Spooktacular Times

Halloween is absolutely my favourite day of the year at work. Everybody in the office dresses up for our notorious costume contest. Today was no exception. In fact, I'm quite sure that this year's costumes are some of the best ones yet. I work with the greatest group of people. I decided to go as "Snow White" this year. Any excuse to be a brunette for the day, really. Much of the first hour of work was spent running around, laughing, checking out everybody's outfits and taking a zillion photos. Basically, we had a total blast. You can check out more photos of my creative co-workers here.


Tonight, back to my goldilocks and happily out of my costume. I am quite content to be spending a quiet night in by myself with plenty of popcorn and movies on hand. Chances are, I'll be asleep by 9pm. Whatever your plans are today, Happy Halloween!

Touched For The Very First Time

After all the years of waiting, and all the hours spent perfecting my moves and learning all the choreography that she performed during her Drowned World Tour (by dancing along with the dvd in my living room), last night I finally had the opportunity to see Madonna in the flesh when she rolled into Vancouver with her Sticky & Sweet Tour.


The rainy scene outside BC Place Stadium was completely chaotic. Clearly they had too few people scanning tickets for the crowd of somewhere around 50,000 people, and the air-locked doors made the lineups take forever. Once inside, we grabbed an $8 beer and checked out the merch booth. Huge fail. Seriously. When merchandise is cool, I love to buy something- but the $70 shitty t-shirts on display last night were not even tempting.

An hour after the show was scheduled to begin, there was a huge roar when the lights finally went down. Several massive video screens displayed bright animation, as androgynous dancers rose out of the stage. A wall turned around to display the Queen of Pop in a black leotard, sitting on a rhinestone studded throne.


The show, as you can imagine, was quite a production. That's what kept going through my head as I was watching it. When you think of it in those terms, it really was quite a show. Between the lights, screens, sound, elaborate costumes and props- it was definitely a spectacle. The woman is 50 and damn, can she move it. Her tightly choreographed two-hour set was obviously designed to accentuate her physical strength and flexibility. Power yoga does a body good.


I can't say that it was a bad show because it wasn't. She looked hot, she sounded good (for the most part) and I could actually see her from our nosebleed seats. I guess I just feel a bit deflated on account of the fact that the show didn't completely blow me away as I'd imagined it would. I suppose that's what happens when you build something up from the time that you're six years old. It makes it hard for it to measure up, no matter the quality of it. Maybe if I wasn't hating her a little right now for her recent public comments completely slamming her soon to be ex-husband Guy Ritchie, I would have enjoyed the show more. I don't know. I just didn't walk away thinking it was the greatest show I'd ever seen, that's for sure. She didn't even play Material Girl.

In her review published in today's Vancouver Sun, Elaine Corden said:

"If Madonna's astonishing work ethic was evident in every choreographed step, it was admirable but also somehow tragic. The most famous woman in the world seemed very alone onstage, surrounded by accessories but seemingly intimate only with her own drive. It was only a brief moment, observable only to a keen eye, but it resonated."

I couldn't have said it better myself. On my list of things I must do before I die, where it says "see Madonna in concert," I have officially marked "check."

Sing A Song For Them

Sunday night in Seattle. Jenny Lewis, live in concert at Showbox at The Market. It was the primary reason that Keira and I made the trip down south, so you can imagine our disappointment when we arrived to buy our tickets, only to find out that the show was basically sold out. The bartender at The Green Room, the bar attached to the venue, told us to come back when they opened. He said that if we hung out there until the venue doors opened, it would be our best shot at scoring some last minute tickets. We did as he said, and nervously sipped a couple of delicious pre-show vodka sodas with our fingers crossed while we waited. It wasn't until the very last minute that one of the doormen came back and presented us with two tickets. We were in!

