYWAY, things are good and he's healthy and the best kitty a girl can ask for. 

Ummm, did I mention he doesn't have teeth?  They had to pull most of them out because of gingivitis or something [I told you, Special Needs].  Sooooo, sometimes his lip gets stuck on his gums and he ends up looking like this...

Or my personal favorite, this...

But mostly he's just a big snuggle bug.  And seriously, just the sweetest cat that ever did live.  Seriously.  And I couldn't be happier that I took him home one year ago today.      

Ear candy.

Well, hello there.

I'm digging you.

I think you and I could go the long haul. 

Circle yes or no if you agree.


ps I'm blogging about my cat later, so if you don't like cats -- stay away.  Stay far, far, away.  

Harry Pottah.

Is anyone else as excited about this as much as I am??  I saw a commercial for it yesterday [during Parenthood] and literally squealed out loud.  Thank god I have something to look forward to because now that the wedding is over my life is an empty abyss.  Er, not really.  Have I ever told you I am really dramatic?  Whatevs.  HARRY POTTER!

*Go here to watch in full. 

Should I?

Yes, please.  I saw this beauty on Refinery 29 and was ecstatic to find out it was from Zara.  It's quilted!  It has a chain strap!  It's grey!  Now I just need to walk the five blocks to see if my store has it.  Too bad it's super windy outside.  Who wants to walk to Zara on Michigan Ave to check and see for me?  I'll buy you Chick-Fil-A when it comes to Water Tower.   

It happened.

First things first, I am NO photographer.  I don't own a photographer's camera and I don't take photographer's photos.  'Nuff said.

IT HAPPENED!!  It was a fantastic weekend; frivolity ensued, vows were made, two people became a family.  There was an eighty percent chance of rain in Milwaukee this weekend.  The forecast was ripe with showers, but love prevailed.  It was actually shocking how beautiful of a day it was.  The rain stopped a couple hours before the ceremony and stayed away until after the reception, long enough for pictures to be taken outside and gowns to stay dry.  Except after the reception it was like all the rain that had been held up throughout the day decided to let go and it POURED.  Though I am proud to report that my gal even made it to the bar, gown still dry!

Before we get any further, yes, I cried.  I totally cried.  Though I believe I basically managed to get away Liv-style without scary scrunchiness, and certainly no awful belabored breathing.  It was a BEAUTIFUL ceremony and I had an awesome aisle seat with a great view.  If I wasn't so busy wiping tears away and trying to remember what to say during Catholic mass I would have gotten photos of Katie's amazing dress before it was bustled.  We'll have to wait for the professional photos for that.  Without further ado...   

Their first dance was to Neil Young's Harvest Moon.  It was wonderful and I pushed my way to the front to get photos.  Sorry for the elbows, friends.  Aren't they just the most dreamiest couple ever?!  They give Dylan and Kelly a run for their money.  Ross and Rachel stand no chance.  Hell, even Pam and Jim need to take their hat out of the ring.

 

I was basically paparazzi, stalking their every move.  

 

There was an awesome live band that required everyone to move.  No one gets down better than Mike and Katie.  Look at those sweet moves!

 

Awwwww.  How romantic!  I promise I didn't start crying again.  That would just be weird. 

And another gratuitous dress shot.  If you can't tell, I am obsessed with this dress.  I basically fawned over it the entire night and blushed a bright pink whenever someone mentioned that I had picked it out.  It is a quite proud moment in my sartorial life to have brought this puppy into all of our lives.  But it takes a woman as beautiful as Katie to pull off such a dress and she did so magnificently.

I loved every minute of the weekend and am so happy to have been a witness.  It's such a joy when two people so in love dedicate themselves to each other.  It's only made better by a kick ass party afterward.  Well done, Katie and Mike!  My hat is off to you.  Now, go, enjoy Italy.  [jerks]
  

The weekend of all weekends.

