Thursday, March 6, 2008
You all SUCK!
I know some of you have read the last post, and have I seen any posts about what other people find sexy about themselves? NO!! Fine, whatever...I'll be the only one who thinks she is HOT! Or, better yet, I'll start posting what I think is sexy about you on your comments. So there...That'll teach you.
Monday, March 3, 2008
I'm bringing SEXY back!
No, this isn't a post dedicated to Justin Timberlake, although you might see that in the near future (kidding).
Instead, it's inspired by a piece I've been working on for my writer's forum.
I am working on a piece that involves writing about the time in my life when I felt the sexiest. This has made me think a lot about how I define sexy and what it really means to me. Since sex isn't really on my list of priorities right now, it might seem to some that feeling sexy isn't on my priorities list right now. This is absolutely not the case. To me, sexy is a state of mind, a way of exuding confidence, a method to remind yourself how amazing you are. Sexy and sex are not one and the same, nor should they be approached as if they are.
In our culture, sexy is often defined by what the skinniest, blondest heiress is wearing or how she is behaving. How sad is this? I don't want my daughter growing up in a world where drunken stupidity or a trashy appearance is the pre-requisite for being considered sexy. There is so much MORE, usually things that aren't even seen, that make a person sexy. The only way to counteract the media led personification of sexy is to start pointing out what is sexy about us, the non-bimbo, non-trashy, non-superficial women. Start CELEBRATING what makes us all sexy in our own individual ways.
So, I'm starting with me, and I want every blogger who reads this to post on his or her blog five things about them that make them SEXY! Those things that are unique to them! Come on, let's CELEBRATE those things that are SEXY about each of us. So Becky, Jamie, Jade, Katie...every person who reads this needs to post on their blogs their five things. Then, leave a comment on mine so I know you did it and so I can see what you wrote.
Come on, Girls (and guys) , let's BRING SEXY BACK!
Here is my list of 5 things about me I think are SEXY...
1. I am smart. I think my intelligence is the sexiest thing about me. And truthfully, I've heard this from other people very recently. I don't need anyone else's validation on this, but it's nice to know that there are other people out there that think smart girls are hot.
2. I have a really wacky, wry sense of humor. it's not typical, it's really pretty weird, but I think it's sexy that I can almost always find something to laugh about and usually something to crack jokes about. A sense of humor is very, very sexy.
3. I am a curvy girl and I LOVE it. I'm not a size two or a size four or a six. I have boobs and hips and a butt. I LOVE my hourglass shape and although I have to work to keep in shape, I wouldn't trade how I look if it meant giving up my curves.
4. Perhaps the coolest thing my body has ever done is grow a kid. I look at Riley and think to myself "She's mine. I did that. I grew her." and I'm amazed and in awe and so incredibly thrilled to have produced her. I read somewhere that having a child is like watching your heart walk around outside of you. This is a perfect description of how I feel about Riley. And the fact that I did that, I nourished her, I grew this perfect little girl and now I'm raising her to grow up and be a strong, confident, SEXY woman...when I think about that, and all the miracles that come with motherhood, I feel sexy.
5. Finally, I think my emotional strength is incredibly sexy. I've just been through a really rough patch in my life and when I step back and examine how much strength and faith and hope and courage it took to get where I am today, I feel strong and beautiful and courageous. I know i can handle anything. And that is very sexy.
So there you have it, folks. Five things I find sexy about myself. What about you? What do you think makes you SEXY?
Instead, it's inspired by a piece I've been working on for my writer's forum.
I am working on a piece that involves writing about the time in my life when I felt the sexiest. This has made me think a lot about how I define sexy and what it really means to me. Since sex isn't really on my list of priorities right now, it might seem to some that feeling sexy isn't on my priorities list right now. This is absolutely not the case. To me, sexy is a state of mind, a way of exuding confidence, a method to remind yourself how amazing you are. Sexy and sex are not one and the same, nor should they be approached as if they are.
