Mind the Gap

Complicating a Bath

2011-02-09T20:05:00.005-06:00

It's amazing how much free time you have when you don't spend three hours of your day commuting to work.

On Wednesdays, we are allowed to work from home, and with the mountains of snow and freezing temperatures still lingering from last week's Snowmaggedon there was no way I was leaving the house if I didn't have to. But at 6:30 p.m., I had put in a full day of work, gone to the doctor and the gym, taken the dog out and made dinner. By the time 7 rolled around, I was at a loss for what to do next.

Lake Shore Drive shut down during the blizzard of 2011

The thing is- I've never really known what to do with free time because I've spent a lifetime filling it up. Barberree is always telling me to "just relax," but I can't help thinking of all the things I could get done whenever I have a spare moment. It's a blessing and a curse.

So I decided to take a bath because I reasoned that's what people do when they have time to "just relax." And because I couldn't decide whether to bring my computer or my book in the tub with me, I went in with nothing. By the time the water filled up, I had already washed my face, shaved my legs and exfoliated my feet. And then it dawned on me- I am the only person in the world who could complicate a bath.

I slumped back and let the water splash over me. Defeated and unable to relax.

It was at that time I realized that I was narrating these events in my head, mentally writing this exact blog post. And to be honest, it's not the first time I have done that. I have narrated what I was doing as I was doing it since I was a kid. It was how I first knew I wanted a future with words. I just have a hard time shutting my mind off.

So, maybe I can't "just relax" or just take a bath. But damn, can I multitask. And damn can I make a story out of nothing.

Maybe THIS Time

2011-01-04T19:38:00.005-06:00

Last year, I wrote a post inspired by my favorite, new (at the time) show, Glee. I was happy to say goodbye to 2009 and hoping that 2010 would be my year. Unfortunately, it wasn't.

Last weekend, I was ecstatic to say goodbye to 2010. Granted, there were some wonderful additions to my life in last couple of months, including a job at the coolest company ever,
but I couldn't be more excited to start off this year happy, healthy and finally in control of my future.

I am confident now that all the odds are in my favor, and that THIS time, in 2011, I'll win.

And in case you need an inspirational anthem too- just ignore the Spanish translation:

Freedom from Want

2010-11-22T18:42:00.007-06:00

HOLIDAYS are rooted in tradition. That’s what makes them unique and personal. Every Thanksgiving day, for as long as I can remember, my family completes our Norman Rockwell “Freedom from Want” puzzle before dinner is served.

Thanksgiving cerca 1987 at my Grandparents'

As a child, my cousins, sisters and I would be corralled to the back room of my grandparents’ house where the pieces would be spread out on a card table for us. We huddled around the tiny table hoping to put two pieces together before anyone else, but also secretly trying to keep warm in the drafty den. What served merely as a distraction for me as a child has recently become my favorite activity of the day.

Thanksgiving cerca 2007 at our house

Now, the crowd is usually reduced to Barberree, my only living grandparent, and I. We sit silently next to each other sipping our holiday drinks and placing the same soggy pieces that we have for decades. A couple years ago, I realized that one day I'll be the only one left at the table. But until then, I am most thankful for the moment when the last piece is placed, and she looks up, winks and says, "How about that."

*This holiday anecdote was also a contribution to Mastering the Art of Thanksgiving, a fantastically festive zine created by Miss Sarah Handelman. After you put your Thanksgiving pants on you can settle on the couch and flip through all the wonderful tidbits she brought together.

**Barberree and I started the puzzle yesterday when she came over to help my mom and I "chop things." We have the perimeter done and ready for others to join in :)

Rainy Day Activities

2010-11-22T18:37:00.003-06:00

The first step is admitting you have a problem...

... at least there were a lot of good gift guides to get me thinking about my holiday shopping :)

I'm a Z O U now

2010-10-25T15:27:00.008-05:00

What a weekend.

My first return to Columbia as an alumna was nothing short of epic. I hung out on the quad for College Gameday and saw the Tigers take down the number one ranked team in the country with the best company that anyone could have asked for.

Pink Glove Dance

2010-10-14T14:40:00.003-05:00

It brought tears to my eyes to think that this many people were willing to put themselves out there and dance, foolishly or otherwise, all for breast cancer awareness. Thank you to each and every one of you.

Alternative Thanksgiving Preperation 1

2010-10-13T11:05:00.003-05:00

Brown rice stuffed squash with sauteed kale and pine nuts (yes, we are obsessed with kale).

After the stuffed acorn squash disaster of 2010, my always-supportive mother found this MEATLESS stuffed squash option (the ladies in the video are hilarious). It was so amazing that it has automatically been added to my Alternative Thanksgiving menu. I might substitute the rice based stuffing for traditional bread stuffing on the actual day though.

I love to eat even though, to most people, my options are seriously limited. The truth is, the possibilities for lactose-intolerant vegetarians are endless these days, especially with a little creativity. AND, Thanksgiving doesn't have to be about binge eating dairy and fat and carbs. It can be about eating healthy, delicious food to a proper full feeling :) This will be my third year with an alternative Thanksgiving, and I think I have finally found some recipes that are keepers, including this stuffed squash. But don't worry, I'm not giving up my "Thanksgiving pants."

Last night's dinner: polenta triangles with tomato sauce (from the William Sonoma Vegetarian cookbook) - not for Thanksgiving but still awesome.

It's All Relative

2010-10-06T16:56:00.007-05:00

I watched the most fascinating Oprah today.

Oprah's guest today was Kim Nobel, a woman who lives with 20 different personalities. Technically, Kim is diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder (DID) as a result of, what her doctors believe, was childhood abuse. Kim's daughter and most dominant personality (or alter) will tell you, however, that Kim doesn't exist.

Kim's daughter was asked what it's like to be raised by a mother with multiple personalities and responded that it's normal to her, "I haven't seen any different," she said. Just another one of those things in life where it's all what you know; it's all relative.

The woman's story was fascinating, but what peaked my interest is the way that her therapist suggested the personalities express themselves- through painting. After working with an art therapist for a short time, Kim and 13 of her personalities took up painting. Each personality focuses on their own colors and themes, and their work is entirely unique to their story.

Artwork by Kim Nobel's alters

I have always been interested in art therapy. Dancing used to be a huge stress reliever for me, and now, I write to relieve stress. Art allows people to indirectly express themselves, which is therapeutic and also beautiful. I think it is an excellent form of therapy and pain management, and I hope to see the field develop further in the future- maybe even as a result of people seeing this show.

For those who don't know, it's Mental Illness Awareness Week (Oct. 3-9, 2010). Here's hoping that the stigmas attached to mental illness will soon become a thing of the past!

AND I've added a new blog to my blogroll. Drum roll please....

My friends Anna and Becca are behind Supporting our Siblings: Advocating and Educating, a blog devoted to mental health issues. Both girls have a sibling who has been diagnosed with a mental illness and are taking to the blogosphere to facilitate conversation and slash the stigmas developed by not talking about mental illness. As I've said before, you're only as sick as your secrets, so way to put yourselves out there and talk about real issues!

An Important Message

2010-10-06T16:50:00.000-05:00

Something must be done.

Rent a Green Box

2010-10-03T19:47:00.004-05:00

This is so cool.

Rent a Green Box is a company that supplies you with repurposed plastic containers for moving, etc. and then comes to pick them up after you are done with them!

If only I could get Banana Republic to use them for shipments, we'd have a lot less waste and clean up on shipment days...

Thanks, Emily for passing on the info!

Group Sleep-overs

2010-10-03T19:31:00.009-05:00

Last night, I celebrated my cousin Leslie's 21st birthday. It was a really fun night, but I think the best part was the group sleep-over at my cousins' apartment. Laurel and Mike just moved to Chicago and graciously hosted all five of us.

The Birthday Girl and I at Laurel's wedding

Nick, Shannon, Leslie, John and I were spread across their living room floor on various air mattresses and couches. It reminded me of the sleep-overs my sisters and I had with Nick, Laurel and Leslie at Aunt Pat's when we were kids. The six of us used to line up across her living room floor as well, only there were no air mattresses back then- only sleeping bags.

My favorite memories from my childhood are all family related, many of them including my aunt. It's hard to believe that this October will be five years since we lost her.

My cousins and I at Aunt Pat's circa 1993

But October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, which allows my family to both remember my aunt and support the cause through numerous outlets. I am happy to say that the past five years have made me incredibly optimistic about the advancements in prevention and treatment of the disease. There are so many options now- and so many ways for people to join the fight.

So, save your yogurt lids (I'm lucky Activia jumped on board this year), buy products that donate to breast cancer organizations or simply know your body so that you can detect any changes that may come your way. The future of breast cancer treatment is in your hands- literally.

...I-N-I

2010-10-02T12:40:00.003-05:00

Oh, and we've got Benny again this weekend. Obviously, Wilke is thrilled to have him back...

You know it's fall when...

2010-10-02T12:22:00.006-05:00

... a pumpkin shows up in your backyard...

...you get tricked into buying beautiful stuffed acorn squash only to find out with the first bite that there is Italian sausage in the stuffing (sometimes I get so focused on looking for dairy in ingredient lists that I completely forget to check for meat)...

... you are happy to see your Starbucks-obsessed dad with a steaming soy chai latte to warm you up on a chilly Saturday morning- maybe living at home through the winter won't be so bad :)

Dog Days are Not Over

2010-09-24T14:29:00.007-05:00

This weekend, I have the pleasure of sitting for the most p opular dog in the blogosphere.

