SPF 70.

new home decor...

2011-08-02T19:00:00.000-07:00

so far, so good.

business plans Y211

2011-08-01T20:42:00.000-07:00

Despite my empty promises every shame-spiral-filled Sunday morning, I did not actually go away and join a nunnery. I am still in San Francisco. Still paying too much in rent. Still hanging out with too many people that I'm related to (we're Irish, what do you want me to do?!). And still fighting getting older. I'm just not still blogging. I know that you've missed it. The wit. The charm. Well, I

things that make me happy

2009-12-22T10:29:00.000-08:00

commitment issues

2009-10-28T11:16:00.000-07:00

Hi.It's me. I know I haven't been giving you the love you deserve lately, so to forgo couple's blogging counseling, I will give you this treat of my niece.I promise to update you on the stories and haps on 2009 (an abridged version).xoxo,me

beyond jealous: i want to marry in to this family

2009-06-02T14:27:00.001-07:00

Brian & Eileen's Wedding Music Video. from LOCKDOWN projects on Vimeo.

here we are

2009-02-11T10:50:00.000-08:00

It's the second month of what is supposed to be a FANTASTIC, AMAZING, HOLD-ON-TO-YOUR HATS kind of year...however, I am still waiting for my karma payout. Anyone? Anyone?

The Big Picture

2009-01-28T16:04:00.000-08:00

You just want to reach out and hug someone...The inauguration of President Obama...when words aren't enough. Here is The Big Picture of January 20, 2009.

Thoughts I never had when I was 18 (a series)

2009-01-28T12:19:00.000-08:00

This is somewhat depressing to admit, but someone needs to invent a filing cabinet that has a refrigerated top drawer. That way you don't even need to leave your swivel chair to retrieve your lunch. Genius? Yes. Depressing to realize I even thought that? Even more so. There was a time that 50% of my life was spent outdoors. I hear it's a nice day. Since I bummed myself out within my own mind, I

a sad tale of a ginger and her iPhone...

2009-01-15T16:32:00.000-08:00

I am embarking on an epic journey. I am going without my iPhone for a few days while it is getting repaired by the wonderful folks at iRestore (I will quickly change wonderful to something a little more surly if they are unable to fix it). Pray for me.

milk: does a world good.

2008-12-01T22:14:00.000-08:00

i saw the movie Milk tonight at the Castro Theater. The entire cast did a beautiful job at portraying an emotional and spirited story of Harvey Milk and the people who worked so tirelessly to bring needed change to San Francisco, California, and the whole country. The parallels of then & now are striking, especially with the current passing of Prop 8. With my social naivety, I am continually

my love affair with brussel sprouts

2008-12-01T22:09:00.000-08:00

i love them. they are the finest greenery around. saute & serve.My brussel sprout salad is my dish du jour for Thanksgiving. The crowd goes WILD.

hydrate. motivate. remind me again why i did this?

2008-10-22T10:20:00.000-07:00

The Plan: Two weeks of detox The Reality: 6 daysThe Plan: Run part of the courseThe Reality: Envision the wrong (flatter) courseThe Plan: Carbo-loadThe Reality: Carbo-overloaded The Plan: FinishThe Reality: Finished with personal best time! No. Big. Deal.Well, well, well, I guess 13.1 miles, a screwed up knee, little sleep, and painful San Francisco hills were all a part of the plan.

O face.

2008-10-22T10:07:00.000-07:00

i heart obama by R obama is the new greenthe thinker by gausaart in action. designforobama.org. Register to Vote. Make it Count.

his weakness: he might be too awesome

2008-10-17T17:20:00.000-07:00

Mighty Things & Heavy Quotes

2008-10-15T15:38:00.000-07:00

"I think somehow we learn who we really are and then live with that decision." — Eleanor Roosevelt

Sundays were meant for tailgaiting

2008-10-12T19:57:00.000-07:00

Oh, Sundays. Sundays are sometimes meant for church. Sometimes meant for laundry and mundane chores. Sometimes meant to nurse a hangover. Today, Sunday was all about tailgates, hot dogs, American budweiser, and football. I went to my first professional football game at Candlestick Park where the 9ers were taking on the good 'ole Eagles. Barely knowing a first down if it hit me in the head, I went

it would be hilarious...if the reality of it wasn't so scary

2008-10-07T22:20:00.000-07:00

get all mavericky on you

summer 2008: an aggressive recap

2008-10-02T22:32:00.000-07:00

oh summer in the city, how do i love thee. you don't stay for too long, but you always prove to have some worthy highlights. Let's pick it up after the epic Nashville trip.Since I live the G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S life, my work sent me to balmy Madison, Wisconsin for 5 days for a photo shoot...in July. Those were some long cheese curd-filled days (exhibit A). Parts of Madison are beautiful (exhibit B)

there once was a blogger named the mighty q...

