conosco le cose

Ripe Gripe

2011-11-26T11:18:00.000-08:00

You know what I've always wondered? When a guy tailgates you on the freeway and then pulls around, gives you an 'I'm clearly awesome and need everyone to know it' look, does he feel like a giant ass when he realizes it's a pretty girl his age? I hope he does. And yes, I just referred to myself as a pretty girl. What of it? ...Everyone needs more self confidence. Well, some need less. Melissa Joan Hart, for instance; I've always thought she needed less.

Red Flag

2011-11-23T15:56:00.000-08:00

For all my male readers (so Aaron (who is married) and Michael (who will benefit from this) who need a little help..

Cindy Vs. Boss (possible other title: Sh#t and Boobs)

2011-11-15T21:55:00.000-08:00

eh.... it all started innocently enough. A co-worker wanted to show me the following YouTube video (rarely a good move at work, yet one I frequently make).

Us white kids get a great laugh. Two more 20 something co-workers join in, behind my desk, staring at my screen. Half way through the video, a boss, and a pastor, who is most of all, black, decides he wants to know what all the fun is about.

uuhhhhh/mixed with panic I rush to find other videos to pretend to be watching. Problem is, YouTube is now only recommending racial slur videos as options on the right side of my screen at this point. I quickly click on the only non "n" word option...entitled..."shit and boobs"..so..not great, either.

About half way through trying to explain why we all thought this cinematic masterpiece I'm subjecting him to was funny to me, I notice my co-workers have left me alone,with a pastor, to watch a video, entitled shit and boobs. ...sh#t.

Why Men are In Trouble

2011-11-04T17:49:00.000-07:00

Great article by CNN (aka people way smarter than me). It was sent to me by a good friend who wants to remain nameless in case guys read it, freak out, and never ask her out. The irony is killing me.

(CNN) -- For the first time in history, women are better educated, more ambitious and arguably more successful than men.

Now, society has rightly celebrated the ascension of one sex. We said, "You go girl," and they went. We celebrate the ascension of women but what will we do about what appears to be the very real decline of the other sex?

The data does not bode well for men. In 1970, men earned 60% of all college degrees. In 1980, the figure fell to 50%, by 2006 it was 43%. Women now surpass men in college degrees by almost three to two. Women's earnings grew 44% in real dollars from 1970 to 2007, compared with 6% growth for men.

In 1950, 5% of men at the prime working age were unemployed. As of last year, 20% were not working, the highest ever recorded. Men still maintain a majority of the highest paid and most powerful occupations, but women are catching them and will soon be passing them if this trend continues.

The warning signs for men stretch far beyond their wallets. Men are more distant from a family or their children then they have ever been. The out-of-wedlock birthrate is more than 40% in America. In 1960, only 11% of children in the U.S. lived apart from their fathers. In 2010, that share had risen to 27%. Men are also less religious than ever before. According to Gallup polling, 39% of men reported attending church regularly in 2010, compared to 47% of women.

If you don't believe the numbers, just ask young women about men today. You will find them talking about prolonged adolescence and men who refuse to grow up. I've heard too many young women asking, "Where are the decent single men?" There is a maturity deficit among men out there, and men are falling behind.

This decline in founding virtues -- work, marriage, and religion -- has caught the eye of social commentators from all corners. In her seminal article, "The End of Men," Hanna Rosin unearthed the unprecedented role reversal that is taking place today. "Man has been the dominant sex since, well, the dawn of mankind. But for the first time in human history, that is changing—and with shocking speed," writes Rosin. The changes in modern labor -- from backs to brains -- have catapulted women to the top of the work force, leaving men in their dust.

Hanna Rosin: Are women leaving men behind?

Man's response has been pathetic. Today, 18-to- 34-year-old men spend more time playing video games a day than 12-to- 17-year-old boys. While women are graduating college and finding good jobs, too many men are not going to work, not getting married and not raising families. Women are beginning to take the place of men in many ways. This has led some to ask: do we even need men?

So what's wrong? Increasingly, the messages to boys about what it means to be a man are confusing. The machismo of the street gang calls out with a swagger. Video games, television and music offer dubious lessons to boys who have been abandoned by their fathers. Some coaches and drill sergeants bark, "What kind of man are you?" but don't explain.

Movies are filled with stories of men who refuse to grow up and refuse to take responsibility in relationships. Men, some obsessed with sex, treat women as toys to be discarded when things get complicated. Through all these different and conflicting signals, our boys must decipher what it means to be a man, and for many of them it is harder to figure out.