 

So, this is it, folks.  The wedding is here!  I'll leave you all on a train later today to a fun and festive destination.  If I  haven't mentioned it here before [I'm pretty sure I have] I am a cryer.  I cry, uh, a lot.  Not in sad, depressing ways, I just am moved easily.  Yeah, I just said that.  Anyway, that's a whole 'nother conversation for another time.  I'm just sayin' weddings really get me going.  Especially when it's someone I really care about.  Just ask those that have gone before Katie; I'm a bit of a mess.  My goal is to look like lovely Liv above -- just a beautiful tearing up that doesn't require any squinchiness of the face or, god forbid, audible sounds.  But, more likely, I'll end up like the cutie pie below, only not as cute.  Squinchiness all around.  That is my lot in life.   

I am so excited for this wedding!!  I kinda feel like I'm getting married.  Hahah, what terrible words to say.  But really, I've been there through every stage of the process and I've never been known to be shy with my opinions.  Katie and I have only become really close quite recently, well the past year and a half or so, but I feel like I've known her forever.  She popped into my life at a time when I needed her most and I am forever grateful for who she is and how she's made my life so much better.  I am so happy that I can be present on her big day when she marries the love of her life.  [Mike ain't half bad, either]  Happy doesn't even begin to cover it.       

What are y'all up to this weekend??  I hope you have a wonderful time full of bon bons and steak dinners.  Can you believe October is almost over?  Yeep.  This year is flying by; I probably say that every year, but I REALLY mean it this year.

*The funny thing is that I know Katie won't read this until after her honeymoon, which makes me feel kinda like I'm talking to the air.  But I would be remiss if I didn't say it, even if only to the air.

**I am taking Monday off to recuperate from all of the festivities.  I am hoping to not be too distracted during the wedding by things that easily distract me [re: booze, boys, boogy (sorry, I was really going for the alliteration thing.  let's be clear -- I mean dancing)] in order to get some choice shots for this here blog.  I'm not promising anything because my eyes will probably be filled with tears and not able to focus anyway.  God, I am so chatty today.  What I'm trying to say is I prolly won't be here on Monday, but hopefully that means I'm taking my time putting together a lovely post-wedding post for Tuesday.  Jeesh, I'm done.  

Glittery goodness.

Katie and I had talked about her wearing these to her rehearsal dinner.  Alas, she did not have the time to order them and decided there were things probably more important than glittery booties.  [Sometimes I don't know why we're friends... I keed, I keed.]  I'm going to take her passing on them as my invite to bestow them to the world.  Well, the few who read my blogger, that is.  Sooooo, please, someone -- take advantage of these beauties.  Especially because they are only $60.  $60 for pure joy, people!  I think that's a pretty damn good price.

I am currently trying to figure out what to wear to the Friday night shindig.  How did I not think about this til now??  I was so distracted by the actual wedding!  So far I've made the decision that sequins plus a tulle skirt maaaayyy be too much.  I'm totally still bringing the sequins in case I have a last-minute change of heart.  But, most likely, I'll go with the tulle.  And all black.  Don't want to scare away everyone the minute I meet them.  Then they'd get their place cards the next day, glance over to see who they'd be eating with, see me and think, "Oh GOD, not the sequins and tulle girl!!"  Let's not have that happen.  [Let's make sure we're on the same page:  I wouldn't be wearing them at the wedding -- I'm not that ridiculous.]

So, your job:  Buy these amazing shoes and thank me later.

My job:  Figure out outfit for Friday night shindig AND Sunday brunch.
               Make sure they are clean.
               Do laundry. [because they will totally not all be clean.  I'm not a saint.]
               Pack.
               Plus all the other things on my mental to-do list.  [I was going to list them here in some sort of comedic form and then realized it was just my to-do list and that is BAHHOORRRINNNG, so I won't.  You're welcome.]
             

I found my words.

I stumbled upon this print last night while searching for something blue for the bride-to-be.  You can see that I am easily distracted.  First off I want to say that I had no idea how much I loved to be surrounded by words.  In fact, after my whole positive affirmation diatribe you'd think I wouldn't care for them at all.  That is not the case.  Obviously.  I saw this and literally had to stop.