After purchasing our matching "Godspeed" t-shirts, Keira and I hauled ass straight to the stage to secure a prime location. Jenny began her set with "Happy" and after the first verse, it was immediately clear that while a capable five-piece band accompanied her, Lewis' voice was the most powerful instrument on stage and the star of the show. It was also very evident during "Acid Tongue" when band members stepped away from their instruments and backed Lewis with harmonies while she sang with the spotlight all to herself. The live version of "The Next Messiah" was another highlight of the show. You can check out a little video that I took of it here.


I may have known her as my favourite character in Troop Beverly Hills much longer, but Jenny Lewis has proven herself to be a captivating songwriter and performer. The tiny-framed, big-voiced, adorable Jenny Lewis has certainly blossomed into something of an indie goddess. Her set was a raucous, witty and tender celebration of her music and I enjoyed every moment of it.

Make sure that you check out Keira's entry about the show here as well.

The Blondes Go South

Photo: Keira-Anne on Flickr

After a Saturday evening of films, facials and fundue, two blondes hit the road before the crack of dawn on Sunday morning, bound for the border. Keira and I had been planning our trip to Seattle for what seemed like forever, so obviously we were beyond excited when the day of our adventure finally arrived.

We stayed at The Moore Hotel, which to our great delight, is a darling little hotel right downtown. We were given fantastic service by a total sweetheart at the front desk, who encouraged us to opt for one of the suites. It ended up being just so much lovelier than we ever could have imagined.

We spent the day walking around the city, taking photos, and exploring the famous Pike Place Market. It was just what we needed; a weekend away filled with shopping, laughing, eating different (yummy and not so healthy) foods, amazing tunes, sightseeing, perfect vodka sodas, an incredible concert courtesy of Miss Jenny Lewis and (if you can believe it) lots and lots of sunshine!


On our way home today, we made a stop at Alderwood Mall for some of the essentials, including Victoria's Secret and "Hot Dog On A Stick." It may not have yet have been noon, but it certainly wasn't too early for us to get some meat on a stick. Keira raves about their dogs and cherry lemonade, so I was pretty sure that I was in for a treat. I was definitely not disappointed. Let me just say, it was the best damn hot dog that I've ever eaten in my life. We were also treated to complimentary "cheese on a stick" by Anna, the enthusiastic doll working behind the counter. She told us that it would taste just like a grilled cheese sandwich. I thought that she was exaggerating. She wasn't. I can't wait to go back.


The two of us had an absolutely awesome weekend. In fact, we're already planning our next trip (and the "shopping fund" saving starts now!)

Check out Keira's post and more photos from our trip here.

Not Clueless Anymore...

I couldn't wait to get home from work last night, mostly because for the first time in a long time, I had absolutely no plans at all. I threw my bags down by the door, slid on my favourite comfy pants and cooked myself a tasty little dinner. I knew that movies and relaxing were all that I had on the agenda for the evening, and that a night like this was more than a little overdue.

Earlier in the week, while perusing my usual celeb and fashion blogs, I came across some photos of a few of my favourite ladies, including Alicia Silverstone, at the opening of Peter Alexander's new Los Angeles boutique. This prompted me to watch two films last night: Clueless and Blast From The Past. It also prompted this little tribute to Ms. Silverstone today. She's an actress, producer, passionate animal welfare and environmental activist, and huge promoter of her vegan lifestyle. She's also a major supporter of Stella McCartney's vegan-friendly line of clothing and accessories. I couldn't admire Alicia more for her strong dedication to what she believes in.

I'm still mourning the demise of Miss Match (which I keep praying will be released on dvd one of these days!) Plus, who could forget those classic Aerosmith vids that she made such an impression doing in the 90s. Truth be told, if there was ever a show on MTV to become Alicia's BFF, I may very well apply.


"I don't feel like a dream girl, but I think it's really nice. I guess a part of me wishes I got that sort of attention in my real life. Because in my real life, I'm this weird, dorky girl who just hangs out with her dogs. " Alicia Silverstone

*Photos in this entry are not property of Work In Progress. All images in this post have been taken from various websites and stockpiled in the archives. If your photo has not been credited and you would like it to be, please e-mail me.**

Who You Want Me To Be

Nothing there moves.
If I sit still, I can hear everything.
The slow turning of leaves, creaks,
a steady cold breeze, the frost...
all of it.
Nothing there moves.