For our afternoon walk today, I consulted my iTunes Genius, which happened to put together a great playlist based on my current favorite tune. It was the perfect playlist for a perfectly sunny fall day:

Dog Days are Over, Florence and the Machine
Mansard Roof, Vampire Weekend
Under the Weather, KT Tunstall
Moth's Wings, Passion Pit
You are the Best Thing, Ray LaMontagne
My Moon, My Man, Feist
You Rock my World, Michael Jackson
Revelry, Kings of Leon
Best for Last, Adele
Somebody to Love, Glee Cast
Sweetest Thing, U2
Fences, Phoenix
If it Kills Me, Jason Mraz

And now both my pups are taking an afternoon nap... not a bad idea...

but first, my stack of October mags need some attention.

In MY fight to save the environment...

2010-09-19T17:50:00.006-05:00

One of the bonuses of living at home is access to more magazines than I could ever even want.

My ever-supportive parents subscribe to a variety of magazines that I get to sample free of charge every month. Most I only flip through during a seemingly extra long commercial break, but every once in a while I find something interesting. This weekend, I came across an article in Ladies' Home Journal written by Peg Rosen. Her average American family took on the challenge of reducing their weekly waste from three bags of garbage to one. I was really surprised by how easy it was for them and how easy it would be for anyone to take on some of the new practices that they did (one really easy but really effective idea was "creating satellite recycling stations" around their house so recycling was just convenient as throwing something in the trash- smart).

photo courtesy of Ladies' Home Journal

After I finished the article, I couldn't help but think twice about everything that I went to throw away. Those who know me well know that I'm an avid recycler, but everyone can find room to improve. I immediately went to get a paper grocery bag (we alternate cloth bags and disposable grocery bags so that we have something to put recycling in) and started filling it with papers from around the house. I picked up last Sunday's paper, an entire stack of magazines from the summer months and even a few odd receipts and grocery lists that were laying around. When I had a water spill to wipe up, I went for a paper towel, but grabbed a cloth towel instead. And when my mom asked me why I was eating the last piece of homemade zucchini bread over the sink, I told her, "I'm reducing my waste. This way, I don't use a napkin that just gets thrown away, nor do I waste water by washing a dish." (Okay, so this may have been a little overzealous and driven more by laziness than anything else, but I was reducing waste, wasn't I?)

Reducing, reusing and recycling is easy! What was Kermit thinking- it IS easy being green :)

And the best part is, a little can go a long way- although I would still like to find a way to compost ALL of our food scraps...

As Ludacris Would Say...

2010-08-14T11:35:00.003-05:00

Roll out.

Yes, this past week was, what we in the biz call, fall roll out (did anyone get The Break Up reference?). I probably should have just set up a cot in the stock room with how much I was at the store. But I am really proud of how great everything looks and am in love with the buzz of a new collection.

Our marketing right now is also really cool- and really poignant. It's based on finding a wardrobe that "works for life," which I love. When I moved home from college I realized that all I owned were sloppy sweats or "going out clothes." Then I went through the all-I-do-is-work faze where I would only buy "work clothes" because that's all I did (what a difference a couple months makes). Now, I am hoping to buy clothes that don't make me want to change as soon as I get home from work, and that is what I am basing my new fall wardrobe on. Check out this cool commercial for the fall collection- all the people in the marketing are people taken off the streets of New York, or at least, they aren't models:

I think what I love the most about roll out though is the fresh start that fall and back to school brings. As far as new beginnings go, I definitely prefer this time of year to New Year's. Maybe it's because it accompanies a change of season, or maybe because it's not as forced, but either way, I have my goals for the month all set and am looking ahead to a lot of changes for the rest of the year.

Vogue Can Wait

2010-08-05T20:58:00.005-05:00

Ever since my sister introduced me to Sex and the City, at arguably too young of an age, I have been hooked. We would come home from school, pop in a VHS and not move until the end of the tape. We'd be sitting in the dark with only the glow of the television when my mom would come home from work and find us mesmerized by women far beyond our age.
I'm a Carrie. I don't have as avant garde of a fashion sense, and am much more cynical, but I'm definitely led by my emotions the way she is. Most of all, I'm a writer. And I always identified with her reflective self-questioning, imagination and desire to romanticism, which is often characteristic of those in the profession.

It seems that no matter what I've been going through in my life, I can find an episode where Carrie is going through it too.

Recently, I put in the first disc of season five (because VHS is obsolete) in search of an episode I knew of where Carrie is in a rut with her career. Sitting at her computer, she reflects on her situation and says, "The worst thing about not being in a relationship, is when your job is to write about being in a relationship."

Lucky for me, I write about life's gaps and getting through them. And since I started writing two years ago, I have realized that no matter where in the world you are or how old you are, every stage of life has "gaps." I never run out of things to write about, but then again, I don't have a book of my blog posts... Oh well, even Carrie Bradshaw didn't start out at Vogue.

Seasonal Sneak Peak

2010-08-02T17:47:00.003-05:00

The days are definitely getting shorter.

I opened the back door at 4:45 a.m. and swatted away bugs zipping around the light above the door. It was darker, which made the light brighter and more attractive. The air was still heavy with humidity, so I know summer hasn't left yet, but it's packed it bags.

I got in my mom's car and fumbled for the ignition and then the lights. Hers aren't automatic like mine. Surely one day I'll return to the parking lot to find the battery dead. As I drove the familiar route, that's when I noticed- brighter green lights. And no rabbits congregating on the corner and feasting on my neighbors plants.

I love the seasonal sneak peak that comes every few months. The air was downright cool the other morning on my run, and it felt amazing. Wind blew past my face and I breathed without the weight of the air on my lungs. As a born and raised Midwesterner, I will always love, and need, a seasonal change. A reminder that time is, in fact, passing. Life is continuing on despite how stationary I feel.

Voice Memos

2010-07-30T17:02:00.006-05:00

I've decided that the best thing about living at home this part year has been the time that I have gotten to spend with Barberree, my grandmother, my only living grandparent. For the longest time, I have told her I want to record our conversations and later write a book based on them. We talk about everything from social and political issues to cooking and crafting. I even had the idea of a project titled "You Can Teach an Old Dog New Tricks" with all the things that we taugh Barberree how to do in her nineties, including make cheese and play solitare on a computer. I did sense that she probably wouldn't like the title of the project, which is why I ultimately gave it up. Unfortunately for me, she is definitely not into the idea of being recorded in any way. As she gets older, she comments on how she barely remembers the past and just tries to worry about one day at a time- a good motto, although a little morbid considering she is 94 years old.

Today, when I was having lunch with her on my day off, she actually told my mom and I that: "I'm the only one around here who knows how to use the damn thing (her dishwasher). I have to go down and run Alice's for her all the time." (Important note: Alice is 15 to 20 years younger than my grandmother.)

She may have caught on to the technology of a dishwasher, but she has very little interest in a computer and probably can't fathom the idea of my iPhone having Voice Memos... After a comment like today's, I can't pass up another opportunity to capture Barberree for all of eternity, and, lucky for both of us, she won't realize I'm doing it :)

*Since mastering solitare on the computer, Barberree has moved on and abandoned the technology all together. So, I can safely write about secretly recording her because she doesn't surf the net or read her granddaughters' blogs.

Pride in Presentation

2010-07-21T17:34:00.007-05:00

I have one of those jobs that has a more glamorous title than the job itself. That is not to say that I don't enjoy my job, it is just A LOT of hard work. I mean, I was sweating climbing up and down a ladder in the stock room yesterday.

And then today I came across this article in my MediaJobsDaily email from MediaBistro: "Do You Need a New Job Title?" It told of big, "important" companies that were giving their employees more "fun" titles, such as the Minister of Comedy at E&Y, a 20-something consultant that was hired to bring life to their otherwise dull presentations. And the thing is, the people with these jobs (and titles) have "[a] sense of ownership of, engagement with, and excitement about their jobs..." How many of you can say that about your job title?

I was recently scoffed at trying to explain the hierarchy at my store and the difference between the Customer Experience team and the Merchandise Presentation team. This person said something along the lines of, why don't they just call everyone what they are- store managers. Well, here's why. Giving specific titles gives ownership over certain responsibilities. Not everyone in a huge corporation is a blanket VP, so why shouldn't there be distinguishing titles in the retail industry. How insulting!

I truly feel that no one is in a position to demean another person for any reason, but especially in regards to what they do for work. Different people are needed for different jobs, and these days, having any sort of job at all should make you feel good! These are trouble times, people!

PS I styled the new jewelry yesterday and am in love with some pieces (unfortunately they aren't all online so I can't show them all). Let me know if you need a 25% off coupon for this weekend- it's our Mad Men (yes, like the show) event.

They're here!

2010-07-19T20:02:00.005-05:00

My Sseko sandals arrived today, and I could not wait to string 'em up!

I followed the instructions that came with the sandals, but I can't wait to try other ways too. Liz is so cool and even made a YouTube channel with videos on different ways to tie the sandals!

The shoes are so comfortable, very light and easy to wear. I put them on right out of the UPS package they came in and haven't taken the off yet. But that's not all, I also got a sweet necklace from Ember Arts in celebration of Sseko's first birthday! The beads are handmade from recycled paper (also in Uganda). So cool. And in the words of Jim Noe, "So socially conscious."

Really Locally Grown Produce

2010-07-18T20:10:00.004-05:00

This summer, my mom decided she wanted some vegetables in her garden, and I didn't not protest. And we have been enjoying REALLY locally grown produce at many meals throughout the week.

Tonight, I made kale chips with greens from our garden, and last week, I put backyard basil in my grilled vegetable couscous. Yum!

Instant Inspiration

2010-07-05T12:21:00.004-05:00

Just what I needed... a little inspiration...

As I was going through my email this morning (and feeling a little low after all of the AMAZINGLY FUN festivities for Julie's wedding last weekend in Kansas City), I came across one from the Mizzou Alumni Association. Having just returned home and feeling sad that I left all my Mizzou friends in Missouri, I quickly opened it to see what was going on at my alma mater. And, boy, am I glad I did.

This issue of Mizzou-ya told the story of Liz Bohannon, BJ '07, MA '09 who just last year started Sseko, "a socially proactive Not-Just-For-Profit business" that employs women in Uganda and allows them to attend University with the money they make. The women make beautiful ribbon sandals (that Liz originally designed for herself for her first trip to Uganda). Kind of like the Tom's of sandals. They are seriously cute and the straps can be removed and tied countless different ways. These are my fav:

Just when I was thinking that my journalism degree from the nation's best journalism school meant nothing, my faith has been restored. I went to journalism school to be able to make a difference in some small way- to engage in and facilitate a conversation, to bring information and education to others and to help bring about change. And here is someone that is doing something worthwhile and inspiring with their degree, someone who is doing EXACTLY what I want to be doing.

Naturally, I emailed her to thank her for lifting me out of this funk and retoring my faith in myself. And look there is another person she has helped. This girl is my idol.

Kale Chips

2010-06-08T10:55:00.002-05:00

This recipe has quickly become a Noe family favorite and even a favorite of one of the families I sit for- and it could not be easier!

Simply rip the kale from the stalk into chip-sized pieces (my mom and I have even found some store that carry ready to eat kale in those plastic boxes). In a large bowl, toss with olive oil, salt and pepper. Spread the chips onto a baking sheet and bake for 5-6 minutes on each side. You may have to watch the first time until you are comfortable with how quickly they bake in your oven. In our old oven, it took more like 8 minutes on a side, but in the new one 4 or 5 is just fine. Some times I sprinkle a little extra salt on when I flip them over too. After you feel they are sufficiently crispy, take them off the cookie sheet and place them into a bowl for serving! Bon appetit!

*This snack is gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan friendly!

The Newest Noe

2010-04-19T21:30:00.002-05:00

We've had an addition to our family...

Welcome, Benny! Lisa and Ryan's puppy may just be the cutest addition to the family since, well, me.

Vegetable Risotto

2010-04-19T21:23:00.004-05:00

Another delicious vegan meal from Vegan Comfort Food- this book is a real winner. This was my first time making risotto. and they couldn't have made it easier. I would use a little less basil next time and let the flavors of the veggies speak for themselves. Yum!

Now I just need to work on my photography skills. How will I ever have a successful vegan empire with poorly lit photos taken with my iphone?

BODYTALK

2010-04-16T09:10:00.003-05:00

I recently submitted an entry for this sweet e-zine (like a digital magazine) BODYTALK. Check it out here. My essay is called "The Pinkest Float I Have Ever Seen."

The zine is laid out by the wonderful and talented Sarah Handelman. I hope she'll let me contribute as an illustrator next go around :)

Spicy Soba Noodle in Peanut Sauce

2010-04-16T08:58:00.004-05:00

Boy, do I love peanut sauce. So when I saw this recipe in my Vegan Comfort Food cookbook, I knew I had to try it. And it was a great success! Next time, I would add more veggies.

While the soba noodles were cooking, I steamed carrots, broccoli and frozen peas (about a cup each) for about 5 minutes. Then, I put the noddles (drained, not rinsed) and the steamed veggies aside while I heated 1 tbs. peanut oil in my wok. I added 1 red bell pepper (sliced), 3 chopped green onions (only the white part) and 1/2 a cup diced celery. After sauteing for 4 minutes, I added the drained noodles and steamed veggie and then dumped on the sauce until everything was coated (I used 365 Organics Peanut Sauce from Whole Foods). Pretty Easy!

*Soba noodles are gluten free if they are made from 100% buckwheat!

To Do

2010-04-02T09:00:00.001-05:00

Despite my growing love for gadgets, I cannot seem to give up the traditional pen and paper to-do list. Something about it's tangibility really appeals to me. Oh, and then there is the satisfaction of striking through an item once you've completed it. That's almost more rewarding than completing the task itself.

First morning off in an eternity= attacking my to-do list.

Obsessed.

2010-03-05T17:57:00.001-06:00

I am obsessed with everything about this:

Demi-Veg Celebrations!

2010-02-28T10:43:00.007-06:00

I am currently a demi-vegetarian. What is that you say? Well, most people would consider it a half or imperfect vegetarian, however, I am a firm believer in a diet that is "perfect" for the person consuming it.

I have been working with my diet since high school. Last year, I stopped eating red meat because it just seemed too hard for my body to digest, and I have never really liked the taste of chicken (that being said, I will eat something with cooked with chicken broth). After watching Food Inc. last month, I decided to give up all meat, but still eat eggs and fish. For me, it can be a struggle to get enough protein in my diet- thus demi-vegetarianism it is.

This can be hard to explain (and hard for people to rationalize), which is why in many instances I simply refer to myself as vegetarian. This makes things easy. For this same reason, I often look to vegan options in the grocery store and at restaurants. Since I can't eat dairy, it just makes things easier by eliminating the possibility of eating something that will make me sick.

Fortunately for me, my family is EXTREMELY supportive of my dietary restrictions after all these years. As because we were raised as good eaters who will try anything once, everyone eats my vegetarian and vegan creations (sometimes without knowing- I love watching family members devour something without the slightest idea that it is vegan). Here are some of our recent demi-veg celebrations:

Valentine's Day: roasted lobster tails with ginger dipping sauce and snow peas and cherry tomatoes.

Birthday breakfast: everything bagels with lox and vegan cream cheese, fruit and mimosas

Birthday dinner at Green Zebra: check out Lisa's* review here.
*Lisa is NOT a vegetarian.

I Cannot Put Down

2010-02-25T20:15:00.003-06:00

I am currently reading Kelly Cutrone's book, "If you have to cry, go outside" and seriously cannot put it down. She's a little nuts, but she makes a lot of really good points about the evolution of feminism (or possible devolution), the fashion industry and success. This book couldn't have come into my life at a better time, but regardless of what stage of life you are in, you will definitely find something relevant. And if you don't, at least she's funny.

Spring Sightings

2010-02-23T21:19:00.003-06:00

This is the time of year when it is important to remind yourself: spring will return. I take advantage of all the little things that restore hope and happiness after months of being frozen.

I ate a lifetime worth of these little guys in London, but I still can't get enough. I can usually rely on Grandma Barb to feed my need.This stuff kinda smells like my favorite sunscreen/ the tanning lotion I used in high school. Regardless, it smells like summer and I love it.

I am obsessed with this buttery leather jacket at my store. We sold out in a matter of days, but I couldn't afford it anyway.

Yes, those are what you think they are...

2010-02-20T07:49:00.002-06:00

In the spirit of my recent obsession with vegan cupcakes (thanks to my sissy Megan and her gift of the Babycake s NYC cookbook), I bring you the cupcake-adorned cover of the most recent issue of BodyTalk. Designed by the wonderful and talented Sarah Handelman, the issue covers all things woman- and in the smartest, most accurate way imaginable (which, yes, includes psychedelic vagina cupcakes).

I went to high school here.

2010-02-05T17:55:00.003-06:00

I don't remember how I came across this, but I'm sure glad I did.

I beamed with pride watching my mentors (the directors of the Eurythmic Dance Company) lead the entire staff of Lyons Township High School in a flash mob. Boy, do I miss high school.

Second City looking Savvy

2010-01-07T20:58:00.005-06:00

As all loyal Second City Savvy followers know, you gotta fake it til you make it. An awesome accessory, whether designer or otherwise, can instantly elevate an outfit and turn even the most egocentric heads. In the end, it's about getting noticed by those who matter however you can.

Here's hoping those that matter check out SCS's new addition. And if you like what you see, there's more. No faking.

Maybe this time, 2010

2010-01-01T09:01:00.005-06:00

Thank you, 2009 for bringing us Glee (postgraduation you didn't bring me much else).

And it is no surprise that my new favorite show would bring me my anthem for the new year (sung by Kristin Chenoweth- I can't help but feel tied to her, what with our likeness and the spelling of our names being the same).

Hoping all the odds are in your favor this year too. Happy New Year!

I'm Back

2009-12-03T14:16:00.003-06:00

Okay, so it's been a while.

Currently, I'm what my father calls "under employed." And my underemployment has kept me from blogging, but trust me, I still have plenty of time to feel the effects of un(der)employment and share them. So, I'm back.

Today I came across this brilliant blog post about how my fellow un(der)employed Americans and I are going to get through the holidays: "The Unemployed's Elevator Pitch for the Holidays."

Jobless and Less is a serious blog about unemployment- he's been layed off four times in nine years. But he's also really funny and insightful, and as my mother knows, there is nothing I am dreading more about the holidays (besides all the dairy) than the inevitable questioning of my unemployment. Thanks to Jobless, I now have a plan.