For boys to become men, they need to be guided through advice, habit, instruction, example and correction. It is true in all ages. Someone once characterized the two essential questions Plato posed as: Who teaches the children, and what do we teach them? Each generation of men and women have an obligation to teach the younger males (and females of course) coming behind them. William Wordsworth said, "What we have loved, others will love, and we will teach them how." When they fail in that obligation, trouble surely follows.

We need to respond to this culture that sends confusing signals to young men, a culture that is agnostic about what it wants men to be, with a clear and achievable notion of manhood.

The Founding Fathers believed, and the evidence still shows, that industriousness, marriage and religion are a very important basis for male empowerment and achievement. We may need to say to a number of our twenty-something men, "Get off the video games five hours a day, get yourself together, get a challenging job and get married." It's time for men to man up.

Where has HE been all my life?

2011-11-01T21:19:00.000-07:00

Liking is for Cowards. Go for What Hurts.

2011-06-07T07:29:00.000-07:00

Great article. Long but worth the read.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/29

Cindy vs Karma

2011-05-05T14:43:00.001-07:00

Well, 2011 started out a bit rocky but today I had the thought- I hope it’s true that, “What goes around comes around” b/c I think I’ll be on the winning side of things:) Others, will be on the losing side.... and I don't have to do a thing about it! It's all so freeing!
So far, it’s happening. My friend Amy is coming in to town from Seattle this evening, I leave for Europe on Tuesday, and I just found out I get to see Adele perform from a kayak. Which is just too pefect b/c her new album, 21 is a sexy, kick ass break up CD with powerful vocals and interesting lyrics. She, along with Cee Lo;) have for sure been my anthems of late. In an interview with Chelsea Handler, Chelsea asked Adele if she worried that writing about ex boyfriends would prevent other guys from wanting to date her. To which she replied, "Well, don't fuck me over and I wont have anything to write about." I love it, they are the problem, not what she writes or doesn't write. And while the f word doesn't sound as good when I say it, what does sound good is the freedom to write about whatever comes next. Be it anger over the past or present adventures in dating the wealthy- it's all fair game from now on. Last year, I was so worried about the repercussions when in reality, I should have spent more time making sure I was with the kind of person who didn't give me anything to write about. Enjoy Adele and buy the cd:

Adele - Rolling In The Deep

2011-05-05T14:43:00.000-07:00

Reason # 73 NOT to get married soon

2011-04-26T18:06:00.001-07:00

You have personal finances, drinking habits and travel plans!!

Reason # 43 to get married soon

2011-04-26T17:39:00.000-07:00

your personal finances, drinking habits and travel plans are no longer family discussions

Cindy vs. Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T15:31:00.000-08:00

Oh, Valentine’s Day… I’m assuming you are expecting me to bash today or have some bloggers melt down about consumerism, being alone, and chocolate forced upon me just after losing Christmas weight. We’ll you are wrong. I don’t hate the holiday. I’m fine with it. In fact, I wandered happily down memory lane just this afternoon to 3rd grade. I was set. I had the perfect NKOTB valentines and my class list in hand. Sprawled out on my bedroom floor, I categorized the “BFF Happy Valentines Day!” for my favorite friends; “Let's Hit the Street for some Valentine Fun!” for anyone I didn’t care about; and carefully removed the “You’ve Got the Cute Stuff” cards to avoid sending the wrong message to any boys I didn’t like in favor of the safer “You Rock Valentine Friend!”. Crucial to my successful navigation of the classroom exchange was also giving the boy I did think was cute the same “friend” card. …. Which leads me to the epiphany that not much has changed. Why do I continue to play the friend card with men I like? Why the need to throw them off the trail or play hard to get? … I don’t have the answer to this one but I’m fairly certain it is still the only way to win at the game of hearts. (how much did you hate that last pun;)

Anyway, I’m off to have Valentine’s Dinner, with my parents Susan Boyle style. (Further proof that I have learned very little since 3rd grade) And before you feel too bad for me, you should know my parents are awesome and I’m topping the night off with wine and some fabulous friends.

PS I had a first date last Thursday and I ate more than him…. end.of.story.

XOXO
Cindy

Worst Person Ever

2011-02-11T19:04:00.000-08:00

Red Flag of the Week

2011-02-04T17:38:00.001-08:00

Nascar

I could be wrong but I feel like this needs no explanation. If you watch Nascar, you just shouldn't tell anyone. Never have I or any of my friends ever met someone and after hearing him say, "Well, let's see I like to watch Nascar" thought "Yep. Yep. This is the guy for me." The combination of Florida meets ineteresting clientele meets Danica Patrick creates a "sport" that is more likely to give you ring worm than an actual date.