It's only made better by the fact that it's a quote from Winnie the Pooh!  I guess Christopher Robin says it, minus the last line about being loved more than you know.  [The artist added that in and I completely approve.]  It is unadulterated sweetness and I want it.  It is something that I could easily be reminded of more often.

To be completely honest, I rarely purchase anything that I post here.  Unless I said I bought it, of course.  But something about putting it out there in the cyber world fulfills my incessant need for wanting -- this is a good thing.  I only say this because today is not that case.  This will be mine and I know exactly where I'm going to put it.  Please don't call me trite.

In other news:  I'm a guest blogger today over at Beehive Blog.  I created an outfit for them folks and you should totally check it out!     

Wedding week!

It's officially Katie's wedding week!  I cayan't believe it.  I was going to dedicate each post this week to something wedding-related, but then thought it would be excessive and unnecessary.  And didn't even get around to it on Monday, soooo.  So much for that. 

BUT, I did have to show you guys this awesome dress.  I love when a bride wears a dress that is so obviously her.  I know nothing about this woman, but feel like I know more about her just based on her wedding pictures.  And the pictures of her dress alone.  It's a bold choice to wear that necklace with this dress and it wouldn't work for everyone.  But it totally works for her, and you should all know by now that I like me a bold choice.

This is not why we are here today, though.  The most shocking and wonderful part of this dress is that IT'S TWO DRESSES IN ONE.  Oh.My.Goodness.  Be still my heart.  After the ceremony she took off what can only be described as tulle heaven to reveal a sassy knee length show stopper.  Way to go!  It's so sweet how she describes why she chose it and how she believed her husband would feel about it. 

But, that's not all... 

 

She then wore the skirt AGAIN the next day at brunch with a tank top!  This girl really knows how to rock it out and I tip my proverbial hat to her.  

[It still isn't as fabulous as Katie's dress, though.  Let's not get ahead of ourselves.]

What the what?

I have no words.  I won't spoil it for those that haven't seen it yet, but I can't seem to string a sentence together about anything else. 

Til morrow, folks. 

[Hope y'all had a fantastic weekend!  Mine was jampacked with lots of loveliness.] 

photo credit:  Michael Yarish

Weekend central.

There are so many things that I love about this photo.  I love the pink door.  I love the pink door.  Oh wait, did I already say that?  Of course the dress is lovely, which is ultimately what the picture is for, but I wonder if I would be so drawn to it if it wasn't against that pink door.  And it doesn't hurt that the woman is a total babe.  I should probably mention the shoes, right?  They are just perfect.  Ultimately, a job well done.

Happy weekend, my friends!  I can't believe it's here already.  Well, part of me feels like it should have been the weekend years ago, but another part feels like it flew right by.  Either way I am happy to see Friday.  I have a late meeting at work and am hoping to do a whole lot of nothin' after.  THEN a fun Halloween party on Saturday!  [A Halloween party because our friends are getting married next weekend and will be in Italy the weekend after that.  It's not a party if they aren't involved.]  And, MOST OF ALL, the Mad Men season finale on Sunday.

I am a HUGE Mad Men fan.  I don't talk about it much here because this doesn't seem to be the appropriate forum for it, but I am DYING to see what happens!  And I'll be happy to have a drink or two to numb the pain.  It's all going to be okay, right??

Anyway, I hope you all have a fantastic weekend and I will see you back here on Monday.  Happy weekend, friends!

Fringe Benefits.

It seems my decision has been made for me.  I've talked about my inability to decide whether or not to go back to the bangs here.  God, that seems like forever ago!  Oh how I laugh at my naive hope and plea for fall weather; little did I know that I'd be wearing sundresses in the middle of October.  Mother Nature really likes to play with my heart strings.  But, that is not my point.

My point is I saw this little lady and immediately touched my forehead as if searching for a phantom limb.  Yes, that scarf is amazing, but let's not get distracted here, folks.  For today is all about the bangs.  I want 'em.  Back.  On my forehead.

