The Grinch says Merry Christmas

Nothing kills the holiday spirit faster than mall traffic. Seriously, all roads within one mile radius of any mall is in a gridlock of late shoppers trying to get in and get out. Its days like this I'm thankful for online shopping and UPS. Too bad the weather's too cold for those shorts - I think they're snazzy.

Man Girdles

Most women are familiar with bodyshape wear such as Spanx - a pain to wear but with great results. Well somebody decided that it wasn't fair for just women to have all the fat-sucking fun and have created girdles for men - or mirdles, the formal term for any product that was started for women but have been adapted to men by putting a 'm' in front or 'man' somewhere such as murse for male purse or manscaping for shaving/waxing.

Look for these at your nearest department store:


Question: The purpose of the body wear is to smooth and diminish the appearance. Wouldn't having the body wear over the private area lead to diminish and smooth it to look like Ken - the not so anatomically correct doll? Just asking....

Debunking the Myth: Jessica Alba

Don't feel bad if you can't be as skinny as Jessica Alba...

....apparently, neither can Jessica Alba.



Ah, the powers of Photoshop. Lose weight, enhance cleavage and get a tan in a matter of minutes!

The Evolution of the Toothbrush

If you haven't bought one yet, run out and get yourself the Sonicare toothbrush. Don't even look at the cheapo look alikes as they do not produce the same results, no matter what they guarantee. Yes, a tad expensive but totally worth it- your 60 year old self will thank you. While you're at it, grab some for your friends and family as Christmas gifts. Sure, they may initially be offended and think that you're questioning their hygene but after one use, they'll u7nderstand. Seriously, my teeth are squeaky clean (like going to the dentist but without the latex gloves) and I love it. Now is a good time to buy as sales are all the rage this time of the year. Do it.

30 Things A Woman Should Not Try Before 30

I found this on another blog and thought the wisdom sounded too good not to share. Note: the following should not be tried after 30 as well.

1. Going on a blind date without an escape plan
2. Having sex without protection (outside a monogamous, baby-bound relationship)
3. Getting an ill-fated, post-breakup haircut
4. Asking for the “Jessica Simpson” at the tanning salon
5. Getting kicked off a plane for wearing a skirt that’s too short
6. Sleeping with the governor for money
7. Waxing your brows under the influence
8. Getting engaged on a reality TV show
9. Wearing a plunging neckline without double-sided tape
10. Worrying about getting old (you have the rest of your life for that!)
11. Mixing wine, vodka, gin, rum and beer in one night
12. Buying a Ford
13. Sleeping with your boss
14. Staying with a man after he hits you
15. Eating the fish entrée on the plane
16. Moving in with the guy you barely know
17. Wearing a sports bra for anything other than sports
18. Getting a tattoo of a mermaid, a butterfly, or a fairy on your lower back
19. Leaving the batteries in your vibrator while traveling
20. Using your real name for cyber-sex
21. Saying “I love you” first
22. Getting in debt buying shoes
23. Or handbags
24. Or too many lattes, for crying out loud
25. Eating thirds
26. Wearing high-waisted jeans if you aren’t Kate Moss (or her size)
27. Dating or sleeping with your best friend’s ex
28. Dating or sleeping with your ex’s best friend
29. (Unless, of course, your ex was a D-bag)
30. Begging your ex to come back

Happy Thanksgiving!

All My Single Ladies

Yes, its Justin Timberlake in heels and a leotard and working it like he's dancing for dollar bills.

Blah

I've been in a bit of a funk - blah is the best word to describe it. I'm not sure how to overcome it. I think I'm just going to wait it out - hope that it passes. Until then, you can find me in the bed, with a box of cookies - don't judge me.

DC's Appetite Stimulus Plan

The recession has hit and DC restaurants have taken noticed. Until Friday, some of DC's finest restaurants have instituted the Appetite Stimulus Plan. Its similar to Restaurant Week where you can get a 3-course lunch meal for $24 or a 3-course dinner for $35. A full list of participating restaurants are listed here:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/misc-events/appetite-stimulus-plan,1154318.html

Make your reservations now as this ends Friday!

Best Line Ever

"You're a low budget bitch"

-Kim from the Real Housewives of Atlanta. Man, I love that show.

Heidi Klum

I just caught the tail end of the E True Hollywood stories of Heidi Klum and it has inspired me to get a curling iron.

Heidi Klum is so hot right now.