In our culture, sexy is often defined by what the skinniest, blondest heiress is wearing or how she is behaving. How sad is this? I don't want my daughter growing up in a world where drunken stupidity or a trashy appearance is the pre-requisite for being considered sexy. There is so much MORE, usually things that aren't even seen, that make a person sexy. The only way to counteract the media led personification of sexy is to start pointing out what is sexy about us, the non-bimbo, non-trashy, non-superficial women. Start CELEBRATING what makes us all sexy in our own individual ways.
So, I'm starting with me, and I want every blogger who reads this to post on his or her blog five things about them that make them SEXY! Those things that are unique to them! Come on, let's CELEBRATE those things that are SEXY about each of us. So Becky, Jamie, Jade, Katie...every person who reads this needs to post on their blogs their five things. Then, leave a comment on mine so I know you did it and so I can see what you wrote.
Come on, Girls (and guys) , let's BRING SEXY BACK!
Here is my list of 5 things about me I think are SEXY...
1. I am smart. I think my intelligence is the sexiest thing about me. And truthfully, I've heard this from other people very recently. I don't need anyone else's validation on this, but it's nice to know that there are other people out there that think smart girls are hot.
2. I have a really wacky, wry sense of humor. it's not typical, it's really pretty weird, but I think it's sexy that I can almost always find something to laugh about and usually something to crack jokes about. A sense of humor is very, very sexy.
3. I am a curvy girl and I LOVE it. I'm not a size two or a size four or a six. I have boobs and hips and a butt. I LOVE my hourglass shape and although I have to work to keep in shape, I wouldn't trade how I look if it meant giving up my curves.
4. Perhaps the coolest thing my body has ever done is grow a kid. I look at Riley and think to myself "She's mine. I did that. I grew her." and I'm amazed and in awe and so incredibly thrilled to have produced her. I read somewhere that having a child is like watching your heart walk around outside of you. This is a perfect description of how I feel about Riley. And the fact that I did that, I nourished her, I grew this perfect little girl and now I'm raising her to grow up and be a strong, confident, SEXY woman...when I think about that, and all the miracles that come with motherhood, I feel sexy.
5. Finally, I think my emotional strength is incredibly sexy. I've just been through a really rough patch in my life and when I step back and examine how much strength and faith and hope and courage it took to get where I am today, I feel strong and beautiful and courageous. I know i can handle anything. And that is very sexy.
So there you have it, folks. Five things I find sexy about myself. What about you? What do you think makes you SEXY?
Friday, February 29, 2008
The Journey
One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice--
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
"Mend my life!"
each voice cried.
But you didn't stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do--
determined to save
the only life you could save.
--Mary Oliver
If any of you have read my past blogs, you have probably seen this poem before. It's one of my favorites. I love Mary Oliver's work, but I really, REALLY love this poem. Whenever I read it, it just resonates with me. And interestingly, it has meant different things to me at different times in my life and has helped me make some pretty difficult decisions.
Making the decision to divorce my now ex-husband was, by far, the most difficult decision I have ever had to make. And although not many people know this, I made this decision before my little one was even born. I knew it meant going through a very emotionally painful time, I realized I would be raising a child alone, I knew I would have to deal with some junk I didn't really want to face, but I also knew it was absolutely the right decision for me and for my baby. The ONLY decision for me and my baby.
So now that I've made that decision, taken the difficult actions, strode deeper into the world, and the results are manifesting themselves, I just re-read this poem again and realized that, like Oliver says, I did the only thing I could do...I saved the only life I could save. And that voice she speaks of...the voice that I recognize as my own... I'm so glad that I listened.
One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice--
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
"Mend my life!"
each voice cried.
But you didn't stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do--
determined to save
the only life you could save.
--Mary Oliver
If any of you have read my past blogs, you have probably seen this poem before. It's one of my favorites. I love Mary Oliver's work, but I really, REALLY love this poem. Whenever I read it, it just resonates with me. And interestingly, it has meant different things to me at different times in my life and has helped me make some pretty difficult decisions.
Making the decision to divorce my now ex-husband was, by far, the most difficult decision I have ever had to make. And although not many people know this, I made this decision before my little one was even born. I knew it meant going through a very emotionally painful time, I realized I would be raising a child alone, I knew I would have to deal with some junk I didn't really want to face, but I also knew it was absolutely the right decision for me and for my baby. The ONLY decision for me and my baby.
So now that I've made that decision, taken the difficult actions, strode deeper into the world, and the results are manifesting themselves, I just re-read this poem again and realized that, like Oliver says, I did the only thing I could do...I saved the only life I could save. And that voice she speaks of...the voice that I recognize as my own... I'm so glad that I listened.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Gratitude Friday (On a saturday...)
I haven't been doing a great job of keeping up with the gratitude friday posts, so even though I am a day late, I thought I better post my list for this week. This week, so grateful for:
1. A fabulous weekend in the Bay Area with Becky and Joey. It was just what I needed... to spend time with people I love, eat a lot of yummy food (too much, maybe) and give Riley a chance to be with an aunt and uncle who adore her. I forgot my camera, but you can see pics on Becky's blog here
2. I now have a washer and dryer in my condo thanks to the fan-tabulous carpentry skills of my Dad and Adam, my step-bro. They came on Thursday and worked their magic, and after the electrician works his on Tuesday, I can do laundry without the hassle of hauling it and Riley into the basement of my condo building. What a huge, huge lifesaver this will be.
3. After weeks of searching for a table to put into my room, I now have a little "creative" nook so I can use my sewing machine, work on crafty projects, etc. So much fun for me!
4. My neighbors Beckie and Madi. Madi watches Riley three days a week for me, and Riley *hearts* her. Beckie is Madi's mom and is so wonderful to us. They are always there for me and for Riley and I really rely on their help with Riley and they also allow me to hang out in their condo and vent, chat, watch TV, whatever. Both Riley and I LOVE this duo.
5. My job is really busy right now, and I am grateful to be back in the swing of things. Although I work kind of weird hours out of necessity right now, I am happy to have a job I enjoy so much.
6. Finally, Riley is getting teeth and although this is painful for her, and thus painful for me, I am so grateful that she is getting older, finding a little independence, and is healthy and happy. I love this little girl with everything I am, and each little bit she grows and develops is a huge blessing to me.
It's a short list this week, but I am certainly not short on things to be grateful for. I look at my life as a whole, good and bad, through the hard times and the good times, and I am very lucky to be where I am. I have much to be grateful for.
1. A fabulous weekend in the Bay Area with Becky and Joey. It was just what I needed... to spend time with people I love, eat a lot of yummy food (too much, maybe) and give Riley a chance to be with an aunt and uncle who adore her. I forgot my camera, but you can see pics on Becky's blog here
2. I now have a washer and dryer in my condo thanks to the fan-tabulous carpentry skills of my Dad and Adam, my step-bro. They came on Thursday and worked their magic, and after the electrician works his on Tuesday, I can do laundry without the hassle of hauling it and Riley into the basement of my condo building. What a huge, huge lifesaver this will be.
3. After weeks of searching for a table to put into my room, I now have a little "creative" nook so I can use my sewing machine, work on crafty projects, etc. So much fun for me!
4. My neighbors Beckie and Madi. Madi watches Riley three days a week for me, and Riley *hearts* her. Beckie is Madi's mom and is so wonderful to us. They are always there for me and for Riley and I really rely on their help with Riley and they also allow me to hang out in their condo and vent, chat, watch TV, whatever. Both Riley and I LOVE this duo.
5. My job is really busy right now, and I am grateful to be back in the swing of things. Although I work kind of weird hours out of necessity right now, I am happy to have a job I enjoy so much.
