You're Talking on the Phone ... Here ... About That?

This afternoon I was in the bathroom at work, and I heard a cell phone ring. At first I thought, 'OK, it's in her purse and the ringer is on ... no biggie.' Then, the woman answered the phone. And, if that's not bad enough, the conversation consisted of girl talk ... nothing urgent enough to talk about while peeing.

Before I go on, let me say that I love my phone. That little Blackberry can do amazing things. But, I'm not going to chat about boys and make up while I'm in the office bathroom. Nobody wants to hear about your new lipstick or the woman who's trying to sleep with your boyfriend.

In this "cell phone is my pacemaker" world, private conversations are on the way to becoming extinct. For those people who do have everyday cell convos constantly in front of others, I'm glad you don't care what people think ... but you should understand that those around you aren't interested in your every word. People may even roll their eyes at you ... take the hint. If you don't respect your private conversation, at least respect that other people are in the world too. And maybe they like to pee, wait for the bus and shop for underwear in peace.

It's alright to turn off your phone every now and then and wait until your home to make calls. And, if your best friend needs to know that color of your lipstick, text her. Why do you think texting was invented? It's not only there for you to send drunken messages at 2 a.m.

Here's a helpful list of acceptable reasons to have, and use, your cell phone in the bathroom, at the bus stop or in the underwear section:


- To call for help if you fall when getting up from the toilet.
- To check the weather to see if you should run home and get your umbrella after all.
- To send a picture message to your guy of the sexy lingerie you just bought.
- To answer the phone when you friend, who you're meeting for drinks, calls because your late. Tell him/her your bus is late and to order a drink and relax.
- To text your best friend when the sales associate at Victoria's Secret tells you you're actually an A cup, and you thought you were a B.
- To update your Facebook status when you're stuck in a long line for the bathroom. It happens a lot, right ladies and people who go to dive bars with one working bathroom.
- To write yourself a memo with some of the lyrics to a song played in the store. You must find it on iTunes.

... Remember ... no amount of girl talk is worth the risk of dropping your phone in your own pee. Then again, maybe sticking your hand in there to retrieve it might make you think twice about your bathroom phone chats.

Take A Chance ... No Regrets

I like to think that the New York Times knows what they're talking about. As one of the most respected newspapers in the nation, when they report on something, you can trust that the journalists have done their homework. So, when my sister sent me the link to a recent study published in the NY Times about regret, I believe that they are right on.

Last week, NY Times reporter Tara Parker-Pope reported that "the most common regret among American adults involves a lost romantic opportunity." When the adults in the study were asked to describe a memorable regret, the most common answer involved that person who got away .. the one they didn't give a chance. And now, years later, they regret it.

I find this really sad. I'm happy this is not a regret of mine ... not at all, actually. Maybe because I've been blessed (or cursed) with an extreme outgoing personality that allows me to express everything I'm feeling. Or maybe it's the fact that I know all to well how life can end at any time. Whatever the reason, I'm glad I always tell someone how I feel. There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking chances. Yeah, you could get hurt, but it's better to be hurt, get over it and know that you took a risk, then to still be thinking about "what ifs" ten years down the road. And who knows, maybe it'll work out and you'll be happy ... what a concept.

There are very few people in your lifetime that are going to get under your skin, challenge and inspire you ... and make you truly happy. When you care, let it be known. Don't walk away from someone who makes you smile for no reason. If you care enough to grin like a fool in public, then you shouldn't have any problem saying, "Hey, I want you."

So, women ... don't grow old with your three cats because you never took a chance on someone (one cat is alright though, as long as that animal knows he/she has to share you). And men, don't be that guy in his 50's who no one wants to sit next to at the bar because all you talk about is the woman who got away.

Y'all got it? Good.

The Beginning of "Real" Make Up Ads?

Yesterday afternoon I was sitting up on my rooftop, catching up on some magazine reading, when an ad caught my eye.

I noticed this ad because it was for the foundation I use ... Make Up For Ever. Then I read that it's the first make up ad with no retouching. Of course I did the "ha" laugh until I read the fine print on the right stating, "certified by a notary public." Once I realized it was actually legit, I couldn't get over how much the girl looks like Blake Lively ... oh the genetically blessed.

Anyways, I have to say, I like this marketing idea. Us women want to look beautiful, yet natural. Blue eyeshadow up to our eyebrows was cute when we were six years old and experiencing with mom's make up ... not so cute in adulthood. Not only does the girl in the ad not have caked-on make up, the make up she is wearing is subtle, yet gorgeous. And, her eyebrows aren't perfect, she has slight dark circles under her eyes and you can tell that she does have a pore or two. These imperfections, even though they are small, make this ad! It's because this girl still looks great without Photoshop.  Smart move Make Up For Ever marketers.

That marketing team knows we all want to look great and the real world doesn't allow us to walk around with a computer, constantly snap photos of ourselves, fix them up, and have people look at the screen instead of us. Neither are we going to tie a Photoshopped picture around our head. So, a make up ad that looks good without being touched up might just increase the number of ladies holding a Make Up For Ever foundation while standing in line at Sephora.

It's about time we see a "real" make up ad ... even if the girl looks like she belongs on Gossip Girl. The women in the other 57 ads in that magazine don't really look that way on a day-to-day basis. Who do they think they are fooling? They have pores, a stray eyebrow hair or two and maybe they even have split ends. So, I'll put my thumbs up for Make Up For Ever and their non retouched ad. Maybe they're onto something.

There is one thing about this ad that drives me crazy. She's acting like a sorority girl taking a picture of herself ... just herself ... and in public. I know we all take solo pics, but do it at home ladies. 

Hey You ... "Like" This!

It's happened. We're officially living in a "like this" world. You know what I mean. How many of us "like" AC/DC on Facebook, or "like" your college alumni, or "like" running, etc. Everyday, more like every hour, we're getting requests to "like" something or someone on the social network that is Facebook. I can't even run on the treadmill at my gym without seeing a sign encouraging us to "like" the place on Facebook. Really ... we already pay to be here and still have to wait for a machine, isn't that enough?

Let's go back in time for a second. I remember when I was a sophomore in college and Facebook came out ... but was only available to students at certain colleges. I was one of the lucky kids who went to a Big 10 school (Go Badgers), so of course I signed up for it. All my friends back home were jealous ... well not really, and look, they all have it now anyways. Even my grandma could have a profile if she wanted one.

I admit that it's a phenomenon that's out of control ... but yes, I have a profile and I "like" stuff (those three examples above didn't come from no where). And, I put this blog up, hoping that at least one person will read it and enjoy it ... or at least laugh out loud at it.

What was once a social networking site for a few universities has become more of a marketing network. And, why shouldn't it be? If we didn't have groups to join and people to like, we'd still be looking at what the mean girls from high school are up to. This network, along with our smart phones, has also eliminated the need for planners. You receive constant reminders about the events you attend and you never forget your friends' birthdays. Soon, Hallmark may have to discontinue their line of Happy Belated Birthday cards.

It comes down to this. A lot of Facebookers just want to keep in touch with friends and put up pictures of their children and pets. And that's great. It's also great if you want to promote your Youtube station, band or blog (yes, I said it). Hey, it works. The creator of the site wasn't Time magazine's Person of the Year for nothing. If you're passionate about what you're doing and I get invited to "like" you, I most likely will. It can be a tough world out there ... Facebook shouldn't be complicated.

As for my gym ... until I don't have to wait forever and a day (slight exaggeration) for a machine, I'm not "liking" you on Facebook.

Hold Your Own Bag!

If you're one of those New Yorkers who isn't always in their own little world on the subway, you can witness some interesting stuff on the trains. I always see and hear things that make me think and leave me wondering ... and today was no different.

Tonight I was on the train during rush hour, and I saw something that, in my opinion, happens way too often. A man and a woman walk into the train together. I notice that she has nothing in her hands, yet he is holding her large Sephora shopping bag. Then, I check out their ring fingers. Yes, they were married.

As I try to not shake my head and laugh, I realize there are two types of women and two types of men in the world. Women are either the kind who want, and let a man, hold their shopping bags and purses. Or, they are the kind who hold their own bags and are happy to do it! Same goes for men. They either, for some reason, want to hold their woman's bags, or they wouldn't be caught dead carrying her Victoria's Secret bag around the mall.

Now, if you know me at all, you know I'm the type of girl who happily carries her bags. It's because I'm stubborn and independent, and my thoughts will never change. I would never last with a man who wanted to lug my crap around. I need someone who appreciates that I want to take care of my own stuff. And, one who is secretly thrilled I don't ask him to sport my purse.

I know that these two types of men and women are always going to exist. I just hope that the "bag-holding" men end up with "hold-my-bag" women. The divorce rate is already high enough.

Women, if your man does hold your bag, make sure you let him know you really appreciate it. If you aren't going to do that, then hold your own shit. And, for the men who have a woman who can rock three bags, make sure to tell her how good she looks (if she's also wearing heels, tell her she looks reeeaaallly good).

There is an exception. When I'm dragging my big suitcases through the subway, don't stand at the top of the stairs and point and laugh. Help me a little. I'll still carry my purse ... no matter what.

