Calvin Klein Licia Sandal

I love these shoes. I NEED these shoes. I saw them in an ad in Real Simple (March 2011 for those who care, page 28) and they just seemed so comfortable! BUT all they have at Shoebuy.com and Amazon is black. yech. I need these in the camel color! Seems like everyone is selling out quickly. So I guess I'll just set up an auto-search on eBay so I get an email if it pops up. Not like I won't be checking every day for the next few weeks like I always do when I get a bug in my ear about a new item of clothing..

Five Fast Findings

1. I feel like I've embraced life lately, mainly due to my newfound enjoyment of running. I recently realized I prefer running because it's outside, which has opened my eyes to the possibilities of more outdoor sports, such as rock climbing and triathlons. A year ago the idea of me running a triathlon would have elicited rolled eyes and a self-depreciating sigh. Now, it's actually an option, and not because I'm necessarily in better shape than a year ago, but because I'm allowing myself the possibility.

2. I love working graveyard for numerous reasons. Tonight though, there is a slight drawback. Sometimes, I have to go to the bathroom. During day shift, it's no big deal to have someone cover me on the phones while I race to the bathroom, but sometimes I have to go RIGHT NOW and of course the supervisor has just left for his half-hour lunch break. Not that I'm complaining about graveyard (I still love it), but tonight has reminded me that there are a few disadvantages.

3. A few months ago, I had a problem with Fedex. I was tracking my package and it was on time for delivery, until the DAY arrived. Then, I checked where it was at and Fedex actually claimed there was a "natural disaster" and the shipment would be delayed 3 days. Being as how I was unaware of any natural disaster (and a google news search brought up nothing), I was mystified. Now, Fedex has struck again. I have several packages being sent by Fedex and as of yesterday, they were set to arrive tomorrow. I checked today and guess what? All of them are being delayed 3 days. What gives Fedex?? UPS and the postal service never have problems!

4. I've read some wonderful memoirs lately and while I'll post mini reviews later, I'd like to recommend the following: The Pioneer Woman by Ree Drummond, I Beat the Odds by Michael Oher, Heart Matters by Kathy Magliato, In a Heartbeat by Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, and Kasey to the Rescue by Ellen Rogers.

5. Before I have children and get tied down in a crazy (albeit fun) life, I'd like to explore and hike in New Zealand. I know there's the whole earthquake thing right now, but it will clear up sooner or later right?

sometimes it's just easier to add them

I decided I'll add my mom as a facebook friend, but of course there were rules I needed to enforce. If I were 14 years old, it would be completely different and I'd HOPE any parent of a tween would require friending as a condition of being on facebook, but as a nearly-24-year-old, things are a little different. So I created this contract, and if an other adult children are getting hassled by their parents about adding them on facebook, feel free to use and edit this to your comfort level. Though a lot of parenting experts recommend parents NOT tag their kids in photos, I'm actually fine with my mom doing that, especially since I know she has quite a few vacation pics on her page. Plus, she's not really the type to upload naked baby pics, and even if she did, I'm 24 years old, my body's changed a bit since then so why be embarrassed. (note to mom if you're reading this, that doesn't give you PERMISSION to dig out the naked baby pics) Other than that, I don't really have anything to censor, I don't swear on my page and I don't have any racy pics to hide. But it is a little weird letting a parent into my world. It's like sharing a bedroom with them.

Parent-Child Facebook Friends Contract

As the parent of "Lindsey Christine Carpenter" (henceforth referred to as "subject"), I agree to the following conditions:

1. I will read the following articles: http://www.usatoday.com/tech/webguide/internetlife/2007-10-03-teens-facebook_N.htm; http://detnews.com/article/20110217/LIFESTYLE/102170328/Teen-crisis--Should-they-friend-parents-on-Facebook

2. I will recognize that reading and participating on facebook pages is kind of like picking up the line when subject is talking on the phone with a friend or walking into the subject's room.

3. I will not lecture or make comments on subject's page that I would not make to a friend. I will not criticize content on subject's page either on facebook or in person. (ie. would you tell a friend to watch her language or that a picture is unflattering?)

