Aug. 17? Already?

Wow. Only three posts in and I'm already slacking. I am extremely busy at work though. Plus I'm getting ready for my mom to visit. Plus I was sick this past weekend.

I know, I know, lots of excuses. Sadly, I'm only here to tell you that we're still in a dry spell. I'm going to guess until around September.

Sorry?

August Musts

Wow, it's been a week since my last post. I may have already started to slack off, but in my defense, it was definitely a busy week. This week shows no promise of slowing down either. Maybe the following week will slow down a bit, giving me time to breathe and write up a bunch of posts. This is more than likely wishful thinking, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

And by the way, hello, August. Way to sneak up on me. To welcome the new month, I thought I'd share things I think you ought to know or do.

To watch: Remember Me

Now before you make some crack about Robert Pattinson and Twilight, I have to tell you--this movie was amazing. Frankly, it's the end that truly makes the movie. The rest of the movie isn't bad, but it's not necessarily amazing either. Trust me though, and watch it. Then let me know you've seen it, so I can talk to someone about it.

To read: Half the Sky by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl Wudunn

This is probably one of the most upsetting and eye-opening books I've ever read in my entire life. Why? Because it's about real women in real third world countries. While I'm sitting in my apartment with A/C and typing this blog entry, other women are struggling to survive. It really motivated me to try and find a way to help. I've definitely slacked on doing something, but I've started to get serious about it. (PS-if you know of an organization that helps women in the Philippines, let me know!)

To listen: Bang Bang Bang by Mark Ronson (featuring Q-Tip and MNDR)

I like this song, but instead of explaining it, just hit play.

Meet my roomies!

So like I mentioned in my last post, I recently had two new roomies move in. It's been a little over a month, but we're getting along pretty well. Their stuff has taken over the entire apartment, though. But here are the little chub-munsters.

Tommy is the orange tabby, and Marigold is the tortoise shell. They're approximately six years old. As I write this, Marigold is sleeping on the dining room table and Tommy is in the doorway of my bedroom. They sleep about 90 percent of the day. Here are more pictures for your (my) viewing pleasure.

Tommy hiding under the table.

Marigold mid-yawn.

Aren't they super adorable? Well it's getting late and tomorrow is Monday, so the chub-munsters and I heading to bed.

Hopefully more posts will follow. But let's be honest, only time will tell.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know.

Geez, is everyone blogging now? A friend somewhere always seems to be starting and updating a blog. Way to make a gal feel guilty, guys. The sad part is I really do think about updating this blog, and I come across interesting tidbits that I think should be shared. But after a 12-hour day, I simply have no urge to write a post.

So to jump back in, I'll update you on my three resolutions and new developments in my life. Then I'll make an attempt to start blogging again. But let's be clear--I'm not making any promises here.

Goal #1: Write more.
Reality: While I don't really write much outside of work, I do feel like I'm getting to write a lot more--way more than I was writing on January 1, 2010. So I feel I've done well in that regard, and I hope it only improves from here.

Goal #2: Lose 5lbs.
Reality: HA! Unless I get my butt in gear in the next 5.5 months, this will not be happening. Along with no urge to post, I also have no urge to exercise. Just like thinking about posting, I think about working out on the commute home. Then I get home. And nothing happens.

Goal #3: Save three months rent.
Reality: This goal is actually progressing along nicely. We'll see what happens over the next month, but even if I fail, I am happy with what I've saved. I think the goal was a little lofty to begin with. Good thing I hate falling short of my own goals.

Other updates:

#1: I have two new furry roommates, Tommy and Marigold. We've actually been acquainted since 2007, but they've recently moved in. I inherited them from my grandma. I'll post photos later, and don't worry, I'm sure this blog will be full of their photos soon.

#2: I am still happily employed and living in the city, hence the change of name for the blog (again). And don't really have any other updates because, despite living in a big city, I still manage to live a boring life (which I enjoy, thanks).

And with that, I'm finishing this post and crawling into bed to read a book.

Three cheers to a boring life!

