I HATE MY OWN EGO

I don't mean to get all Oprah on you and force you to read my latest book club book. But I guess, this one time, I will stand by Oprah in saying, "this book is good." I'm about half done and I've already found many things that inspired me to think organically about topics I've never considered.
Not yet half way through the book, though, and I'm pretty sure I hate my own ego. Nate and I named ours the other night after reading a few pages. We call his ego Hank. Mine is Gladys.

Dear Gladys, can we stop being best friends? I'm ready to move on to someone new. Love, Tonia

This book is just over $7 at Costco, and yes, I am attending the biggest online book club discussion extravaganza with Oprah and Eckhart Tolle on March 3. If you find yourself jealous, it's just your own ego. Whom, if you read the book, you will learn to hate very soon. Enjoy.

KEEP, OR THROW BACK

I got this coral colored shirt dress from Old Navy a few weeks ago. I envisioned wearing it with a pair of yellow ballet flats and a pretty cardigan. Or maybe I could add a thick belt. It seems versatile enough but I find myself wondering..."keep, or throw back?"

What do you think? It would be the perfect dress to throw on Saturday mornings to run errands in.
Just leave a comment, "keep" or "throw back".

I LAUGHED OUT LOAD

Whenever Stephen Colbert mentions his loathing fear and disdain for bears, I laugh. Whenever I see him awkwardly riding an elliptical machine, and showering in coffee, I laugh out loud. Thank you Stephen Colbert. Thank you for giving me special gifts every single day.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Maybe I'm quoting the wrong girl {they all look the same: used}, but I think it was Ambre, from Rock of Love 2, that said this in an episode Nate and I were grazing on tonight.

"These pigs went to college because they were smarter than they looked."























I reckon that when you are selecting pigs to wrestle with you should get ones that are still studying for the GED.

VALERIE IS THE NEW SALLY

Yeah, I still get the whole, "you look like Sally Fields" comment all the time. VERY often. And from all walks of life. By friends, co-workers, strangers coming up to me off the street. And it's been going on for years. So I think Sally and I will always have the strongest connection. Also strengthened by the fact that my dad used to call me Sally during my growing up years. Coincidence?
However, while Nate and I were going through the Reno airport, one of the security guards pointed at me and yelled loudly, "Hey! You look like that Bertinelli lady." At this point my blood pressure had shot up to life threatening heights because I thought he was accusing me of smuggling in a bomb and was going to haul me into the clinker. So I just smiled, and laughed. As I made my way, hopping on one foot while struggling to put my shoes back on, he followed it up with, "That was meant to be a compliment. She's a pretty lady."
After watching Valerie's tell-all on Oprah I realize we've got a lot in common. Not just the same brown hair and eyes, round cheeks and pointy chin. She's blunt and honest and self deprecating. Definitely not afraid to laugh at herself.
So here's to my new look-alike. Maybe she's going through an airport somewhere hearing a security guard yell out, "Hey! You look like that Tonia lady." Probably not, but I like to think so.

Ever been told you look like someone? I'd love to hear.

Addendum: I'll take the chubby Bertinelli ANY DAY over this painful display.

WHAT COVERS DO YOU LIKE?

Is it Radiohead playing The Smiths? Or The Smashing Pumpkins playing the every fabulous Landslide by Fleetwood Mac?
I'm on a quest for the best covers. If you have a favorite I'd love to know. Share your covers with me?

SOMETHING I COULD GET USED TO

While we were on Kaua'i, we experienced a miraculous phenomenon. Each day while we were out playing in the sun, a secret fairy would go to our room and drop a fabulous present on our bed. The first day we got a gift basket of macadamia nuts, the second night we got a certificate to go pick out our own pair of Maui Jim sunglasses. These are by far the most expensive sunglasses I've ever owned. My I never sit on them, drop them on the ground in a parking lot, or leave them sitting on the counter at the bank. Pretty, huh?

EVERYBODY'S GOT THEIR THING...

This happens to fall right in that hard-to-reach spot between really funny and morally disturbing.

LOOKING FOR THE SUN

Brushing sand off my feet and tasting saltwater on my lips is nothing but a fabulous memory today. Nate and I have been home from Kauai a few days, long enough to realize that our real life does not include breakfast buffets, the smell of the beach, and the intoxication of sun on our skin. Our real life, at least for now, includes snow in the mountains, boots by the front door, and air so dry your lips chap just thinking about it. Ahh, winter in the desert.
My mom made a great statement about the desert. She said, "It's always trying to reclaim itself. We do what we can to manipulate it into something else, but if we stopped, even for a day, it would go right back to being the desert."
Saturday was pretty warm and shared the sun now and then. Most of the snow is starting to melt, unable to hold up to the 40+ degree weather of the past several days. Nate and I ran some errands and for brief moments we felt the sun. We smiled. And soaked it in. Finally, we pulled into the parking lot at City Creek park and watched the frisbee golf players while we tried to absorb as much Vitamin D as possible.
I suppose I'll spend the next several months looking for the sun; pray I'll find it.





