2008-10-02T22:16:00.000-07:00

there once was a blogger named the mighty qshe started blogging then didn't know what to doshe ran out of witshe thought she might quitbut now she's back to her writing totally out of the blue!This poem was for you. xoxo,q.

i once had a lover named Ici.

2008-08-06T14:30:00.000-07:00

And Ici was a delicious ice creamery in Berkeley. On Sunday, my usually prudent, responsible older sister & I stood in a line in Berkeley for 30 minutes. I'm not one known for patience. But, people, this was well worth it, as we were sweetly rewarded at the counter of Ici for an ice-cold orgasmically-inclined gustation trip for our taste buds. Meghan ordered a scoop of praline ice cream and I

library fines and other calamities

2008-08-06T12:14:00.000-07:00

Last month I created a list. Not some grand "what to do with my life" list, but a list to keep me from a downward spiral into a summer of sloth. It began noble: Library Card.I'll blame college. See, I have this problem with buying books, which leads to dwindling a bank account and a REALLY heavy load whenever I move. Considering how often I move, I ventured to finally getting a library card. I

the zen of a candy wrapper

2008-07-01T11:48:00.000-07:00

What can I say....some days you feel like a nut, some days you don't.my usual witty, humorous, and insanely good-looking self will return to award-winning blogging after the weekend. God Bless America. God Bless you.

if you give a ginger some mod podge

2008-06-29T16:02:00.000-07:00

she might get a little crafty.(exhibit a: the podge; exhibit b: your composition book...with flair; exhibit c: a dress that has been painted more than mona lisa with some pieces of paper from papersource; exhibit d: a mirror modged with a mosaic of pictures from a trip i took to ireland with my mom -- a perfect souvenir)

i went to nashville & came back as a southern belle.

2008-06-19T16:01:00.000-07:00

Yeah, right. My sister, maybe, but not me.But I did...Fall in love with Little Jimmy Dickens (known for his hit "I'm little, but I'm loud):Meet some interesting people:And learn to appreciate Southern humor:I also probably gained about 9lbs in beer and southern cooking, but I'll save you the visuals. God bless Nashville.

If I hadn't spent my surplus check already....

2008-06-19T15:49:00.000-07:00

I'd buy:from Lisa Congdon's etsy shopand...this pretty little thing.to go along with these...because why not?That went fast.

witty friends - the first installment

2008-06-19T15:36:00.000-07:00

our dearest David Beckham was at Macy's in San Francisco yesterday to remind the rest of the world that they're ugly & he's incredibly good looking. No, not really. He was promoting himself in skivvies again, which is AOK by me.He is hot. No one can deny that. However, when blessed with witty friends, there is a retort for everything, even Becks in briefs. Let's take my friend Italian Saucy G for

oh, karl.

2008-06-19T15:33:00.000-07:00

The French strike again. This time with a traffic safety campaign."It's yellow, it's ugly, it doesn't go with anything, but it could save your life." - Karl Lagerfeld

Great American Procrastinator: call on me

2008-05-09T16:42:00.000-07:00

Business Origami. Today work was busy, so busy in fact, I got my craft on and made a business card holder.Follow these handy instructions for your very own, but you only need five cards since you won't need a top to your box. It really spiced things up in cube world. Call on me.Signing off,Martha.

when you drive your own rumor mill

2008-04-30T17:24:00.000-07:00

1) Don't read emails before 7am and coffee [exhibit A]2) Don't post things to facebook as a joke/test and expect no one to read it...what DO you think 20-somethings actually do at work all day?! [exhibit B]:3) Don't doubt the power of older sisters to call Mom and stir the pot.Today was fun!

Running's never looked so good.