6. Finally, Riley is getting teeth and although this is painful for her, and thus painful for me, I am so grateful that she is getting older, finding a little independence, and is healthy and happy. I love this little girl with everything I am, and each little bit she grows and develops is a huge blessing to me.
It's a short list this week, but I am certainly not short on things to be grateful for. I look at my life as a whole, good and bad, through the hard times and the good times, and I am very lucky to be where I am. I have much to be grateful for.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Mind Games
Too many people in my life are trying to mess around with me head. It sucks.
If you are trying to mess with my head, JUST STOP IT!!
I have neither the time, nor the inclination, to deal with stupid mind games.
If you are trying to mess with my head, JUST STOP IT!!
I have neither the time, nor the inclination, to deal with stupid mind games.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Tagged...
I've been tagged by several people, so I thought I better take time to answer. Here goes:
10 years ago:
I was on active duty in the Air Force and had just been re-stationed to the Air Force Academy. I had just met SuperEx! (aka SuperDad!, depending on the context) who was dating a 17 year old (yes, some things never change). We were friends for a while before we started dating. I drove a green Ford Tempo and was having a great time exploring new things, meeting new people and learning about myself.
5 things on my to-do list today:
1. Go to the gym!
2. Fill my prescriptions for the mother of all sinus infections.
3. Finish two abstracts for a conference submission.
4. Finalize a budget justification.
5. Play with my baby, sing her a song, read her a book, kiss her good-night and rock her to sleep.
Things I would do if I were suddenly made a a billionaire:
This is going to sound hokey, but I am pretty happy with my life and what I have right now. I don't think i would do much, other than pay off my mortgage and student loans and fund some research that I think really needs to be done but isn't funded under the current administration. Other than that, I would help out those who need it and pay for college for anyone in my family who wanted to go.
3 of my bad habits:
1. Way too much caffeine in my life, but it's a necessary evil for now.
2. I worry about things I can't control.
3. I don't get enough sleep.
5 places I have lived:
1. Montpelier, Idaho
2. Logan, Utah
3. San Antonio, Texas
4. Witchita Falls, Texas
5. Salt Lake City, Utah
5 Jobs I have had:
1. CNA
2. Hospital Shift Supervisor
3. EMT/Air Force Medic
4. Research Coordinator
5. Research Director
Things people don't know about me:
I sing really well, but only in my car. For some reason, my perfect pitch fails me when i leave the comforts of my jeep. I hate to shop when I actually need to buy something but I love to window shop. I write something (essay, poetry, letters, part of a novel, etc.) almost every day. I am actually a pretty good cook, despite what you may have heard from SuperEx! (not that his opinion matters anymore). I hate post offices, even driving by them gives me the heebie jeebies. I can do long division in my head.
10 years ago:
I was on active duty in the Air Force and had just been re-stationed to the Air Force Academy. I had just met SuperEx! (aka SuperDad!, depending on the context) who was dating a 17 year old (yes, some things never change). We were friends for a while before we started dating. I drove a green Ford Tempo and was having a great time exploring new things, meeting new people and learning about myself.
5 things on my to-do list today:
1. Go to the gym!
2. Fill my prescriptions for the mother of all sinus infections.
3. Finish two abstracts for a conference submission.
4. Finalize a budget justification.
5. Play with my baby, sing her a song, read her a book, kiss her good-night and rock her to sleep.
Things I would do if I were suddenly made a a billionaire:
This is going to sound hokey, but I am pretty happy with my life and what I have right now. I don't think i would do much, other than pay off my mortgage and student loans and fund some research that I think really needs to be done but isn't funded under the current administration. Other than that, I would help out those who need it and pay for college for anyone in my family who wanted to go.