I will make this happen.  Post-wedding.  Not my wedding.  Unless you're new here [hi! welcome!] you know my girl is getting married in TEN DAYS.  Aaaahhhh!  I've randomly decided that my Fancy Hair looks better without bangs and will arbitrarily wait until after the nuptials to chop the fringe.*  Then fall can officially commence.  Did you hear that, Chicago??  Fall.  I want it.

The thing is I learned that the growing out period was not as painful as I had imagined it to be.  Though it could be like childbirth and I've just blissfully forgotten all the really painful bits [not that I know the first thing about childbirth], but I refuse to be negative.  The bangs are back, bitch.  [Sorry, I've been watching Glee.]

*That is, when I actually get the nerve the make an appointment with Maria.  I'm terrible at setting and keeping regular hair appointments and fear the hairdresser wrath.     

Wanted: Lipstick Fairy.

Sterling Style did a post about how to wear bright colored lipstick and Refinery 29 talked about make-up that lasts yesterday and it got me thinking, lipstick-wise.  I've always wanted to try the bright lipstick trend, but chicken out every time I try it.  In fact, I don't want to admit how many unused lipsticks I currently have in my possession that mostly reside on fragments of toilet paper because I quickly wipe them off before I exit my abode.  The problem is I, obviously, haven't found the right shade for me.  Or at least one I'm comfortable in.

Ya see, I'm a fair lady that can tend towards the rosy side of the team.  I am dying for the bright pink shade of my dreams, but always seem to find something that only brings out the rosiness in my skin; something that I'm not dying to showcase.  Maybe I should go for the orange, but that's more than a little terrifying.  And the red I have is quite dark and not the tomato-y red that I have in my head.  Welcome to my lipstick nightmares.

Which lipsticks do you guys prefer?  Do you have certain shades or brands that you like over others?  How do you deal with the whole trial and error thing?

I want a lipstick fairy.

Pink is my favorite color.

I want a chair just like this to go with my future Parsons desk.  White, please.

Who wants to make that happen for me?

**I stole this photo from a random photo search and found its origins to be of a blog called Absolutely Beautiful Things.  How exciting for me!  Anna Spiro not only curates a fantastic blog, but is an interior designer who transformed this chair into the masterpiece you see today.  Too bad she lives in Australia. 

Where are you?

What's the deal?  I may just be blind or lost all of my internet capabilities, but I can't seem to find these earrings on the Anthropologie page.  Isn't the point of a photo like this to sell your products??  Perhaps they did sell them and because they are beyond gorgeous they all sold out before I could covet them.  If that's the case, I am one sad girl. 

I'm about to bag it up.

Here's the thing:  I can't bring myself to spend a ton of money on an evening bag.  I just don't use them very often and if you want to apply the pay-per-use formula for the looker in the last post, well... we'll just say I wouldn't come out the winner with that one.

And, if we're being completely honest here, I don't care as much about the bag.  Eep.  I said it.  But really, most of the time it just sits on the table while I'm rocking it out on the dance floor.  Yes, rocking it out.  They become so much more a utilitarian piece for me:  I need it to hold my iPhone, keys, cards, and lip gloss.  I'll take practicality of a bag before aesthetics any day, and I don't say that lightly. While trying not to be hypocritical, I still like me something pretty.  Life's about good compromise, right?    

Here are three options I found on the internets that are much cheaper.  Thoughts?  Feelings?  In my experience most bags that are cheaper, unfortunately, seem to scream so.  Do you guys have any go-to cheap purses that can also razzle dazzle?  What do you do with all the stuff you want to carry when your bag is so small?  Sometimes I feel like I'm not a real girl because I don't know what to do with the tiny purses.  These are my thoughts today.    


1 / 2 / 3

Wedding Countdown.

Remember how I asked all you good people for a teal shoe hunt?  Thank you all for your help, and really the shoes were all amazing, but I decided to go another way.  Hello, fuchsia!

Above you will find the dress I am wearing to my friend's -- Hi, Katie!! -- wedding.  In two weeks.  Oh.My.Goodness!  [Sorry for the small photo.  Macy's, can you work with me on that?  Is it really that hard?] 