A little piece of Heaven

So my colleague received samples of Dorito's new flavor--All Nighter Cheeseburger! Can you say Heaven? TWO of my most favorite things in the entire world have been combined: chips and a cheeseburger.

I received the always enjoyed "Please enjoy..." e-mail announcing she had put them in the conference room for everyone, but I couldn't rush to taste them because I'm filling in as the boss's assistant this week. It was tough. In fact, I actually forgot about them until I remembered it was my job to clean up the conference room. When I finally got to them, there was probably about a quarter of the bag left.

I didn't look at the label. I don't care about any partially hydrogenated oils, glutamates or artificial flavors that may be found in this bag of deliciousness. I just dove right in, and it was totally worth it. THIS CHIP TASTES JUST LIKE A CHEESEBURGER.

In fact, they were so good that I took the bag home and finished it last night. If I come across these while grocery shopping this weekend, I'm buying AT LEAST two bags. DELISH.

I have a question.

Do you have a certain way you like to line up your tabs on whatever you use to open the Internet? Because I totally do.

Here's my line-up: my e-mail (Gmail, of course), (when I pretend I'm working) my webmail for work, Facebook, Twitter, Google Reader, then whatever links I find interesting on my Google Reader/whatever else I'm looking at. I also like to have a completely separate window for Pandora.

And I'm sort of really anal about it. But I like having a specific order to things usually. Even though 7 out of 10 times, the order makes absolutely no sense to anyone except me. (For example, my kitchen cabinets, but we won't go there right now.)

Wow, I hope I have a snow day tomorrow. Otherwise it's going to be a LONG day.

Thank You, Glen W. Bell

As you may have noticed, I'm a huge fan of Taco Bell (seriously). I love the cheesy fiesta potatoes, the chalupa and the one that's like a chalupa, but has a soft and crunchy shell. I'd try the Taco Bell diet, but I'm pretty sure none of the previously mentioned items make the cut.

Anyways, I'd like to offer my condolences to the Taco Bell family. This weekend the Taco Bell founder, Glen W. Bell, passed away. He was 86.

"Glen Bell was a visionary and innovator in the restaurant industry, as well as a dedicated family man," said Greg Creed, president and chief concept officer of Taco Bell, in a statement on Taco Bell's Web site. "His innovative business acumen started out of humble beginnings and created one of the nation's largest restaurant chains in Taco Bell. Mr. Bell introduced an entire nation to the taco and Mexican cuisine."

Bell, an ex-Marine (Semper Fi!), opened the first Taco Bell in 1962 in Downey, California. He sold the chain to Pepsi Co. in 1978. It is now owned by Pepsi-spinoff Yum!Brands.

Thanks, Mr. Bell. I appreciate all you did.

No, but really.

Well I didn't promise I'd write every day in my blog, now did I? I actually did do some writing over here though. It's about my New Year's resolutions, which you already know about because they're posted below.

I actually do have things to say on the blog, too. I think about them everyday while I'm at work doing actual work-related things. I would also post at night, but lately, I've been under the weather. So instead, I act like a lifeless blob covered in a snuggie. For real though, I love my snuggie.

So until I feel better or have something to report, this will have to keep you occupied.

PS: I'm looking for health/diet/fitness blogs to read for work-related purposes. Any suggestions?

Adios, 2009.

Ok, look, so everyone else is bringing back their blogs for 2010 (I know; I’m such a sheep sometimes) and I think four months away from this blog was enough to adjust to my new life, so I’m back. I keep reading my Google reader and come across so many things I want to tell you guys about anyways.

It’s time to quit dilly-dallying and get down to business. I’m even getting started on my New Year’s resolution the day before Jan. 1st. That’s how dedicated I am. (And it also means I more than likely won’t be posting on tomorrow, haha.)

First, updates:

Although 2009 was a rough year for lots of people, overall I think it was a good year for me. Although it was probably one of the hardest years of my life, I think I learned a lot and I definitely came out on top. Here's proof:

1) I live in New York City.

