So, I’ve poked fun at Gwen Stefani in the past. Not for any lack of love, because truly I think she’s lovely. However, none of us are perfect, and as I know well, even bombshell geniuses blunder now and then.

But today, I just want to tell Gwen how much I enjoy her show of good humor via this charming little homage from her Harajuku Lovers Spring 2008 collection.

These “Rocket Girl” bags have a strangely familiar appeal that I can’t seem to place, but I hope dear Bawidamann is flattered by this coincidence, too.

PS: and Gwen, if rumors are true, congrats on the new bun in the oven!

5 comments January 29th, 2008

You’re browsing racks of clothes, trying to find just the right outfit for an upcoming event. You wade through aisle after aisle, amassing a good selection to choose from. Then you haul it all into the dressing room and start trying it on for size. This one’s too big. That one is too tight up top. The other needs to come in a few inches in the waist. And with some luck you’ll eventually emerge with a piece that fits just right.

We can use that as a metaphor to better understand how I test out ideas, behaviors, and attitudes. I like to try them on, view them from different angles, and walk around in them a little (privately) before making a decision. Figuring out what works and what doesn’t, adjusting from there to find the perfect fit. Once in a while, I’ll let someone inside my dressing room to provide a second opinion. Woe be it unto them.

Often I don’t give warning. When wrestling with an issue, I’ll just throw concepts out there to seek feedback and study reactions. Those poor people closest to me have trouble at times figuring out whether I’m simply trying something on, or if I bought it. And bless them for trying. Maybe some day I’ll be able to slow the flurry of thoughts enough to first let people know when I’m headed into the dressing room.

7 comments December 19th, 2007

It doesn’t take much to get me into the holiday spirit. The first sign of red and green gets me smiling, even if it’s while strolling the aisles at Target in October. So, it came as no surprise that last night’s theatrical event threw me over the top, and into full-on yuletide zeal.

My best friend on earth (Whom I just happen to be dating. Did I forget to mention it before? Interesting. Maybe I’ll share the story some day.) is a private banker, and his firm bought out the seats for last night’s performance of “A Christmas Carol” by South Coast Repertory.

I’m no theater buff, but I can see how people get into seeing shows on a regular basis. It was oddly relaxing and thoroughly entertaining. You can kind-of lose yourself in the drama, and there’s an interactive quality that could be addicting, especially when you have great seats.

Not only was the show fantastic, but it was a hoot getting to wear a pretty new cocktail dress and spending the evening on the arm of a very dapper gentleman. Even the obligatory schmoozing with clients and co-workers was unusually tolerable. Last night was such a treat!

10 comments December 7th, 2007

Not to be left out of any trend, Pasadena now has its own cupcakery, called Dots. They may not be the best cupcakes I’ve ever tasted (they’re a little doughy and not as festive as Nanette’s creations) and it doesn’t help that the shop owner is always cranky, but nonetheless I find myself visiting this little hole in the wall to pick up a cheery little morsel of goodness every now and then.

Is there really such a thing as a bad cupcake? I don’t think so. Besides, once it hits the low point of being even marginally unsavory, I’m fairly certain you’re supposed to start calling it a muffin or a scone. So far their Pumpkin, Red Velvet, and Chocolate are my favorites.

9 comments October 29th, 2007

Help me pick out a new pair of sneakers! Slip inside my lasso of truth and tell me which of the options below you fancy most. After heading over to the online Nike store to design a custom pair I became inspired by the fabulous Wonder Woman. Rather than sulk as I notice the days growing shorter while I’m out there trying to squeeze out every last drop of cycling fun following each work day, I figured this year I might try easing the transition into the off-season by getting excited about cross training. Running being a slightly less deadly cardio exercise option in twilight, I need an outrageous pair of kicks to spur my motivation.

14 comments August 23rd, 2007

You guys… I’m going to be a mom! I’m not pregnant, just exaggerating. The real news is that I’m going to be a godmother, which is almost as awesome. Beth and Jason asked me to accept this great honor as we were cruising around Downtown Disney last weekend, and I was so happy that I nearly burst into tears right in front of Haagen Dazs.

This couple is in the process of adopting from the California Department of Social Services. I’m so impressed that they’ve chosen to adopt older kids who could otherwise face a difficult time finding a good home. They’re deciding between a ten-year-old and a pair of siblings ages two and six, but it’s ultimately up to their social worker to make the call.

As with any undertaking involving the bureaucratic nightmare factory (aka the government) there are a number of hoops they must jump through, but they’re wading through the piles of paperwork and hours of classes with speed and fervor. It’s even going faster than expected. The prospect of having a new generation around is thrilling for all of us, so we’re keeping them bolstered with tons of support.

I’m so excited for them, and about becoming a first-time godmomma!

7 comments August 1st, 2007

Feeling a little down this Valentine’s Day? Or maybe you’re so excited about discovering true love that you want to broadcast it to the world? Good news: I’m manning the keyboard as part of the “Valentine’s Day Emergency Hotline” created by my buddy Neil at Citizen of the Month.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

11 comments February 14th, 2007

When you have long hair, a good haircut can last months. Then one day you wake up and all of a sudden it just stops working. For me, that was last night, so this morning I called to make an appointment. First, they redirect me to a new location saying that my stylist was promoted. I call the new place and they tell me she has tons of openings… Should have been a clue that something was amiss since she’s usually booked two weeks out.

Twenty minutes later I’m on the freeway heading over (on my lunch break) when a call rings in from the appointment desk telling me, “Oops, she’s at the old place today!” No big deal. I continue a little further to the original salon. Then I sit there for twenty five minutes before anybody seems to notice the increasingly perturbed look on my face.

I ask, “Is she even here?” and that’s when I find out they hadn’t been able to track down my stylist. After I explain the misdirections that already occurred and review my time constraints, the receptionist summons a manager. Many apologies are made and she offers services on the house. So, I’m scared to death, but I agree to get it over with.

Big mistake! Only in Misty’s Wonderland does a complaint result in something marvelous. In my world, you walk out with crappy wet hair and a black eye. Yeah, you heard me. A black eye! She tagged me in the orbital bone with her blowdryer… That’s what I get for complaining!

18 comments January 30th, 2007