I liked all the shoe suggestions you gave me, really I did.  I just decided that I needed something of a substantial heel and one that lived below four inches; that is so much harder to find than it should be!  I'm a tall lady, one who sees the heights of 5'9'' while barefoot and doesn't need five more inches to feel like a giant.  Four [if we're being technical here, they're actually 3 3/4] is actually too much for me as well, but it is SO hard to find great shoes in a smaller heel.  Shoe designers out there, can we do something about that?!  Please?

Question:  How do you feel about the plum/fuchsia combo?  I'm thinking it will either be AMAZING or just plain silly.  I'm waiting to see it in person before I make a judgment, but I have my fingers crossed for AMAZING.  And, let's face it, it's shocking that I don't yet own a bright pink pair of heels.

Also, I don't own that clutch.  I don't have the $400 required for its procurement, but it sure is purty, right?  I found it in the new Lonny [which you should totally read] and can now think of nothing else.  Stay tuned while I come up with cheaper, less heart-stopping options.

Weekend!

{Courtney Noffsinger}

Well, well, well.  It's the weekend.  Thank god for small favors.  I'm excited for this weekend; I'm looking forward to my dinner plans.  And the fact that I can lay back, but, whoa, it's supposed to be 80 degrees in Chicago.  In October.  Unheard of.  I should probably take advantage of that.

It reminds me of the summer I spent riding in a red truck, Tucker, if you will, with the wind in my hair.  One of my favorite summers, if you will indulge me, was when I was unemployed and happily so.  My best friend had a job where he only worked until 1 pm or something.  He'd finish work and pick me up in the fateful red truck, we'd decide where to eat lunch and spend the rest of the day together.  I love those days.  Before I had to actually get a job.  Before he moved to LA.  Before real life kicked in.  Those were the days memories were made of.

I also ate more Wendy's than I should have that summer.

End of the era, my ass.  Jonathan, you'll have to work much harder to get rid of me.


[Sorry, friends.  All will be back to normal on Monday.]

In case you missed it.

Catfish.  I originally posted about it here.
I saw it. 
I really liked it.
I won't say anymore because I shouldn't.
But you should see it! 
I would like to talk about it. 

Annnnd.  Scene. 

Head and shoulders above the rest.

Yes, please.  I love a good hat.  Or headpiece.  Or really anything that goes on your head.  Remember my love for veils? 

It's so easily cast aside, the head.  What a perfect opportunity for an accessory, yet so easily denied. 

I think the most important part to creating an outfit, as opposed to putting clothes on for the day, is accessories and dimension.  A t-shirt and jeans is just a t-shirt and jeans, but throw in a couple of accessories and it immediately adds dimension to an otherwise staid set of clothes.  Voila!  Outfit.   

What I'm saying is -- don't forget the head.  It's an otherwise unexpected location for an accessory and immediately steps up your game.

Little known fact:  I have a very small head and most hats don't fit me.  So sad, but true.  If you don't wear them for yourself, please wear them for me! 

Word.

What do you guys think about positive affirmations?  I like the idea, using a positive statement to reinforce a bright outlook and good self-esteem.  Though, I'm not really a fan of thinking positive affirmations will trigger action.  Is that the pessimist in me?  Of course it can't hurt to have a reminder, be it visual or audible, but I'm not so sure it's a command.  Does that make sense?  I guess my point is:  Don't think that repeating a phrase will change your life.

I'm done being a Debbie Downer, jeez -- that was weird, right?  I should explain...   

There was a period in my life that I considered writing something on my bathroom mirror, so every morning and night I'd have a tangible reminder of something good.  The problem was I couldn't ever figure out what to write.  I had the same problem when I purchased a necklace/locket -- I couldn't decide what would be significant enough to put inside it that I left it empty.  Ooof.  That certainly says something about me and I'm afraid it ain't good.

But now I realize that it doesn't have to be THE statement, it can be any statement.  Decisions aren't life and death, things aren't set in stone and I should fill my locket with whatever I'm thinking now and can change it later if I like.