2008-04-30T10:25:00.000-07:00

Without fail, when I make a decision a few months in advance and then the said commitment arises, I ask myself, "what the hell was I thinking?!" And this, ladies and gentlemen, is why I excel at procrastination. Example du jour: Claimed the "Longest Party in California" we have The Relay, a 200-mile relay from Calistoga to Santa Cruz. Our team, aptly named, "Better at Running My Mouth" started

moonwalking, memories, & my current regret

2008-04-30T10:19:00.000-07:00

Memories are usually lost on me, but I do have one fond memory of learning how to moonwalk in my kitchen when I was 5...unfortunately, I stopped practicing after the 'running man' and 'cabbage patch' crazes hit. I could have been a STAR!

Mighty Things & Heavy Quotes

2008-03-25T16:18:00.001-07:00

When the lights go down in the cityAnd the sun shines on the bayI want to be there in my citylife above capture by my brother, Shithead (I call him that endearingly)

someone is trying to tell you something

2008-03-20T14:03:00.000-07:00

it's easier than changing your phone number. How does one effectively 'shady fade' without losing their integrity and manners? The line between leading someone on by calling them back and being a total bitch is blurred. God, please intervene.

help! I'm flying and I can't get down.

2008-03-05T12:46:00.000-08:00

My mom, aka Big D, turned rather young last week. So to celebrate her birthday, what did her charming children decide to give her? Trapeze lessons.No, seriously. On Sunday, for an hour and a half, my family joined the circus. We had a private lesson at Trapeze Arts in Oakland to learn the art of willfully swinging in the air 30 feet above ground. We are not the most coordinated of folk, as I can

Long time listener, first time fan.

2008-02-29T13:37:00.000-08:00

There are worse things in life. In the shower, on the bus, at my desk...all week long I've been humming Michael Bolton (in private, singing out loud). Ah, but he is wise beyond his years.How CAN we be lovers, if we can't be friends?!

What we gonna do right here is go back... way back... back into time...

2008-02-28T09:38:00.000-08:00

is that a bottomless mimosa or are you just happy to see me?

2008-02-25T13:39:00.000-08:00

Dance, drink, and be incredibly merry. It's Sunday Brunch at Lime!A feat that can only be done a few times a year, this takes brunch to a whole new level. Let me set the stage: You walk in and show your ID to Tyson Beckford's cousin (a fact not yet confirmed, but definitely possible). Inside, despite a clubbish atmosphere, brunch starts off fairly normal. Orders of french toast and huevos

Algorithms Under the Influence

2008-01-30T21:57:00.000-08:00

Clearly math is not my strong suit. I smooth-talked my way through geometry tests and the only thing I remember from 7th grade math is how my teacher ripped a phone book in half on the last day of class. Thankfully, I can read.The other day I read this NY Times article explaining how scientists are testing "algorithms for finding love." Apparently they are viewed as controlled logical deduction (

How am I feeling? Let me get back to you.

2008-01-18T14:59:00.000-08:00

As the daughter of a therapist, talking about feelings pretty much follows the daily weather report on the 6 o'clock news. However, my new business plan is going to change all of that. I am going to out-source all of my communication from now on. Think about it! No more miscommunication or coming across as passive aggressive when you consider yourself anything but. Clear, concise communication

When I grow up I am going to ROCK.

2008-01-17T20:09:00.001-08:00

The other day my band's name came to me: God, We're Popular.Naturally, it's an ironic emo/punk/pop/rock band. It would be really fun to say and just think of the merchandising opportunities! Of course, this would require said band to exist and for said blogger, who is obviously lead singer/guitarist, to have musical talent. Thankfully, for mothers, friends, and poor drunks at bars who'd come see

warm fuzzie$.

2008-01-09T17:32:00.000-08:00

I get to work before 9am.Hell, I get to work.And some days I decide to actually do some work.And that is why I deserve a raise.This is my first year having to complete a Managing Performance & Potential Review. Before this current gig, I've only worked at non-profits, and since they pay you a laughable salary, your yearly review consists of warm fuzzies and "Great Job!" stickers. However, in San

new year. same ginger.

2007-12-31T14:34:00.001-08:00

happy new years!

85 years of sass and storytelling.

2007-12-31T11:31:00.000-08:00

January 30, 1923 - December 28, 2007Thanks Gee Gee for showing me the importance of good shoes, great stories, and the meaning of family. Your spunk, sass, and love for life make everything, somehow, okay.i love you.Note of importance: Pictured of my Grandma Gee Gee is her with her jeweled cell phone case, mind you, she didn't actually know how to use the cell phone.

Mother Meghan.

2007-12-12T21:55:00.000-08:00

It might be hard for a blaudience as kind as yourself to imagine me as a bratty younger sister. Well, let me be the first to dispel any myths and let you know that growing up... I had my moments. Life in the middle can be a painful existence since you neither got coveted older responsibilities or permanent youngest favoritism. So you had to fight for it. So you became a brat. So you coined the

2007-12-04T21:39:00.000-08:00

Look, I want to love this worldas though it's the last chance I'm ever going to get to be aliveand know it-From Mary Oliver's poem, "October"japanese tea garden in sf.

Goodbye, fall

2007-11-27T23:12:00.000-08:00

Recapping The Roloffs

2007-11-27T21:44:00.000-08:00

Life as a freelance blogger appeals to my odd moments of self-importance and strong aptitude for procrastination. However, staying relevant to what is going on is challenging. So let me backtrack with a few stories I meant to tell the 5 of you, but have, oh that's right, procrastinated.This story is from the beginning of October, which when I think about it seems like yesterday. I gave you the

Shopper's Remorse...or Family Junk

2007-11-21T13:25:00.000-08:00

I have just returned from the bathroom at work and suffered a minor life crisis. It's not what you think, I promise. No really, I swear.I am turning into my mother. I don't have her snort when laughing (well, sporadically), I'm not a tad critical/motherly (occasionally), and I don't have her non-stop talking after glasses of vino (okay, that's a given). This realization though is much, much

2007-11-20T09:50:00.000-08:00

This just in: Archaeological dig unearthed SPF 8 sunblock. Ironic findings at a house of entirely pale, freckled Irish people. Please note bottle's expiration date of 1992.

wool & copper: the 7th anniversary

2007-11-19T11:43:00.000-08:00

Love, Dad/Jerry.My dad always signed his notes and cards "Dad/Jerry" as though we might get confused to the fact that he existed as something besides our dad to the rest of the world. Inconceivable. I'm convinced that he could have dropped the whole "Jerry" thing because being a dad to me, my sister, and brother, was pretty much his full-time job. Of course, things might have gotten a bit

Damn you, Heidi Klum.

2007-11-14T21:56:00.001-08:00

Never since Saturday morning cartoons have I been so excited for television. But tonight is the night, people! If you don't know what I am talking about then this eRelationship is on thin ice. PROJECT RUNWAY is starting tonight! It's a season of Make it Work, Carry On, and plenty of Auf Wiedersehens. Damn you, Heidi Klum.Currently, Bravo is recapping last season as the clock ticks down to the

Happy Birthday, little one.

2007-10-30T10:19:00.001-07:00

I really wish I could make this up, but I'm not even that good. This was in my brother's kitchen in college.Happy Birthday, Shithead! Glad you've graduated."The more you find out about the world, the more opportunities there are to laugh at it." - Bill Nye (that's right, the Science Guy)

Introducing....method girl

2007-10-19T10:51:00.000-07:00

Blogheads (& my mom), who are the only 5 people reading this,I'd like to take this time to introduce 'method girl.'Method girl is hip, happening, and has a weakness for men wearing black converse. She's pretty much the Italian Hipster/Prep version of this Irish Hippie/Prep and will guest blog about music, men, and perhaps filing taxes come Tax Season.I call her Skills, but here she answers to '

Best Sense of Humor: God

2007-10-18T16:05:00.000-07:00

An Open Letter to God.You're a funny one, God. The writers of Seinfeld had some talent, but you, you really know what you're doing. The timing, the irony, the complete awkwardness of certain situations is impeccable. I mean how you orchestrated the past three weeks is enough for me to share the story...Girl has bleeding heart & volunteers at charity event.Girl drinks.Boy drinks.Girl meets Boy.Ya

10 hour roadtrip. 1 pumpkin. A whole lotta fun.

2007-10-05T11:22:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I've embarked on a frivolous roadtrip. However, today's the day that starts a new adventure! Well a weekend adventure, all in time to be back in the swivel on Monday morning. As the clock strikes 5 o'clock today, four ladies will be piling into a 2004 VW Jetta ready to conquer to open road up to Portland, Oregon...all for a pumpkin. If you've experienced the joy of TLC's

Calories Schmalories.

2007-10-01T22:25:00.000-07:00

Girl: "I expect you to be more of a pothead considering how much you love eating." Me: "aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah, [loud slap across her face]."Okay, so I stopped short of physically harming her, but yes, that's a direct quote from a conversation four years ago. Clearly it's been a memorable moment, but I still relish in relish, other condiments, and foods in general. My brother has called me

Until Tomorrow...

2007-09-24T22:50:00.000-07:00

Why I can't seem to leave California.

Maturity: expect delays

2007-09-10T23:39:00.000-07:00

I woke up with muesli all over the floor. My wallet was on one side of the room, my purse on the other. My phone nowhere in sight. Ah, Sunday morning. Let me gather my thoughts on the night before. It all started with good intentions and those good intentions turned into strong drinks. And those strong drinks turned into museli on the floor and abandoned morals.Muesli? Honestly? I mean that had

Slime 'em.....or rather Revolution 101

2007-09-10T23:28:00.000-07:00

While I never became a socialist and always kept my armpits clean and shaven, Santa Cruz taught me the importance of Freedom of Speech and taking the time to listen to varying points of view and, more importantly, different experiences. After taking the time to listen to David Horowitz and why UC Santa Cruz is the worst U.S. college, I've never been more proud to be a banana slug.

I've arrived.

2007-08-27T18:29:00.000-07:00

Some people claim buying a house, losing your virginity, getting married, or owning a car are sure fire signs you're an adult. Well, my friends, those people are lying. Let me tell you, I've arrived into adulthood: Bank of America has graced me with a Platinum card. I tore open the unmarked envelope in today's mail thinking it was a revived chain letter from '91 about getting 16 pairs of

Life of a Golden

2007-08-16T15:18:00.001-07:00

This is my dog, Zoe. She's adorable. She's adorable and is a racist. Zoe's ideal world would probably be an Aryan dog park. Every time a brown or black dog comes her way she's going to FREAK OUT and & cower behind you as though Voldermort himself is staring you in the face. If you're ever out in public with her, forget about socializing with

2007-08-15T17:17:00.000-07:00

"We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us."Ah, wise words, Joseph Campbell. Wise words.In high school a friend and I were convinced that all of our problems would go away the day we got our driver's licenses. At 16 and one day, I quickly learned that while you can drive away from your problems they still can follow you around.When I

business in the front? party in the back? i don't think so.

2007-08-07T00:08:00.001-07:00

Anxiety is setting in. I'm not sure if I'll sleep tonight. The tossing & tuning, the cold sweats, the quesy stomach, it happens every time. You see, tomorrow I'm getting a haircut.Before you judge, let me take you back to a fateful day four years ago while I was studying abroad in the Netherlands and decided to get a trim.I had my first traumatizing experience living abroad. I decided to go see a

and a side of patchouli, please.

2007-07-31T21:28:00.000-07:00

Don't tell my sister, but I wore brown dansko clogs to work today. That's right, the ones braless hippies wear*. Admittedly, they are pretty fugly and ruined my entire outfit, but DAMN they are comfortable. While they used to make appearances in my ensembles more often when I lived in Santa Cruz, these things were a godsend after Sunday. Back in February I had this "genius" idea of running 13.1

so a priest & a rabbi...

2007-07-30T16:17:00.000-07:00

so this neutron walks into a bar and asks for a beer. He asks the bartender, "How much for the beer?"The bartender responds, "For you, no charge!"There are some days when sitting in a swivel chair really takes the fun out of the day. I get stir-crazy and start to incessantly search the internet for random news articles about the Norwegian researchers from University of Oslo who are "calling for

spf 70? Seriously?

2007-07-26T15:29:00.000-07:00

To this day I'm scarred by painful childhood memories of my mom hastily slapping on sunscreen during hot summer days by the pool. There I was standing on the scalding concrete dripping wet as all my other friends continued to play Marco Polo in the pool because, for some reason I couldn't grasp at the age of 6, they didn't burn. Give me 15 minutes in the sun and I'm done for. Aloe Vera City.