Destroying the Myth: Kate Moss

I guess even Kate Moss has fat days...

Not A Creature Was Stirring

I don't know what it is about the middle of the night but its my favorite time of the day. Tired as I may be, I hate going to sleep (at least at night - during the day, especially at work, I'm snoring away at my desk). I turn on the music and just revel in the moment. I let thoughts come into my head, dream big dreams and just be inspired. I feel like I'm on top of the world and I can do anything. Unfortunately, most of it is gone in the morning and try as hard as I might, I can't get it back. At least not until the night when everyone's asleep and its just me. Coding, writing, grooving - whatever it may be, at night, I'm at my best. Sometimes John Legend joins me, sometimes its Alicia Keys or Jason Mraz. Other times, its just silence. But whatever the sound may be, it soothes my soul and I just sit back and enjoy just being.

Yes We Can!

Congratulations to the new President-Elect - Barrack Obama!



Yesterday marked a historical day in the US history.  I'm happy to have been a part of it but I wish I could've done more.  I wanted to have been there in the trenches, handing out flyers, going door to door, be part of the rallies.  But I'm excited for what is to come.  The air is full of excitement and anticipation - change is coming.

On a side note, I think I'm going to go to the inauguration parade.  I've lived a metro ride away for over 20 years and have yet to take part of the history thats being made 20 minutes away.  I think its time - anyone wants to join me?

Fred and Ted

Growing up, my sister and I loved this book about two dogs, Fred and Ted. I don't know what it was about this book that made it so great as it wasn't nearly as popular or well known as the Bearstein Bears or Clifford the Big Red Dog but we loved it. Even to this day, I'll occasionally say "back to bed, said Fred" as a homage to the book (at which point no one knows what I'm talking about or who Fred is). So imagine my surprise when I saw pictures of Jennifer Garner and her daughter dressed up as Fred and Ted - oh, the nostalgia! Jennifer, you are now officially my favorite celebrity mom.

Another Reason Why Heidi Klum Is Fabulous

School is finally done (well at least for 2 months - hey, don't rain on my parade!)

I'd like to take this time to welcome back TV, hobbies, dinner with friends, checking off to-do's, Saturdays, Friday nights, peace of mind, load off my shoulders, free time, sleeping in, and overall better spirits. Woohoo!

Vote!

Sorry I've been MIA lately. This is sucky week for me as Saturday is the culmination of 9 weeks of absolutely all work and no fun. But until then, please don't forget to vote. Every vote counts!

Jem! Jem Is My Name!

I found this video on how to look like Jem. I sure could have used it last year when I was painting my face with a highlighter. Didn't turn out too bad though - what do you think?

Makes me nostalgic for the good times - maybe I'll whip it out again for the Halloween this year. I'm sure my classmates would enjoy the throwback.

Random Haha

A few of you may already know but I also have another blog called randomhaha. Its a collaboration between a couple people and has random thoughts, insights and funny tidbits we find. Check us out - http://randomhaha.blogspot.com/

"The most I can do for my friend is simply be his friend." -Henry David Thoreau

Last week was an eventful week full of ups and downs, rights and lefts, diagonals, L's and every other directional pull. My friend's dad passed away from cancer. He put up a good fight but in the end, cancer won out as it often does. Then a few days later, two of my good friends got engaged (to each other). And even though these two events don't seem like there could be any remote association, there was a strong likeness between them that brought insight and peace during a tumultuous time.

When we heard the news of the death, we were all concerned about the mental and emotional well being of our friend. However, I don't think any of us knew exactly what to do except to be there when he needed us. And indeed, when he called, we were there. And at the funeral we were there. And the burial then to his house afterwards. And even though things went unsaid, I know that he was appreciative of our support and we were glad that he called.

Then a couple days later, two of friends got engaged. An informal get together was in order and to celebrate the joy of our friends, we were there. The drinks flowed, things got rowdy and I'm pretty sure I caught someone two stepping. And the same support that was there for our friend in his time of need was there for our friends in their time of happiness.

They say its in the best of times and the worst of times that true character comes out. And if thats the measurement to go by, then this group of friends were true friends. The kind you watch on TV and wish you had, the kind that sits by you when times are tough, the kind you fight with then each lunch together the next day. The kind you wait your whole life for and sometimes don't get. The kind you're thankful for and count your lucky stars to have found yours... mine.