I don't want to feel guilty.
I don't want to feel like the bad one.
I am not the bad one.

Something is changing,
the direction is.

I had the strangest dream,
steaks and cardigans and flying.

“a wind has blown the rain away and blown the sky away and all the leaves away, and the trees stand. i think, i too, have known autumn too long.”

Take That!

Photo property of Mark Regimbal

It seems that my friend Regimbal was looking for a black eye yesterday, as he was quite disappointed that I didn't punch him in the face. In fact, he left me a lengthy voice mail message this morning pleading his case, which not only made me laugh out loud, but also made me feel bad for not giving him what he so obviously has coming to him. So since he most definitely deserves it, I'm adding Regimbal to the mix as my "bonus punch" because, I mean honestly, who wouldn't want to punch this guy in the face?

She Punched Me!

Keira decided to punch me in the face this morning, just before I was going to eat. So here I go:

5 things I was doing 10 years ago:

1. Selling popcorn and filling nacho trays behind the concession counter at Colossus.
2. Coordinating the stellar Vibe Clothing Fashion Show for my Marketing class.
3. Crying about the fact that my best friend was going to abandon me the following year to go rub elbows with Prince William at Eton College.
4. Dancing to The Backstreet Boys and taping all of their appearances on Much Music.
5. Looking forward to my trip to Italy.

5 things on my to do list today:

1. Sell, sell, sell!
2. Meet Cindy B. for dinner.
3. Wish Jenna a Happy Birthday!
4. Pick up milk.
5. Catch up on my Google Reader feeds.

5 snacks that I love:

1. Macintosh apples
2. Avocado with cream cheese on Ryvita
3. Popcorn
4. Crackers and peanut butter (especially if it's Jif)
5. Freshly baked chocolate chip cookies

5 things I would do if I was a millionaire:

1. Pay off my debt (and my Mom & Dad's.)
2. Travel the world.
3. Donate to the charities close to my heart.
4. Buy a home in Paris.
5. Start a clothing company.

5 places I've lived:

1. Vancouver
2. Walnut Grove
3. Delta
4. Langley
5. New Westminster

5 jobs I've had:

1. Movie theatre concession worker.
2. Waitress at The Pantry (I hated it, I quit after my first day!)
3. Hair salon receptionist/assistant/manager/apprentice/ everywoman/ slave.
4. Accounts Receivable analyst for an electronics distribution company.
5. Apparel sales rep.

5 people I punch:

1. Melissa
2. Smelly Danielly
3. Tania
4. Patz
5. Roshan

I Heart Andy Samberg

Here's why:



Plus, as an added bonus, my other dream boy, Taylor Hawkins is also in this clip.

Who Wants To Be Right As Rain

Photo credit: here

Best friend designing twosome Sophia Coloma and Marissa Ribisi (twin sis of Giovanni, wife of Beck) are the brains behind the casual wear label, Whitley Kros. The duo, which claims inspiration for their latest collection is a Bohemian combination of the influences of Morocco, Greece, Bob Dylan, and Allen Ginsberg, showed their line on the Main Stage at LA Fashion Week on Sunday night.

The mixed prints, slashed denim and marching band jackets for Spring 2009 are absolutely one hundred percent West Coast. Many of the loose fitting outfits seem to be one part worn the night before and one part boyfriend's t-shirt. If untidiness has its place in every young person's life, it's certainly exemplified here (in fact, some of the hairdos look very much like mine when I wake up in the morning!) There are a few pieces that I really LOVE, and I definitely feel the vibe of the collection. I'm a West Coast girl through and through, so I dig the laid back quality of the clothes, but I'd be lying if I didn't admit to finding some of the looks a bit frumpy, as well as some of the styling just a little too ragamuffin for the runway.