4. I will not expect or request that a subject edit her page in any way, shape or form.

5. I will not message subject's facebook friends to find out stories behind posts or convos.

6. I will not initiate facebook chat unless I have a specific purpose (as in, don't just start chatting for the sake of chatting). Texting and calling should be attempted first before chatting or posting on subject's wall.

7. I will bear in mind that being facebook friends does not change the child-parent relationship.

8. I will not criticize use of swear words on subject's page, should this apply, either by subject or subject's friends.

9. I recognize that I may: tag subject in photos; make situationally-appropriate comments on subject's posts/convos as pertaining to no. 3; add subject's friends if you personally know them and abide by no. 5; mention subject in my statuses; suggest pages for subject to like; invite subject to groups or events; label subject as a family member; refer to a facebook post made by subject as long as no. 3 is followed.

10. I will not use the poke mechanism.

Subject reserves the right to remove comments by parent from facebook page. When unsure if a comment will be deleted or not, err on the side of caution and refrain from posting. Subject reserves the right to revise or add to conditions after trial run of one month.

It's really not a great way to start my day

1. I was going to go running today because it's been unseasonably warm lately. I walked outside...and it was raining.

2. My best friend got engaged on Valentine's Day. Her kids are gonna make FUN of her.

3. Just got a message on Matchmaker.com (of which I'm not a member) from someone who calls himself bigstrudel. fml.

4. Does anyone have an electric drill? Seriously people, it's not THAT hard to have an electric drill. For some reason, my family has one drill, two batteries for it AND NO CHARGER. So it's useless. We also have a hammer drill, but I want to put my curtain rod up, not take out the wall.

5. My car's been getting pretty bad gas mileage. After taking inventory of my car (including 18 record album frames, an extra work uniform, 3 complete changes of clothes, two tires, a box of more clothing, quite a few books and magazines, some industrial-strength plastic wrap and two cases of water), I'm starting to consider the idea that maybe my car could be too heavy to get decent gas mileage. It IS a Ford Focus after all, it's made of plastic and weighs something like 200 pounds.

Five Fast Things

1. I've been either listening or playing in my head Uprising by Muse for the past 3 days. Makes me want to start a revolution, who's with me?

2. I'm so lucky to have a job where I can read all night.

3. I finally completely cleaned out my wallet for the first time since I, uh, bought it. There were things from 8 months ago in there. Now it actually closes, but my work garbage can is literally filled to the brim. How did it all fit??

4. Driving on solid ice is not quite the danger people think it is. Be careful and conscientious, sure, but it does not require going 10 miles an hour on all stretches of road. Promise.

5. WHY is the peeptoe ankle boot style so popular IN THE WINTERTIME? Winter means snow and peeptoe means snow ON YOUR TOES. blech.

More Facebook statuses

I wish Twitter allowed more characters in a post. This is why I refuse to Twitter. About me, anyway. My dog's twitter is at twitter.com/shitmydogpoops

Recent statuses:

Should I: take up electric guitar, get a tattoo, or buy a motorcycle?

Feeling mildly pleased with myself for using a President's Day logo on my February calendar instead of Valentines day.

Pretty sure im driving on solid ice.

nothing like loudly cracking my knee on my desk to break the silence in the office.

I love it on Army Wives when Joan babyproofs the whole house (including upper cabinets) 6 weeks before it's due. Roland: "She's not gonna come out of the womb walking...let alone looking for coffee mugs..."

You'd think, preparing to attend my FOURTH college, I'd have this transcript-request think down pat. But it still takes forever for me to get all these done!

I wanna be Veronica Mars!

Dangit i need guitar hero warriors of rock!

Also, not appreciating my singing in the car being interrupted by the new potholes created by our snowplows.

Joann fabric is a cesspool of young moms and their heartbreakingly adorable small children.

I couldnt find my phone anywhere in my car. Why? I was using it to text. Fml.

There was a crown vic following me today. I was panicking trying not to give the cop a reason to pull me over. Then it passed me. It was a taxi. fml

Dad: you know what show i watched today? (tries to remember name) the gilmore girls! Me: long pause. Dad: i like the mom and, rory, well, she's really funny!

Dad: okay let's get technical for a minute. You know the uh...the web station? Uh... (Blank stares)...Oh, the internet!