I don't want no scrub

Cindy

**Disclaimer: Red flags are not always deal breakers. They mean to serve as a point in which you should stop and ask yourself, “Does this signify a deeper problem?” Red flags are also limited to things people choose to do, not things in which they have no control over.

Hindsight

2011-01-19T18:46:00.000-08:00

The Real Feminine Cycle

Alright blog….hi, sorry I’ve been away, thanks for taking me back. The truth is I stopped writing you because I got a boyfriend. Lame and kinda junior high… I know. Actually, I stopped a lot of things when I got a boyfriend; which I now regret and also serves as the topic of this re-entry. It's a vicious cycle- they meet you busy, independent, intriguing and mysterious, but beckon you to give that up so you can spend time with them. They suck you in to the point where your whole freaking calendar is up for them to grab and then turn you into someone less busy independent, intriguing and mysterious. You will realize you are a victim of this when you spend the majority of your nights watching Christmas Hallmark movies alone b/c they aren't around. You’ll want to scream at this, but I would advise you not to. There seems to be only a couple of ways to avoid this.

First, find practical ways to keep yourself in a relationship; keep the things that make you love being who you are. Yes, there is sacrifice and compromise but ultimately, THEY NEED THIS FROM YOU AND YOU NEED THIS. It’s on you to make this happen. If you want to wait in a line for the Twilight premier in your late 20's, dammit you should! In some sick twisted way he'll actually love you for it (while complaining that he hates it- this can be confusing, but don't be trapped).

Secondly, you have to be and be with someone who is secure in themselves and truly looking to love and be loved- not entertained or boosted in status. You should both be thinking “What can I give?” instead of “What am I getting?” Be with someone who truly appreciates your character and who you are when you aren’t doing anything.

In hindsight, I should’ve kept up a few things that make me love being me in 2010. The good news is, its still January and my 2011 resolutions are going in the calendar- 10 things I'm doing or re-doing for me:)

finish and submit my book (must, must, must)
take piano lessons again and play a coffee shop with my brothers
run another marathon with my dad
surf on friday mornings
see my friends more
spend time with my mom and convince her to take us to Prince Edward’s Island
read my Bible regularly
take a cooking class
volunteer
step foot in Europe or New Zealand

Oh, and I’ll keep this blog up again. More red flags and a good bar story from this weekend are on their way. As always- your thoughts are appreciated and let me know if you want to join me in any of my 10 things..assuming I like you;)

just for fun

2010-06-03T15:13:00.001-07:00

Since I clearly have some kind of major block towards this blog, the least I can do is post something I read on msn.com and found funny;)

They polled women in the following ages about what they think a guy should or should not have by 27 and 35.

At 27:

He should be reliable.

He shouldn't rely on text messaging as a tool of courtship.

He should have a "way" about him.

He should have traveled the world.

He should know how to cook one thing really well.

He should have a political affiliation.

He should, every now and then, substitute a light beer with Scotch on the rocks.

He should behave as if his mother raised him correctly — even if she didn't.

At 35:

He should not have a belly.

He should possess the thoughtfulness required to help a mom with a stroller and two kids up the stairs.

He should not have mommy issues.

He should have moved on from pickup lines to conversation starters.

He should want the party to end at some point.

Good Friday

2010-04-02T15:54:00.000-07:00

I can remember wanting his vest as a young girl

Red Flag of the Week

2010-03-18T16:59:00.000-07:00

myspace and Mustache combo

Today I'm in a bit of a pickle. My original M was myspace, but a voice inside my head kept saying, "Tell them about the mustache, the mustache!!". Since I deeply want this blog to be helpful, I decided to have 2 flags this week.

We can start with myspace. I had one, you had one, we all had one. And now, with the exception of bands and people using it as a tool for free ad space, no one else should. Who knows how things end up tacky? They just do. Too many shameless people opened accounts and it has become the 909 of social networks.

Speaking of 909, the mustache. I'm worried. A lot of guys in my life that I respect ascetically are now sporting the molestache and I feel they need to know the price they are paying: GIRLS DON'T LIKE THEM. We just don't. The ones who tell you they do are lying to impress you. Besides reminding us of the "warning: kidnapper" posters they would hang up at our elementary school, they aren't fun to kiss. And you want to be kissed right?

