Hindsight is 20/20. Sigh... It makes you wonder why you always have to gain knowledge after the fact. I know wisdom comes through experience and lessons learned but what about the things that could have changed your life? I'm a believer that God ultimately controls destiny, so of course He knows best. But I'm human and those feelings of restlessness and regret do like to sneak up on me.
As I write this blog, it's Sunday, only few hours before another work week begins. Also as I write this blog, many schools and universities are set to begin within the next week. Sigh again. While I am grateful to be employed and living a comfortable life, it's not about that. It's about the fact that, as I see it, I'm not living life as full out as I could be. Earlier today, I randomly thought more about my collegiate experience and a couple of missed turns: not adding theatre as a second major or as a minor, not studying abroad, letting fear drive me away from certain opportunities (real ones, not crushes!), holding back my "Miss NuHollywood"-ness from the world!
If you're reading this and are in college, please do the following if you have the opportunity:
1) Study abroad- It will give you more perspective in life and give you great stories to share with your future co-workers (believe me it will come in handy).
2) If you have a dream career but choose a safe major, find a way to add in your dream major. For example, acting is not an easy market to break into and back then I didn't have the confidence to audition for the program. Therefore, I chose a safer (and really useful and fun) major--Communications. If only I'd thought to double major in Communications and Theatre or add theatre as a minor, imagine where I'd be. Living out Broadway and Hollywood dreams and blogging on my official website :-)
3) Be confident! College is new for everyone. It's the time to recreate and define who you are. Go full out! Don't let self-consciousness derail you.
If you're out of college like I am, then don't wallow in the past. It can't be changed. All we can do is look to the future. Your aspirations CAN be realized but understand the road does become harder. Do I wish I could press pause and rewind? Of course, that's why you're reading this post! While I do often feel young, restless, and lost at various points in my life, I believe one day it will all come together. Maybe I'll have everything I've dreamed and worked towards or maybe I'll discover something new and be happy with that. I wish, I wish, I wish but what good does it do. All I can do is work and hope that everything else aligns.
I write these words for myself just as much as I write them to inspire/encourage others.Stay grounded, we'll reach our destinations eventually. You won't always feel optimistic, so vent and then let it go. This has been my 48-hour bout with regret but it ends tonight. I WISH becomes I LEARN and ACCEPT.
Onward and upward....
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Men are catching up to us, ladies!
For the things men have an advantage on—workplace pay being the biggest—we women have always had one thing in our arsenal. The power to be fabulous at a moment’s notice. Now it is true that this fabulousity comes with the downsides of cute stilettos that slowly murder your feet, the pressure to look sleek and trim but nonetheless it’s a power all our own!
Or is it? So we’ve all heard about the phenomenon of “metrosexuality” but even the most masculine of men is starting to get it. Grooming is unisex! Then came “manscaping”, the process of manicures, waxes (facial and otherwise), and even dabbles with makeup (guyliner anyone?)—basically what we females have been doing since forever. The fashion-senses have also been awakened and more and more guys aren’t just grabbing any old t-shirt, they’re heading to department stores, Express Men (love their men’s collection), other specialty stores, and getting things tailored to achieve a more fashionable version of their look.
However, I just read in The Washington Post something that made my mind spin. MAN SPANX. Spanx for MEN. Huh? Did a double-take but then I realized it makes complete sense. We all know how much attention (grr) is paid to women’s bodies and the all-too familiar comparison to some body part of a Hollywood starlet. Isn’t it time for some sweet revenge? If we have to tuck things in and look slim, so should you (looking at you fellas). A potbelly is only cool if you’re talking about the sandwich shop and moobs (more commonly referred to as man-boobs) are never hot! Repeat: THEY ARE NEVER GOING TO BE IN. Unless you have a condition, in that case, we don’t discriminate.
Spanx for men are basically designed to do what they do for women. Tuck and hide. For me, Spanx definitely can refine a look and give that extra little boost of confidence. We all know the popularity for women but it’s refreshing to see that guys are flocking to stores (think Neiman-Marcus, though it will only be a matter of time before they’re everywhere) taking that step to tuck and hide versus the all too common “let it go” look. The Spanx are called Compression T-Shirts and they remind me of Under Armour except it’s not gym activewear. Oh and in case you thought it was only for guys with guts—nope it’s for you muscular guys who need to fit into trendy suits. Guys, we (or at least I) will love you for taking that step. It shows you care just as much as I do about personal appearance. No shame, boys, no shame!
Real men wear pink (and other pastel tones)? Sure. Real men wear Spanx? Absolutely!
The Washington Post article (The writer breaks down this phenomenon and includes a slideshow): http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/18/AR2010081804365.html?hpid=moreheadlines
Man Spanx website: http://www.spanx.com/category/index.jsp?categoryId=3955558
Or is it? So we’ve all heard about the phenomenon of “metrosexuality” but even the most masculine of men is starting to get it. Grooming is unisex! Then came “manscaping”, the process of manicures, waxes (facial and otherwise), and even dabbles with makeup (guyliner anyone?)—basically what we females have been doing since forever. The fashion-senses have also been awakened and more and more guys aren’t just grabbing any old t-shirt, they’re heading to department stores, Express Men (love their men’s collection), other specialty stores, and getting things tailored to achieve a more fashionable version of their look.