PS22

2009-10-18T11:56:00.004-05:00

My sister sent me this video from YouTube the other day and I haven't been able to stop watching these kids since (no, not the balloon boy- that family doesn't need any more publicity than they have already managed to get).

And apparently I am not the only fan of PS22 (check out their blog). My girls Beyoncé and Gaga fell in love with the group after they were invited to Billboard magazine's Women in Music Celebration Brunch. Ashton Kutcher tweets about them. And Perez has put them up on his site too.

These Staten Islanders are so lovably ordinary, except for their musical abilities. They look like every other grade school choir, until just one of them opens his or her mouth and starts to sing. And their excitement is undeniably contagious. Watching them sing and dance to "Just Dance" made me want to be there rockin' out with them.

They have gained popularity solely through the Internet and the efforts of their teacher (and veritable saint) Gregg Breinberg. He started posted videos of his kids on YouTube in 2006; now they have their own channel. Read more in the NY Times article.

Finally, here are the kiddos doing my favorite song of all time:

"Obama, I know you are listening"

2009-10-12T22:20:00.007-05:00

I love Lady Gaga.

Every since my sisters discovered my resemblance to the performer, I have been following her with more than admiration. She has made a name for herself with her music, her fashion, and now, as a gay rights activist. Below is her amazing performance at the Human Rights Campaign event before the National Equality March in D.C.

And here she is speaking in our Nation's capitol for the Equality March:

Way to go, Gaga. Way to go.

(The photo that started it all. I see our resemblance, don't you?)

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2009-10-12T09:11:00.005-05:00

I can't believe we are 12 days into October and I haven't even plugged Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

My family and I are more of year-round breast cancer awareness supporters (below is a picture from the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer 2006), but I will have a pink ribbon on my Twitter avatar this month and am eating my Yoplait and "saving lids to save lives."

I cannot stress the importance of early detection enough. Getting regular screening tests is the best way for women to lower their risk of dying from the disease because they can find the cancer early- when it is most treatable. If you want more information, check out the Susan G. Komen web site. It is a wealth of information.

While there is still no cure, we need more research! So let's fund breast cancer research. Lisa's blog featured a post on Pretty in Pink, which features spa deals for $31 for the 31 days of October (all to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer).

Hanes is also Passionately Pink for the Cure. I heard Sarah Chalke on the Eric and Kathy show talking about a pink party that she and her sister had I immediately called Lisa to tell her we should do one. If you are looking for ideas for your own pink party, Komen will help you out!

Finally, Marie Clare has an entire slide show of products that benefit breast cancer research- everything from ChapStick to coffee makers. Check it out!

So long, Gourmet

2009-10-07T16:57:00.003-05:00

This week, Condé Nast closed four magazines. Goodbye, Gourmet, Cookie, Elegant Bride and Modern Bride.

What a time to be looking for a job in magazines!

Personally, I don't think there need to be as many bridal magazines on the market as there currently are, but Gourmet? Really?

The Boston Globe ran a very creative editorial "Gourmet Magazine, 1941-2009: A recipe of obsolescence" that summarizes this great loss. Gourmet was a truly beautiful magazine, and I am sad to have lost it for that reason (because we all know my culinary skills aren't up to that level, nor could I digest half of the dishes in its pages), but what makes me even more sad is that it proves the recession is winning- in more ways than one.

The magazine closed because ad revenue had dropped too low (1 point for the recession), and the closing means jobs lost for Condé employees and less jobs for eager grads like myself (point 2). I am also afraid that it ultimately means Americans are giving up the "gourmet" way of life. First, the elimination of rich foods and gorgeous cocktails and second, the magazines that feature them (point 3).

But I refuse to let the recession beat the magazine industry or myself. I will continue to subscribe and pick up news stand copies in the hope that industry will prevail and one day have a job to offer me. It's karma- what goes around comes around. And even the recession can't deny karma.

Second City Savvy

2009-10-04T20:19:00.005-05:00

It is finally here. Your one-stop shop for satisfying your need for style at the right price is Second City Savvy.

My sister Lisa, the original recessionista, has put together a site that aggregates sales on clothes and beauty products, as well as Chicago-specific deals.

But it's not just links. She writes about living a life for less, which believe me, she has been doing for quite some time now. She's smart and funny, like the Khloe Kardashian of the Noe girls (except NEVER compared to a tranny or amazon woman).

(In case you were wondering, that makes Megan Kim because she's the most serious and driven and I'm Kourtney, except for that whole being pregnant thing.)

So, check it out. Because who couldn't use an excuse to buy something new for their fall wardrobe?

"You're only as sick as your secrets"

2009-09-29T14:30:00.003-05:00

Have you heard how the recession is making people healthier?

Well, it's true. At least it's true for me. Because I don't have to get up and go to work every day, I get up and go to the gym every day. Otherwise I would lay in bed all morning and just stare at the wall, which, I won't lie, has happened one or two times since graduation. Anyway, I get up and walk the two blocks to my neighborhood gym in order to see the Today show before it gets all Hoda and Kathie Lee. This way, I am enriching my mind and body at the same time (see, healthier).

Today, I watched a very interesting segment with Carrie Fisher. At first I thought it was just a book/show promotion, and then I thought it was another Mackenzie Phillips story about how growing up in the spotlight isn't as great as it seems (who thought it was?), but then I realized that what she had to say was very relevant to the current state of my own life.

Matt Lauer points out that in her new Broadway show she takes situations that most people would think are not funny and brings comedy to them. She says that once you "can claim something, you have more power over it. You're only as sick as your secrets... I say my weak things in a strong voice."

And thus you have the reason for my blogging. So eat your heart out, 10% unemployment rate. Seriously watch the interview. It's less than 10 minutes and she has some really interesting things to say about adolescence, mental illness and Michael Jackson.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Paper Jam

2009-09-28T14:02:00.004-05:00

Mondays are the days I like to run errands/get things done around the house (pick up, do laundry, organize things). I usually plan out the rest of my week and work on some personal projects. Today's project is my closet. It is kind of overflowing.

And while I organize I am watching Office Space to remind myself why work sucks and unemployment is great.

Recessionista

2009-09-27T20:28:00.002-05:00

Being unemployed allows you time to do all the things you couldn't do if you were working.

This week, midweek, I went to hang out with my sister in the city. I had been wanting to try out this class that she takes at the Dailey Method on Damen, so when my beloved Daily Candy offered me a coupon for half off a class (an individual class is usually $2o, not affordable for the unemployed), I jumped at the opportunity because another wonderful thing about being unemployed is that I have become quite the recessionista (For those of you who aren't familiar with the term, a recessionista is someone who makes do with what they have during tough financial times and looks fabulous while doing it. Thank you, Urban Dictionary).

The class totally kicked my ass, and I would recommend it to anyone looking to tone and tighten. Still a dancer at heart, I loved all the barre work and the dancer-turned-Dailey-Method-owner, Tami.

Afterwards, my sister (the ultimate recessionista) and I went to Coast aka sushi heaven. For those of you who are thinking that it is a swanky place that doesn't vibe with the recessionista way of life, you are wrong. It is BYOB, so there. And the sushi is worth the price, just ask Megan Baldassarre.

Grandparents' Day

2009-09-14T15:19:00.004-05:00

Yesterday was National Grandparents' Day, so my mom and I decided to take Grandma Barb to see Julie & Julia (don't tell her I had already seen it). We were a bit over zealous about the idea when we looked up movie times and accidentally got to the theater over an hour early. To kill time, we asked Grandma if she wanted to get any errands done and then did everything but drag her to Menards to buy some African Violet potting soil (she wanted to sit and wait at the theater while we just went... we told her she was kind of missing the point of Grandparents' Day.

When we got back to the theater for the movie (at the correct time), we took our seats and said "Surprise! We also rented out the whole theater!" (Not really, but we were the only ones in there until about half way through the previews when about three other people strolled in.)

She enjoyed the movie, but not the previews asking me at one point, "We did come to see the movie, right?" I even heard her laugh out loud at Meryl's loud portrayal of Julia Child. Afterward we brought her to our house for dinner. Mom tells me we are no longer to give Grandma the option of coming for dinner. Instead we are just to tell her that we have prepared a light supper and then we will take her home. I think a 93-year-old woman should be able to decide if she wants to come for dinner or not, but I'd rather not disagree with my mom on this one. Living at home, I've learned to pick my battles :)

Before we started cooking, Mom and I put on our pearls (hers are my Grandma Barb's and mine are my Aunt Pat's) so we could be just like Julia, and when we served our delicious (and dairy-free) dinner we said in our best Julia impressions, "Bon appetit!"

As we were leaving the theater, Mom said, "You could turn your blog into a vegan version of Julia Child's book!" Enticing, but I don't know how I would get around boning a duck....

Hooray! Hoorah! Mizzou! Mizzou!

2009-09-05T18:31:00.006-05:00

So I thought that not having a first day of school would be hard, but today I realized not having a first football game of the season is even harder.

Even though I slept in a black and gold sweatsuit and made my parents do a "M-I-Z... Z-O-U" at 9 a.m. this morning, it just wasn't the same. No fight song to wake my roommates up, no Morrow Casserole to feed them and certainly no Frat Pit to tailgate in (okay, okay, Frat Pit has been gone for two years now, but I will always remember it as an essential part of football season). I felt even more like a forty year old who lives with their parents than ever.

