Autumn Style Visions

This summer, I may be in the minority to admit that I'd rather survive triple degree summers than sub-zero winters. But even I'm excited about the fall fashion... Highlights from the bebe Autumn 2006 Collection Premier:

• Lots of red (clothing and accessories)
• Leggings paired with mini-skirts and tunics (these do NOT include big, baggy cotton tees..yes, we all remember that particular 80s faux pas..shrudder)
• Dark, simple denim, narrow cut
• High waisted skirts and/or wide belts to be worn around the true waist
• Platform style stacked heels (I don't know if I even worded that right..I never said I write for Vogue)

Lots of love, thanks and congrats to my friends at bebe!

Love/Hate to Love/Love in a New York Minute

The first time I went to NYC, I was an upper middle class, suburban-grown teenager with the idealistic visions of every aspiring, classically trained violinist's Mecca. I expected that as soon as I stepped out onto the streets of New York, I'd feel some sort of magical "zsa zsa zsu" (props to SATC). Perfect Love/Love. Needless to say, I was a little let down. It felt like every other urban city USA. But I still loved it. Loved the bustle and diversity. I loved Lincoln Center and the city's embrace of the fine arts. It was a refreshing change from what I thought was the opressive culture at my high school. It represented a larger world and I was hooked.

That is, until I became more serious about my future in violin. By the time I graduated with the degree I thought I wanted, I'd let NYC represent the elitist and cynical attitudes of certain narrow-minded classical musicians. In my head, NYC had somehow become the oppresive culture and I wanted no part. Love/Hate.

Last week, I finally returned, happily without an ounce of violinistic aspiration. I LOVE/LOVE it once again. I stayed clear of Lincoln Center and hardly glanced at Carnegie Hall. Instead, I couldn't wait to have Tasti D-lite in its city of origin, wait in the long line at Magnolia Bakery for a cupcake, and just generally enjoy the city. I even had a few surprises, including the Zaha Hadid (my new FAVORITE architect) special exhibit at the Guggenheim.

I stayed with my friend who is a violinist and is not at all elitist, cynical or narrow-minded. And it finally dawned on me that I need to stop making NYC represent anything besides what it is. And I love it.

Travel on a shoe string what?

Why is it that as soon as I booked my tickets for my trip to New York, the first thing I did was go shoe shopping...for the trip? And I realized that it's a pattern. I spend several days to find a reasonable air fare, for the most part limit my travels to places where friends are so that I can stay with them and not pay for lodging, and then agonize over whether the plane fare is worth it. But then as soon as I buy the tickets, I go out to buy a list of "must haves" for the trip without even blinking an eye.

And yet, I continue to smile and say, "Thanks to my frequent flier miles, I'm going to Manhattan for $55 dollars!!"

It’s the same each time
with progress. First they ignore you, then they say you’re mad, then dangerous,
then there’s a pause and then you can’t find anyone who disagrees with you

--Tony Benn

Fun things to do when things at work are slow

And this is in addition to the paper Dirk shrine at work....

Shout out to G-town

Congratulations again! Had a great time at the housewarming. Love how you've personalized the house and I love, love, LOVE the pool... Mrs. G, I know I tell you this all the time, but seeing the house further proves to me that you are one of the most amazing people I know and everything you do and have reflects that. You deserve it all!! And Waco Hoover, I still say that you are the real musician. I just read notes.

Lap Dogs

"I'd rather be trapped in a coal mine with 3 republicans and a lap dog..."
--Tyne Daly's character in Judging Amy, explaining how much she does NOT want to do something.

As much as I often laugh and dismiss lap dogs as a concept, this is what really happens: I see the dog and smile and give it the obligatory scratches behind the ears, under the chin, etc. I move on, rolling my eyes. Lap dogs...puhleeze. 10 minutes later, where is the dog? In my lap basking in my undivided attention and affection.

In case anyone is wondering, you will not find me with 3 republicans in my lap, basking in my undivided attention and affection.

Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name..

Fortunately, I have a few places like this.. I went to one of them today..the salon. Most women will agree that when you find a hair designer/stylist that you like, don't switch! I've been fortunate to have found that person when I was 7 years old. With exception to my 4 years in NY, I have been a loyal client. I now have to drive a good 30 minutes to get there, but I never even considered finding a new place for my cuts, color, nails and waxing. I've been with them through 3 locations, several expansions and a few rare staff changes. I'm even invited to employee parties and events (weddings and showers included). I love all that.

But I also love the little moments: giggling with the girls while flipping through our first Men's lingerie catalog, sorting through romantic interest from other clients (fortunately, they have the good sense to go through the front desk staff who can give me the scoop and re-arrange the schedule if something feels creepy), swapping faux tan tips, breaking out into occasional dance.... and the list goes on.


Walking out of somewhere looking better on the outside and feeling better in the inside? Worth every penny.

Mavs Mania

We are not making it up. Mavs mania is an authentic phenomenon that has swept over the big D and its inhabitants. Just a small sample of proof:

• As far as bebe Me is concerned, feminine wiles ( a very real and effective power) should only be used for good. Somehow, this particular principle slipped her mind, coincidentally, at about the same time an opportunity for Mavs tickets (season holder tix) arose.
• Every girl in the DFW area, whether she will admit it or not, has a crush on Dirk Nowitsky. Tall.... Blond... And to watch him on the court... mmm (..wait, did I just admit something?)

I swear, it's the mania talking...

In these busy times...