You'd think it would go without saying that girls aren't allowed to have mustaches either, but we all know that girl and we all want to know, "why?"

the ripe gripe

2010-03-11T16:12:00.000-08:00

Self Check Out

These annoying “convenience” additions are a real problem because they function from the premise that people are basically intelligent; when in fact, they are not. My emotions swing from frustration to compassion as I watch the elderly gentleman, foreign family, and hung over frat boys try and locate their bananas on a touch screen. My local grocer- who shall remain nameless (Albertson’s on Harbor) has even started closing normal lines in favor of these traffic pile-ups. After a long day at work, wretched commute on the 405, and attempting to park in compact spots next to OC sized SUV’s- the last thing I want to do is do your job for you.

Red Flag of the Week

2010-03-04T21:58:00.000-08:00

Lifted Truck

As I started to back out for work this morning, my review mirror was filled with the beautiful grill of the truck pictured below. My heart skipped a beat as I excitedly wondered if the owner of such a beast might be my neighbor. Or better yet, maybe he would walk out at this very minute to drive to his job at Chaparral. ... Silly me, he is probably sleeping in after a late night of downing Monsters and watching LA ink. (sigh) We'll just have to meet another day.

Red Flag of the Week

2009-11-03T16:34:00.001-08:00

Karate

Now, nearly every guy I know will disagree with this flag, claiming its, "sweet" while most girls I know completely get it. I'm telling you honestly, there is an internal red flag that goes up when a guy tells you he is into karate, ultimate fighting, taekwondo...etc. Perhaps it's too foreign and therefore alarming for us. As much as I love Ralph Macchio and would have killed to go on a date to the fun zone with him, I'm not sure I could have agreed to it off screen.

things lost...

2009-11-03T15:09:00.000-08:00

So here’s the spheel, I’ve totally dropped the ball on this whole blog thing. For my 3 readers, I’m sorry. I blame a mixture of 3 jobs, the 405 fwy, and a lack of Heather time. Yesterday, we came up with a new list:

Things that are actually amazing in their true form, but have become tackfastic due to certain people groups overuse of them.

dolphins

hibiscus flowers

sea shells

nautical stars

sparrows

butterflies

birds

Lighthouses

sunsets

sail boats

80's (an 80’s business party would be OK)

Fleur de lise

Tuscan decor

Things that are so misused, they have no chance at coming back in our lifetime:

sunflowers

roses

smiley faces

Yin yang

red and black

pink and black (plaid exception)

Paris

pirates

Cindy vs. Uncle Sam

2009-10-06T16:56:00.000-07:00

Uncle Sam Wins!
Did you hear we are going to shoot a missile at the moon on Friday? We are so stupid... Apparently we are looking for water. Even if we find it- who says we get it? The last time I checked, we share the moon with the rest of the world.

Why doesn't the gov't look for my next job instead? And are my freaking taxes paying for this, b/c I need that money. Aren't we broke? Is this a warning of how bad it is? Like when I realize I don't have money and think, oh efff it, "Where is my credit card and/or the nearest anthropologie? I'm off to shoot the moon."

Red Flag of the Week

2009-09-28T15:54:00.000-07:00

Japanese Anime

It's strange, violent, and early 2000's- watch out for this one. I'm sorry there is no picture this week; I couldn't bring myself to have that crap on my blog....you understand.

hanging on a line of greens and blues,

cindy

Red Flag of the Week

2009-09-15T15:56:00.000-07:00

Introducing with a nickname

It has been my experience that you should never spend too much time speaking with someone who has just introduced themselves by their nickname. It typically signifies a social need you don't have the time or capacity to fill. Also beware of people who give themselves nicknames... it's backwards and awkward.

never trust a big butt and a smile

cindy

Cindy vs. Budget

2009-09-09T17:17:00.000-07:00

Budget Wins!

Dear 80mph,

I miss you…65 just doesn’t feel right. I feel so out of place in the far right lane- people over here are crazy and their license plates are from far off places. My car feels tired and sluggish… I hate this, I hate myself.

Cut backs have to be made; I’m setting my cruise control so it’s out of my hands. Until gas goes below $2.50, I can’t see you anymore… xoxo, cin

Red Flag of the Week

2009-09-01T15:53:00.000-07:00

Highlights

I know, it's hard to even believe that there are guys out there who would still do this. Weaving your hair with streaks is way over the top, and trust me, we can tell...don't even bother saying it's natural. A general rule of thumb is that a girl never wants to feel like the guy is spending the same amount of time keeping up their appearance as she is. (this does not apply to working out, knock yourselves out with this one...we love it)

Filler

2009-08-27T17:44:00.001-07:00

For me to be happy with this blog, there needs to be posts in between the Red Flags of the Week. Well, here it is Thursday and I haven’t written a darn thing since last week. Truth be told, I traded palm trees for pine trees and headed on vacation with the family up to Hume Lake.