2) I got a job as an editorial assistant at a national women’s magazine. (Check for 2009 New Year’s Resolution #1)

3) I lost at least five pounds. (Check for 2009 New Year’s Resolution #2)

4) I still have a thing for long distance boys, but I’m trying out the local scene, too. The boy mentioned in the date below didn’t work out due to moving to New York though.

Second, 2010 Resolutions:

1) Lose another five pounds. (Small goals, but hey, at least I keep them.)

2) Write, write, write. As an EA, I don’t get to write a whole lot yet, so I need/want to keep writing. I’m keeping this resolution pretty open, though. Writing will include this blog and any other possible blogs I may start as well as freelance stuff (which I really do plan on jumping on at some point in 2010).

3) I want to save money. By December 31, 2010, I want to have at least three months rent saved up. This will be no easy feat, but I started this when I started getting real paychecks. I have a lot of big expenses coming up (two weddings!), so I need to get serious about it.

4) Volunteer. Not just anywhere though. I want to find something I’m passionate about, so I imagine that will take me in the direction of something to do with media, women or the military.

I think four resolutions is enough, right? I only made two in 2009, but I kept both of them, which makes me happy.

What about you? Did you make any resolutions?

Wow, it already feels good to be back.

OMG

OH MY GOD, I HAVE A REAL JOB! NEW YORK, I'LL SEE YOU SOON!

I swear I'm not ignoring you.

Dearest blog,

I'm really sorry for the neglect lately. I've somehow been staying busy between my new writing ventures, the job search (which is getting better), going to the gym (yes! I'm still going strong!) and (gasp!) a social life.

Let's recap my life:

- You can check out my new articles on ChickSpeak about Tammy Tibbetts and the MacDella Cooper Foundation here, Project Girl here, "The Zookeeper's Wife" here and getting your car ready for a roadtrip here. If you're on Twitter, FOLLOW US at @ChickSpeak. We aren't a robot, and I know because I'm the official tweeter! If you're on Tumblr, FOLLOW US here. We'll follow back, too!

- I'm also writing at BizMe.biz. My first article is about the corporate dresscode. I have more coming though, so stay tuned.

- I have a part-time retail job now. (Hey, at least it's something. Although I've had to dress up and wear more makeup for this job than pretty much every other job/internship I've ever had.)

- I have friends and a social life. Sweeeet. I even went on an actual date recently with a guy who actually lives near me. (No more of those out-of-town boys. Although they were fun, haha.)

- I have serious job prospects on the line. I'm not big on talking about it because I do feel it might jinx me, so just keep your fingers crossed.

- My war with the treadmill is definitely going in my favor. In fact, I actually managed to KEEP my weight-related New Year's Resolution this year! I'm thinking of possibly running a 5k sometime this fall. Although my only worry is that I haven't really run outside (and by haven't really I mean haven't at all). Oh well, I suppose I'll try soon!

Ok, that's my recap. I have also been reading a lot about interesting topics in my blogs. Tomorrow I have a 5-hr bus ride back home, so I'm sure I'll end up not doing anything I'm supposed to be doing and blog. For some reason, that's what tends to happen.

Toodles for today,

Cassandra

I want to fly.

I forget if I mentioned this in my blog or not, but a while back a trapeze school came to Washington DC; Trapeze School New York to be specific. I had read about other people taking trapeze classes in New York, and I was definitely jealous. Then it came to DC, but I forgot about it for a while.

So earlier today I was reading some Web sites, including Metromix DC (love them!), and I came across an article about the trapeze school. It turns out the classes are relatively affordable, especially now that I have some extra income coming in. I want to take the Flying Trapeze class, the Static Trapeze and the Silks class. Although of all of them, I think the Silks class would be the coolest. I've always wanted to twist and turn high above the ground with just fabric, haha. Seriously though, I think it would be awesome.

You know, I'm just saying, but they also have giftcards. Ahem. That would make a pretty awesome Christmas or birthday gift to a certain someone special, ahem.