The following email (the gist of it) appeared in my inbox on Wed. afternoon:

hi girls! Wanna get together for dinner next Wednesday night?

Ten emails and 2 days later, 3 girls were able to set one night for dinner.

And when is that night?

In 3 weeks.

Timeless Question for This Dark Chocolate Lover

Why do they even bother to make milk chocolate?

Maybe it's YOU

If I'm shivering and say something about feeling cold in the arctic TX air conditioning, it is because I really am cold and probably have goose bumps and am tired of keeping quiet, just so that I won't hear any or all of the following:

"You need to gain weight."
"You need to wear more clothes."
"It's because you don't eat meat."

I'm sorry, I just get cold easily. And when someone says they are really hot, I don't ever say, "You need stop eating meat. And while you're at it, lose some weight so that you can wear less clothing."

to Steve Nash

CUT YOUR HAIR, YOU FREAK!!!!!!!

Apologies to all my usual game watching buddies for having to listen to me say that a million times during every game.

Digital Camera Saga at a Small Company

Me: Our digital camera isn't working.

Controller: The lens is broken. Who broke it?

Me: I'm not sure. Somebody probably dropped it.

Controller: Who dropped it?

Me: I don't know. Can we get it repaired?

Controller: That will cost more than a new camera. Who was the last one to use it?

Me: (inwardly sighing) I really don't know. But I need to take some pictures to send to a client...

Controller: Somebody here broke it. So now, we have no digital camera to use.

Me: (inwardly screaming) Well, I guess I'll wait for one of the other reps to show up and use her camera to send these pictures.

Controller: ok. (hands the broken, useless camera back)

AAAAARRRRGH!!!!!

Shout out to the sexiest girl in Palo Alto

You rock! Thank ALL that is holy that we will never think it's sexy to wear a thong and shake cellulite (aka what she thinks is her hot little ass) in front of everyone at the pool even if the music is mixed by Julio the Wonder Boy Who Dates Supermodels.

The old school Madonna house mix almost made up for freaky cracker DJ, standing in line for 15 minutes for 2 drink orders (and who knows how much longer without the so totally-un-PC- that-I-can't-write-it on-this-blog, new "friend" of yours), drunk gropers, friggin' 70 degree no shorts weather, and the worst.... dearth of hip-hop clubbing (Why is it SO difficult to find??)

Love your kitties (certain aromas are forgotten) and that shy guy!

Coming soon: you and me, the beach and pina coladas!

A Dallasite in Phoenix

My thought process as I stepped off the plane for my layover in Phoenix yesterday:

Phoenix...booooooo. If only I had a Mavs shirt or hat...

Wait a minute. I'm at an airport. Most of these people aren't even from Phoenix and probably don't give a flyin' flip.

Cool, I'm in Phoenix! Must go immediately to the gift shop to get some Cactus candy. Mmmmmm... Yea, Phoenix!

Bikini Blunders???

My latest fashion challenge:

This weekend, I will be at a big MTV style pool party in the San Francisco area. But wait....what shoes do I wear? And jewelry? And..handbag? Do you bring a handbag or a beach bag? How is it that I know exactly how to dress to go out to a club, to a cocktail party, to a wedding, etc., but I am clueless about how to dress for a "pool party?" Apparently, pool parties have changed since the days when you showed up at your b/f/f's backyard pool with a towel and a noodle...

Signs You are Having the Best Birthday Party Ever

• It lasts for 8 hours.
• You dance for 5 hours straight, during which the following occurs:

1. Someone gets the idea to go knocking on neighbors' doors to sell tickets to watch you (if you are a girl) and your friend (another girl) dance together ("do you know how many straight men would PAY to see this??")

2. You get cash tucked in your pants when you stand up on a ledge to dance

3. 3 hours into it, your hair's fallen flat and your make up is melted, but you are still going and telling everyone you're "dancing for (fill in charity of choice)"

• The owner of the house keeps coming in, turning the music down and telling you that you're going to "blow the speaker system." (You ignore him and keep turning it up as soon as he leaves)
• You are wearing a tiara from Libby Lu's (shop for little girls who dream of being a princess) all night long and you find out that the teenager down the street who is having her birthday party is wearing a tiara too.
• The theme and decorations revolve around disco balls of all sizes and all the guests are wearing mini disco balls around their necks and, naturally, making appropriately inappropriate jokes.
• One of the biggest lightweights at the party keeps refilling his drink, takes 3 hits, and wants to look through all the drawers in the house.
• By the end of the party, a VIP of a certain clothing boutique that is very close to this blogger's heart is wearing a gay man's pair of white tube socks with her denim capris.
• The next morning, the married girl can't remember flashing her hoo hoos.
• The word of the night somehow becomes "po po ZOW" (sorry K-Fed, I'm not really sure how to spell that)
• The paper boy delivers the paper before the last guest leaves.

And one last sign... People are still talking and laughing about it 5 days later.

Happy Birthday to me!!

No, I do not want to share a dessert

bebe Me loves some dessert. I know, it's an accepted practice (especially among women) to be out with someone and suggest sharing a dessert from the menu. I've spent my life trying to figure out a delicate way to say, "hell, no!" and how to determine how well I have to know someone to say it. Even if I've just barely met you, you can share my entree, my salad, my appetizer and please share my drink, but leave this girl's dessert alone. I mean, you really don't want to mess with anything that makes a girl's eyes roll back and makes her say, oooooh... do you?