While there, I observed 2 very distinct groups: the staff (some in their early 20’s) and young couples (late 20’s???). I wondered to myself, which group do I belong in? Who do I identify with? Should I be out on the lake with a kayak or running around chasing toddlers? Should I have packed (and by packed, I mean gone out and bought) my Capri pants (where do you even buy them, and who told every mom to get them?) with a baggy of cheerios for the bundle of joy on my hip? My friend Stine asked, “Well, who’s ipod would you rather listen to?” and then smartly realized neither, since I was at a Christian camp.

All this to say, sometimes I feel like I’m in the wrong stage of life…but I also don’t actually want to be in the other one. –Not for the sake of being there. My hope is that when I meet my wave link companion, it will seem like a good idea to cross over to the other stage, and worth the loss of freedom.

Speaking of the search, I decided when I started this thing that it was a bad idea to write about anyone that I’m dating, or have dated in the past year. A couple of my guy friends said it would make for better material, and suggested I give them nicknames.

Well…I’m going to keep thinking about it and I’ll let you know if there is anything blog worthy after tonight. Yep, I said it tonight. Tonight is date #2 with…. let’s call him s.type and see how my conscience sits with that.

She's nobody's girl

Red Flag of the Week

2009-08-18T22:13:00.002-07:00

Gamers

You can imagine my delight when I sat down at work today to write my post about gamers and overheard the following conversation next to me:

Justin: “Hey, do you PVP?”

Austin, whom I call Hufflepuff: “I mix PVP and PVE”

Me: “What the?”

Hufflepuff: “Player vs. Player & Player vs. Environment, duh.”

Me: “You better knock that off or you’ll never get a girlfriend.”

Listen, I get it: ALL guys play video games. What you need to know is that there are 2 types…those that speak about it, and those that don’t. Consider it a complete warning sign if they let you know this leisure activity takes place at all. If they mention it as something they are interested in or tell a story that takes place at game stop, proceed with caution.

I’m going to go ahead and say that there is a direct correlation between the amount of video games guys play and the amount of girls they are not getting. It’s a classic case of when you are winning, you are loosing! For my male readers: I don’t care if you are riding dragons around killing nubz with tier 8.5, if you can’t get through a conversation with a girl without talking about it, your real life toon (the doll they create to play with) is dead meat.

Please enjoy the live footage from today!

Today was brought to us by Hufflepuff, but the song is dedicated to Chi in NYC!

I saw the sign, and it opened up my eyes,

Red Flag of the Week

2009-08-12T15:38:00.000-07:00

Flames

It is ironic, but true, that you can never be hot while wearing flames. Period. I don't care if they are subtle or "so realistic", they are awful. You have just officially transported me to a Hot Topic in 1997 at the Riverside Galleria and that is not somewhere I want to go. Plus, I will start to assume all sorts of things about you: a)you listen to Creed b)you want to hang out in a parking lot while drinking mtn. dew c)you would give anything to play high school football again... Trust me, it's not worth the risk.

I blame my brothers

2009-07-31T17:20:00.001-07:00

Sometimes, I think I might still be single b/c of my brothers. Subconsciously, they've set the bar for me, and well...it's pretty high. Anyway, I had never really thought about guys really being scared off by them until reading the following article. Am I allowed to cut and paste someone else's blog?? Who knows... It's funny and I'm curious as to how accurate it is so here you go:

Guys Your Guy is Intimidated By

1. Anyone who plays the guitar
I can't play the guitar. I can't do anything except for type and make guacamole. Ergo: I have always kept my women away from dudes with "axes."

2. Dudes who can, like, change your valves
It's even worse if he's a guy who knows about cars and is all humble about it.

3. Your older brother
See above.

4. Your friend's boyfriend
You know, the guy you always mention when we're being idiots. "John never does that to Jenny," you say. Man, when John comes around we're really on our best behavior.

5. The kid you went to high school with and was your best friend for a while but you never dated because he was kind of nerdy but now he's gained some weight and is super successful and you realize you really missed out with that one ...
Am I the only one who has encountered one of these with every girlfriend?

6. Marines
Man, a Marine started talking to my wife at a bar not that long ago. And I thought: that guy could kick my butt, tell a heart-rending story that would make her cry, and ask to be called "Captain" all at once ... I don't like him.