Photos: Zimbio

I'm much more a fan of their Fall 2008 collection, for which the tag line is "Melanie Griffith in Working Girl travels through Berlin and Paris, listening to Nirvana.” For the Fall collection they presented both polished staple pieces and fun, bright, random, exciting ones. They also showed a sophisticated grey and black plaid wool blend in the form of high-waisted skirts paired with vibrant contrasting coloured silk blouses. There's a definite retro 70s and 80s feel to many of these pieces. I love the vibrant bursts of colour, and appreciate very much that this collection is adding some "fun" to the moodiness of Fall. I like, I like.

Photos: Getty

**Note: The title comes from the lyrics to "Right As Rain," by my latest musical obsession, Adele. You should check her out here. She pretty much rocks. H/T Dad

Breathing Underwater

Photo: A Kid Blog

"Perhaps when we find ourselves wanting everything, it is because we are dangerously close to wanting nothing."
Sylvia Plath

Upon close examination of her reflection in the mirror, something is quite vividly apparent. There is life in her eyes again, a sincerity in her smile, a warmth in her heart. But even then, there are times when she does what she does to feel closure. Acting upon impulse, ignoring the feelings of another. At times, she is merely living in the moment, wanting to wipe the dirty window clean; that window she has looked through for the last time. She regrets nothing that has happened in recent days, and prior evenings... she is not selfish, she is merely considering herself for once. She is ensuring that her heart remains safe. She is ensuring that there is no opportunity for repeated heartache. A moment, an instant, she barely remembers it happening. What she does remember is feeling content, and ready to move on. A heart that held on so dearly for so many nights can finally let go. Once it is let go, the most terrifying question of all remains.

Aaah, Friday...

Photo: Esme on Flickr

A migraine ruined my Thursday. Thank God for Breakfast At Tiffany's and Elizabethtown, cozy blankets and an endless supply of tea. I'm feeling much better today. I couldn't be happier that it's Friday. The rain is coming down incessantly outside. I love it...just as long as it doesn't rain tomorrow for Di and Shawn's big day. Despite trying on what seemed like every dress in Canada, I did not buy a new one for the wedding. I'm going with the fallback dress, old faithful.

I bought one of those foam roller things the other night. I used to use one in pilates class all the time- and I remembered it being amazing. My back has pretty much been completely screwed for the last few months- and next to nothing has given me any reasonable relief. That is, until now. My new (magic) roller is an absolute miracle. The idea is that you roll your body weight along the foam roller, massaging through restrictions that may occur in the muscle and fascia. Using a foam roller can actually provide similar benefits as a deep tissue massage. I highly recommend using one. I'm pretty much obsessed with mine.

Well, that's about it for today, folks. My lunch break is drawing to a close, so I must sign off. Happy Friday!

Time Is Running Out...

Photo: Tina Manthorpe on Flickr

Hallowe'en is one of my favourite days of the year, and it has been since I was a little girl. I've always loved playing dress up. Getting to pretend to be somebody else for a day is oh so much fun! (Yes, it's true. I'm a repressed SNL star...) Pumpkins, decorations, trick-or-treating, spiders, ghosts, goblins, witches riding brooms and all thinks spooky. I love Hallowe'en.


Each year, the team in my office dresses up for work. My friends and coworkers are so creative, that the pressure's always on. Last year, I ended up moving on November 1st, so putting together a killer costume wasn't really an option as my time was better spent packing. Obviously I wasn't going to not dress up, so I recycled an old devil outfit that I had kept on hand in my tickle trunk for such "costume emergencies." Unfortunately, it was basically yawnfest 2007 and needless to say, a letdown of huge proportions. I will need something much more exciting this year. So this raises the question: what should I be for Hallowe'en this year? Should I go for a totally creepy getup, the (generic) uber slutty cop/witch/cat/nurse/whatever, or something funny? It's always a tossup- something hot or something really good? Is there a perfect costume that can be both? I am in search of inspiration. I need something unique. A trip to Value Village in the near future is very necessary... I must find something brilliant...or at least really, really fun!


Are you dressing up for Hallowe'en this year? If so, do you have your costume yet? Shake, some action's what I need.