Here we are at Wiamea Plantation. We did some sea kayaking and Nate shucked a coconut! He's such a strong man.

PLAYING CATCH-UP

I missed four very important days of work while frolicking in the Kaua'ian sun. Because of it I'm playing a mean game of catch up. But, just so you don't think I've dropped off the face of the earth, just look at this sunrise Nate and I partook of Tuesday morning. We woke up early and walked to a viewing rock that is supposed to be one of the best places to see the sunrise on Kaua'i. See the fisherman? If I close my eyes and think really hard...I can still remember how the ocean air feels on my skin. It feels like heaven.

































































*remind me to tell you how, earlier in the week on the same rock, the clasp of my bandeau swim suit top snapped in two and I flashed everyone in a one mile radius. Nate just said, "classic Tonia."

GUESS WHAT I DID LAST WEEK...

Instead of just getting the "usual" hair color, I decided to really spice things up. Picture a 36 year old Avril Lavigne with brown hair and nine cranberry extension sprinkled throughout. When I get a few photos I'll post.

14 DAYS OF VALENTINE: DAY 11

What about a new journal. This one is a bit feminine, but perhaps you can ask him to fill it up with thoughts and memories of you and then give it back next year for your valentine's day.

GO AHEAD, MAKE MY DAY

Tara was kind enough to award me with a "you make my day" award on her blog. Thank you for embracing my neurosis. In keeping with the making of days tradition, here are five blogs I enjoy.

1. In{side} the loop: Courtney from Houston has such great knack for design and fashion. Lots of eye candy to witness. She's also a great advocate for Houston and if I move there I'm making her be my best friend. She leaves great comments.

2. Ali Loves Curtis: I know, she wins all the awards. She's like the Amy Winehouse of blogs. But she's that way for a reason. Her blog is cross between a needle pointed dish towel from your grandma and a post modern house made of glass teetering on the edge of a lush green hillside.

3. Daisy Chain: Amber from Sonoma has both pretty house wares and fashion to browse whilst eating your lunch or lamenting your husband's travel schedule.

4. Hello My Name is Heather: Her fabric and designs are like walking into a colorful candy store with barrels heaped full of all the best stuff. Plus, if you ever thought sewing was old fashioned, she'll set you straight.

5. EmilyStyle: She tells you what she ate for Saturday breakfast and it sounds so good you wish you lived with her. Couple that with her adventures in tandem bike riding and archery and you'll go back for more. Even ukulele.

A GOOD READ

I don't expect I'll have much reading time in Kauai. If I want to go whale watching, snorkeling, scuba, hiking, kayaking, waterfall jumping, shopping and just all around exploring, I may be packing a book in vain.
We will be spending one afternoon at Waimea Plantation Cottages. It looks beautiful and might give me just the right amount of R&R time to turn a few pages.
I am looking for a good book to take on the trip. Any recommendations? I'd love to hear titles...and why.

ARM CANDY

I picture it slung across my shoulders, stuffed to the brim with a beach towel, a good beach book and some magazines, water, sun screen, crushable sun hat, camera, and this trusty guide book recommended by Cara Dee.
The picture doesn't do this bag justice. It's much more lemony in real life.

MONDAY CHECKLIST

I made this list before I went to bed last night. So far, I'm on schedule. But there is so much left to do. I'm in meetings from 9:30-1:00pm. Then I have a meeting 2:00-2:30pm and then 3:00-6:00pm. Ugh!

1. Tonight: Make and pack lunch {optimistically plan to have time to eat tomorrow} DONE
2. 10:00 pm: In bed DONE
3. Set bedside alarm for 6:00 am DONE
4. 6:00 am: Wake with a smile at the sound of my alarm DONE
5. 6:10 am: Pin hair up and take a quick bath {sorry, I don't wash my hair every day} DONE
6. 6:30: Choose comfortable clothes and flat shoes since I'll be running from one meeting to the next ALL day DONE
7. 7:00 am: Grab breakfast and leave for work DONE
8. 7:45 am: Arrive at work and prepare for 8:00 am call to Canada DONE
8. All Day: Remember to drink 2/32 oz bottles of water
9. 6:00 pm: Leave work {this might be pretty optimistic} CLOSE, I left at 6:45
10. 6:30 pm: Go to jcrew at the Gateway Mall and pick up some shorts for the trip SKIPPED THIS
11. 9:00 pm: Work on book for Nate SKIPPED, MY EFFICIENCY IS FADING FAST
12. 9:30 pm: Talk to Nate on the phone {he's in Houston} DONE
13. 10:00 pm: In bed so I can do the whole thing all over again Tuesday. IT'S 10:45 AND I'M NOT IN BED YET.

