10/31 - Again, late on the fun event posting. Oops.

My mom made a fabulous costume for me! (thanks again :) )

The lovely and delicious cupcakes Jen and I made.

Beer Maid and Olive Oil

Our gracious hosts - Kevin's costume was gruesome and scary. Lauren - the naughty nun - smoking and PREGNANT! (for real pregnant, the cigarette is fake.)

The picture right before Kevin broke the news that Lauren is pregnant with a Baby Jordan!

Lori is a fierce doughnut eating competitor.

And also fierce at bobbing for apples. She won vs. the Conlan sisters. It looked dangerous.

Colls and Emmett

adios

I was spoiled last week - not being in the office building from 4:30 - 5 when the friggin sun sets, and life gets depressing. I guess I didn't really notice too much that it was so dark so early- since we were out of the building at 8pm anyway. Now, I am sitting at my desk, and sad to see that it is PITCH BLACK. ugh. This is where the trouble starts. Now I will want to go home, make dinner, and possibly curl up in my bed - not go to the gym or be productive like I should be. I feel like it is about 8pm right now.
I should have prepared myself better for this.
Clearly, I am not ready for, or embracing the approach of winter. Or maybe I didn't want to admit the impending official end of summer/fall.

Oh Daylights Savings - we are not friends right now.

Rocky Road

Whoa, things are not good in business. (Not like we didn't know that...but still. ) DHL is ending its U.S. only operations. And cutting 9,500 jobs. Yikes. (per the article) DHL said it was making the cuts to improve profitability and "to prepare the company for the economic challenges ahead."
The state of this country seriously worries me. And as much as I am worried and nervous, I am confident that Obama is the right choice to get us back on track. I don't have a back up plan for what I would do if my job was suddenly cut - and I guess I should since there is so much uncertainty everywhere.
At least this is good news for UPS..(and FedEx, but clearly I'm biased bc my dad works for UPS.)

too much alone time in the weekends makes me overanalyze things.

So it's sort of funny that Heather and I both are having a 'life realization' moment at the same time. The difference - Heather has an idea of where to go and what to do and I'm just wondering, what am I doing, what is the plan, and where do I go next?
I am a little bored with my life. I need a new project or hobby to keep me occupied. Work is fabulous, I love my team, I love my job, and am a supporter of the brand I work for, so I'm not having trouble with that. (finally!) But, I can't figure out what else I want. I know I want to go to grad school, however, I don't know what I want to go for. I know - don't go unless you really know what you want to study. I don't think I need a master's for my current job - but did sort of set in my head that someday I'd get one. The only thing that I can think of would be to get a masters so I can teach someday.
I have always said that I want to figure myself out before I worry about figuring things out w/ someone else as a part of my life. But I've realized that is sort of silly. Maybe I was able to say that because I don't have that person in my life that I want to include in everything, and make sacrifices for, or compromise with in order for us both to be happy. And since I'm not there yet, shouldn't I be doing more things that I know I want ?

President Obama.

Last night, we were driving back to the hotel (I'm in CA for work) and the final result had not been announced. I looked it up on cnn.com on my blackberry and literally caught my breath when I saw he was the winner. I was speechless and thrilled. I wanted to jump up and down and cry and scream. I am so proud of our country for making this decision. I am excited to be part of such a momentus occasion in our history. I'm excited to have voted for the first African American President.
I know there are people who are sad, or disappointed or mad that he won, but that was us in 2000, and 2004. . it's time for us to be proud of America. I think I just realized yesterday what that means. I don't believe I have been in a position before that allowed me to be so involved and so committed to my own beliefs and decisions to truly understand what it meant and felt like to be a part of something so big. In 2000, and in 2004, I was disapointed that my choice wasn't selected. The 2004 election especially defeated my faith in the american people, who (I think) were a bit jaded and scared to pick anything different - after having been scared by the 9/11 tragedy and the war Bush got us into.
I went on facebook today and saw so many of my friends had their status about their happiness in the outcome. Many have comments similar to mine in this blog - about being proud, or hopeful, and excited for the future. I think the outcome of this election will continue to inspire voters, and citizens to be a part of the process and expect a bit more from our government.
Also - I was impressed by both speeches. McCain was graceful in his concession and I admire his support of Obama. Even though his supporters were booing the announcement of Obama as President - McCain basically said, He is my president and he is yours, and we need to get on board. I also really admired Obama's mention of the voters that didn't pick him. If I hadn't chosen Obama but heard him say - we need to figure out how to work together, and I know we have different views, but we need to make it happen - I'd feel like he at least would acknowledge the opposing points of view and consider them in his decision making. I don't ever remember hearing Bush say - there are some of you who didn't pick me, but I am still listening to you.