Mom and Dad were good sports though. They were wearing Mizzou sweatshirts and t-shirts when I got up, and Dad even hung my Mizzou flag out in front of our house. We had some game time snacks, and then a Tiger victory made the afternoon complete. All in all it turned out okay, but it sure wasn't Columbia.

(Last year's tailgate in St. Louis with my favorite Mizzou football fans)

Dog Science

2009-09-02T15:47:00.002-05:00

Today in my unemployed life I decided to perform an experiment with my dog (don't worry, no dogs were harmed in the writing of this blog post).

I wanted to see if Wilke would walk faster depending on the time of the day I took her out. For those of you who know Wilk, she loves to sniff and sneak around our neighborhood like she is investigating a crime (really she is just looking for used gum and other old food to eat off the sidewalks).

So, I walked her around noon and she started out walking really quickly, but sure enough, half way around the block I had to start dragging her.

I walked her again at 4:30, which is when I usually take her out in the afternoon. I thought maybe she would walk faster on a different route, so I took her around the elementary school near our house. No faster at all, not even at the beginning. She also ate two pieces of gum before I was able to stop her.

Conclusion: Wilke is an old dog that may never walk fast, but while I am unemployed I am determined to pick up her speed and reduce the amount of gum she eats.

Jimmy Buffett

2009-08-31T14:47:00.006-05:00

A couple pictures from this weekend:

Jimmy Buffett is kinda like Mardi Gras for middle-aged people (I saw a lot more of our tailgate neighbors than I ever wanted to). We had a good time, except for that whole concert part, ate good food and didn't allow the rain to get us down. Will we be back next year? Probably not.

"On Wednesdays, we wear pink"

2009-08-26T12:28:00.003-05:00

I woke up on the wrong side of the bed today.

I had a dream that a family I babysit for got a pet snake, and they kept it in a shopping bag in the car. As I was driving with them, the mom pulled it out of the bag during its "nap." Needless to say, it was then awake and kept trying to get out of the bag. I am more than terrified of snakes and woke up drenched in a cold sweat. It was not a good start to the day.

The weather in Chicago is also beyond awful today. I can't be bothered to do anything besides pilates and watch Mean Girls.

Tuesday

2009-08-25T16:40:00.003-05:00

Today was a great day in my unemployed life:

1. I got an interview at Chicago Home and Garden, a dream come true
2. My vegan cookies turned out wonderfully
3. SVU marathon

It's amazing the odd jobs you pick up while unemployed. Today I got an interview for a real job, but also got a dog/house sitting job, built a fortune teller to show to my mom's third grade class tomorrow and made two lunch dates for this week. When you have no conflicts, your schedule fills up pretty quickly.

I have also found the time (hehe) to train for a half marathon that my sister wants me to run and am happy to report a very successful interval training session today. If anyone has any good training tips, feel free to pass them along!

Happy Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

2009-08-25T14:54:00.004-05:00

I got these cookies off of VegWeb.com. Thanks, Denise :)

Ingredients (use vegan versions):

2 cups unbleached flour
2 tsps baking powder
1/2 tsp.salt
cinnamon to taste (optional)
vegan chocolate or carob chips - put in as many as you like
1 cup raw sugar (turbinado #1, sucanat works too but sucks up a lot of the moisture)
1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup water

Directions:
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. It will work if they're not at room temp but it works MUCH better if they are. Also, while your oven is pre-heating put the cookie sheets you are going to use on top of the oven so they get preheated as well. Preheat oven to 350.

In a large bowl mix flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon (if you choose). Add chips. Make a well in the center and set aside.

In a medium size bowl mix vegan sugar and oil. Mix it well. Add the vanilla and then add the water. Mix it well. Add the wet to the well in the dry. Mix it well but be careful not to overwork it. Add more chips if you need to. Spoon onto ungreased cookie sheets. Put them in the oven. Bake for 5 minutes and then flip and rotate the sheets.(top to bottom,and 180 degree rotation) Bake another 4 minutes and check them.

The cookies are done when they seem a little bit softer then you want them to be. They will harden up some as they cool. I usually go in two minute increments from here untill they get to where I like them.

Take them out when they are done and move them to wire cooling racks. If they split or come apart when you try to remove them let them sit on the pan for 2 minutes before transferring them to the racks.

Serves: almost two dozen
________________________________________________________________

Okay, I didn't have vegan sugar and did have to add another 1/4 cup of water to get the batter to stick together. Also, I discovered we didn't have any chips while I was making the batter, so I put it in the fridge overnight until I got some. When I was ready to cook them, I took the batter out of the fridge and let it warm to room temp for about 45 minutes.

If you look at the comments, cooking time can vary greatly. I cooked them at 350 for 4 minutes, then rotated the cookie sheet 180 degrees, then cooked for another 4 minutes and they turned out great!

Also, the addition of cinnamon is key :)

Here is the original link with all the comments people made (there were some interesting substitutions): http://vegweb.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=30de05051eb758f69b20edc82e6d3f6c&topic=6391.0

Yet Another "Gap"

2009-08-24T16:00:00.002-05:00

So, I have come to yet another metaphorical gap in my life and can think of no better way to get through it than blogging about it.

Today was the first day of school for (what seemed like) everyone beside me. It was the first time that I too wasn't going back to school, and it didn't feel good. I have been searching for a job since April, to no avail, and today was only a reminder that while everyone else is starting anew I remain stationary in a life where there is no difference between the week and the weekend.

But, I am going to take advantage of this "gap" too. Being unemployed allows for lots of free time for projects, including vegan and vegetarian cooking projects. Today I am trying out a recipe for vegan chocolate chip cookies. I just started, but when they come out of the oven, I'll let you know what I think.

Lisa on the News!

2009-04-28T17:08:00.001-05:00

Check it out. Lisa was on the news. I just wish they had gotten a shot of her eating fried chicken!

View more news videos at: http://www.nbcchicago.com/video.

Great Story

2009-02-23T09:36:00.002-06:00

ESPN featured this incredible story on Sports Center (and the coach from De Kalb was a former Sports Camp camper/staffer). Check it out. It'll warm your heart.

New Blog!

2009-01-27T21:10:00.003-06:00

My last semester of college includes a capstone (or final) journalism course. Mine happens to be the class that I came to Mizzou for: Advanced Magazine Design. For this class we are required to keep a design-focused blog, so I will be posting (quite often as is required) on that blog for the rest of the semester.

Design novices: please don't shy away! There should be some interesting posts that are relevant to all readers, including examples of my published work from the semester.

So, check it out: White Space

Happy New Year

2009-01-04T10:48:00.002-06:00

Well, it's finally here: the last year my parents will have to pay college tuition (otherwise known as the year I graduate from college). I literally never thought the day would come.

In more exciting news, my friend Nate is headed to India today for a "away rotation" in his last semester of medical school. Read more at his blog: The Rickshaw Express

White Christmas

2008-12-05T09:32:00.002-06:00

Anyone who tells you that it snows in Missouri is lying.

Sure, it snows, but it's not real snow. The tiny wet flakes pierce your skin as they fall to the ground and dust the grass with a spilled salt look.

I have heard that it has been snowing a lot back home but I hope the Chicago skies save some of its large, fluffy flakes for me. I'll be home again in 12 days and the storyteller in me always hopes for a white Christmas.

I will never drink red again

2008-12-01T22:42:00.004-06:00

So, I am back in CoMo. Back to my apartment, back to a queen sized bed (as opposed to the twin sized cocoon I sleep in in Western Springs) and back to college debauchery. When Laura and I returned to our William street home yesterday we were welcomed by a large splattering of fruit punch-colored vomit covering the sidewalk that we are forced to use to enter our house. How do we know it's vomit and not just fruit punch, well it ain't smooth.

To make matters worse, this morning I left my house, forgetting about the barf, and walked right onto it/slid over the frozen mess. In the real world will there be no barf to avoid when you want to come in and out of your house?

Hi Aunt Kim

2008-11-25T17:19:00.003-06:00

So, my aunt may be the only person still reading my blog, nonetheless, Aunt Kim you deserve something to read. And because I had the probably the lamest day on planet earth, here is something I wrote a while back for my Intermediate Writing class about my voting experience. I thought this would make for more interesting reading:

Fallen leaves crunched under my flip-flops as I walked the four blocks to my polling place. It was November 4th, Election Day, but it sure didn't feel like it.

I gently shuffled through the piles of leaves blanketing the sidewalk. Looking down at my feet, as I usually do when I walk, I noticed that the leaves on the ground were intact. Usually at this time of the year, sidewalks and streets are covered with the remains of beautiful foliage that has been pounded into a brown dust. But no dust here, in fact some of the trees in Missouri have yet to even change color.

I think the temperature reached 75 degrees that fall day, but for my Chicago blood it might as well have been 105. Having taken only a few steps out the door, I regretted not grabbing my sunglasses. The sun was still bright at 3:00 p.m. At least I had swapped my jeans for shorts.
This unseasonably warm Election Day would eventually make the history books for more than one reason, but for me there was one historic first that super seeded all the rest: this was my first time voting in a presidential election.

Although I was registered to vote at home in Chicago’s Cook County, I filed a change of address form and became a registered voter in the state of Missouri. My vote mattered more here anyway. So, I was to vote at a local Lutheran church a few blocks away from my East Campus apartment. Convenient, especially since my friend Lisa was voting there also.

"I guess we picked the hilliest route," I said to Lisa as we trudged up Anthony Street. "You think?" she seemed to say with the raise of her eyebrows. There was no time for a verbal response in between her deep breaths. As the sidewalk narrowed from college students' unkempt lawns and overgrown bushes, I mechanically got behind her. At that moment, I realized I was glad I wasn’t alone. My overly sensitive self had secretly wanted someone to share the experience with.

At this point in our walk, my anticipation was palpable. As we drudged steadily up the hill, I felt like I was on a roller coaster climbing to its peak. I am typically a very anxious person; even the thought of a situation I am unfamiliar with will make me sick to my stomach. I think of it as a vastly magnified fear of the unknown and in the weeks preceding the election I had dreams, or rather nightmares, about voting. In one I got to a polling place and was handed a blank ballot, and no one would acknowledge that there was anything wrong with it. In another, people kept stopping me to talk and eventually my time ran out and the polling place closed- without my vote.

I’ll be the first to admit that this fear about voting is somewhat unjustified. After all, I went to public schools that served as polling places in my hometown, so I knew what they looked like. I knew they were extremely informal and actually really anticlimactic. However, when I thought about people voting in the hallways of my school what really stuck out was being told repeatedly to be quiet and not disturb the adults. Now, I would be that adult hoping for others' silence so I could make conscious and thoughtful decisions.

In reality, I didn't need silence to cast my ballot. My mind was made up months, probably even years ago.

As we approached the doorway to the church, Lisa paused for a moment. She looked at me and said, “I’m the one who’s with you your first time voting.” Yes, I nodded. “And you are always going to remember this moment.” I nodded again. And she’s right. I think this experience can definitely be classified as one of those rights of passage that will never really escape my memory.

When we walked inside, there was no line. I had heard of longer lines at Starbucks with people waiting for their free coffee. Nonetheless, I showed them my id and was given a ballot and a short explanation as to what to do. I couldn’t tell if my voting location just happened to be particularly efficient or if I had just come at a slow time, but there was nothing to be anxious about, or even really excited.

Instead, I did my patriotic duty, got a much sought after “I voted” sticker and walked out proud to be an American, just as the song suggests.

2008-10-18T09:51:00.003-05:00

So, as it turns out senior year is actually really busy. So busy in fact that I haven't blogged in one month, which is terribly sad because I have had quite a few exciting developments in my soon-to-be-a-college-graduate world.

Last month, I had an interview with a recruiter from Southern Progress Corporation, which is the division of Time, Inc. that publishes Cooking Light, Heath, Southern Living, etc. Besides the magazines, this branch also has book publishing, advertising and web development divisions. The interview was an open interview that the J-school sets up so that students can meet recruiters hear more about the jobs/internships and then get their resume in someone's hands before the actual applications are due. The woman I met with was nothing but nice and made me really excited about their 6 month (paid) internships for post grads. I am applying for the graphic design internship, which in the past interns have been able to work with the art directors for different magazines. What an awesome opportunity. The only downfall, I would have to move to Alabama for 6 months... she did say it's near the beach though :)

This week, I found out I was accepted into the most competitive capstone in the magazine department of the J-School: Advanced Magazine Design. I was really nervous because I essentially came to Mizzou so that this would be my capstone, and last semester 40 students applied and only 16 got in. I didn't think I would find out for a couple of weeks, (I turned in my materials on Tuesday) but Thursday night I got an email that I was accepted! Very exciting for me!

Medical Miracle

2008-09-18T15:30:00.003-05:00

Thank goodness I was sitting in the library yesterday so that I heard this:

There was a rather rude young man making an appointment (over the phone) with the student health center. He described his symptoms as "my throat. it hurts." He then must have gotten transferred to someone else because he repeated, "yeah, i need an appointment for my throat." After a brief pause he explained to the receptionist, "well, i've been drinking ice water to soothe it, but that didn't do anything."

Duh. What an idiot. And now everyone in Ellis Library knows you are an idiot too.

So for all of you that were looking for that cure-all for a sore throat, it's not ice water. Sorry.

Why I write

2008-09-02T21:20:00.003-05:00

In my Intermediate Writing class we were asked to explain, in one to two pages, why we write. I thought my interpretation of how I got interested in writing might be interesting to others:

On a cold February morning, my mother was rushed to Hinsdale Hospital in Illinois to deliver her third daughter. In the most dramatic of fashion, I was ready to enter the world breach with my umbilical cord wrapped around my neck. While this is ordinarily a difficult pregnancy, and definitely was in 1987, my mother’s doctor was going to attempt to deliver me naturally. A small crowd of doctors, nurses and medical students gathered in the delivery room to watch the doctor perform this difficult procedure. Needless to say my mom was not happy with the audience, but the whole situation now seems rather fitting for the most dramatic of her daughters. Always the little performer, I consider this the first of many grand entrances.
As the youngest daughter in a family of three girls, I have been looking for my own voice since birth. With my sisters being almost polar opposites, the big question when I was growing up was whom I would be more like. To everyone else’s shock and surprise I developed as an exact hybrid of the two, not without my own drama and flair.
As a kid I loved to read and was extremely articulate at a young age. That, along with my petite size, was quite the sight. I thrived on the attention I received and from there my creativity only grew. I can remember narrating my actions in my head as I went through my day, and as my vocabulary grew even self-editing the little stories I created in my head.
Once I grew older, I found that writing came fairly easy to me, which was most likely a result of all my reading and story creation as a child. At some point in my childhood, I developed a great deal of stomach and chest pain that only increased as my oldest sister left for college and my other sister’s wild streak began to emerge. I found myself retreating inward. My extremely vocal and dramatic personality dwindled, and instead I found it easier to express myself in written words as opposed to spoken. In hindsight, my newfound introspection and anxiety triggered my interest in writing.
I was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome accompanied by lactose intolerance as a junior in high school. For those who are unfamiliar with IBS, it can only be controlled, never cured. Most of the treatment involves lifestyle and diet changes, including stress-management programs to control one of the major symptom triggers. At the time, my great stress release was the hours and hours of dance classes I was enrolled in. Not only did I love to perform, just as I had as a child, but I also loved the concentration and body awareness it required.
I had always danced, but developed a real passion for it as a high school sophomore. When I left for college, I not only lost my one sure-fire stress reliever, but also gained a great deal more stress. It wasn’t until I was encouraged to journal by both a doctor and a journalism professor that I finally got the hint. Although I journaled a bit in high school, I didn’t give it a fair shot until college. Most of the time it just helped me to clarify my thoughts and worries. Soon though, I realized how much I enjoyed looking back on not just particular situations, but the honest feelings that accompanied them.
Once I became comfortable with the idea that I was a decent writer, I began to let others in. I spent the last semester in London and kept a blog for family and friends to read. To my shock and amazement, I actually had quite a following. From other teachers at my mother’s school to my sisters’ friends reliving their own study abroad experiences, I got numerous emails about how much people were enjoying my writing, and if the continued praise and feedback isn’t a reason to keep writing, at this point, I don’t know what is.

Senioritis

2008-08-28T09:55:00.002-05:00

As I told my sister this morning, I have senioritis. Bad.

Since I have currently abandoned the idea that I will be a journalist after I graduate, I am getting frustrated by the people who ask me what I am going to do when I graduate, and even more frustrated by those who won't accept the answer, "I have no idea!"

And the thing is, I don't have any idea. I'm okay with it, so why aren't other people? I have a lot of "marketable" skills, so I'm not that worried. The world is my oyster, or rather New York city is my oyster.

In college they have places you can get pitchers of beer for a penny. This isn't helping the senioritis. Don't worry family, I'm making good choices :)

Shutterfly Share Site

2008-08-24T09:49:00.002-05:00

I use Shutterfly to upload, share and order pictures, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who doesn't use it, especially with the new feature they offer users- Share Sites. Basically a website with all my albums, you can view, save and order pictures from any of these albums (including all my London photos).

Check it out:
http://kristinnoepics.shutterfly.com/

Senior Walkout and Bid Day

2008-08-23T18:27:00.001-05:00

Here is a link to my shutterfly album of Senior Walkout and Bid Day: http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abs2bVu4cMWL0A

Apartment Science

2008-08-17T11:48:00.003-05:00

Great news- Mediacom, our cable and internet provider, came during a scheduled appointment time (for the first time since I moved in a year ago) and installed our cable and fixed our internet, which means no more marking out exact locations in the apartment where I can use someone else's wireless network. Phew!

Today is the last day of work week, and this old girl is more than ready for rush to start.

Last night my roommates and I cleaned out our fridge (exciting, I know. Don't worry, we went out afterward). After all the sub-letters this place had seen, you would be shocked and horrified to know what we pulled out of the back of the fridge- perishables dating back to January, strains of mold that probably never before existed and more cans of half eaten Funfetti frosting than I could have ever imagined (left open after a few months, not as fun...). We took three garbage bags to the dumpster, wiped down all the shelves and are looked at our happy little faces shining back in the reflection of now barren shelves realizing we probably needed to grocery shop....

Found Internet

2008-08-15T09:15:00.005-05:00

I finally found a place in my apartment that will pick up someone else's wireless internet, so the blogging can continue. Except not now. I have to go to the house for work week.

Orgullosa

2008-08-02T15:00:00.002-05:00

Today Glamour magazine's September issue unveiled its top 10 college women, one of whom is my dearest friend, Laura Merritt. Laura never ceases to amaze me with her talents and warm heart, and in the last few years she has finally been getting some much deserved recognition.