14 DAYS OF VALENTINE: DAY 10

A framed photo of a wonderful memory you both share. Paul and Jordan took this one of us during a visit to San Francisco a few Valentine's Days back. We have this one framed; it's one of our favorites!

14 DAYS OF VALENTINE: DAY 9

Good old fashioned chocolate. Everyone has a favorite. Milk chocolate. Devilishly dark. How about something infused with lavender? One of my favorites is from Dagoba and you can get it at Wild Oats.


















For more deviant chocolate tasting, maybe you'd enjoy this chocolate body paint. Kinky!

14 DAYS OF VALENTINE: DAY 9

What about a luxurious night in, pick up something sinful for dessert {anything chocolate}, rent a movie you've both wanted to see, and give each other a good, long foot massage. This happens to be one of my favorite suggestions, so far.















Image from Mrs. Maze's photostream

14 DAYS OF VALENTINE: DAY 8

Go for the unusual. What about a fur hat? Or some cool slippers.

14 DAYS OF VALENTINE: DAY 8

Weekend getaway? In SLC there are lots of little places to get away that won't break the bank. Snowbird Ski Resort, Park City anywhere, Midway. You could try the old trick where you pack their bag, pick them up at work, and drive!

14 DAYS OF VALENTINE: DAY 7

Gear anyone? I call them gear-heads. To some this might conjure up images of a guy covered in engine grease up to his elbows. To me, it's any man or woman who wanders around REI like it's a candy store.

14 DAYS OF VALENTINE: DAY 6

A traditional date night. This doesn't have to be some extravagant $300 evening. All you need is two great steaks, some candles, a well set table, and a heart-felt card.
You could combine this with Day 5 and play his/her some tunes you picked out special.

14 DAYS OF VALENTINE: DAY 5

I'm so behind. For day 5, what about making your loved one a mix CD. Kind of nostalgic of the days of mix tapes, this sorta gift could be just the kind of thing that says, "I LOVE YOU." I can't begin to suggest what kinds of songs you should include because one person's Michael Buble is another's Supertramp. I'll let you guess what would be on mine.















If you've got an ounce of creativity in your body, I'd definitely dress it up more than this.

SHIRT DRESS BASIC

The shirt dress is a timeless classic. The fabrics come and go but the collar, buttons, and tie/belted waist always stay the same. Could it be that this is a style that looks good on all body types? Me thinks so! This with a pair of brown legs and cute flats could be the perfect "flying to Kauai" outfit. Get it at Gap.

MY FEET + FRANCO SARTO

Of all the shoes in all the land, my feet are most comfortable in those of Mr. Franco Sarto. There's always such talk around blue suede shoes and for once, I understand why. Pretty, eh?






















Get them online at Piperlime.

I FEEL LIKE THIS...

And it's not even Monday yet. This week {all three days of it before I head to Kauai} will require my absolute focus and energy. Really, the only thing that's driving me is the fact that I get to reward myself with everything under the sun later this week.

ANYONE FOR CHOCOLAT?

Nate and I stumbled onto the sheer delight of Chocolat tonight. I own the DVD and haven't watched it in years but it came on TV so we hunkered down in the our chocolate brown velvet couch and enjoyed every minute of it.
It's given me an idea, really. I'm thinking about having a chocolate party. Eat chocolate. Watch chocolate. Drink chocolate. How much fun would that be?
One of my favorite lines in the movie comes from Vienne's {Juliette Benoche} daughter Anouk. "Why can't you wear black shoes like all the other mothers?"

PHYSICALLY+MENTALLY

I'm working on the new account and have been for the last two week; the busiest two weeks I've had at my current job. Not because we are gearing up for a big product roll-out or conference, it's just that busy with this client all the time. With no end in site. I usually sit in meetings most of the day and try to get my work done during the two hours I'm at my desk. All the while trying to get up to speed so I can be a competent, hard working team member. So tired. Not feeling creative. Actually feeling kind of blue.
I'll be back. I'm hoping I sleep better tonight.
























I was looking on flickr for a good "tired girl" image but this tire girl photo popped up in my search. I couldn't resist. From Natalia F's photo stream.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIS

Kathy has paved the way for me from the beginning. I love you sis and I hope today has been special somehow. Next time you feel like going to a matinée...do it!