Little Black Boxes

Sometimes it's funny when a dream starts to come true. Dreaming is easy. Everyone can dream ... and most people do. It's following your dreams and making them a reality that people struggle with.

I've always considered myself pretty lucky. I grew up with parents that supported all the crazy things I wanted to do. When I was five years old I memorized every line to The NeverEnding Story. Then I would put on a performance every afternoon in the living room. I remember telling my mom that I needed to have a medallion just like the main character, Bastian. My mom searched around the house until she finally found a medallion that resembled the real thing. I was so pumped about it that I started acting out the movie twice a day.

Later that year, when I went to my friend's dance recital, I told my parents that I wanted to start dancing too. That fall, I was enrolled in tap classes. I'm pretty sure my tap shoes were my first love. And, when I wanted to compete, they signed me up, bought my expensive little gold costume and my mom was up at 5 a.m. to curl my long brown hair. Of course I was nervous, so it's a good thing my dad was there to make me laugh.

And through many pairs of tap shoes and reading my articles for the school newspaper, I was still supported. So, yes, I've always considered myself pretty lucky. Not just because I've always had a good support team, but because I've always realized what I wanted to do, and I've done it. You can have the best supporters in the world, but if you don't support and believe in yourself, then it's not going to happen.

At first, when you realize you want something, it's always scary. You don't know if you're going to be good or bad. Sometimes at first you are bad. But, if it's something you really enjoy and you want to accomplish it, don't give up.

Back in September, when I had this bright idea to start Go Go dancing, I was scared. Dancing in an auditorium in Wisconsin with 12 other girls is a little bit different than dancing on a black box ... in a bar ... with strangers and dollar bills around. But, after a stage name was created, a photo shoot took place and a couple of gigs happened, I was so glad I ran (or should I say danced) with this dream. And someday, wait for it, I'll be on fliers. I'm already thinking of bringing a little bit of tap into the Go Go world. You'd be surprised at what you can accomplish on a little black box.

We all have "little black boxes" whether it be a football field, a camera or a stage for your band to play on. If you can dream it, you can do it. And my hope for everyone is that when they score a touchdown, they have fans cheering. When they take photographs, they have someone to admire their talent. When the play on stage, they have someone special in the audience who looks at them and knows they're the greatest.

Dream big ... do bigger. Cherish those who support you.

Just so everyone knows, my mom still supports my dreams. I'm sure she's doubted my sanity a few times, but she did get me a pair of lace leggings for "my dancing." That moment reminded me of all the tap shoe boxes I've opened.

Do What Makes You Happy

Life can be quite simple. If you let it be, that is. And you know how you simplify things ... do what makes you happy. The complications begin when you start doing things you don't want to do.

Doing things you don't want to doesn't make your life more complicated because they are difficult tasks (although some may be), they complicate it because you put effort into thinking about all you want to do. Wouldn't it just be easier to do what you want?

Now, don't take this the wrong way. Sometimes we really do have to do things we don't want to ... just make sure there's a reason behind them. For example, I didn't want to take that Advanced Business Calculus class in college, but I did. I knew it would take care of a lot of requirements, and I wanted a college degree. I did it for what I ultimately wanted.

See, I'm not saying you should drop every class you don't want to take, or quit your job because it's not exactly what you want to do. Stick with those philosophy and biology classes, because you're doing it for what you want in the end. And, don't just quit your job. Keep at it, but don't stop looking for what makes you happy. And if you do quit, make sure to save money so you can live without worrying. Or you could always do something crazy like move from Wisconsin to New York City (on a side note, I did prepare and save for my move)! Remember, it takes more than a day job to define who you are. There's plenty of other hours in a day to do what you love, so do it ... don't just think about.

Once you realize what makes you happy, go for it and conquer it. Whether it be prosecuting criminals in a courtroom, performing in front of people in an East Village bar or throwing your bachelor/bachelorette lifestyle away to be with someone you really want.

Stop trying to please others. You can't always do what your parents want and you can't be everything to everybody. Just be everything for yourself. And when you have to do something you don't want to, think about why you're doing it. If it's not bringing you closer to what you ultimately want, then what are you doing? Don't tell me you're doing it solely for money ... I will want to punch you in the face. Actually, you should want to punch yourself in the face. You should know money won't bring happiness, you fool. I realized that when I decided to major in journalism. I obviously made that choice because it made me happy. My future salary never crossed my mind ... and it still doesn't.

Everyone can be happy. The best people in the world are. And I bet they are all doing what they want with their lives.

Just remember that you can't always have your cake and eat it too. It's better to eat the cake and have a better reward in the end ... better than just a cake to look at. And, you'll still be hungry.