Most recently, Laura has been pouring her heart and soul into an internship with Senator Chris Koster, a democratic candidate for Missouri Attorney General. For those of you who are eligible voters in Missouri, get to the polls August 5th.

Laura's baby, however, is her nonprofit organization, I am, which promotes stem cell research. Laura lives day in and day out with rheumatoid arthritis and would greatly benefit from advancements in stem cell technology. We are currently working on a new website, and until it's up, contact me with questions or if you have any desire to get involved :)

*Orgullosa means proud in Spanish.

I'm Back

2008-07-30T13:05:00.002-05:00

After taking a little summer vacation, I'm back to the blog. And I have to say, I really missed it. I am about to embark on my last year of college (eek!) so there should be a lot to share :)

Sweet Home Chicago

2008-04-28T12:33:00.001-05:00

Well. I'm home. I'm doing laundry and missing London. If anyone is in the Chicagoland area and wants to hang out, please call me. The cell's back on.

Last Day in London

2008-04-26T06:15:00.002-05:00

It's my last day in London. Wow. This is really weird.

Another four months of my life have sped past me and today I can't help but feeling like digging my heels in.

I would definitely say that I am ready to come home. I never thought I would miss my family and some very loyal friends so much. But the last few weeks here have been really great and there are a lot of people that I am afraid I met too late.

There is so much to say, and at the same time, nothing to say at all because I feel as though the ways in which I have changed speak for themselves. You'll all see, some in just a few short hours.

Alright, time to embrace the last day on this side of the pond (at least for a while). Cheers.

Last day at Drapers

2008-04-23T05:13:00.002-05:00

Today is the last day of my internship and I have already finished all the work I am supposed to do today.

I just checked the weather in Western Springs also :)

Another one bites the dust

2008-04-22T06:27:00.004-05:00

Sarah has just informed me that she killed another mouse last night. In her words:

i did. yeah, it was sad. i had just gotten into bed when i heard shannon scream. i walked out of the room and could hear the little mouse crying! his leg and the side of his body was stuck to the paper. he kept trying to pull his head up but he just made himself bleed. i felt so bad for him. i didn't know what to do, and i couldn't smash his head with anything, so i stuck in him the toilet and flushed it a couple times. he's in the happy mouse hunting ground now.

How traumatic. I have never been so thankful to be such a sound sleeper.

And, unfortunately, it was not the fatty that ran over my foot the other night, it was a little baby- probably the fatty's baby. Gross.

After drowning it, the girls placed him in a plastic bag and threw him out the window. Our neighbors are going to think it is raining mice- hell, maybe it is.

For those keeping track- the death toll in flat 5 has now reached 4.

Kristin

2008-04-22T06:16:00.002-05:00

Not only is my name now synonymous with high class hooker (thanks to the woman at the center of the Eliot Spitzer prostitution scandal who used Kristen, spelled incorrectly of course, as her call girl name) but it is virtually impossible to pronounce correctly if you are British. While in London I have been called everything from Kirsten, Kiersten, Kristie, Kirstie, Kristina, and Christine- and that's after I pronounce it for people.

Fortunately, another American intern at Drapers whose name is Cara feels my pain. She continually gets called CAR-a.

Oh well, only 5 more days of this nonsense...

Last week at Drapers

2008-04-21T06:55:00.001-05:00

Today is my last Monday at Drapers. I am losing my voice and that, coupled with my American accent, is making if very difficult for people to understand me. No one seems to know what I am saying when I ask if they are selling any flip flops. Oh well, only two more days of morning rush hour on the tube- now that is something to smile about.

Obama's my momma

2008-04-20T14:36:00.002-05:00

I just applied for an internship with Barack Obama. I am getting pretty desperate here folks.

Weekend Update

2008-04-20T11:19:00.002-05:00

As I embark on my last week in London...

Friday afternoon was spent at the Imperial War Museum with Jon. Although the museum itself was pretty cool, my favorite part was definitely all the little boys who ran around dodging invisible bullets and making the accompanying sounds. They had an extensive Holocaust exhibit also, which I appreciated considering I missed the opportunity to see the museum in DC on my eighth grade class trip when a boy feel asleep in a Borders while we sat on a bus waiting for him for hours. Thank you, James Bailey.

Saturday Sarah and I headed to Portobello Road and made some great purchases at the markets (perhaps a few gifts for family and friends...) We then returned a cello she rented (because, yes, Sarah is also an accomplished cellist) and I met Kiernan and Jon at the Nordic Bakery, which is known for minimalistic environment and delicious cinnamon buns.

Saturday night a mouse ran over my foot. My bare foot. I was turned off the bathroom light and apparently that's where he was headed. I felt his fat, warm body whiz over my foot and then heard his little paws continue across the bathroom floor. I will not be entering the bathroom without shoes, unless to suffer through a shower.

This morning, Sarah and I headed to Euston to the Wellcome Collection (I don't really know how to explain it, so I'll let their website do it for me: Wellcome Collection is a unique mix of galleries, events, and meeting, reading and eating places where you can consider what it means to be human.

It brings to life Sir Henry Wellcome's vision of a place where people could learn more about the development of medicine through the ages and across cultures.

to see a photographic exhibit: "Life before death". A journalist and photographer captured the final months of fatally ill hospice members (including a portrait of them after they had passed). The exhibit provoked some really interesting questions on what we can learn from death and those who are dying. I assure you, it wasn't all as morbid as it sounds, but I did tear up at the story of a mother with breast cancer.

Frisbee

2008-04-17T06:54:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was one of my favorite days in London. I woke up to sunshine and headed to the highly-anticipated Tower of London (of course my camera battery ran out when I got there, but don't worry, Sarah got a picture of me with the ravens).

The Tower was actually really cool (thanks to the weather I'm sure). Our first stop was to the infamous ravens that Grandma Barb told me to see. They were huge! Their wings are clipped to keep them from flying away, so they kind of bounce around their green lawn. Their attempts to fly looked more like a deranged chicken dance, or some dance I have yet to even discover, but I loved it.

We checked out the Jewel House too (complete with moving conveyor belts like at the airport) and saw an incredible amount of wealth. Strange to think that a some points during history people actually carried around jewel-studded swords...

The rest of our time was spent viewing the grounds from above via raised walkways (oh and we saw the underwhelming 'Torture at the Tower' exhibit). The weather was amazing (finally) and made the trip really excited. I just wish I had my camera.

Afterwards, I grabbed lunch with some of my favorite people on the trip. I am very thankful for these fun conversationalists who have the ability to make me forget my 9 day countdown.

The afternoon was spent in Hyde Park frisbeeing (definitely not a word). Of course my team won, but this was honestly some of the most fun I have had in weeks, and I think everyone else enjoyed themselves too. It's nice to know I can still run continuously for 20 minutes :)

Tuesday

2008-04-15T11:57:00.002-05:00

Well, it is finally sunny in London. But of course, I was at work. Lame.

At least there is no BLC tonight. And no work tomorrow. Finally I will see the Tower of London.

Oh, anyone want to employ me this summer? The job hunt isn't going so well...

Oh, and a dead mouse count

2008-04-14T06:48:00.000-05:00

I thought everyone should know, that the entire building has captured and killed 6 total mice in the past two weeks. There was a dramatic event with one in a shoe last night that was audible through two floors and my headphones. No one is safe.

No worried though, last night I opened up my suitcase that is stored behind the bed expecting to find a mouse family living there, but I'm safe (or rather they are because if I found them in there, there is no telling what I'd do).

Someday in my life I will inevitably write a book about all this... Its title will most likely be "London Tails" or something with an equally clever pun.

No love in london

2008-04-14T06:45:00.000-05:00

For those of you that were afraid that I would come to London, fall in love and never want to come home, rest assured that there is no way that will happen. I am 100% certain that in my remaining twelve days I will remain loveless and alone.

On that note, I did see my tube boyfriend this morning. His hair was darker... guys who dye their hair freak me out, especially when it is like just a shade or two darker. High maintenence men are certainly not for me.

Call the coroner

2008-04-13T15:22:00.004-05:00

In talking to my mom today, I realized there was a Marvin update to share. After making a death defying leap out our fifth floor window and landing on our neighbor's back porch, he inevitably died because we have learned that once a mouse is attached to the tape thing, there is no way for them to come loose.

Another mouse was caught this way and while trying to be set free outside of the flat a passerby informed the group that there is no way to get a mouse off a trap like that, that you will only end up ripping off its feet or fur to which it would die from the bleeding anyway... gross.

So Marvin is officially dead, and at least he wasn't drowned in the toilet like the other guy.

Check out Laura...

2008-04-10T10:59:00.002-05:00

... she's on the Missouri homepage: www.missouri.edu. How can you not be proud?

Showering is hell

2008-04-09T15:58:00.003-05:00

I never thought I could hate showering. Then I came to London.

I think I actually took better showers when I was a camp counselor and it was smelly well water that was getting me "clean." I mean, the low water pressure didn't exactly get all the soap out of my hair, but at least it wasn't singeing my skin like the water in the shower at 40 Hogarth.

The temperature of the water is either scalding or frigid. And although I thought I mastered the trick of switching back and forth to get a somewhat comfortable temp, I haven't.

Since the recent death of my flatmate Marvin, I don't even have a bathroom buddy anymore. Marvin had recently taken up residence behind the toilet, which not only limited my time in the bathroom, but also forced me to wear boots every time I stepped foot in the room (I don't want any furry bodies breezing past my ankles).