If I actually go through with it, I'll be sure to let you know. I have a feeling I might.

Yo Quiero Taco Bell Por Favor

If you know me, you know I'm a huge fan of Taco Bell. Yes, I realize it's absolutely horrible, but I just love those Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes and Supreme Chalupas. Plus, I only have it once in a while, so I figure it's ok. (Moderation is key!)

Anyways, today Taco Bell is in my thoughts and prayers. Gidget, the 15-year-old chihuahua, suffered from a stroke Tuesday night and died. You might know her best from her "Yo Quiero Taco Bell" (and yes, Gidget is a she that took on 'he' roles in the campaign) or from her role as Bruiser's mom in Legally Blonde 2. The mostly retired actress enjoyed laying out in the sun, hiking, entertaining people and sleeping for 23 hours per day, said Gidget's trainer Sue Chipperton to People Pets.

Remember the Taco Bell plush dogs? (Pictured below.) At one point, I had all of them. I kind of wish I still did, but I'm pretty sure I sent them to the Salvation Army with the many bags of clothing I sent there. (I'm pretty sure my (old) local Salvation Army could stay open with my donations alone, haha.)

RIP Gidget. My thoughts and prayers go out to Taco Bell, your trainer and anyone else who associated with you.

A Hair-Removing Beauty Trend

I'd call it a "hair-raising" trend except, in this case, there will be no hair to raise. As I was reading through my Google Reader (which I still adore) and came across a post from BellaSugar about a reemerging trend, barely there eyebrows. Although from the picture they used, it really looks like the model has no eyebrows.

Eyebrows have always been a source of trouble for women. I find them quite annoying myself. I try to keep them in check the best that I can, but I'm pretty terrified of getting them waxed. I've only done it once because I really trusted the esthetician. What I'm actually scared about is having the esthetician wax off both of my eyebrows and leave me looking a little ridiculous.

Apparently, my fear might actually be the latest trend! Crazy.

Twenty-six-year-old fashion consultant Lauren Boyle told the New York Times, "There is an asexual element to no eyebrows. We are much more accepting of the ‘other’ nowadays. Removing eyebrows removes a degree of expression, which makes one look less human and more cerebral, maybe even mechanical. It’s an exercise in modernity."

Another idea, including that of makeup artist Pat McGrath who recently did the latest Balenciaga show at the 2009 Fall Paris Fashion Week, is that the no-eyebrow trend has to do with the recession. Apparently financial troubles help people open up to become more daring and try new "inovative" looks.

Nevertheless, the trend is popping up everywhere from Balenciaga to Givenchy to Vogue. You can either bleach your eyebrows until they no longer seem there or get serious and shave them off.

As for me? I think I'll be keeping my eyebrows. I don't really understand how not having eyebrows is asexual. It's not like only one sex has eyebrows; both women and men have eyebrows. Also, why would one want to look less human? I don't know about you, but I feel blessed to be a human. (Granted I wouldn't mind being a domestic cat or a bear, but that's for another post.) Shouldn't we want to celebrate being human?

And the whole recession causing the look idea? I can see why this would be attractive to high-end luxury brands (who probably aren't suffering like you and me during the recession). They have to find new ways to grab people's attentions. Although the recession does not have me running out to try new innovative looks. In fact, I think it's almost had the reverse effect. Instead of wanting to push my looks to new extremes, I've found myself being much more conservative. (But then again, maybe that's just where I am in life, which would also make another post.)

So I'm interested in your opinion. How do you feel about going eyebrowless? Would you ever do it? I guess it's easier than plucking, though. Just one swift movement from the razor!

Teeccino: A Coffee Alternative?

For those of you who aren't aware, I stopped drinking coffee about a year and a half ago. (OK, I've only had one slip-up since then, too, but that's because I went to a Starbucks event with my boss at one of my internships. You can't say no to coffee at a Starbucks event, and it was only a sample, not a full cup.)