BON VOYAGE TO MARTA AND ALI!

Both Ali and Marta are about to embark on new journeys, live in different places, invent new lives. I'm excited for both of them! A few months ago when Nate and I thought we were moving to Houston I went through similar soul-searching moments. I was excited at the thought of something new and scared and reluctant to leave what I know and love. Through it all, the man of reason, Nate, reminded me that we would always have each other and any difficult or uncomfortable detail of a new life would contain the familiarities of holding his hand and figuring it out together.
Dear Ali and Marta, may you love DC and Idaho respectively and adapt quickly. May you find new friends, employment and a cozy place to call home. AND, may you also find your favorite cafe, bookstore, and place to go and think.


















Photo from Crosti's photostream on flickr.

I'M SORTA IN LOVE

2008 Audi R8. I don't have too many strong urges to drive certain cars. But this one is my first.

14 DAYS OF VALENTINE: DAY 4

Write your own love story and then give it to the one that made it all possible.

TAKE MY BREATH AWAY

Look at these beauties from JCrew. When I saw these items my breath literally sucked out of my chest for a moment. I think it was a two-fold reaction. 1) You feel that way when you are in love. 2) You also feel that way when you are in love with something(s) you want but cannot have.

Sigh.

I'M IN LOVE WITH THIS COAT

I've decided I need a casual coat. Utah is so cold and though I have a perfect black mid-length coat from JCrew, I need something to wear on days when I'm not dressed up. I wear my JCrew coat so often the lining is starting to shred.
I really like this coat from North Face. It's $268 so I'll have to watch for it to go on sale...but when it does I think I'm going to grab it. It's the perfect blend of winter warmth and girlie.

NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN

Noelle requested a movie review for No Country for Old Men and I'm obliged to deliver.
Nate and I were really tired Saturday night. Especially since we had pulled some serious teamwork and got an awkwardly shaped 300 lb treadmill down the stairs and into our basement {I have serious lower back pain today and may complain about it off and on during the week}. About 9:30 pm we left for the theater and I hoped this movie would be good enough to keep me awake. I'm known for falling asleep during movies; even in the theater sitting in an upright position {read: Sahara and Enchanted}.
At 9:45 the previews started and by 10:00 I was covering my eyes and shrinking in my seat. So tense I was curled up in the fetal position the entire two hours. Nate had to keep pulling my hands from my eyes. This is one of those movies that inspires you to think, make connections, wonder, and think some more. We got home after midnight and ended up spending another hour online reading discussion boards about the movie, particularly the ending. Not only did this movie keep me awake and alert for 2 hours, but it kept me alert and thinking for another few afterwards.






















This guy will become the face in all your scary dreams. Promise.

CONCLUSION
Is it worth seeing? YES
Should you get a babysitter and see it? YES
Should you get a big diet coke? NO, even a five-minute "bio-break" will put you way behind
Valuable movie tips: Listen carefully to both the intro and closing monologues. This will help you draw some of your own conclusions.

GIRLS I'VE SEEN AT THE AIRPORT

SFO: Several years ago as I was flying to San Francisco for work I spotted a girl at the airport with such natural beauty, I haven't forgotten her. Mind you, at the time I saw her I was trying to schlepp two heavy suitcases and a laptop bag onto the BART - I was sweating and felt about as attractive as wool sock. This girl was carrying a duffel bag and wearing a team jacket that instantly identified her as a track runner. She was sleek and lean and not heaving or carrying 3x her weight in bags. She oozed natural ease and simplicity. She was listening to her iPod and casually making her way in a pair of seven jeans that fit her perfectly. As she plopped down in a seat on the train I noticed she was wearing a pair of gray chuck taylors. Her bewitching face and those shoes. Perfect, right? About a year later my mom and dad got me a pair for Christmas.

RNO: Just last week as Nate and I were languishing at the Reno airport waiting to catch a flight that never flew, I spotted a blonde girl wearing the perfect outfit for the slushy cold weather. She had on skinny jeans tucked into a pair of black wellies, a black down filled coat and a beanie with brim. Her messy blonde hair tucked under the collar of her coat. She was carrying her snowboard bag and a fabulous purse and just looked like a girl with style. Sadly, I didn't look nearly as put together in lounge pants and uggs. I was dragging my poorly packed bags and doing what I could with two-day hair. Luckily mother nature forced South West to cancel all flights so I got a second chance the next day. Here's a pointer though, after you've seen a stunning girl at the airport and all you have is the dirty clothes in your suitcase...it's a lost cause. Just deal with it.