California Love

Photo: ICYDN

I know I'm going to get all kinds of flak from all of you Hills haters out there for this, but I have to say... I love Lauren Conrad's Spring 2009 collection.

It was shown last night at the Smashbox Studios as part of Mercedes-Benz LA Fashion Week. Lauren hung out back stage where she helped style the models and make sure her clothes were dressed perfectly.

Creating good basics has proven to be a more difficult task than one would think. I think Lauren has nailed it with this collection, which has a true retro feel to it and draws inspiration from the 50s, 60s and 70s. Her designs include strapless floor-length dresses in muted white, blue and brown, high-waisted shorts and thigh-skimming flowered dresses with bubble skirts. Thick black and brown belts cinched dresses in at the waist. Overgrown 'Carrie Bradshaw flowers' adorned headbands, completing the show's feminine theme.

Maybe I just love this collection because I would wear every piece. Oh well, I do...and I would.


Photos: Getty Images for MBFW

Fashionably Natural

Photo: Seattlepi

L.A. Fashion Week opened last Thursday with Fashionably Natural, a runway show that featured four of Los Angeles’ emerging eco-fashion designers showing their Spring 2009 collections. Hosted in collaboration with SOYJOY and nonprofit Gen Art, Fashionably Natural showcased the talent of Bridgid Cattis, Popomomo, The Battalion, and Velvet Leaf. The catwalk was covered with frocks and jumpsuits made entirely from organic, recycled, and sustainable textiles.

Photo: Seattlepi

Actress Maggie Gyllenhaal (who happens to be one of my girl crushes) hosted the event. The variety of styles and textiles, which included denim, soy and bamboo jersey, organic cotton and silk found throughout the collections demonstrates the versatility of eco-fashion and leaves no doubt that “Eco-Chic” is not a passing trend. Using sustainable materials, organic, raw textiles and recycled vintage fabrics, these designers represent the forward-thinking conscience of the fashion industry. It’s an understanding that what women wear is as much statement of substance as it is of style.


Photos: Gen Art

“[Sustainable fashion has] become more and more important every passing year with what’s happening to the environment,” said Ian Gerard, Gen Art’s founder and CEO. “It’s nice to see it translate into fashion as well as everything from consumer products to cars. So it’s very exciting that this is our first green fashion show.”

You can view more photos from the show here.

I Am

Photo: Winopolous on Flickr

I've been going nonstop for weeks. I feel...different. I've been persistent, diligent and firm. I'm trying not to get discouraged, even though I feel frustrated sometimes.

I don't believe in promises. I don't believe in these damp, rosy cheeks. I believe in my angels. I believe in sugar coating some things with extra love and care. I believe in myself, most of the time. I believe in only true friendships. I believe in it all being okay one day. I just wish I could believe it would be soon.

I am so very blessed and I have so much to be thankful for, and I am.

Happy Thanksgiving. I hope that you've been able to spend some time with the ones you love this weekend.

That's It, That's All

Photo: JV Briggs on Flickr

As if I'm not already stoked enough about the upcoming winter season...
I'll be out tomorrow night for the Vancouver premiere of That's It, That's All presented by Quiksilver and Red Bull. It's easily the most anticipated snowboarding movie of the year. Dedicated to everything snowboarding, Travis Rice and a dream team crew set out on a seek-and-destroy operation for the new zone, the new trick and the new perspective on the sport. This high definition film is truly "Planet Earth meets snowboarding" and one of the best snowboard movies that you will ever see. Trust me, you don't want to miss this.

WHEN: FRIDAY OCTOBER 10, 2008

WHERE: VOGUE THEATRE, 918 GRANVILLE STREET

TIME: DOORS @ 8PM / SHOW @ 9PM

Thursday Coles Notes

I am worn down and beat up. My own bed will feel like heaven when I climb into it tonight, without a doubt. There's lots of work to be done today before I fly back to Vancouver, so no time for chit chat. I just want to point you in a couple of directions before I sign off:

• Check out my latest post, "The Queen Bee" over at GossipGirl.ca- a little tribute to Blair Waldorf's quintessential-upper-east side steeze.
  

