Hats

First off, I'm writing this at the library and there's an old dude at a computer across from me talking on his cell phone.  He's yelling at someone, "You want to go to Flo's for dinner?  You have to show me you have cash first...  WHAT?  Don't show her that!  It's sadistic!  It's witchcraft!...  I can't do that at my house, my ex could show up."  It's gettin' crazy up at the local library!  Wow.  Oh,  he just got up.  He's wearing a baseball cap and has his gray hair in a ponytail. 

Speaking of crazy looks, one of my good friends sent me a link to some extremely entertaining hats seen at this year's Royal Ascot (England's biggest horse race of the year, dating back to 1711).  I highly recommend going through this quick slideshow.  And here is one of my favorites:

Kind of makes me want to get a little more adventerous with my wardrobe.  Hmm...



http://www.amazon.com/Hat-Book-Creating-Every-Occasion/dp/0937274739 

Problem with Hello

This week I have noticed something.  I have a really hard time introducing myself to new people.  I get really nervous and my mind goes blank.  And I get frantic, so then my mind goes really blank, or focuses on something absolutely ridiculous.  Thought process: I could say 'Hi I'm Amanda' and they'd respond with their name, but what do I say after that?  I hate comments on the weather, so I won't comment on that.  I could comment on their clothes, but then I'll seem shallow.  I could comment on last night's baseball game, but they might hate sports and then there will be awkward silence.  The thought process usually ends with me giving up, or the opportunity passes me by. 

I've even asked for advice from some of my charming outgoing friends, who are very encouraging.  Their wisdom really gets me motivated, and I tell myself, "This is so easy!  I can do this.  Just don't get nervous and be your yourself."  Easier said than done.  This morning I had a perfect chance to practice, and I dropped the ball again.  After 5 minutes of sitting next to a person I'd never met and going through my traditional thought process and giving up, someone else introduced us and then we chatted a bit.  So, that one worked out okay in the end.  But still, I needed to be a big girl and introduce myself.  I don't have a problem with conversation post-introduction, it's just that initial "hello".  Maybe tomorrow I'll get the chance to try again. 

Speaking of tomorrow, it is Father's Day tomorrow.  Happy Father's Day to my super terrific wonderful awesome dad who has no problem meeting new people! :) 

Time Management

You might ask why I get to the airport so early? Well, let me tell you a story. One sunny afternoon a wonderful friend dropped me off at Sky Harbor Terminal 4. I checked my bag and the kiosk told me to go to Gate C-something. I glanced at the guy next to me and noticed his kiosk said C11. Cool. Both of us are over at C! So I proceeded upstairs and got a snack, went through security, and made my way to the C gates... To C11. Umm, C11 is really far. 2 moving walkways! And when I got there people were already boarding! Ah! I was late! How could this be?! Wait, the sign says "Chicago" um, was this my gate? In a panic I looked for a bank of tv displays to tell me my gate. I couldn't find a single tv in whole neighborhood! C11 was so far out they didn't have tvs! Nooo! So I got out my trusty iPhone and figured out I was actually C4... 2 moving walkways back. Arg. So I readjusted my bag and purse and voyaged to the correct gate.

I don't know why this happened. I just flew 2,weeks ago and was quite successful. Good thing I got to the airport early :). Appears it is time to get ready to board. Wait, why does the sign say San Jose? I'm going to San Diego!

Starbucks Happy Hour

Starbucks Happy Hour

Friday, May 6 - Sunday, May 15

3:00 - 5:00 PM Everyday

Half-Price Frappuccino (both coffee flavors and non-coffee flavors)

And the summer coconut frap is back

Plus frappuccinos are totally customizable now:

• Milk: 2%, nonfat, or soy
• Coffee: get an extra pump of coffee, shot of espresso, or decaf
• Toppings: whipped cream, chocolate and caramel drizzle, sprinkles, toasted coconut

http://www.starbucks.com/blog/happy-hour-returns/1005

Old Reckless Library Lady

Today I went to the library during my lunch break to pick up the 2nd book in a series I'm reading. The online library catalog said they had it in the "new fiction" section. But when I got in there I couldn't find it in that section. Frustrating. I needed that book real bad so I had no choice- I had to ask a librarian for help. I hate asking for help. The librarian was nice enough (and complimented my shoes so of course I liked her)she went off on a book hunt and I waited at the front desk. While I was standing there an old lady got in line behind me. She was wearing an elastic waist cotton dress and ked tennis shoes. We were just standing there waiting and then I heard... Gas being passed. Quite loudly. It was just the old lady and I, and I know it wasn't me, so it had to be her! I giggled to myself. The librarian arrived with my book and on my way out I heard what the gassy old lady was waiting in line for- her books were overdue and she wanted to pay her fine. WHAT? Careless, reckless gas passer was waiting in line to responsibly pay her library fine? Talk about extreme opposites! What a lady.

Squinting

I wear contacts. Typically I go to the eye doctor, load up on contacts and don't return to the dr till my last pair of lenses gets funky. Well ... The time has arrived. My right lense is blurry. Today I made my pilgramage to the optometrist, got a new prescription, ordered more contacts, and had my eyes dilated.

At work I've been working on a few special projects, all on quick deadlines. That didn't cross my mind when the eye dr asked if it'd be okay if she dilated my eyes. When I returned to work with my enlarged pupils I couldn't read anything on my computer screen, and I needed to make several board-worthy spreadsheets due today! I squinted and guessed my way around to figure out how to make my monitor suitable for a 90 year old blind woman. The big boss picked that moment to drop by and ask how his spreadsheets were coming. I smiled and told him I'd be finished soon (didn't mention it was dependent on me regaining my sight). After a few painful hours I could see and I finished his project. I think I learned my dilation lesson.

Time Waster or Life Improver?

I came to the library after work to use their free wifi (and return some stuff, it was overdue and my fine will probably go from $6 to $9...  they might put me in jail).  I don't have internet at my apartment, so we'll see how this works.  I've come across some fun links in the past couple months and wanted to share them.  They might just waste your time, or they might change your life forever.  :)

Create starbucks drinks!  Who knew there was a sweet espresso called ristretto?  I love the creativity.

Color palette generator.  You give the website a picture, and it gives you an exact match of a color scheme, both a bold and muted.  Nice.  In one of my last posts I mentioned this picture I got from ikea.  So I went to the website, right clicked on the image of the picture, viewed info, copied the url listed, then pasted it in the color palette generator.  Viola!  There are the colors to use to decorate! 

Free junk.  I've always known craigslist had a free section, but for some reason it has become more appealing to me.  If you check it regularly you can find some great stuff.  Well, maybe not "great", but certainly entertaining.  Free pony rides, goat manure, 5 lb handheld barbell, and a giant mirror are all listed right now.  If that giant mirror wasn't so far away I'd probably go get it.

Note to self:  library internet is awful.  I think it times out every 3 minutes.  Get an iPhone and all life's problems will be solved.