3 of my bad habits:
1. Way too much caffeine in my life, but it's a necessary evil for now.
2. I worry about things I can't control.
3. I don't get enough sleep.
5 places I have lived:
1. Montpelier, Idaho
2. Logan, Utah
3. San Antonio, Texas
4. Witchita Falls, Texas
5. Salt Lake City, Utah
5 Jobs I have had:
1. CNA
2. Hospital Shift Supervisor
3. EMT/Air Force Medic
4. Research Coordinator
5. Research Director
Things people don't know about me:
I sing really well, but only in my car. For some reason, my perfect pitch fails me when i leave the comforts of my jeep. I hate to shop when I actually need to buy something but I love to window shop. I write something (essay, poetry, letters, part of a novel, etc.) almost every day. I am actually a pretty good cook, despite what you may have heard from SuperEx! (not that his opinion matters anymore). I hate post offices, even driving by them gives me the heebie jeebies. I can do long division in my head.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
To Amy, From Amy, with Love...
As another holiday approaches during which one usually receives presents from her significant other, I am realizing that it's time for a "To Amy, From Amy, With Love" gift giving extravaganza (Well, maybe not an extravaganza, but you know what I mean). I have been scouring the internet for some appropriate valentine's day gifts, and I have decided to let you all help me decide what to give Amy for valentine's day. So, please take a look at the ideas and post a comment on which valentine's day gift you think Amy should give Amy. On February 13th, I will tally up the votes and Amy will receive whatever gift you think she needs most.
For starters:
Amy already has a really nice digital camera, but I know she has been wanting a little point and shoot pocket sized camera. Note the small size and cute color. Just perfect for capturing those romantic moments, (or it will be when she starts having some. She's just barely divorced people. Sheesh.)
Amy really likes fun bags and red is her favorite color, so this might be perfect for her. It's big enough to carry around all of Riley's stuff, too.
Every classy divorcee needs a nice set of pearls, right, so this might be a great valentine gift for Amy to give Amy. She could wear them for work, for church or even on casual days with her Metallica t-shirt. Hmmm... could be just the ticket.
Amy told Amy that she really likes this jacket and could wear it a lot. It could be fun for work, or for a nice afternoon stroll through the Ave's with Riley. The color is fun and valentine-ish.
Finally, these shoes are adorable, and the red suede is perfect for V-day. Plus, Amy is really digging on heels these days (hence the name of this blog) and she loves the peep toe. These could be worn out on the town, but may be a little to sassy for work.
Wow, Amy is being really thoughtful to Amy this valentine's day. Make sure you leave a comment and let me know which one you think is the perfect valentine's day gift to a newly divorced, hot single mama (hey, we all need compliments, even if we have to give them to ourselves).
Kiss, Kiss, Love, Love
XOXO
Amy
For starters:
Amy already has a really nice digital camera, but I know she has been wanting a little point and shoot pocket sized camera. Note the small size and cute color. Just perfect for capturing those romantic moments, (or it will be when she starts having some. She's just barely divorced people. Sheesh.)
Amy really likes fun bags and red is her favorite color, so this might be perfect for her. It's big enough to carry around all of Riley's stuff, too.
Every classy divorcee needs a nice set of pearls, right, so this might be a great valentine gift for Amy to give Amy. She could wear them for work, for church or even on casual days with her Metallica t-shirt. Hmmm... could be just the ticket.
Amy told Amy that she really likes this jacket and could wear it a lot. It could be fun for work, or for a nice afternoon stroll through the Ave's with Riley. The color is fun and valentine-ish.
Finally, these shoes are adorable, and the red suede is perfect for V-day. Plus, Amy is really digging on heels these days (hence the name of this blog) and she loves the peep toe. These could be worn out on the town, but may be a little to sassy for work.
Wow, Amy is being really thoughtful to Amy this valentine's day. Make sure you leave a comment and let me know which one you think is the perfect valentine's day gift to a newly divorced, hot single mama (hey, we all need compliments, even if we have to give them to ourselves).
Kiss, Kiss, Love, Love
XOXO
Amy
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