Sunday Post

If you haven't taken the time to fall back, please do so soon! I woke up this morning at around 8AM, energized and ready to take on the huge to-do list that keeps piling up in my corner. I'm attempting to find a job, complete school work, work out, and maintain my home all at the same time. Exams are in about a month and I can't shake the feeling that I've bitten off more than I can chew. I have a new work study job that I am very excited about because I will not only gain more income, but also have a chance to use all of my legal learning.

Three day "work week" this week. Classes are cancelled for Veteran's Day and one of my professors has graciously cancelled classes for two days in a row. Whew. Fantastic. Just two classes Monday-Wednesday instead of the grueling trifecta on Mon/Tuesday. I plan to use the time to review the work I've done thus far and finish my moot court brief.


Well, I better get back to work. I'm looking forward to the next few days, I have some friends from out of town coming to visit and someone very special is celebrating their 25th birthday this (and next) week.


Falling Back,

P. Manolos

Fall is Here


Fall. It's one of the most exciting seasons in fashion and one of my favorites (besides the Spring of course). I'm in the process of looking for a job after graduation, studying for classes, building new friendships and maintaining my long-term relationships. It wasn't too long ago that I began the journey into my new life as a first year law student. I'm now well into my third year and although there are some things I wish I could change, I know the mistakes I have made in my life contribute to my growth as a person.

Being a human is almost like being a tree. We go through different cycles of life where we experience growth, stability, and change. If only all the mistakes could float away like crisp leaves on a cool, autumn morning.


Falling In Love With Fall,

P. Manolos

Give and Take

Another day goes by. I can't believe there's only a week and a half until Halloween. I'm looking forward to dressing up and going out with my friends. Halloween is, after all, the only holiday a girl can dress up in outrageous outfits and no one can say a thing.

I'm getting busier by the day- interviews, class work, friends, and family all seem to collide during the holidays. I can't be everywhere at the same time.


That brings me to my thought of the day. Sometimes you have to just roll the dice and hope you're a winner.


Busy Bee,

P. Manolos

Ewwww

I hate spiders. I screamed at the top of my lungs when I found this big old battle ox. I then proceeded to run upstairs, grab the broom, run back downstairs and kill it with the top of the handle. The dog was quite frightened by the turn of events and thought I would probably turn my rage onto him. Little did he know that the dog mom instinct in me just snapped and I felt more threatened for his safety than my own. Ah, motherhood.


This guy isn't going up my spout,

P. Manolos

Today's Obsession

Christian Louboutin heels. Mmmmmmm.

Seeing Red,
P. Manolos

Today's Obsession

Sand dollar :). Found a ton of them on the beach in coastal WA during my fall break vacation. They are sooo pretty! I only took five of them, I wish I had taken more for my friends back home. I can't believe these beauties were just lying around on the sand. They seem more precious than gold to me. Nature is the best gift shop I've ever been in.


Sand between my toes,

P. Manolos

Today's Obsession


Sick Puppy! Zimba has a hot spot on his tail. Poor thing has to wear an E-Collar until his tail is back to normal. I'm trying to stay home as much as possible to take care of him and give him plenty of head rubs. As if I need any more expenses, we've gone to the doctor three times in the past two months! We're going to the vet Monday to see if his tail is healing properly and if he needs any more/less medication. Keep Zimba in your prayers!

Sick as a Dog,

P. Manolos

Ceremonial Clique?

Father forgive me, for I have sinned.

It's Sunday morning. I woke up early with the intentions of going to morning service and found myself sitting on a couch with a bowl of Captain Crunch (Peanut butter of course) watching Sixteen Candles ( a legit 80s movie BTW.)

My life has taken a lot of turns lately. I'm finishing my third year of law school and I am in dire need of employment after graduation. The market isn't what it used to be, so many of my classmates who would seem like perfect catches don't even have a job yet. I'm in good company.

Well, let me get to the bottom of this ditty I've aptly entitled as an expose on the ever-so elusive "ceremonial clique." The past few months have been a flurry of activity on the relationship front for many of my peers. Lots of diamonds rings have been passed out in a last ditch effort for everyone to get their happily ever after while they still can. Jealous, you say? Me? No, not really. Trust me, there was a time where I would have probably cried in my Coco Puffs over the past few months.  Ironic enough, someone told me the reason why so many girls in the school have lost weight is because they are "looking for a man." I didn't have the heart to tell them that most girls start to exercise and lose weight so they can wear a lower jean size- attracting men is just a side effect.

A girlfriend of mine told me a few weeks ago that she craved babies. No, silly, not ingesting human embryos. She desired to have a child and found herself becoming absolutely absorbed in this desire. I told her I haven't felt that way at all, she replied that I was in a committed relationship-thus I have a 'realistic chance of having kids' which added up to a lack of desire. Erroneous of course.  As an outsider looking in, I have come to the conclusion that the desire to have a child at a critical point in your life when all other options become difficult is because child birth is an accomplishment in itself. If all else fails, having a child is a chance to achieve something. I'm not knocking marriage or child birth. I'm knocking the fact that society has gotten women so cracked out on the two that we fail to recognize the shades of life that lie between marriage and family.

What has changed in my life that has brought me to revel in checking off the 'single, no kids' box on every marketing survey in existence? Well, for one, I realize that I love being on my own. I love the freedom of waking up and answering to no one. I can do single girl things like paint my nails on the sofa and watch the Food  Network until my eyes bleed. Z and I go for long jogs outside and puppy fight indoors when it's raining. I talk to my mom practically every other day and my dad comes over to fix things when I break them.

It's not that I disdain the deed- I think that it is a beautiful symbolic act two people who love each other very much decide to do. I'm in no rush, things in life happen exactly when they are supposed to happen. I just want to point out how absolutely divine it is to just fly solo right now (well I am in a committed relationship, but that's not nearly the same as matrimony).  I still have my place, he has his own, and we both meet each other in the middle for date night.

This isn't stuff I can do forever- and I see some value in the fact that I will have the rest of my life to join the clique. Right now, I'd rather go see a movie in the middle of the week and get a facial. No judgment here.

Free as a Bird,

P. Manolos

Today's Obsession

Hot Bag :)

Need I say more?

P. Manolos

Autumn Leaves

I can't believe the season is changing already. Fall is almost here! I love the falling leaves, crisp weather, and hearty recipies that come with the weather. Back to school ads, boots, and new beginning seem to come with the falling of the first few leaves.

I'm in my third year of law school. I can't believe I only have one year left until I'm studying for the bar exam. I'm still frantically searching for a job, but that too will come in good time. Zimba is full grown and has an amazing personality. I couldn't have asked for a better canine companion.


My goal for the fall is to keep working out in the gym and the classroom. I hope to finish strong this year and leave the hallowed hallows of law school with no regrets.

I am a lucky girl. I've had the chance to pursue all of my dreams and I have the family to support me in all of my endeavors.

Falling for foliage,

P. Manolos

After the Rain

Last night we had a thunderstorm of epic proportions. I woke up around 4am to listen to the thunder and lightening outside. I felt like God was walking around the earth throwing together a bunch of trash can lids trying to get my attention. The thunderstorm was so loud that I ended up waking up the dog just to see if he was afraid of it to (the answer is no clearly).

A little over two weeks until school starts and I've got a lot of resting ahead of me. I'm doing to-do lists each day to keep on top of the things that need to get done before I start classes. I'm also trying to restrain myself from signing up for more classes than I can handle.

There's also the issue of finding a job next year. I have nights where I wake up and find myself nervous about whether I have a future at all in the legal field. Then I realize I need to just shake it off and try my hardest to control the aspects of the job search I actually can influence. I was in the same position last year, nervous about finding a job and wondering if anything will ever pan out for me. Well guess what? I got probably the best summer experience out of any second year student I know.



I should have let all my fears wash away with the rain last night... a better usage for them would have been fertilizer for the front yard.

Rain, Rain, Go Away,

P. Manolos

Two Dogs, One Tough Chic

Ugh. UGH UGH UGH.

My parents are out of town. They have my Great Aunt's old poodle who pretty much everyone is disgusted by. Mangled, fat, and old, she's no cute thing to look at. All she does is lurk in her crate all day. Zimba absolutely loves slamming her to the ground everytime she tries to escape the confines of her crate. So you can imagine what chaos bathroom time is each day.

Well, I usually have Zimba stay in his crate while I let her out to use the bathroom. So today, being the foolish person that I am, I let him out and then headed down stairs to let out the other dog. Little did I know Zimba would race out behind from me and run outside to terrify the already paranoid poodle.

I was pissed. Yelling and swearing I grabbed Zimba and told him to go to his room. Last thing I needed this morning was two dogs fighting it out to urinate.

Life almost feels like an insane Miniature Pinscher jumping all over your face until you beg for mercy. Not that it is all bad, but geez I haven't really had a true break this summer. I've gone from work full-time to school, and back to school again. It's not that I'm complaining..

Gone to the Dogs,

P. Manolos

Life on the B List

B as in busy..


I'm working, attending school, and participating in extra-ciricular activities full-time this summer. Not to mention I still have friends and family who like to see me every once in a while.  Sorry blog, haven't had much time to check in with you :-(.

I can't wait until the summer is over and things begin to settle down. I long for the days where I have a set school schedule, time to spend with the dog, and a chance to move back into my place near school. Living at home has its ups and downs, but the major drawback is the lack of space and privacy. I've spent so many years on my own it's hard to go back to living with my parents.

The only person (or animal rather) that seems to like the arrangement is Zimba. He enjoys sitting on my Mom's lap and chewing a dental bone.


Busy Bee,

P. Manolos

Never Say Never




Justin Bieber. Who knew I would end up with Bieber fever? Lol.

Work is stressful, school is overwhelming, and I'm barely keeping my head above water. Who knew a teenie bopper would hit such a nerve? 

I'm living for today, looking forward to tomorrow.


Whenever you knock me down, I will not stay on the ground,

P. Manolos

Just Another Day....

Summer is here and I can't say I'm excited about the "break". I'm still taking classes this summer and working full-time. There's no such thing as a break for me.

Living at home is difficult. I miss being able to come and go freely without having to deal with my parents.

It's pretty lonely down here.


P. Manolos

To Do List

It keeps growing with each passing day. Sigh, FML. On the bright side, I'm applying for my legal intern's license! I am very excited about the chance to practice law this summer. I can only pray that I do a good job for my clients!


One week down, nine to go!

P. Manolos

Why I Blog

Every time I search the internet and find a crappy website, I like to pat myself on the back for writing such a damn good blog. Yup, that was as cocky as it sounds.


I write because I have something to say. Last year, I wrote because there were so many things I should have said. So many things have changed since last year and have changed for good. I'm in a relationship with a loving, sweet man and I have the best dog companion ever.

That being said, I love to share my thoughts with you as I grow into the person I'm meant to be for the rest of my adult life. I'm almost done with law school and I'm beginning my 3rd and final year in less than three months. My family and friends have been absolute angels throughout this whole process and I can't help but wonder if I would have made it thus far without them.

Remember, things in life happen for you not to you.

It's raining cats and Zimbas,

P. Manolos

Whoa

I'm so busy, I don't even have time to watch my favorite shows! Perhaps this is a good thing, I am learning so much from work!


Busy bee,

P. Manolos

Shuttin' Down Da Club

Yup. Last night I went out clubbing. Had a fantastic time! I didn't stay any longer 2 hrs but I think that's enough time to get some dancing in- especially if you're wearing 3 inch heels. Congratulations to all of my friends who graduated law school. Such a great achievement!


You can't find me in da club,

P. Manolos

Picture of the Day



The love of my life, Zimba. He's been quite the bad little dog lately but that hasn't stopped me from loving him. Now I know why my parents love me so much despite all of the screwing up I do on a daily basis.

Furr-tastic,

P. Manolos

Crossing the Finish Line

Finally,

I just finished my 2nd year of law school yesterday. Whew. No bells, no whistles, just sending in a torture paper that I just couldn't get to be 20 pgs. Professor was pretty cool about it, so I am just happy to say I'm done with all my work this year. 

It was strange waking up without thinking about going to class or finishing an assignment. I started a giant to do list and found myself exhausted after finishing item #1 (mowing the lawn). I still have yet to finish cleaning the kitchen, vacuuming the entire house and the pile of dishes leftover from my exam insanity.

Financial aid for next year is a nightmare. I have no clue what to do. I'm just praying to God that things will work themselves out. I shouldn't be so depressed so close to my birthday.

3L,

P. Manolos

Birthday Blues

My birthday falls on a Monday this year. FML.

Birthdays have always been a mixed bag for me. In all honesty, I don't want gifts. I'm more interested in seeing my friends and spending time with them. Let's go out to dinner, have a couple of drinks and just relax. There will be cake with a lot of candles.

This year isn't an exception. I wanted to celebrate this weekend, but I"m finding that my friends won't be available. It's graduation this weekend, so a lot of people will be out and about.

I'll be honest, I'm pretty broken up at the thought of spending this weekend alone trying to amuse myself. I just feel like I put so much of myself out there for my friends that when it comes down to the one day out of the year that I just want someone to stop by and say Happy Birthday, it seems like no one cares. I found myself tearing up at the fact that I'd do anything for so many people, but when it comes down to that one day, I can't seem to find anyone who is available.

I'm trying to be a big girl about the whole thing. I'm no longer in elementary school looking to blow out the candles on a cake. I'm also trying to plan a fun weekend for myself, just myself. Thus far I'm thinking about going to the spa, then to dinner, and then to the movies. I think Zimba and I will go for a long jog on Saturday and then spend some time watching all of my dvr'd shows.

Big girls aren't supposed to cry... but can they get a pass for their birthday?

P. Manolos

Today's Obsession


Whoa. Before you go all "what the heck is wrong with you, this show sucks" on me, you have to admit that the show has gotten way better than its rocky first season. Well, the season finale is a killer. Not only is the 16 year old daughter of Naomi and Sam pregnant- she gets into a car accident and her teenage husband has to choose between the baby and her spine. INSANE. You know the saying, yo ucan't make this stuff up... well I think they just did.

Tune in on Thursday,

P. Manolos

275

That's the number of posts thus far on Pink Manolos. I can't believe it myself, it seems like yesterday I began this blog to help start up the healing process after my run in with the terrorist. Well, that's what I call him now... I've got one paper and one exam left until I am free for the summer. Test on Tuesday, paper due Wednesday.

Brown eyes is pretty excited about the summer- excited and worried because we will be three hours apart from each other for three months. I think it will be a good test of our love. If you can't spend three months apart without your relationship falling apart then it's probably a bad sign. We will both be so busy that there won't be a lot of time to feel down about being apart. I plan to spend a lot of quality time with my family this year since I am moving back home to work in the other city. I don't know how much time I will spend hanging out with friends, I just feel like a lot of relationships have dwindled for a reason.

I'm incredulous that the weather has gone south so quickly. It's 48 degrees and absolutely freezing outside when just a few days ago I almost passed out after running with Zimba. That's midwestern weather for ya- very finicky and difficult to predict. I've learned not to waste my time checking the forecast, they are usually always wrong.

Just a few more days...

P. Manolos

Feeling Better

Whew. I got pretty sick a few days ago and I'm so happy to get back to work. I must admit, I've never felt so unmotivated to study before. Lucky for me I have plenty of time before my first exam (5 days to be exact). I'm at Panera trying to focus on writing a paper and make a decent study schedule.

Summer is creeping up on me, my parents are estactic to have me move back home for work. I don't know how I feel about it, the thought of having to live at home after living independently for 6 years makes it seem absolutely dreadful. No turning back now, I made the decision to work in Dayton instead of Toledo because it would be economically advantageous of me to live at home and save money over the summer.

So excited to start work! My brother still doesn't understand that I will have "ESQ." at the end of my name in a year or so!

Relieved,

P. Manolos

Picture of the Day


I still can't believe Zimba caught one of these. I got there just in the nick of time, he probably would have eaten the thing for dinner. At first I thought the little guy was badly injured when I saw Z slashing like a mad dog at him. After picking Z up and going back into the house, I waited to see what would happen. Like a lightening rod, the little guy ran off to some place much safer than my backyard. Zimba was pretty pissed of that I interrupted his hunting session. He and I didn't talk for about an hour after the episode and by then he was pretty much over it. Brown eyes felt I should have let my dog finish the poor guy off, but I couldn't begin to imagine all the problems that might cause- Z in the hospital for lord knows what disease that critter had.

Squirrely Girl

P. Manolos

Thought of the Day

Working out isn't working out.


Who knew that three weeks before you turn 25 your metabolism would go AWOL. Trying to get back into shape used to be an exercise in moderation and a slight modificaiton in the exercise schedule. After a two weeks of jogging, weight lifting, and yoga- no progress.

What an exercise in patience. Three weeks until my 25th birthday and I still don't see any change.

Breakin' a Sweat,

P. Manolos.

Countdown Begins

Finals time.


I've got two weeks until my first final. I'm out of character this semester- I started outlining the first of the month instead of during Spring Break. Luckily I only have three exams and one paper. I have my first closed book exam since Civil Procedure, but I have a feeling my desire to pay attention in that class is really going to pay off next month. Don't see Brown Eyes very often, when he's in exam mode it is a sight to see. Late nights, early mornings and nothing but study, study, study. I've never seen anyone so focused in my entire life. I'm hoping his energy will rub off on until I can say I've finished my second year of law school in three weeks.


Closing in on the Finish Line,

P. Manolos

Thought of the Day

"You're too nice"- A friend who will remain anonymous.



Maybe he or she is right. I can't help it, I have so much love to give that I tend to gush over people. I just don't really have anyone to give it to right now besides my four legged pup, Zimba. I thought he would ebb some of the love I have, but I think he's made me love everyone around me even more because he's such a great companion. He makes me laugh, kisses my tears away, and is always in the mood to cuddle. Who could ask for a better life companion?

Love a dub-dub,


P. Manolos

Detox

Less than four weeks until 2nd year of law school is history.


My, how time flies. I'm working on studying and getting into exam mode. I'm pretty happy with some of the progress I have made, my only problem right now is staying awake. I haven't had a taste for coffee like I used to, so I find myself not drinking more than once a week. This is a huge 360 from my usual habit of having 3 cups a day.

Too many changes at once can throw a real wrench in my studying. I guess I've got to get some caffiene down whether it is through tea or some other method. I refuse to drink pop, too many calories and it is horrible on the teeth.


Running on "E",

P. Manolos

Picture of the Day


I love baking. So when I find out a friend has a birthday coming up, you better believe that I will be in the kitchen making a birthday cake. This one is a new cake from my Joy of Cooking cookbook. Chocolate Satin frosting decorated with vanilla buttercream, yellow cake stuffed with macerated strawberries. I wasn't super happy about the quality of the crumb of the cake, but the frosting was to die for. Yum.

Mean, lean, baking machine,

P. Manolos

Picture of the Day


Took this scenic photo almost a year ago when my brother and I went to the park (with the kids and wife of course). Spring has finally sprung in the Midwest and it feels fantastic. I can't believe I have only a few weeks before exams begin again. I can't wait to get to the summer. I've got an exciting job ahead of me, not to mention the well-needed break from school.

Blogging is such a huge commitment. It isn't possible to understand how much time and effort one puts into a blog until you actually start blogging. I'll try to keep you abreast of my activities, but please find it in your heart to forgive me if I don't stop in every now and then. Ugh, the dog is sleeping and farting right next to me. I should use this frustration to work on my next outline.

Happy Easter,

P. Manolos

Today's Obsession


My baby, Zimba. I can't wait to get home and take a run with him! He can get on my nerves at times (He is always within a foot of my body, whether biting my ankles or sitting on my lap), but I wouldn't trade him for anything in the world. Even my parents love to hear about his crazy antics. This morning I couldn't sleep, so I woke Zimba up to go outside for a bathroom break. He thought I was going to let him sleep with me on the bed. I told him no and he gave me a dirty look before he crawled back into his crate like a sullen teenager.  Dogs have such great personalities!

Doggone,

P. Manolos

I Am Not My Hair...

India Aire touched many black women with this song. I have to keep in mind during my going back to natural phase that all of the painful shedding, hair cuts, and awkward hat days will bring me back to my glorious roots. Hopefully I'll end up with hair looking like this again:

Ah my beautiful fro! Another year and we will be reunited again. This time, I plan to keep you for life!

Afro-American,

P. Manolos

Commentary: Jill Scott Talks Interracial Dating - Essence.com




Commentary: Jill Scott Talks Interracial Dating - Essence.com

Fantastic blog entry by Jill Scott. Although I am in an interracial relationship myself, I understand exactly where she is coming from. It's pretty deep and a good representation of how Black Women feel when they see black men dating white women:

You know the moment when you realize that fine, accomplished brother is with a White woman? Let’s call it “the wince.”
My new friend is handsome, African-American, intelligent and seemingly wealthy. He is an athlete, loves his momma, and is happily married to a White woman. I admit when I saw his wedding ring, I privately hoped. But something in me just knew he didn’t marry a sister. Although my guess hit the mark, when my friend told me his wife was indeed Caucasian, I felt my spirit…wince. I didn’t immediately understand it. My face read happy for you. My body showed no reaction to my inner pinch, but the sting was there, quiet like a mosquito under a summer dress.
Was I jealous? Did the reality of his relationship somehow diminish his soul’s credibility? The answer is not simple. One could easily dispel the wince as racist or separatist, but that’s not how I was brought up. I was reared in a Jehovah’s Witness household. I was taught that every man should be judged by his deeds and not his color, and I firmly stand where my grandmother left me. African people worldwide are known to be welcoming and open-minded. We share our culture sometimes to our own peril and most of us love the very notion of love. My position is that for women of color, this very common “wince” has solely to do with the African story in America.
When our people were enslaved, “Massa” placed his Caucasian woman on a pedestal. She was spoiled, revered and angelic, while the Black slave woman was overworked, beaten, raped and farmed out like cattle to be mated. She was nothing and neither was our Black man. As slavery died for the greater good of America, and the movement for equality sputtered to life, the White woman was on the cover of every American magazine. She was the dazzling jewel on every movie screen, the glory of every commercial and television show. She was unequivocally the standard of beauty for this country, firmly unattainable to anyone not of her race. We daughters of the dust were seen as ugly, nappy mammies, good for day work and unwanted children, while our men were thought to be thieving, sex-hungry animals with limited brain capacity.
We reflect on this awful past and recall that if a Black man even looked at a White woman, he would have been lynched, beaten, jailed or shot to death. In the midst of this, Black women and Black men struggled together, mourned together, starved together, braved the hoses and vicious police dogs and died untimely on southern back roads together. These harsh truths lead to what we really feel when we see a seemingly together brother with a Caucasian woman and their children. That feeling is betrayed. While we exert efforts to raise our sons and daughters to appreciate themselves and respect others, most of us end up doing this important work alone, with no fathers or like representatives, limited financial support (often court-enforced) and, on top of everything else, an empty bed. It’s frustrating and it hurts!
Our minds do understand that people of all races find genuine love in many places. We dig that the world is full of amazing options. But underneath, there is a bite, no matter the ointment, that has yet to stop burning. Some may find these thoughts to be hurtful. That is not my intent. I’m just sayin’.

Thought of the Day

One of my commitments this year was to cut back on spending. I'm trying to be more conservative in my old age- saving is a habit just as spending is a bad one, so the best thing to do is to give yourself a hard, critical look at how you spend money.

Yesterday, I took advantage of a "buy back" program of sorts, where you can sell your used clothing & shoes and receive cash. Most of the clothes I sold I never ever wore in the first place, and I ended up making a pretty good killing. It was so empowering to cut back and clean out my closet, that I had to restrain myself from selling everything, including the kitchen sink.


Financial Frenzy,

P. Manolos

Lesson Learned

I posted this song over a year ago. Unfortunately, the lyrics still speak to me today. I have found that life is the harshest teacher. She doesn't give extra credit and there are no do-overs. The lessons you learn are permanent and you can harbor as many regrets as you like, but none of them will get you anywhere but sorrow.

Lesson Learned by Alicia Keys
(feat. John Mayer)

He broke my heart
And now it's raining
Just to rub it in
I'm at your door
I feel so crazy about it
You'll say I told you so
You knew he had to go
I finally came 'round
I'm back on solid ground
Can't let it get me down

It's alright (x3)

(Chorus)
Yes, I was burned but I called it a lesson learned
Mistake overturned 
So I called it a lesson learned
My soul has returned
So I call it a lesson learned

Another lesson learned

Sometimes 
Some lies
Can take a minute
To fully realize
His tears
Your eyes
Thirty seconds to apologize
You give it one more chance
Just like the times before
But he already knows you'd give a hundred more
Until that night in bed
You wake up in a sweat 
You're racing to the door
Can't Take it Anymore

Chorus

Life ain't perfect if you don't know what the struggle's for
Falling down ain't falling down unless you cry when you hit the floor
It's called the past cause I'm getting past
I ain't nothing like I was before
You oughta see me now.

Chorus

End.

Thought of the Day



Times Change.

When I was a kid, my oldest sister moved from Ohio to California to start her college years at a prestigious university. She had no real idea what was in store for her, she only enrolled because people would give an impressive sigh each time she said she got accepted to the school. Almost twenty years later, she is still out on the west coast, established in her career as a private small business owner. Throughout my childhood, my sister would come home for holidays, birthdays, and family vacations. I saw a different side of her each time I came home- she was so beautiful and glamorous. It was as if the California sun had changed her from a budding seedling into a full blown flower.

I too, went out to California to discover my own path in life. I grew up in a small, midwestern town where I had only one path available in my life-a mediocre one at best. Go to the college everyone goes to, then get married and have kids- or skip school altogether and just start having children. I was hurt so many times by so many people in my small community- my peers who were indifferent to who I was as an individual and their parents who raised them to incubate such negativity. I should thank each and everyone one of those individuals- I wouldn't have had the drive to leave the nest so badly if they hadn't given me a firm push in the behind.

I lived in California for five years.

California. For me it symbolizes freedom and growth- a place to figure out who I am and where I want my life to go. I was nurtured by a small-private school to think globally and now I find myself at a large public institution thinking solely about how I can impact the community around me.

Life. It is what it is I suppose. Who knows where else it will take me? All I know is that around this time next year, I may return to California to find myself once again.


Spring Renewal,


P. Manolos

TV Recap: The Bachelor- Why He Chose Her



I am a sucker for romance. So you can imagine how enthralled I was at the new Bachelor series with Jake Pavelka a.k.a the Pilot. "On the Wings of Love" was the subtitle for this year's Bachelor series and I must admit it was definitely a flying high favorite of mine this year.

Let me say this from the jump, I think all of the women on the show were absolute treasures! Many of my favorites were voted off early (Ella and eventually Gia).  All of them were wonderful women- but the point of the whole show is for Jake (not America) to find true love.

What I find more puzzling than his choice is the fact that so many people don't understand why Jake chose Vienna.

Why did Jake choose Vienna? Well, out of all the contestants, Vienna was the only one who didn't put Jake on the knight and shinning armor pedestal. Every time one of the girls spent time with him, they approached him from the viewpoint of Jake as the perfect man instead of Jake as just a man. You can imagine how difficult it is to get to know someone if you have to live up to their fantasies as the perfect man.

Why did Tenley lose? Well, because she was the perfect woman. We all loved Tenley because she was sweet, kind, and the type of girl any man would bring home to his parents. Jake was enthralled by Tenley precisely because of this, but he also fought with his own reality- he's not perfect.

Vienna was honest, real, and downright mean throughout the whole show. She was being herself. Jake, as reports from the tabloids are pouring in, isn't a perfect prince after all. Some stories are even stating that he has abused business funds in the past to romance ex-girlfriends.  There's speculation that he may even have had an affair with an ex-girlfriend after the show ended. After ABC pushed him on top of the perfect Pilot Prince pedestal, Jake has finally fallen from grace and he must feel some relief because he can now resume being himself.  Jake knew exactly what he was getting when he chose Vienna and for some men that is worth more than gold.

So my advice to all the women out there who don't understand why Jake decided to propose to Vienna? Just be yourself in every relationship you enter into. Your boyfriend may be your prince charming, but he is also probably a slacker/nerd/spoiled brat/farting/couch potato/ball scratcher who just wants to let his hair down and relax. It doesn't make him any less of a prince- it just makes him human.

On the Wings of Love,

P. Manolos

Ten Things: Spring

Top Ten List for Spring

  1. Flowers- My tulips are beginning to spring up from the ground. I love the pop of color they bring each year without any effort on my part. 
  2. Stone Fruits- Strawberries and other stone fruits will be in season soon. I can't wait to bake up some amazing desserts with them!
  3. Weather- I love the balance between cool and warm. Fall is definitely another favorite season just for this reason. 
  4. End of Law School- Another year is finished as soon as May rolls around.
  5. Cinco De Mayo- I love Mexican culture, I'm hoping to celebrate this year since my finals will be over by the time the fifth comes around.
  6. Running with Zimba- Zimba and I have both gained a few pounds due to the cold winter weather. We're running outside again on a daily basis.
  7. Spring Break- A much needed week off from school to rejuvenate and reconnect with the real world.
  8. Mom's 60th Birthday- I'm baking a huge birthday cake for her. She specially ordered a chocolate cake so I'm hoping to throw together a large cake Ace of Cakes style. 
  9. Soft afternoon rain- The best time to curl up on the couch with the puppy and watch movies.
  10. May 17, 2010- My birthday! And no, I won't tell you how old I will be!
I need to stop procrastinating. Only a few more weeks until my birthday. Four days until I'm on Spring Break.

Picture of the Day


I made this beauty for the Law School baking contest. Yes, I won :)

Chocoholic,

P. Manolos

Up in the Gym Just Workin' On My Fitness

Warm weather has finally arrived in the Midwest. It's been a long winter and you can tell by the eager undergrads in flip flops and the sea of "jhorts" (jean shorts) that spring has finally arrived.

With the arrival with spring comes the realization that you have packed on plenty of weight during the winter. I think it's only natural since our prehistoric ancestors didn't have the luxury of running to Macys to buy a fur coat when it got cold.

So I too, like the prehistoric divas before me have gained a few pounds during the winter. Not to mention the mandatory "love chub" we all get once we settle down into stable relationships. I've started running again and have attempted to reign in my runaway diet. Not soon enough, unfortunately, for Spring Break in CA next week. 

So here's my list of fitness and diet commitments I plan to make this spring/summer to keep myself on the right track.

  1. Exercise 5 days a week. Zimba and I love to go for jogs, so I have the added incentive of getting him some exercise. 
  2. No pop. I usually don't drink pop anyways but definitely make sure that never gets back into my diet again.
  3. Eating Breakfast daily- Eating breakfast is a great way to cut down on binge eating during lunch to catch up. I find that I'm usually starving and ready to eat horribly if I don't take time to eat lunch.
  4. Less Sugar- I'm trying to drink coffee without sugar and cream- both add unnecessary calories
  5. Staying flexible- I'm trying not to punish myself too much for going astray every once in a while.

7 Days 'Til Paradise,

P. Manolos

Thought of the Day

Debating on whether to go out tonight or stay in the house. There's a bar review and I love to go and hang out with my IPC friends and meet new people. However, I may want to just stay home and relax- catch up on shows and play with the puppy.

Hmmmm.. whatever to do!


Party Mood,

P. Manolos

Obsesssion of the Day


Countdown begins. 16 days til fun in the sun in CA. I didn't know I needed a break so badly until now!

Ready to Break for It,

P. Manolos!

Argumentative

Didn't place in the top four. Didn't want to or care about placing in the top four. Frankly, I just wanted to go home and hang out with my buddy Amy from undergrad. My dad came to support me and I was so happy to see him. He gave me a fist full of cash to go out to dinner. Yep, I'm a Daddy's girl. It's so nice to have everything over with. Now I'm off to get all the work I've put off the past week done.

P. Manolos

Elite 8

For some reason, I'm better at oral than I thought.... Oral argument you sickos. I'm moving on to the Elite 8 round of the Herman competition. Life is good.

Always,

P. Manolos

Thought of the Day

Very happy to reunite with a long lost friend this weekend. Life is good. :)



It's a Celebration Bitches,

P. Manolos

Nutter Butter

Isn't that the name of a famous cookie? 

 
Yes. It is. Nutter Butter is known for its delicious peanut butter center with a delicious peanut butter cookie on top. They are also the official cookie of Nascar, according to Wikipedia....

Well, unfortunately not all nuts taste this good. There are nuts who walk among us who believe that there are people out there whose sole ambition in life is to spread lies and secrets about them. These nutters are the simple minded joes and janes who really, truly believe that people really spend time plotting their social demise. I don't know what is more embarassing, being around a nut who thinks of such crackery or being the nut who doesn't have anything 'butter' to do with their time but revel in paranoia and conspiracy theories...

Don't be a Nutter... the only ones that people really like come in little red packets with the friendly Planter's character stamped on the front.


Allergic to Nuts,

P. Manolos

Victory

Note has been published. Got an interview for a second summer job. :) Life is good.




Movin' On Up,
P. Manolos

A Busy, Busy Bee

I remember weekends. They used to be filled with doing fun stuff like shopping, baking, and taking Zimba out for long runs in the park. I am so grateful that I have lovely memories of weekends to keep me from going insane.


I'm swamped this weekend. I have oral arguments for Moot Court next week, an ACC Check for Journal due tomorrow, and a ton of reading assignments still unfinished. Let's not even go to the endless lists of household tasks I still have yet to complete.

Life is incredibly busy. I guess I should be grateful, I could be in a situation where I'm bored to death because I don't have anything to do. Did I mention this year's Valentine's Day feels like overkill? What happened to giving out candy and cards?

Love Stinks,

P. Manolos

Today's Obsession


 
The Deep End- Thursdays @ 8PM on ABC


The most unrealistic (but yummy) legal drama to come around the bend since Ally McBeal. ABC found a winning formula in Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice. Sex + Ambition + Intrigue = ratings boom. Keep up the drama ABC, you're newest series is drowning all of the competition.


Illegally Delicious,
P. Manolos

Thought of the Day

My treadmill works :)... Did I mention it's older than me?


Whew. I was getting pretty desperate. Going to the gym on campus is a huge ordeal because I live 20 minutes away. Not to mention I have a small dog that depends upon me for his well-being. It takes precise planning in order for me to get to class, gym, and back home in one trip. I was at the point of buying a new treadmill until I tried to use a pair of pliers to turn the machine on. Guess what? It worked! I had a great run this morning and I can't wait to get back into the swing of working out. My Herve Leger dress is going to be nice and snug so I've got to stay committed to working out and eating right for the next few days.

Runnin' On E,

P. Manolos

A Side of Dressing

Just got off the phone with a good friend of mine. His latest joke is that I dress like a hooker. I must admit, I do enjoy tall heels and fitted clothing, but to say that I should charge per hour for my services is a bit much......

You know those uncomfortable jokes that people tend to use because they don't have the guts to say something to your face? That's what it feels like each time he mentions my daring approach to everyday dressing. I'm not on a diet, don't put my dressing on the side. Keep it right there, on top of the salad.  I can handle a full serving of whatever you've got to dish out.  In translation: I can handle the criticism, don't feel the need to baby me by giving it out in hardy har har increments.

In retrospect, I should have responded with my explanation as to why I don't steer away from 3 inch heels. I embrace who I am as a woman wholeheartedly. I won't hide it with wearing tennis shoes, jeans, and sweatpants. I know so many feminist who believe that heels, makeup and skirts are all forms of patriarchy labeled with a size to add insult to injury. I reject their beliefs and supplant them with my own.

I am of the essentialist difference feminist thought. I embrace feminity and don't mind to show it off in all of its glory.  God made me who I am and I refuse to give into the conventions of what a man thinks is appropriate for the sake of their comfort. I refuse to feel insecure like so many women surrounding me. It's a damn shame when I hear girls talk about how 'fat they are' or how 'old they look.' Everytime I get around a group of my girlfriends its a race to the bottom to see who's got it worse.  Self-debasment should be a national women's sport- many of the girls I cross daily would win Gold.

So no, I'm not covering up any time soon. I'll continue to wear whatever fits my fancy in Vogue. If I have a low cut shirt I will balance it out a conservative skirt, pants, or maybe a fabulous pair of shorts (that threw my babe for a loop one day- shorts in winter!). I can't help what other people think of me, whether  I wear flats or a pair of Manolos. What I can control, is how I feel about myself, and damnit I feel great.

Seizure Dressing,

P. Manolos

Let Them Eat Cake

 

My favorite homemade Pineapple Upside Down Cake. Never FAILS 


I'm no Marie Antoinette, but I do enjoy a good piece of cake every once in a while. During my frenzied study session at Starbucks, I ordered a cup of coffee and gave into temptation and ordered a red velvet cupcake.

Can't say I didn't know. As an amateur cook, I know the difference between a commercially created cake and a homemade version blindfolded. If you were to hand me any piece of cake/pie/cookie, I can tell you what it is, what's in it, and what's wrong with it (if anything). It's a tradition my mother handed down from her mother, and from her grandmother, and so on and so on.

I guess it's in my blood. So as I took a bite of Starbucks' Red Velvet cupcake, I nearly spit it out. Diagnosis? No real butter- just shortening. The crumb was too dry and airy- tell tale sign of how the commercial baking process cuts out a lot of flavor for the sake of mass production. The icing? Just plain butter cream, they didn't have to worry about balancing out the sharp flavor of buttermilk and food coloring because they probably didn't even use buttermilk in the cupcake so no need for traditional cream cheese frosting.

The sordid flavor didn't stop me from finishing the cupcake- if my Mom taught me anything else besides the importance of flavor she also taught me not to waste.

Impeccable Taste,

P. Manolos

Thought of the Day

When was the last time I saw a treadmill?

My treadmill, age 30, finally died on me two weeks ago. Unfortunately, I haven't worked out since then either. I really need to get back into the swing of things, especially considering the fact that I have a gorgeous dress picked out for law school prom and it just won't work out if I'm carrying and extra five pounds. Yes, its the one I've been slobbering over for the past year and a half. I've finally got the courage to buy the damn thing. Let's just hope when it gets here it's perfect.


Fashion Frenzy,

P. Manolos

Picture of the Day

Nothing to Sneeze At




I was raised in a household where if someone sneezes, you respond with a blessing. "God Bless you" or just plain old "Bless you" will do. I sneezed on my dog today. He's usually sitting on top of me somehow, either sitting directly next to me underneath my left shoulder, on top of my legs if I have them propped up on my footstool or the most intrusive position of all, sprawled out on top of my lap in direct conflict with my attempts to work on the computer. I don't mind it very much, I've gotten used to shifting my body around to fit in all 10 lbs of his little Minpin frame. Only problem is I'm really sensitive to dirt and pollen. