one thing I will never understand...

...tattoos

Really.  Why do people feel they need to permanently brand themselves in order to feel that they've expressed themselves?  Do they not understand that a tattoo is a lifetime commitment meanwhile the content of your character forever transforms?  While I was in college I completed a month abroad in Mexico studying the US/Mexico boarder relations and met this girl.  She was lovely girl, but had this huuuge eyesore of a  tattoo of a palm tree on the small of her back (yes, you read that right, a tramp stamp with a Jimmy Buffet beach theme.) And no, I'm not talking about a unique looking palm tree, this was a simple cartoon palm tree complete with sand at the base.  She apparently thought it was cool and explained that she got it because "I really like warm weather and palm trees".  Well, okkkk, but who the hell doesn't like warm weather?  So, you're telling me you like warm weather and palm trees so much that you decided to forever brand a picture of it on the only place on your body that you can't physically see without peeking over your shoulder at a full-length mirror for.   I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying you can't be passionate about the things you love in life.  Hell, when I was 14 years old I was obsessed with horseback riding, but that doesn't mean that I am going to sign myself up for a ink spread of white lipizzaners prancing across my ass. What is it with the two dimensional form of self-expression anyways?  Tattoos, piercings, clothing, labels....  shouldn't the best form of self expression be told through our own actions?  Is that mode of thinking completely dead?  The other day I was in Madison, WI visiting my sister and her husband and I brought this subject up on an evening walk.  My brother-in-law, Eric joined in the discussion and told me a story of someone he knew who got a tattoo to immoralize a close family member who passed away.  The story was very touching and for a moment I reconsidered my attitude towards tattoos.  But, then I thought, what's going to happen when the guy with that tattoo dies?  My apologies for this sounding insensitive, but this guy decided to get a tattoo to immoralize his recently passed relative, meanwhile consciously knowing that he too, will die someday.  Did he not think of that?  I'm curious, what are your thoughts on tattoos?  Do you have one?  Thinking of getting one?  Want one, but afraid of needles?

What's not to like?

Remember this post? 
(It's as if the Giveaway Gods KNOW I need it!)

I must announce that a black & white chevron tray from tilly | maison may be in your clutches! 

Check out kiki's List for the details of this lovely giveaway! 

Where do I begin?

Christmas has come and gone and suddenly I find myself sitting by the sea at my Dad's place in Mexico.  So many things have happened and I apologize for neglecting my blogging.  I am excited to tell you that my amazing boyfriend, Trevor proposed last weekend.  I couldn't have asked for a more special and magical moment.  His great grandmother's ring found itself on my hand when he asked the question.  The ring is incredibly unique and so so sooo amazingly beautiful.  I adore it, and I adore the fact that it has such a special history.  More importantly, I adore Trevor and I am so excited for everything in the future.

 

blogging therapy

Finals week has arrived and it started out with me leaving a few mintues early to get to school today.  The roads have been completely treacherous and the thought of going in the ditch....yeah, no thanks...instead I left early and drove like a complete granny.

After working all day yesterday and being stressed out over school, work, weather, and getting things for xmas organized, oh yeah ...combined with my lack of sleep = not fun.

Instead, I am trying to think of small positive things like.... At 11:00am today I am taking a break for some blogging therapy.  Ta da!  Now, back to work!  Happy Monday!

My father loves telling me about all his new iPhone apps.  This morning he told me about his panorama app and felt compelled to email me the results.  Oh Dad, why are you and technology so funny together!

morning person

Trev is finally home from his Pharmacy Conference in California! It's nice to have him back and be silly together.  It was nice to finally eat breakfast and drink coffee together this morning.  I love drinking coffee together in the AM.  Trevor usually bolts out of bed after his alarm goes off and moments later I can hear the coffee grinder buzzing in the kitchen.  He acts as if he was waiting all day and night to make the next pot of morning brew.  Ha, it kind of reminds me of a little kid waking up early to creep downstairs and stare at their presents under the tree on Christmas morning (me).  I usually stay in bed until I can either smell the coffee brewing or I can hear the coffee maker grumbling as it signals the end of it's brewing cycle.  Trev usually says "coffee's done!" or "want some coffee?" if I'm still being stubborn about getting out of bed.  The transition of warm bed to bathrobe and hot cup of coffee is my key for avoiding morning moodiness.  The funny thing is, I never used to be like this!  I used to be such a morning person. Oh yes, I was the girl who people wanted to smack in the face because I was so darn chipper in the morning.  Last night Trevor and I got on the subject on how much we have both changed in the past few years (oh yes, deeper things than not being a 'morning person' anymore).  I am in love with my life more than ever.  I have learned to truly listen to myself and stand up for what I believe in.  It seems so simple, but it's not.

Tomorrow, my family is having a little party for my little sister, Lisa.  She is finally done with her Art's Management Degree at UW Green Bay and we're in need of some serious celebration!  I just hope Mother Nature cooperates with our plans because a snow storm is predicted. Boo!

Lisa's pup, Baker on a walk in the snow. 

new kitty trick

Happy Birthday Lisa!

Today is my little sister's Birthday! Lisa is so amazing.  When we get together we are always all giggles!  Happy Birthday to my little yoga doing- silly voicemail leaving- always laughing- vegan baking- mother earth loving- little sis!  I can't wait to see you on Saturday :)

She's so cute!