Enter stage left:  Hijirik Studio.  [I'm sure you all saw that coming from a mile away.  Well, not the name.  Not even I saw that one coming.]        

I want these prints.  Both of them.  The first one would live in my bedroom and the second in my office.  Perfect, right?  And if I don't think they're perfect in a year, I can change them.  [Look at me being all positive and stuff.]

1 / 2

Frills.

I found this new store, Frills, through an advertisement on Decor8.  It's an incredible boutique that has a well-curated selection of home goods.  It's hard to decide which is my favorite, but I'm leaning towards the turquoise tray.  [Guess I'm on a turquoise-kick.  I'm okay with that.]

Go forth and conquer.  Seriously, I highly suggest you check it out for yoself!

ps I made my first collage!  It's rudimentary, but definitely a start.  Whattup, technology?  I think we're becoming friends.

Sweetness.

I love this dress.  Everything about it is beautiful, including the woman wearing it.  I'm immediately drawn in when a dress can pull off sleeves and this one flutters straight into my heart.

It seems like such a sweet wedding and you should definitely hop on over to see more of it.

Also:  Thanks for shoe help yesterday, I definitely appreciate it!

Can you help me?

Does anyone know where I can find a pair of heels like these?  My internet search capabilities have been exhausted and I'd love to get a pair of turquoise/teal heels for an upcoming wedding.  I'd definitely appreciate your help!

Let's point out the elephant in the room:  I did not update my blogroll.  Eeep.  I have a battery of excuses, but none of them really matter.  I will get to it eventually, I swear. 

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend!  I did and can be found sleeping at my desk.  [Just keeding, workplace.]

Hey, it's the weekend!

Now, I don't necessarily believe or want to preach what this print is saying, but it did make me laugh and I thought it would be a good way to start out the weekend.  It also reminds me of my college days [sorry, Mom!] annnnnndd this weekend is my girl's bday -- Hey, Bridg! -- and we're throwing a good ol' college party for her.  One with a keg, flip cup, jello shots, and red solo cups.  Wish us luck!!  I know it will be a blast, but I am a liiiittle nervous for Sunday.  Hell, if I could get through a bachelorette weekend, I can get through this!

I'm just now realizing I didn't catch you up on my bachelorette weekend; how rude of me!  It was grand.  We had planned to take a picture of all of the empty wine bottles, but now looking back, I'm glad that we forgot to do it.  How embarrassing!  For real, we had a great time and we survived.  The same can't be said for the sad dead mouse we found in our cabin, but I am happy to report that the bachelorette herself saved the day and sprang to action to dispose of said dead mouse.  Her fiance should be so proud.

What do you guys have planned for this weekend?  Can you believe it's October already?  That's bananas!  Did you know Brad and Rachel Zoe broke up?  THAT'S bananas.

This is my goal for the weekend:  Get my blogroll page up and running.

I will make this happen.  Repeat with me:  "I will sell this house today."  See?  I can totally make this happen!  But don't hate me if I don't.    

It Gets Better.

I don't find many political or social topics that I feel so strongly about that I need to talk about them here, but this is one of them.  I am heartbroken over Tyler Clementi.  I am heartbroken over the three other boys who have taken their lives in the past three weeks due to bullying.  Or homophobia.  Or fear.

I don't know what it's like to grow up and feel like I am automatically not accepted by my peers, the adults in my life, even my country for a reason I cannot control.  For being who I am.  I can't begin to understand the hardships one must face by being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. 

I can only hope that there is change in the air.  That this will be a world in which my children won't be persecuted for their sexuality; that my children will have the same rights as everyone else no matter who they love.  I hope that tragedies like Tyler Clementi will spark the change that is needed and I'd like to do my small part here by just saying it out loud.  Tolerance and acceptance are what make humanity thrive, and I vow to never belittle another human being because of who they are.

We are all more alike than not.  And we must remember that. 

Dan Savage started the It Gets Better Campaign with the video above.  You can follow this link to see hundreds of other videos of those who know better than I that it does, in fact, get better.