Fun with words

These make me happy. Thought I would share. 

Word.

If you're going to be calm, you might as well sparkle. Come to think of it, if you're going to be hysterical, you might as well sparkle too. Hmmmm.

So romantic.

This happens to me ALL THE TIME. Except I don't have a yard. Oh well.

Truer words were never spoken. Damn you, Ya-Ya movie. Fave book, craptastic movie.

Annahita, this is for you and me. We like to indulge in what we refer to as "Sloth Day". It's exactly what it sounds like, except it usually involved an Amanda Bynes or ABC Family movie.

Someday.

I have this no fewer than three places in my house, namely as the skin on my macbook. Love it so much.

This list is mine, damnit!

So called "Bucket Lists" seem to be all the rage these days. Everyone's got one, except me. It kind of stresses me out to have a list of things to get done by a certain point in time. If I want to do these things, I'll do them. When I'm ready. If I die first, well shit. But whatevs, probably wasn't meant to be.  However, I do have goals and things I would like to accomplish and I do really like lists, ask anyone. So I made a list.

Stipulations: the list can change at my discretion and at any point in time. I can add to the list. I can delete from the list. I can adjust the list to fit my own personal needs and wants. I will do things when I damn well feel like it and can decide at a moment's notice or take months to plan it. That's the thing about my list. It's mine. I will not be confined by the rules set forth by some crappy buddy comedy between two old farts. (I'm feeling a bit saucy today - can you tell?) Anywho, here's list #1.


1. Shoot a gun (at the shooting range, not at Bambi)
2. Go to Harry Potter world at Universal (with Annahita, if she'll have me. She's the only one besides Lindsey who's as big a dork about HP as me)
3. Travel to the following international destinations: Prague, Australia, South Africa, India
4. Travel to the following US cities: Seattle, Las Vegas, Portland, Austin, San Diego
5. Drive a race car
6. Take a cooking class
7. Go to a film festival
8. Research my ancestry
9. Sing live with a band - no karaoke - in front of actual people
10. Master my grandma's chocolate cake recipe
11. Get a very small tattoo of a robin
12. Take surfing lessons
13. Start my Ph.D. in higher education
14. Run a 5k without stopping.
15. See Cirque du Soleil live
16. Pay off my credit cards (ha! like that'll happen in my lifetime)
17. Ride in a hot air balloon
18. Wear an entirely sequined dress
19. Go to a Hollywood awards show (preferably the Oscars or Emmys, but I will settle for the Golden Globes)
Addendum:
20. See the following artists/bands in concert: Adele, Mumford & Sons, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Sara Bareilles, Hem, the Bird and the Bee, Britney Spears (didn't see that one comin, did ya? HA!), Dixie Chicks (again, seen them 3 times, still hold out hope that they'll reunite)

If you or someone you know can help with any of these items, you will be handsomely rewarded.

Svetlana Thursday: Elf Yourself

1/4/2011
To: kappellj@uncw.edu
From: svetlanastravels@gmail.com
Subject: What a holiday!

Dear Jon,


I apologize for the radio silence, but the most amazing thing happened. After realizing that this place DIES around the holidays, Randy the Reindeer and I decided to take off as well and went to find our homeland. That's right - we went to the North Pole. Clearly, Santa was a little busy, but we got to hang out with the elves and Randy got to meet some of his extended family. They were pretty impressed with his microphone. The elves were pretty tied up until the 24th, but after they were done with all those toys they threw a huge party! You wouldn't think it to look at them, but they get ridiculous. They might even party than all you Student Affairs people. Might. 
Anyways, they taught Randy and I this great dance! Check it out!

(ed. note: there should be a link here to elf yourself, but those little buggers already took it down! Bah!)
Needless to say, we had a great time. Randy and I might have shared a moment under the mistletoe and we are exploring what that means for our relationship. It's progressing quickly, but I think it's safe to say that there are bright days ahead. Don't worry, he's keeping his antlers to himself for now. I also have a new place to stay! I ran into Phil and Lindsey McDaniel and they told me about an opening in the Crossing*. Seems like a roommate conflict went south and one of the suites has an open bed. The girls want to do a makeover, but I told them to keep their hands off, this outfit got me to where I am today. 


Well, it seems like people around here are starting to get to work, as will I. My journey continues, but never fear, I will be in touch.


Love, Svetty


*The Crossing is a residence hall on campus

Can we please make hats happen in the US? Who's with me?

*Ed. note: I started this post last Friday, but you know, I have a life. And a job. Deal.

You so knew this was coming. Being me and who I am and all that I love, I was naturally somewhat obsessed with the Royal Wedding. Although I'm pretty much a mutt culturally, I do know for sure that I've got some British blood in there somewhere (a. Clark b. pasty, pasty skin). My name also means princess in Hebrew so clearly I was meant to watch this. And who doesn't love a good commoner turned royalty story? Definitely me and Julia Stiles. It was inevitable that I would be all over this blessed event. Just look at these two! What's not to love?

What was not inevitable, yet a truly pleasant surprise, was the fervor with which I responded to the incredible millinery on display at the wedding. I am officially starting a movement to bring hats back to the US. For formal events, casual events, the workplace, and everyday chores. I can't imagine how a hat would not make any of those things better. Here are some of the hats that I love and love to hate from the Royal Wedding.

Queenie here (as my friend Lindsey has nicknamed her) looked bright and cheery in her lemony yellow ensemble. A classic hat for a classy lady.

The daughters of Prince Andrew and the ubiquitous Fergie definitely made a statement. I'm just not sure that I'd want that statement to include the terms "cracked out". However, I do kind of love the pale pink coat Eugenie is sporting. If only the tentacles on her head didn't distract from it.

Another one that I'm not completely thrilled with. While I enjoy a pop of color with a black and white outfit, this quasi-turban was just not doing it for me. Too much flower, too much tulle and too much turban.

Posh and Becks look smashing. I love them. I also love that he has a hat too. I have to wonder if he just carried it around all day or actually put it on at some point. Wouldn't want to mess up that banging coif he's got goin on. Posh can do no wrong in my book. I would like her to smile more in photos, mainly because the interviews I've read with her make her seem like a simply pleasant person. Her non-verbals do not express this. However, that fascinator is expressing plenty, mainly that she is fierce.

LOVE LOVE LOVE everything about this. The color the diamonds, the wide brim with simple, yet impactful detail.

I was undecided about this at first, but have come down on the side of love. Go big or go home, that's what I always say. Well, not really, but I might start.

These ladies seem super pleased with themselves. I don't know that I would be so smug if I were wearing my Great Aunt's holiday foliage from 1993 OR an inverted canoe that is threatening to change the very landscape of my nasal area.

Love. With all of my heart. Love the asymmetry (which is a very big deal since those that know me well know that I very much enjoy things that are symmetrical), love the jaunty angle at which the hat is tipped, love the structure of the adorning bow-like accessory.

Lastly, the greatest topper of all, a classic tiara on loan from Queenie herself. It is the perfect compliment to her amazing gown and doesn't overshadow Catherine's beauty or joyful spirit that she embodied on this day. Simply perfect.