Photo: Style Traxx

• If you haven't already done so, I highly recommend heading over to iTunes to purchase the first 12 tracks of Matthew Good's exclusive Live At Massey Hall album. Basically, it's unreal and you'll be missing out huge if you don't buy it.
  

Photo: Scott Armitage on Flickr

So Close

Photo: Zwanzig on Flickr

I can't wait to be home.
One more long day to go.

Electric Youth

Photo: Music4Mix on Flickr

My first concert was Debbie Gibson, at the Pacific Coliseum. I think I was about six. I had a hat exactly like her trademark one, and I thought I was super cool as soon as I put it on my little blonde head. I was pretty sure I looked exactly like her. I wore that hat to her show with my stellar jean jacket (which, of course, had buttons all over the front of it.) When I had the opportunity to meet Debbie briefly after the show, she signed my program and told me that she loved my hat. I was over the moon.

These hats are starting to pop up all over the place again- some with a bit more Charlie Chaplin flavour than others. I know it's supposed to be a faux pas to rock something that you are old enough to have worn the last time it was popular, but ooooh the nostalgia. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't tempted. I still think they're really cute.

Photos: TMZ

Vibrant Thing

Photo by Ines on Cherry Blossom Girl

I am all full up of
words and images and memories
and poker faces,
and pressure and stress, and
delightful comfort.

I have had several days of
making mental lists,
counting numbers,
talking, talking, talking
and
trying to erase all the fear
and all the tension.

I am so thankful
for my unknowing
saviours, my friends.
Spilling over with ideas,
opportunities
and I feel a little more saved than before.

Regina awaits...

WTF? Seriously.

Photo: Real Television

"Which of these dolls would I like to play with, and which of these dolls would I rather leave on the shelf?" Paris Hilton

On Wednesday night, as I was flipping through one of the magazines in my stack while waiting to board the airplane, I came across an ad for the newest MTV reality show: Paris Hilton's My New BFF. "You've got to be kidding me!" I exclaimed out loud. Mark read over my shoulder about this new series which will be Paris Hilton's dedicated quest to find a new best friend. We both mocked the concept and the contestants. We laughed about the fact that Paris completely lacks the charisma to carry her own show.

Well, wouldn't you know it, when our plane took off and the West Jet television sets kicked in, there was Miss Hilton staring back at me from the screen. Obviously Mark and I both watched the episode in its entirety.

Here's the rundown: In "BFF," a group of 20-somethings (of questionable intelligence- and mostly with really bad hair, I might add)- cat fight for the supposed honour of joining Paris' inner circle and becoming her new "Best Friend Forever." The contestants will live in her"dollhouse" where Paris says that she "will control their every move."

Photo: MTV

The entire show is completely laughable- and believe me, I laughed- out loud for the most part. I always thought that she was an idiot, but this is really over the top, even for her. It's pretty clear that she has a deluded sense of what it means to be a friend. What she's looking for, in reality, is a slave to follow her around, idolize and adore her, look hot (but not hotter than her) and basically do everything that she tells them. I'm not sure what kind of bizarro world calls that a friendship. Paris has claimed that the winner (the events of the show have already transpired in this, our real world) has actually become a friend, and that she's socialized with all the rest of them. But in the context of the show, they are merely her pets and playthings. Her whim can become the law with a simple text message.

In the first "challenge," blindfolded contestants were nastily interrogated by a Las Vegas impresario, as Paris and her boyfriend Benji Madden looked on. "Do you think you're hot?" "Are your breasts real"? "How many guys have you slept with?" ("Tonight?" one girl asked back.) "Would you die for Paris?"

With a "TTYL" from Paris, five contestants were dropped in the first episode- four on the first night and one bleach blonde who refused Paris' makeover suggestion to dye her locks jet black. You see, "Best friends should trust each other's opinions." So obviously, this girl couldn't be the new BFF.