I gave up coffee for a lot of reasons. The biggest reason is probably health. Coffee isn't bad for you if you're just drinking coffee in moderation. I was not drinking just coffee nor was I drinking in moderation. Those stupid sugary drinks are so good. On campus, there was a coffee shop, The Daily Grind, that had these delicious drinks called Grasshoppers, which was were full of sugar, mint and cream, etc. Ugh! So delicious! The second reason was (surprise!) the money. These drinks cost about $5 (if I remember correctly) and Starbucks drinks are just as if not more expensive.

So I started with my alternative: tea. Honestly, I love tea. I'm currently addicted to Twining's Green Tea with Mint. I make a pitcher's worth and stick it in the fridge and presto! a nice, cool drink for the summer.

This is my tea shelf. There's loose-leaf tea behind these boxes, too.

But I was recently reading Glamour's blog Vitamin G and saw this "coffee alternative." It's called Teeccino and it's a blend of herbs, nuts, fruits and grains. You apparently make it just like you'd make regular coffee in a Mr. Coffee (or coffeemaker of your choice). There are a lot of benefits, too, like it being high in potassium, soluble fiber, inulin. (If you must know more, click here.)

Great news, right? Well, there's a downside, too. This "herbal coffee" has no caffeine. Now, I know I gave up coffee, but I did not give up caffeine. Sure, I have a few herbal teas, which are nice before bed, but I also still have my black and green teas chock-full of caffeine. So this wouldn't be the best choice for those coffee drinkers who should really just invest in a caffeine IV.

Regardless, I generally always like trying new things, so I signed up for a free sample of "Original Teeccino." I kind of wanted to try the chai, but when I first try things, I like to try the original first. Apparently Teeccino is sold at Whole Foods near me, so if I like it, maybe I'll be interested in trying the other flavors.

The free sample should arrive in 4-6 weeks, so once I test it out, I'll let you know how it goes! But if any of you have tried it, please let me know what you think. Or feel free to share your coffee alternatives if you have any!

Back in Business

Why hello my darling readers! Miss me much? Because I'm back!

I won't lie; the hiatus was rather enjoyable. Sometimes the pressure of blogging can be a little... much... even for a little ol' blog like mine. Also, lying by the pool instead of attaching myself to my laptop makes for a very happy Cassandra. Nevertheless, I think it's time to make a comeback.

I don't have much in terms of updates except that I've been taking time to figure out what I'm doing with my life. I've made some goals, so hopefully I can stick to them. Otherwise, I'll be back to posting all things that entertain, interest or intrigue me.

Enjoy!

Long-Term Hiatus

Hey, sorry for the blogging hiatus. Unfortunately, this isn't the end of it. I wanted to let my faithful readers know that I probably won't be blogging for much of June. I'm taking a little time to gather myself up and reevaluate things.

Thanks for being such great readers. I'll be back again bou really miss efore you know it. If you really miss me, feel free to drop me a comment or follow me on Twitter.

Toodles for now!

Just In Case You Didn't Know

So this isn't exactly new news, but here's the story behind Judge Sotomayor. I didn't really get too into until I decided to write this article. I'm going to say she's a pretty cool woman. Check it out, leave me a comment, join the site and enjoy!

Yummy in My Tummy

It's been a while since I've shared my good finds with you, so I wanted to let you know that Friday, June 5, is National Doughnut Day. What does this mean?

FREE DOUGHNUTS!!

Krispy Kreme is giving out one free doughnut to every customer. You don't even have to make a purchase. To find out if there is a Krispy Kreme near you, click here.

Dunkin Donuts is also giving out one free doughnut with the purchase of a beverage (while supplies last). Find out if you're close to one here.

To be honest, I probably won't get one. I'm not a big fan of doughnuts, so I'll save myself for ice cream or something. But let me know what type they hand out!

Are You a Supergirl?

I had the pleasure of interviewing Supergirls Speak Out author Liz Funk for ChickSpeak.com. She's such an awesome girl. Very inspiring, too. You really ought to read the Q&A, then read her book. (Then join ChickSpeak and comment on all of my articles! haha)