7. Your father
Especially if he was a Marine, a firefighter and a mechanic who also plays the guitar.

Red Flag of the Week

2009-07-29T15:23:00.001-07:00

Earrings

This week's red flag is brought to you by the letter E! E stands for earrings, but applies to all piercings. There was a time where it may have enhanced your dateablility, but you have now missed that opportunity to bling (circa 2001)

it's the remix to ignition

Red Flag of the Week

2009-07-21T15:28:00.000-07:00

Dude

“Did he just call me dude?”

If a guy refers to you as dude, take this as your cue. Either he is not interested in you in that way or he has just come from a very long day of watching sports he doesn’t play, killing it at guitar hero, and eating HotPockets.

This week’s red flag is a double-edged sword b/c you must also ask yourself if you are being called dude because of something you are doing. Are you:

a) wearing Chacos or flames

b) holding your sunglasses on with a Karokee

c) accepting invitations to watch this guy participate in any of the activities mentioned above

If you answered yes to any of these, you have brought this on yourself.

Cindy vs. Anemia

2009-07-14T15:11:00.000-07:00

Anemia Wins!

I hate it when people tell you that you look like you don't feel well. It's a lot like kamikazee asking someone if they are pregnant.

"No, no I am not sick. My face just actually looks like this." Come to think of it, I didn't do anything different today; so reason would have me believe that I always look this way...awesome

circle eyed for you,

cindy

What Tangled Nets We Leave

2009-07-14T14:52:00.000-07:00

(Posted at Stine's request. Read her @ www.stinefarmer.blogspot.com)

All summer, our church has been taking a good hard look at the book at Mark. What has stood out to me; is this sense that Jesus was incredibly focused on His mission. I picture Him going around, head forward, zoned in on His purpose. He is bringing the Kingdom of Heaven to earth, and this is what He is calling his disciples leave their nets to do.

Meanwhile... as Jesus’ focus is narrowed in, I’m completely distracted by a million things outside of His scope. I want a car that doesn’t suck, clothes I feel pretty in, safety, clout, and a good for something husband…essentially a nice life. Don’t get me wrong, I do deeply want to serve God; it’s just I want to serve Him from within this life I have dreamed up. I think somewhere along the line, I had created a loop hole that went something like, “If I am serving the Lord now, He will bless me with the future I want.” (classic misread of Jer 29:11) What makes me think He doesn’t want me to leave my dreams and expectations as well?

I’m by no means ready to make peace with all of this; it’s painful to imagine letting go of some of my dreams. (not to mention the fact that I have no idea how to really give them up anyway) But what's my alternative? I picture myself trying to run around creating my own life, and ending up in a tangled mess of ties to things that are empty and meaningless in light of God’s mission to heal and redeem this world.

Red Flag of the Week

2009-07-13T16:42:00.001-07:00

Chains
Gold chains, silver chains, white gold chains, platinum chains, large chains, and small chains should be ditched. Trust me, you aren't pulling it off. Everything may be all good and in the right place, but as soon as that bling peaks through your collar; it throws you into a category there is no coming back from,

p.s. I actually sat behind a guy who wore a bluetooth during a wedding ceremony this weekend.... He got nowhere with the bridesmaids.

ice ice baby

they like me

2009-06-25T15:18:00.000-07:00

I've been at my new job exactly 8 days and I've managed to pour the water cooler all over myself and the floor, back into a co-workers car (allegedly, you know how it goes), purse dial my boss 3 times, and I'm pretty sure (positive actually, confirmed by 3 notes, 2 visits, and 4 phone calls in 2 days) that I've scored myself a same sex stalker. awesome. Gotta love first impressions!

the way you make me feel

The Miseducation from Over the Bridge

2009-06-18T17:09:00.000-07:00

Episode 2: Age is but a number

Me: "Alright, tell me your wow." (best moment of the week)

Lorena (Lo): "I declared myself "

Me: "Huh?"

Lo: "I declared myself, I declared myself to a boy."

Stella: "She told him that she liked him."

Me: "ohhhh, what did he say?"

Lo:(laughing) "He barked."

Me:"WHAT?! He barked?"

Lo: "Yes, like wow, wow."

Me: (moving on...) "What middle school does he go to?"

Lo: "He doesn't go to school, he's 19."

Me: "...Get your freaking Bibles out."

Red Flag of the Week

2009-06-16T15:04:00.000-07:00

Bluetooth in a Bar

Any time a guy tries to have a conversation with you while wearing a bluetooth, (outside of the car) ignore him. Who is that important that they need to be reachable at every moment? Answer: no one. Which means this one thinks he is, and that is a far greater problem.

Can you hear me now?