'A' Is For Amy Poehler Is Awesome!

one two three

my name is sarah palin you all know me
vice president nominee of the gop
gonna need your vote in the next election
can i get a ‘what what’ from the senior section
mccain got experience, mccain got style
but don’t let him freak you out when he tries to smile
cause that smile be creepy
but when i be vp
all the leaders in the world gonna finally meet me

how’s it go eskimo
(eskimos)
tell me what you know eskimo
(eskimos)
how you feel eskimo
(ice cold)
tell me tell me what you feel eskimo
(super cold)

i’m jeremiah wright cause tonight i’m the preacha
i got a bookish look and you’re all hot for teacha
todd lookin fine on his snow machine
so hot boy gonna need a go between
in wasilla we just chill baby chilla
but when i see oil lets drill baby drill

my country tis a thee
from my porch i can see
russia and such

all the mavericks in the house put your hands up
all the mavericks in the house put your hands up
all the plumbers in the house pull your pants up
all the plumbers in the house pull your pants up

when i say ‘obama’ you say ‘ayers’
obama. (ayers) obama (ayers)
i built me a bridge - it ain’t goin’ nowhere.
(ohhh)

mccain, palin, gonna put the nail in the coffin
of the media elite
(she likes red meat)
shoot a mother-humpin moose, eight days of the week

[three gunshots]
now ya dead, now ya dead,
cause i’m an animal, and i’m bigger than you
holdin a shotgun walk in the pub
everybody party, we’re goin on a hunt
la la la la la la la la
[six gunshots]

yo i’m palin, i’m out!

Collin Powell Endorses Obama!

Powell, once the Secretary of State of President Bush, is publicly endorsing Obama. This is major, as Posh Spice would say. Some of the reasons he states:

- He doesn't like the direction the McCain campaign has been going the last few weeks with the attack on Obama to Ayers, accusations of Obama being Muslims, saying Muslims can't be presidents
- Choice of Gov. Palin as the Vice President
- The inspiration that Obama has brought upon this election in terms of age, race and gender

This is a huge endorsement for Obama and should more votes his way. 2 more weeks to go until the election - stay informed!

Yikes!

Aladdin pants + one of Jane Fonda's workout bodysuit from the 80's = Not hot


Katie, you have access to Tom Cruise's mega millions - there's no need to borrow clothes from friends, real or fictional. Please hire yourself a stylist. By the way, I've decided to become a stylist and yes, I take cash.

There Is Such A Thing Called "Too Much Cleavage"...

Christina, you're starting to look like a porn star instead of a well respected singer who has graced the stage with the likes of Tony Bennett.

Former Secretary of State

Richard, this maybe be NSFW

School Sucks!

Sleep, I miss you.  Free time, its been a while.  Sanity, I hope to see you again sometime soon.

Mansion, Apartment, Shack or House

Remember the old, classic childhood game M.A.S.H? The one where you list all the boys you liked, the cars you'll drive and the number of children you'll have then through a random number, it eliminates all but one possibility from each category until you're left with (hopefully) the future you've been waiting for? I know, I haven't thought about it in years either!  However, I was talking to a guy-friend and he revealed to me that he and his fellow guy friends played MASH when they were growing up too!  Who knew?

Anyway, I've created an updated version of M.A.S.H. - one that's more suitable for adults. Print it out and play with your friends - let the the MASH frenzy begin!

Directions: For each category, enter 4 possible entries. Once the sheet is completed, turn away from the paper and have a friend draw tick marks until you say stop. Count the number of ticks and starting with M, eliminate the solution that lands on the number (EX: If your number is 3, then S would be eliminated since its the third entry). Do this until one entry from each category is left. And voila - your future!  (Results not guaranteed)

MASH

Husband/Wife   Car                  Your Job           Your Salary      Spouse's Job       Spouse's Salary
1.                           1.                     1.                         1.                        1.                           1.
2                           2.                     2.                        2.                        2.                          2.

3.                          3.                     3.                        3.                        3.                          3.

4.                          4.                     4.                        4.                        4.                          4.

Tax Bracket       401K               Location            Kids                   Kid's School        $ Credit Debt         

1.                         1.                      1.                         1.                        1.                           1.

2.                        2.                      2.                        2.                        2.                          2.

3.                        3.                      3.                        3.                        3.                          3.

4.                        4.                      4.                        4.                        4.                          4.

Gym                 Blood Pressure  Baldness       Physical Appearance  # Traffic Infractions

1.                       1.                           Yes                 1.                                    1.