Famous blog

Random - My blog was featured in comments on hbo.com: *not the best discussion but funny that someone mentioned my blog.
Basically this message board was talking about how much they love Gabriel Byrne, and someone noted he had been in Boston, per my blog/sighting. Somehow they were alerted by Google alerts?

Today's the day

I'm anxious for tonight when we find out who our next President will be. I sincerely hope there are no shenanigans like in 2000, and 2004 to delay or alter the outcome of the race.

I am glad it will all be over soon though. I'm sick of the ads, the comments, and the signage. I think it is great that people are passionate about their candidate, and about this country - but enough is enough and it's time to move on to something else.

Two of my favorites

Favorite holiday and favorite pup!

Jack O' Lanterns

Last night Jen and I carved our pumpkins. Jen forgot how gross the innards were - and had some difficulty with the smell. It was pretty nasty in there. But the end result was two cute pumpkin faces!

Kim's

Jen's

Rant of the Day

If you are on a conference call at your desk, do not put the phone on speaker! Yes, the call is about our new benefits plan / open enrollment and there may be a number of people around you listening too, but some of us are trying to work!

Happy Fall

Sunday, my parents and I went to Silverman's farm in CT to get apples and pumpkins. We also ended up with some fabulous pies!

Saturday - in Long Island at a wedding

Kelly & Me having fun w/ the masks

C & E get married (a little late on posting this)

Kacie scraping the frost off the windows to go get our hair done

The beautiful bride, getting ready.

7 of 9 bridesmaids

On the way to the reception!

Yum!

Jen and I love to dance.

I am way late posting these because the wedding was 10/18! But - it was so much fun. Colleen and Emmett are the cutest couple!

Highlights from the wedding day include :
- The choreographed bridal party entrances into the reception.

- The cowboy hats that were passed out during the reception

- Riding out of the parking lot in the back of Kevin's truck, when Lori yelled, "Live Free or Die!"

Click here for more pictures

Jen and Kim donate their hair

Jen and I cut and donated our hair to Pantene Beautiful Lengths. Our fabulous hairdresser Nicole sectioned our hair into 4 ponytails. For me - the back two were 12" long! The front two were 9".
PS. I think it is funny that Jen and I both wore black!

So ready

Tonight is the big hair cut! Jen and I are cutting and donating our hair. I have been over the long hair since summer and can't wait for the change. No more getting my hair stuck in the handles of my bag, in my jackets, etc.
Honestly though - with 2 hours to go, I'm a little nervous! I know I want to cut it but it might be sort of a shock at first!

Celeb sighting

Last night, I was at a bar in Boston w/ a co worker, when I looked up and saw Gabriel Byrne! I think the woman in the pic to the left was with him. Apparently that is his gf Ana George.

His most recent work is the HBO show 'In Treatment.' But you may also remember him from 'The Usual Suspects' or 'Little Women.'

Literally laughed out loud

http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/2008/09/cupcake-cakes-always-wrecktastic-always.html

Penelope

Upon a recommendation, I rented Penelope. First of all - it has Reese Witherspoon (love her), James McAvoy (not sure what it is - but I like him too), and Christina Ricci (After this, I think she is on the fave actress list). So - the movie has great actors in it to begin with, but also has an interesting story line. (perhaps inspired by 'Ugly Duckling' mixed w/ 'Beauty and the Beast'?) A girl is cursed w/ a pig nose and needs someone to break the curse. There are the usual ingredients - things are not always what they seem, deception, and pining lovers. But it was emotionally engaging, not the same old predictable story line. It was not at all what I expected, and it was fabulous.

Wishful Thinking

Today I was in Blockbuster and saw the movie cover for Leatherheads and laughed out loud. Strange reaction, right? I was laughing bc I suddenly remembered that I had a dream that had John Krasinski (Jim on the Office) in it. So in the dream John worked at Hill Holliday* and we were friends and started dating. One day he came over and brought me a pair of shoes and was really excited about giving them to me. Strange!



*Hill Holliday is the agency DD works with. I think that John Krasinski did an internship there at some point. Or at least that's what the AE's told me.

quote of the day from google

"There are 10^11 stars in the galaxy. That used to be a huge number. But it's only a hundred billion. It's less than the national deficit! We used to call them astronomical numbers. Now we should call them economical numbers."
- Richard Feynman

You're So Vain

I'm glad the CT judge dismissed this nutcase. Hi, dye your hair back to your natural color and let it grow out. Or, learn how to read the box. Moron.