Red Flag of the Week

2009-06-09T08:42:00.000-07:00

Acid Washed Jeans

Also known as light jeans, often have bonus features such as the hammer sling and extra pockets. These are not your hipster urban outfitters jeans; think more, “Oh these? I think my mom picked them up at old navy a few years back, they are super comfortable.” A particularly foul line of these pants come in boot cut and feature pre-cut holes, fray, and sometimes even bedazzle.

You know what the midwest is? Young and restless

Cindy

present

2009-06-05T00:13:00.000-07:00

So when I started this blog thing, I had no idea how it would turn out. As of now, I haven’t written about anything serious (mainly b/c I think it would be lame and cheesy, and oh well, I think my 3 followers and Daimal are the only people reading this anyway) but thanks to the June gloom, I can’t shake the following topic:

It all started with a message I heard in church last Sunday. The pastor described how the Bible uses two words for time: chronos and kairos. Chronos is the typical use of time: seconds, minutes, days, etc. Kairos has to do with the idea of the fullness of time, a time when God is present and active, or when chronos time stands still and we remember the moment forever.

Earlier this week, over coffee at our kitchen table, I was telling my roommate Heather about a time in high school when I served a detention with my best friend because I didn’t want her to have to go by herself. I realized that since she has passed away, every chronos moment we shared together is now a kairos moment to me. There isn’t a place in the world I’d rather have had lunch than the P4 math portable that day. It was just a normal hour, but the memory is extremely valuable to me now.

As I continued to think about this throughout the day, I realized that that kitchen table coffee (and tea for Heather) was actually a kairos moment too, if I chose to see it that way. Heather’s friendship means the world to me! Every minute I get to spend with her is a complete gift. I need to stop going through life distracted and realize that I am constantly in the midst of kairos moments; where God is present if I am looking for Him. He can redeem my mundane moments, and any minute spent with someone else is precious. I don’t want to wait until someone is gone to realize how lucky I am to be sitting across the table (or school desk) from them.

Closing my phone and laptop,
Cindy

p.s. no more serious posts for awhile, promise

Photo by Ashley Rose Photography, www.ashleyroseblog.com

A rare bird

2009-05-28T08:35:00.000-07:00

The month of May is sponsored by the peacock!

It all started on the day we celebrate our ability to steal another country's holiday and use it as an excuse to get drunk, Cinco De' Mayo. I went out to lunch with some co-workers and one of them just happened to have sombreros in his trunk for everyone to wear. (don't ask) As I stood in line to order, 2 nice looking guys asked me about my hat. Then, at the drink station, another gentleman wanted to know why I had taken my sombrero off. (as if that needs an answer) As I carried my tray outside, a table of suitable bachelors offered my friend and I seats at their table. ...Stop right there, who gets hit on that many times? Certainly not me.

I realized that these guys may or may not have all been interested in me, but because they had the sombrero as an "opener" they took their chances and struck up a conversation.

Naturally, after figuring this out, and deciding I was the smartest social scientist in the world, I thought I had discovered the key to drawing the opposite sex in. After further investigation, I found that this tactic, known as "peacocking" has been used for years. All you need to do is carry or wear some ridiculous prop around everywhere you go and people will hit on you...so simple!

Peacocking was even featured in a training video:

I do hope this has all been very helpful for you. Do know that if you

decide to practice "peacocking" you won't be alone. Just this

weekend, Miss Morgan was hit on by a very nice man wearing a

lavender "life is good" moo moo and cowboy hat during the Lakers

game.

*It just so happens his last name was also Peacock so I can neither

confirm nor deny that he was actually "peacocking" or if it was just a

freak coincidence.

Good luck out there!

Cindy De' Miles to go

what I wish my blog was like

2009-05-13T10:02:00.001-07:00

http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com

check it out, you'll be glad you did!

*special thanks to Miss Morgan for sending me the link

must love dogs

2009-05-12T11:28:00.000-07:00

At exactly 6:23 a.m. this morning, I decided to take action against my crazy dog lady neighbor for the first time by explaining to her in my outside voice that it's, "Too early to walk 5 dogs under my window!"

A few minutes later, I left the house to pick up the 6th grade girls I have Bible study with. As I waited outside of their apartments, I saw another crazy dog lady, out, taking her dog on a walk... at 6:50a.m.

Now, how come these ladies who can't manage to stay off the rock, pull out their scrunchies, (more on this to come), and avoid flip flops with daises on them, can have the wherewithal to keep a pet? And not just keep a pet, take care of a pet. At some point, they manage to stop by a PetSmart and pick up a nice blue leash and treats, but seem to miss every produce aisle and rehab house along the way.