And, ensuring that the home viewers also got something out of the experience, Hilton took time to share a few pearls of her charmed life wisdom: "Never leave a party last," and, "Working it is a skill. It takes time and effort to perfect."

I'm appalled that shit like this is even on television, as well as slightly embarrassed to admit that I actually watched it. Needless to say, I won't be tuning in again. LAME.

Sweet Pretty Things

Photo: Zimbio

My girl Whitney Port's new clothing line is finally available! The first few pieces of her collection have been released and are currently on sale at Kitson. The former Teen Vogue intern and her friend Adrienne Baravetto have co-designed some absolutely adorable party dresses. Kitson lists the line as "Whitney Eve," although I believe it may technically be called "Eve & A," since that's what's been reported and appears on the line's website.

To me, Whitney's line seems a little more high-fashion and interesting than LC's line of casual dresses. The collection is very romantic, featuring lots of ruffles and sequins. The downfall of the collection, in my opinion, is the price tag. I think the prices may be a bit too steep at about $495 a piece, despite the details. I'm just not sure who's going to pay that kind of cake for one of these babies, even though they're lovely.


Photos courtesy of Kitson

Whitney's one busy lady these days, as she will also star in a new Hills spin off series called "The City," which has just begun taping in New York. Plus, rumour has it that she's got a new gig at Diane Von Furstenburg in the works. The truth is, the primary reason that I watch The Hills is to see what Whitney's wearing and what she's doing at work (...well, and because despite what a dog he is, I still think Brody Jenner is a total babe.)

I heart Whitney and her cute, little dresses.

Photo: Zimbio , filming "The City" in NYC

Wednesday Mish Mash

It has been difficult to formulate any kind of well crafted entry over the last few days. I've been a busy little bee, working and travelling and working and travelling. I wanted to touch on a few things tonight, but please forgive me- this post is very stream of consciousness and basically all over the place. Try to follow me.

Photo: Viscom Design

I tagged along to the gym with Keira a couple of weeks ago, and remembered exactly what I love so much about working out. I was a runner for years, and lately I really, really miss it (especially when I read Melissa's blog). I can come up with a million excuses about why I don't have time and blah, blah, blah...but the truth is, I need to make time. With all the stress and sleepless nights I've been suffering in recent months, I can't help but think that getting back into a more rigorous routine would do wonders to help me with these issues. So today, I bought myself a brand new pair of running shoes and a sweet turquoise Nike sports bra. I'm pretty stoked to get my butt out there and start running like the wind.

Photos: Fame; UPI Photo/Landov; Humberto Carreno/Startrak on People

Now onto a more superficial topic...
It seems that I'm always lusting after something...well, today it's the Alexis Bittar 8-karat vermeil rough-cut ring that Cameron Diaz has been spotted wearing around town. I want one. I guess I'll have to settle for my cheap H&M version for now. Whatever, mine looks cute too.

Photo courtesy of The Evil Beet

Apparently I wasn't the only one visiting Vancouver Island this past weekend. Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds tied the knot in a small ceremony at a remote wilderness resort in one of Canada's most beautiful regions. Read more about it here.

Photo: JoJo Dee on Flickr

As someone who seems to have a rather difficult time figuring out just what I want most of the time, I possess great admiration for those who not only know, but can articulate it well. I came across this quote the other day and I loved it:

"I want health and healing and holding close. I want similar souls. I want passionate yeses. I want to hear jazz with my eyes closed, and dig my toes into the sand dancing. I want to climb to the summit and yell and sleep under the stars. I want to laugh my head off and play marbles and sleep in and eat croissants in bed with butter and marmalade and spill coffee and wear lace and trip holding your hand because I am listening so closely." -Sabrina Ward Harrison

I'm sitting in my hotel room in Saskatoon. We got in just over an hour ago. It's almost 1am on Thursday local time and I am wishing that they had wireless. Of course they don't, so I have to be plugged in and hunched over at this stupid desk. At least there's an internet connection, I suppose. It certainly could be worse, but I'm much more a laptop in bed kinda girl and this is cramping my style big time.