Blonde sues L'Oreal over brown dye
Woman says dye ruined her hair, but judge gives her the brush-off

updated 11:36 a.m. ET, Wed., Oct. 8, 2008
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. - A Connecticut judge has given the brush-off to a blonde woman's lawsuit claiming L'Oreal Inc. ruined her social life when she accidentally dyed her hair brunette with one of its products.

Charlotte Feeney of Stratford says she can never return to her natural blonde hue, a shock that left her so traumatized she needed anti-depressants.

She says she suffered headaches and anxiety, missed the attention that blondes receive and had to stay home and wear hats most of the time.

A Superior Court judge dismissed Feeney's 2005 lawsuit Monday, saying she never proved her allegation that L'Oreal put brown hair dye in a box labeled as blonde. The company also had disputed the claim.

Feeney referred questions on Wednesday to her attorney, David Laudano, who has declined to comment.

Things that made me smile this morning

- A woman in her car clapping and singing to a song at a stop light.
- The runner who gave a car the peace sign when they let him cross the street during their green light.

argh

Why is it that the rules just don't apply to some people, and they get away with doing whatever they want?

less than a month from now

We will know who our next President is. There are people who are still deciding on who to vote for, some people confused about who they want, and some who have made up their minds already. Luckily, we only have a few more weeks of the campaigning.

I've made up my mind on who to vote for, but I'm getting impatient. The debate last night was annoying to watch, since the candidates were sort of rude to the moderator, Tom Brokaw. It was Brokaw's job to keep those two in line, on time, and try to get them to answer questions. Instead, Obama and McCain ran over their time limits and didn't exactly answer what was being asked. I wish the candidates would stop telling me that they have a plan, and actually tell me what their plans are.
I can only hope for the best for this country which is in need of some serious help! Whoever wins has a rough few years ahead. It is a hard job to do, a big mess to clean up, and they have a tough crowd to win over.

Check out how much truth was told last night on npr.com:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95501978

SNL

Halloweenhead

I have a 'Cheer me up' playlist on my Ipod. If I get super cranky or annoyed and want to get out of it, I listen to it and usually end up at least smiling or laughing. The list consists of songs that I simply like, as well as ones that have a specific memory that makes me laugh.
Some highlights:
- With a little help from my friends (Across the Universe Soundtrack)
- Why does it always Rain on me? (Travis)
- Good Feeling (Travis)
- Revolution (Across the Universe Soundtrack)
- The Lonely Goatherd (Sound of Music ) <-- don't judge. it's ridiculous and funny and good for a laugh
- I'm Yours (Jason Mraz)
- Dammit (Blink 182)
-The W.A.N.D. (Flaming Lips)
- Halloweenhead (Ryan Adams) This is usually the first one bc I usually have a 'Halloweenhead' when I start listening.
Do you have a go to list when you're upset or cranky? (What's on it?)

VP debate

Only a few comments:
- Biden was very confident, concise and made me hope that Americans will vote for Obama / Biden
- Someone on TV commented after the debate that the headline tomorrow should be something along the lines of "Palin didn't embarass herself" - and it's sad/scary/discouraging that that is considered a success for her.
- Palin is all about "freedom" given her closing statements, but her views and McCain's views will restrict women's rights/freedom.
- Can someone PLEASE get her to stop the following:
1. winking
2. saying 'Doggone'
3. saying 'hockey mom'
4. saying 'Joe Six Pack'
5. avoiding answering questions

*She sounds like the guy on Tommy Boy (Dan Akroyd) when he goes, "I make car parts for the American worker. Because that's who I am and that's who I care about."

Fabulous Fall Recommend

If you like Apple Cider - try a Cinnamon Apple Cider. The one I found (and LOVE) was Mayer Bros. (made in NY)

I learned something in school

Nice!

Try it yourself:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/10/01/citizenship.test/index.html#cnnSTCOther1

Friday, October 3rd

Just passing along* that Friday, October 3rd is Lee National Denim Day in support of Breast Cancer. So, everyone put on your best pair of jeans and your favorite pink t-shirt and celebrate all of our breast cancer beauties!!!

*thanks Kitt for sending this to me via email so I could share!

Happy October!

DD knows how to celebrate the best month ever! I was pleasantly surprised this morning when I came into the lobby at work and they were sampling pumpkin lattes, pumpkin muffins and pumpkin donuts. The lattes are ok. I feel like I'd be inclined to buy one again mainly for the fall-ness of it - even though the first sip made me think of candles. Btw - a co-worker just walked in wearing an orange shirt - he must love October too!

Halloween is my favorite holiday. I like fall better than all the other seasons, and October is my favorite month. I share the love of the season and holiday w/ my sister - though I think she takes it to a higher level than I do. (more decorations, baking, etc.) I tend to just over watch Hocus Pocus and carve pumpkins.