Anyone know?

The Miseducation from Over the Bridge

2009-05-08T00:49:00.000-07:00

Episode 1 : never ask questions

Me: "Your quincenera dress turned out!"

Stella: "No, I wore a different one."

Me: "Serious? After months of fittings?! What happened?"

Stella: "We went to pick it up and he couldn't give it to us."

Me: "Why?"

Stella: "He messed it up making the bra?"

Me: "Making the bra?"

Stella: "Ya, I guess when he painted on it... "

Me: "Why was he painting your bra?"

Stella: "because, and supuestamente it got burnt."

Me: "WHAT? The paint burned the bra?...well..."

Stella: "Ya, it burned it."

Me: "...What did you do?"

Stella: "We said we wouldn't pay him, and he said if we didn't, he would cancel my limo. "

Me: "There is so much wrong with this..."

Stella: "My Uncle is handling it"

shes got game

2009-05-04T11:32:00.000-07:00

Every culture seems to have their own way of helping their young ladies find, attract, and keep their desired male. Last Saturday, I attended a quinceanera for one of the girls that I mentor, and learned a little about their way of doing things. On their 15th birthdays, girls are presented to the community of men as "of age", and pranced around in a huge dress surrounded by a harem of suitable bachelors. Let the games begin!Well, needless to say, I'm not Hispanic;) and I feel that my, for all intensive purposes, white suburban culture has taught me to be a little less obvious. We've been told that "A way to a man's heart is through his stomach". For whatever reason, I have always resisted this idea. If we went to college together, and you were a girl baking for a boy, I was most definitely talking bad about you behind your back. I have always believed that I would never bake to get a guy's attention, and that he would love me for my mind and personality. Well, last week I found myself baking up a frenzy, and sinking for the first time to these 1950's tactics. I searched high and low for award winning recipes, and even did a practice run in order to impress a guy (well his family really). I figured I may as well wave my progressive white flag and follow in the steps of my female predecessors. As I left the house that evening, feeling like my pies where the stuff 50 year anniversaries were made of, I was sure that I was finally going about this the right way.

Would you believe that no one from his family ever even tasted my baked goods? Nope, not one freaking bite. What did I walk away with? Oh, a job offer, which one can only assume I earned with my mind.

How do you like them apples?

reach for the stars

2009-04-27T10:19:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that the post college years are difficult to navigate. Trying to figure out what you want to do with your life, dress for the job you want, and attend every family/church/friend function all on a budget designed for a 17 year old is nothing short of a hot mess. Throw dating in the mix and it makes me feel like an angel for being hyped up on caffeine instead of crack.

I'm 27 (which is 45 in Christian single girl years), so I've been at this stage for awhile. During a conversation with two future brides the other night, I realized that this whole "figuring out your future" thing is all a big hoax for girls. We all run around like crazy people looking for a job that pays well, is fulfilling, fun, and glamorous... until we get married. As soon as you put a ring on it, it is perfectly acceptable to take a few months to "set up house", which turns into a couple of years and a 15 hour a week part time job, followed by a pregnancy, and then you never go back to work again! Literally, you need an answer to the question, "what are you doing with your life?" right up until the day you get engaged. At which point your uncle will stop bugging you about it at Thanksgiving, you can stop the dialogue in your head if you wish, and your resume can be filed away next to the diploma you never got framed.

Well, here's to the future, bright and bossless!

ciao

safe haven?

2009-04-22T20:42:00.001-07:00

For the most part, I love my living situation. Good roommates. Close to the beach. Creative freedom in room decor...etc

However, like everywhere, there are a few faults worth listing

Top 5 as of 4/22

1. trees that dent my car with pine cones.

2. the smell of my room when Miss Morgan cooks with garlic or onions (which is every night) *is this because the floor is old and thin, in which case I need to be far more concerned with crushing heather?

3. the freaking vanguard softball team. a.k.a. super loud giants who apparently can't hit the ball unless they repeat a rhyme in unison to, I don't know, remind them which game they are playing? what team they are on? what day it is?

4."i have 9 dogs" lady

5. our parking policy: if you are above 40, male, and/or the owner of a red LeSabre, it is just fine to park in the alley directly behind our garage door.

here's to you c.m.

get with the times

2009-04-16T12:47:00.000-07:00

I recently landed an internship at a radio station...good thing.(thank you moses) Problem is, the host is obsessed with blogging and twitter...two activities I had formally left up to the self-absorbed. Well, those days are now behind me because when he asks me if I do them, my answer WILL BE YES.

here we go...