My mom spotted some really short cowboy boots at kohls. Mom: wow! Aren't these cute? Me: for a 5-year-old... Mom: i'm gonna try them on!

I have Saturday night off...who's hanging out with me? (note that no one replied)

bagels but no cream cheese, bread and peanut butter but no honey, tortilla chips but no cheese. And my mom wonders why I don't bother eating at home.

You know, I like In Plain Sight, but I'm always just left with so many QUESTIONS at the end of each episode. It doesn't do a good job of tying up loose ends or fleshing out storylines. Or heck, even finishing them.

Pretty sure i'm getting carpal tunnel from guitar hero. Sad part? I've been playing on the easy setting.

The second dead spider on my ceiling is gone....crap.....was it really dead?....it was right above my pillow...

You what the ironic thing is? Working graveyard is so slow that i HAVE to get at least 8 hrs of sleep otherwise I'll fall asleep at work. Interesting.

sheesh. FINALLY got an invite to go watch Zags at five mile pizza. My mom called me when they were IN THE CAR about to leave. Thanks mom.

Lessons in Dating

So I haven't dated a ton of guys, but I have learned a few things. And since I'm still single, these aren't necessarily the way to find your forever companion, but ways to avoid the what-ifs.

1. Date a guy with a motorcycle. And learn a few things from him about types of bikes, just enough to hold your own in conversation.

2. If he doesn't love your pet as much as you do, don't think it will get better over time. It won't.

3. Just because he loves his mother/grandmother and is great with children does not mean he is "the one." But whoever you marry had better have these qualities.

4. While in a relationship, talk with your friends/family about the ups and downs if you wish, but keep in mind that while you can kiss and make up, they may not feel the same way about him in the future, knowing the bad stuff.

5. If he criticizes your favorite TV show more than once, despite knowing it's your favorite, run.

6. You're not a whore if you make out with someone you met that night and then never see them again. That could change if you sleep with someone you met that night and never see them again.

7. Hanging out with the girls is JUST as important as hanging out with your boy. Not merely important, or a nice thing to do, it's JUST AS IMPORTANT. Make sure you treat time with your friends and your boy EQUALLY.

8. Never text at the dinner table. This includes a nice restaurant, Pizza Hut, wherever. Don't do it. Learn to have a conversation.

9. Sexting IS cheating.

10. Don't date your co-workers unless you are okay with finding another job. Not saying you HAVE to find another job, but be prepared.

11. If a guy likes you, he will be okay if you have to reschedule a date due to work or prior commitment. Don't rearrange your whole life just for him...unless he has tickets to (insert awesome band here).

12.It's okay if a guy sees you without makeup. It's not okay if he's not okay with you not wearing makeup. Did you follow that?

13. Hotness is not everything.

14. If he's a big spender now, he'll be a big spender later, regardless of how much money he makes.

15. A boy makes twice as much of a mess as any girl. If you find an exception to the rule, Vegas is a quick flight from your nearest airport.

16. Hand-delivered, homemade brownies (or at least brownie mix) is an easy way to score a date.

17. Guys need an ego stroke once in a while, and they may not always return the favor. It's okay. They're guys, we're girls, we're different.

18. Believe what he does, not what he says.

19. Does he think his job is more important than yours? Bad sign, even if it is.

20. He may not understand, but I will if you ask to see a copy of his credit report. We gotta be realistic here. Even if your credit sucks, 2 people applying for a loan with bad credit is worse than one.

21. Can he change the oil in your car? Bonus.

22. Watching him learn to make an origami crane is possibly the best way to see how much patience he has.

23. Keep the money separate. If you get married and want a joint account, I recommend direct depositing equal percentages (not neccessarily amounts) of your paychecks into it, and keep the rest in your own bank accounts. By the same token, be fair about who pays for what. Just because he makes more money doesn't mean he should be covering all the payments so you can have fun with your salary.

24. A good rule of thumb to make dating easier is three questions: does he have a job? a car? his own place or plans to get one? Ultimately it's up to how much you like the guy, but if you have 2 equally awesome guys, go with the one you can answer yes to on these questions. I hope this isn't a shocker for anyone.

25. Don't date a guy with a scooter. Just. dont.

More to come as I learn them.