However, I just read in The Washington Post something that made my mind spin. MAN SPANX. Spanx for MEN. Huh? Did a double-take but then I realized it makes complete sense. We all know how much attention (grr) is paid to women’s bodies and the all-too familiar comparison to some body part of a Hollywood starlet. Isn’t it time for some sweet revenge? If we have to tuck things in and look slim, so should you (looking at you fellas). A potbelly is only cool if you’re talking about the sandwich shop and moobs (more commonly referred to as man-boobs) are never hot! Repeat: THEY ARE NEVER GOING TO BE IN. Unless you have a condition, in that case, we don’t discriminate.
Spanx for men are basically designed to do what they do for women. Tuck and hide. For me, Spanx definitely can refine a look and give that extra little boost of confidence. We all know the popularity for women but it’s refreshing to see that guys are flocking to stores (think Neiman-Marcus, though it will only be a matter of time before they’re everywhere) taking that step to tuck and hide versus the all too common “let it go” look. The Spanx are called Compression T-Shirts and they remind me of Under Armour except it’s not gym activewear. Oh and in case you thought it was only for guys with guts—nope it’s for you muscular guys who need to fit into trendy suits. Guys, we (or at least I) will love you for taking that step. It shows you care just as much as I do about personal appearance. No shame, boys, no shame!
Real men wear pink (and other pastel tones)? Sure. Real men wear Spanx? Absolutely!
The Washington Post article (The writer breaks down this phenomenon and includes a slideshow): http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/18/AR2010081804365.html?hpid=moreheadlines
Man Spanx website: http://www.spanx.com/category/index.jsp?categoryId=3955558
Cheers to size...HEALTHY!
I just read an article on Entertainment Weekly (my source for pop culture goodness) about a Tyra Banks apology regarding America's Next Top Model (ANTM), Cycle 15. My first thought was "This could be interesting. Is she apologizing for the fact that this show is still on?" I know that sounds mean but I honestly haven't enjoyed ANTM since Cycle 8 (Jaslene Gonzalez was the winner) with my favorite cycles being 2 (Mercedes rocked!), 3 (Eva the diva was fierce), and 6 (Sweet Danielle and hilarious Jade were great). I couldn't tell you anything about the last few seasons except that of the seasons I watched it has gotten progressively worse. But my disdain is another blog post.
Anyway, it turns out that a promo spot (commercial, if you will) was released showing Tyra Banks appearing to praise a model's very small waist. If you've ever seen the show or know anything about Tyra since her modeling days, than you know that she is all about curves, embracing your body, all the "beauty comes in all shapes and sizes" mantras you can think of. Now of course I agree with those ideas, just as beauty is not only found in one skin tone, hair color, or eye color, beauty is not only one body type.
What was interesting in the comments section was that a debate brewed between the reactions between very thin and overweight. There definitely is more of an overall campaign by the media to celebrate "regular-sized" and "full/plus-sized" women. I applaud the media for this since for so many decades, there was the "one size fits all" mentality that you needed to be the golden size 6 (or smaller) to wear the best fashions, be a model/actress, etc. Embrace your curves and even the extra pounds you have--a confident and positive self-image is what it's all about.
But while celebrating the larger than size 6 body, are we doing so at the cost of the naturally thin women? As sure as "fat" jokes are generally discouraged, how many times have we heard "she looks anorexic!" or "go eat something". Maybe these ladies are eating something and have a naturally fast metabolism or it's their genetic structure or they have a good balance of healthy eating and exercise. I believe we should celebrate ALL body types as long as they are healthy! High blood pressure, cholesterol, etc do not discriminate between a size 0 and a size 20. The key is healthy lifestyle! That will most certainly give way to a beautiful person, no matter what their size is.
Entertainment Weekly's article (and comments): http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/08/16/tyra-banks-top-model-apology/
Anyway, it turns out that a promo spot (commercial, if you will) was released showing Tyra Banks appearing to praise a model's very small waist. If you've ever seen the show or know anything about Tyra since her modeling days, than you know that she is all about curves, embracing your body, all the "beauty comes in all shapes and sizes" mantras you can think of. Now of course I agree with those ideas, just as beauty is not only found in one skin tone, hair color, or eye color, beauty is not only one body type.
What was interesting in the comments section was that a debate brewed between the reactions between very thin and overweight. There definitely is more of an overall campaign by the media to celebrate "regular-sized" and "full/plus-sized" women. I applaud the media for this since for so many decades, there was the "one size fits all" mentality that you needed to be the golden size 6 (or smaller) to wear the best fashions, be a model/actress, etc. Embrace your curves and even the extra pounds you have--a confident and positive self-image is what it's all about.
But while celebrating the larger than size 6 body, are we doing so at the cost of the naturally thin women? As sure as "fat" jokes are generally discouraged, how many times have we heard "she looks anorexic!" or "go eat something". Maybe these ladies are eating something and have a naturally fast metabolism or it's their genetic structure or they have a good balance of healthy eating and exercise. I believe we should celebrate ALL body types as long as they are healthy! High blood pressure, cholesterol, etc do not discriminate between a size 0 and a size 20. The key is healthy lifestyle! That will most certainly give way to a beautiful person, no matter what their size is.
Entertainment Weekly's article (and comments): http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/08/16/tyra-banks-top-model-apology/
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