I may have to join a gym just for the shower. Nah. I'll just tough it out. I could never cheat on Lifetime like that.

Ding dong the witch is dead

2008-04-09T12:44:00.002-05:00

We did it. We killed Marvin.

Or so we thought.

I saw him struggling under the sink and we realized he was attached to a sticky board thing. Shannon bravely put a small plastic box over him and scooted him out from under the sink. Then she flipped the box over and closed the lid, with his tail in. When we heard him start squeeking, Shannon threw him out the window with such force, we were sure we finally killed him.

But no.

The flat downstairs has a balcony that we went out on to see where Marvin landed. To our shock and horror, he is on the porch of our neighbors, out of the box, still stuck to the tape, and struggling to live. If he gets away, he will surely come back angry. Hopefully he will die from the sheer exhaustion of the entire situation. I know I'm ready for bed after all that excitement.

2 down...

2008-04-07T03:55:00.000-05:00

We caught another mouse. A baby. Which leads me to believe that Marvin has definitely given birth in our apartment. Gross. But it makes me sad that we can only catch his naive offspring instead of the reproduction machine himself.

A girl on the tube was listening to "Pieces of Me" by Ashley Simpson. It was absurdly loud. How can anyone be expected to enjoy a ride on the tube with such inconsiderate people polluting their ears so early.

At least class was cancelled tonight.

Sunday Sunday Sunday

2008-04-06T10:59:00.004-05:00

After an absolutely beautiful 60 degree Friday, I woke up to snow covered rooftops this morning. I truly cannot escape the winter that Chicago is having at home.
I headed to the Tate Modern to try and beat the winter blues, and finally saw the giant crack in the floor.
The rest of the afternoon was devoted to some stupid semester long project for my International Issues in Reporting class. Good thing it is due next Monday.

Walk MS

2008-04-03T15:47:00.002-05:00

Our family friend who was recently diagnosed with MS is raising money and participating in the Walk MS in Lawrence, Kansas (I know Mizzou fans) on April 12. To date, she has raised the most money of any participant in the walk.

To read more check out the article in The Daily Kansan and ignore the fact that it came from the Kansas J-School.

For those of you who, like the Noe family, know how difficult it is to raise money and want to donate to Walk MS (and Kelly) go to her website.

New Return Date

2008-04-03T05:28:00.001-05:00

All your wildest dreams have come true because I am coming home a few days earlier than expected. So, get out your diaries (planners) and keep Sunday, April 27th free for the general celebration of my homecoming.

And yes, it has been confirmed that we did have a death in the flat. Junior, the smallest of the mouse family inhabiting our flat, has been trapped (and disposed of).

1 down, countless more to go.

Mouse Trap

2008-04-02T03:51:00.002-05:00

We have caught a mouse. It's dead in a trap. I think. I saw a turned over trap and what I thought was a small gray bodied mouse half underneath and half coming out. Needless to say whether it was or wasn't, I will probably never eat again (as I saw the trap when I went to make a small piece of peanut butter toast).

Tube Hatred

2008-04-01T09:22:00.000-05:00

My hatred for the tube grows everyday, and my hatred for the tube during rush hour grows even greater. This morning I rode at least five stops with what I think was a hand on my rear because we are packed in so tightly that no one can be appropriate. I also watched a mother ignore her child and guy pick his teeth and then hold on to the railing. It's hot and smells sometimes and there are never enough seats.

The only positive thing about my mornig tube ride are the days that I see this cute boy that resembles Prince Harry. He must be about my age and has a very English look about him. He is nicely dressed and reads The Motorcycle Diaries by Che Guevara (so I know he's smart). With my limited days, I should figure out something to say to him...

Photos Up

2008-03-30T17:42:00.003-05:00

Here are the pictures from Mom and Dad's visit last week. Enjoy!

Marvin and Co.

2008-03-30T09:29:00.003-05:00

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, he's back. Or rather, the gang's all here. I have seen two mice this week after a long hiatus. One can most definitely be identified as Marvin, but the other was either Marvin, or his larger counterpart, Fatty (One of my roommates is also convinced there is a small baby mouse. Ew).

I saw one run across the hallway from the comfort and safety of my top bunk a few night back, and last night when I went to turn out the lights watched Marvin scamper across our kitchen floor. I bought antibacterial wipes and wiped down the counter, but I am sure it will be filled with crumbs and sticky messes in no time.

Adventures in Laundering 2

2008-03-30T09:25:00.002-05:00

Just got back from doing laundry to discover that almost all of my clothes have some sort of chocolate stain...

Also, a foreign lady in the worst laundry-day outfit I have ever seen (complete with furry vest, pleather belt and nasty thong) was telling the guy that runs the place that his machines are "shit". She complained that when she took the clothes out of the machines they smelled "dirty, worse than before." Gross.

Cambridge and Oxford Boat Races

2008-03-30T07:12:00.002-05:00

Yesterday after finally getting Mom and Dad on a flight back to the states (I didn't say which state), a bunch of us headed to the Thames for the historic Cambridge and Oxford boat races (on of the few free sporting events in London). Since 1829, the two schools have challenged each other to this race, which officially begins the English "social season" (whatever that means). I guess Oxford won (we were along the middle of the course), but I couldn't see anything anyway.

In typical London fashion, what started out as a nice day became miserable about the time we departed the Hammersmith tube station for the race. The wind made is quite difficult to hold my umbrella and Heineken and the umbrellas infront of me completely blocked my view of the river, but I was happy to be alongside fellow Londoners participating in such a valued tradition. Above is a shot of the race from the area we were standing and "watching".

Earth Hour

2008-03-29T09:52:00.006-05:00

Lisa asked me to remind everyone in my 'Sweet Home Chicago' to participate in Earth Hour tonight (March 29th) at 8 p.m. Turn out your lights for one hour. Earth Hour.

As you may or may not know, Starcom has joined forces with Leo Burnett and Tapestry on Earth Hour – a major event designed to make a positive environmental impact on the city of Chicago and in all participating cities around the world. Below is an update of the most recent activities:

Chicago's Skyline Update

Here are just a few of the key Chicago skyline buildings who have confirmed participation - Navy Pier is turning off the 16,000 lights on the famous Ferris Wheel. The Sears Tower, Adler Planetarium, John Hancock building, Merchandise Mart, Hard Rock Café, The Drake Hotel, Wrigley Field and Soldier Field are all turning off exterior lighting. The Oriental, LaSalle, Auditorium, Chicago and Goodman theaters are all switching off their outdoor marquees.

The theatre community is being very creative with their interpretation of the Earth Hour theme – following Blue Man Group's role in our TV PSA, the cast of "Wicked" will now also be performing scenes from their show on the street, on Earth Hour night.

Central and local restaurants and bars in the city are also getting into the spirit of Earth Hour – one example is the Weather Mark Tavern who are creating a special Earth Hour-themed evening. Another coalition of independent restaurants is creating a 'green' menu for the night, which will consume less energy to produce. Schools and colleges all over Chicago are arranging in-school events and assemblies about Earth hour. If your family is interested to know more, www.earthhour.org is full of information and advice aimed at schools.

Big Brands on Board

I'm happy to tell you all that Burnett client McDonald's has shown us maximum support by confirming that they will be participating in all 485 outlets. Our client Walgreens is also on board and is creating a dedicated promotion, which you should start seeing in your neighborhood soon.

Mid-week recap with Mom and Dad

2008-03-27T06:34:00.000-05:00

Good news- Mom and Dad survived on their own on Tuesday! I met them after work and we headed to Covent Garden to the Royal Opera House to watch a masterclass of Royal Ballet dancer Edward Watson and his coach. The Linabury Studio was a very intimate venue for the rehearsal, and this has definitely been on of my favorite london experiences. I think Mom and Dad liked it too.

Yesterday they came with me to my weekly British Life and Culture lecture on the British legal system, which was actually entertaining and very relavant. After class I took them to the Kensignton Creperie and then back to my flat to check internet and clean up after my roommates. We had our "field trip" in the afternoon, which was a tour of the inns of court in the Temple area. Our guide was very interesting until the tour took over an hour and a half and we didn't get to see legal proceedings in the Royal Courts of Justice (where Paul McCartney and that bitch just settled their divorce).

We met Sarah for High Tea at the Hyatt Regency. The feast they brought us was delicious yesterday, but not so good last night when I spent hours in the bathroom. It's my own fault for ignoring all my dietary restrictions.

Stuffed and exhausted from the walking tour with no end, we saw Lars and Real Girl last night at the Odeon in Covent Garden- a real tearjerker... well at least for me. I would suggest this movie to just about anyone. It's funny (?) and heartwarming.

Today I am back at work (despite the lack of sleep I got last night) and Mom and Dad are at the changing of the guard, London Eye, and Tower of London. We are meeting tonight at Vinopolis, a wine museum with self guided tours and wine tasting. Afterwards, dinner with suzi and a bath in my parents' hotel.

Hopefully I get work off tomorrow...

Look at Laura!

2008-03-25T16:44:00.003-05:00

For those of you who don't know Laura Merritt, you should.

Laura is the most talented, faithful and compassionate person I have ever met, and I am exceedingly proud to call her my best friend. She may be the hardest working and most driven person on the planet. All her accomplishments are incredibly well deserved, including her most recent: being named a 2008 Truman Scholar. This nationwide scholarship competition is extremely prestigious and I could not think of a better recipient. Way to go Laura!

Check out her profile on their website!