2.                      2.                           No                  2.                                   2.

3.                      3.                                                  3.                                   3.

4.                      4.                                                  4.                                   4.

What is Wrong With This Picture?

No, its not the fact that Venus Williams actually looks pretty and feminine. Look closer...

He's wearing peep-toe flats ! The seriousness of his face coupled with the traditional power suit distracts you from the fact he's carrying a large patent leather purse and wearing peep toe flats. Although keep in mind the guy in question is Andre Leon Tally - editor-at-large at Vogue.

Please Excuse the Interruption

In the midst of juggling life, life intervened and threw me for a loop. I tried to write down what I was feeling but I haven't been able to make sense of it all. So in the meantime, I leave you with this:

Just because

VP Debate

Did anyone catch the VP debate? I have to say, Sarah Palin seemed confident, somewhat experienced and sometimes even adorable. Although its not to say that she's swayed my vote- there are a lot of questions that she talked around and she pretty much said the same thing over and over (John McCain's a maverick, Alaska's an energy state - I feel like she knew a couple things really well (or well-rehearsed) and stayed within those topics). Plus, I'm never a fan of bashing the other candidate to make yourself feel better (which she did a lot of) and I don't like the way she took a couple phrases out of context and manipulate them to work for her and McCain. But I think she did women proud in that regardless of your party or position, she showed that women were capable of taking on a 20+ Congress veteran and do it well.

Regardless if you thought she did a good job or not, please please please register to vote and vote in November. This nation is quickly crumbling - we've lost our footing as a leader of the free world, our financial state is dismal, family and friends are dying for a lost cause, we're being taken advantage of in terms of fuel and the list goes on and on. Its time our voices be heard and an overwhelming number of people voting will show that Americans are concerned and are willing to action!

PS. I know you're getting a lot of presidential talk everywhere else but its the most important thing right now and the only action that can bring about change. Let's embrace it!

Feeling Restless

I'm loving the fashion this season! Its gone in so many different directions that whatever your style is, there's something to inspire. Colors are bold, monochromatic; bright leggings worn under short shorts; crazy strapping shoes with peep toes; big belts, statement necklaces, bold makeup - the time to experiment is now! Unfortunately, my closet consist mostly of tees and cardigans that Mike has dubbed "grandma wear". Its time to dig deep into territory unknown (read: clothes I haven't worn in ages) and change things up, clash and match. I'm thinking this Saturday. Who's with me?

Some images to get you going:







Photo Cred: Fashion is Spinach, Because I'm Addicted

"A person who farts is a beautiful person" - my mom paraphrased. Doesn't sound as poetic in English but come to think of it, it was never poetic

Today, I compared my writing to a fart. Actually, it was more like "if you farted in a cup, sealed it, put it in the fridge then opened it a couple days later".

Thats when you know you're writing a masterpiece.

Blast from the Past

Since my Michael Scott moment was enjoyed by all (or at least by 1), I'm posting the original Michael Scott moment that I posted on Xanga way back. Almost a year ago yet still just as embarrassing.

Yesterday, I gave a presentation on social networking at our company's Tech Day. One of the slides I had included was a screen shot of the Facebook profile of one of the partners in my firm, one who's profile picture happened to be of him in his bathing suit, underwater. Funny? I certainly thought so. That is until I found out that the partner was in the audience during the next presentation. After breaking out in a cold sweat from realizing my fatal mistake, I decided to introduce myself during the break and try to make light of the whole situation. Turns out he had missed my presentation. Good going, Minsun. As I was explaining how I posted his profile as a way to encourage the audience to sign up, he brought up his underwater-bathing suit picture. And being the cool-calm-and-collected person that I was, I said "Yeah, I almost didn't recognize you with your clothes on." Awkward...

Beauty Tip of the Day

If you often get razor bumps after shaving, try shaving in the direction of the hair growth instead of against. The closeness of the shave shouldn't be noticeably different but will hopefully help with the irritation. Another tip, use a scrub (preferably a sugar-based scrub since they tend to moisturize) before shaving. It'll wipe away the dull skin so you can get a closer shave.

My Michael Scott Moment

Today, I experienced what I like to call a "Michael Scott Moment". Before I go into details, let me explain what a "Michael Scott Moment" is. Michael Scott is a character from my favorite show, "The Office" (Best.Show. Ever.) and as you can infer from the title, it takes place in the office of a paper company. The office is headed by a man named Michael Scott, an arrogant, socially awkward, desperate but deep down nice guy who makes inappropriate jokes at inappropriate times. Insted of laughs, Michael's jokes are met with an awkward silence and listeners just looking around as if to say, "did I just hear right? did he really say that?". Hilarious.

Anyway, back to the story. Its Saturday and I'm sitting in class, going on my sixth hour of lecture. The teacher is asking questions and selecting people to answer since it doesn't seem like anyone's read the book or are too tired to pay attention. Just as I'm about to check my Facebook for the seventeenth time, he decides to pose a question on me. Caught off guard, I give a quick answer and hope its right. I see him nod his head and take a sigh of relief. But instead of moving on to the next person, he turns to me and says "Yes, but there's more". Quick thinking and cat like reflexes are not my friend as I humorously say, "Thats all I've got". Like Michael Scott's jokes, mine was lost on him (and probably the rest of the class) and before I can open my mouth to say "Just kidding" and give a real answer, he's already given me that eee face (=|) and I'm done for the day. Yikes... Better start studying for the test now.

Curtains!

Mike just put up the curtains in our bedroom and they're gorgeous! They make the ceilings look sky high and bring a little drama to the room. They also make the room a little dark but once I put a ceiling light in, it should be ok. I also need to infuse more colors together but thats another story for a different day.

Come by and check them out!

First day and I almost didn't make it

I know the date says two days past the first entry but I like to write right before I go to bed so the dates won't always be consecutive. I feel like the kid thats running into class one minute after the bell ring, books falling out of his arms and yelling, "I'm here, I'm here" just as the teacher is about to mark him absent.

Anyway, today I'd like to address the financial crisis that America is facing. I know, its not the topic that I thought I would start out with either but ever since Little Bush interrupted my regularly scheduled television show, its been on my mind. Normally, I'm not a believer of the government partaking in people's daily affairs but in this situation, I agree that someone must step in before it gets any worse - and its definitely going to get worse. I do not oppose the $7o0 billion spending to bail out Wall Street but I can't help but wonder where that money will come from. Will taxes go up? Will defense contracts get cut? Will we finally take a good look at the budget and cut unnecessary spending regardless of our political agendas? With sky-high gas prices triggering rises in everyday costs from food to clothing, I don't think anyone can afford to pay more. Nor would it be fair to ask us to. After all, once the market starts realigning and the government begins to reap the benefits from its investment, do we get our money back? My money is on no...

So what's the solution? How will this $700 billion buy out affect us? Because I can guarantee that its going to affect us in one way or another. Can someone shed some light on this? Little Bush? Big Bush? Obama? McCain? Is anyone equipt to tell the truth?

"Sharing is Caring" - a kindergarten teacher. Could have very well been mine but considering I didn't know much English back then, not likely.

Hello!

I started this blog when I first got engaged - lots of things were running around in my head and I wanted to write them down, sort them out and share them with friends. Unfortunately, as you can tell, I didn't end up sharing very much. Lack of time (and the ability to tear myself away from television) got the best of me and the blog pretty much stayed dormant for most of my engagement. Now married and officially Mrs. Lee, I thought I was done with this blog and planned new blogs to start and not keep up. Depending on my mood and the position of the sun,visions of fashion blogs, design blogs, politically minded blogs, makeup on the cheap blogs danced in my head. However, being the always-the-planner-and-never-the-doer, I couldn't get past the first couple posts. Afraid that I would run out of material before I even started, I never started. However, the words in my head demanded to get out and with the encouragement of my husband, Mr. Lee, I decided to go ahead and start. And even though I am now officially a Mrs., I decided to keep this blog and continue from here. After all, I'm still trying to figure myself out, constantly over-analyzing and surprising myself just when I think I've got me nailed down So this is me, my thoughts, my mundane non-events, my odd sense of humor, my inner workings, my ever changing ideas, my rhyme, my reason. I'm going to try to blog everyday for the next year. Hopefully Apple will come out with an i-something so that this blog will become an extension of my brain and the words will be transcribed without me even lifting a finger. But even if that doesn't happen, for one year this is where I'll be. In return, I do ask (making a huge assumption that you'll find this blog entertaining and endearing), that you will encourage me by leaving comments here or telling me in person. And I'll do my best to be here - not always reasonable or funny or even comprehensible, but here talking mumbo-jumbo and screaming Geronimo.

Welcome.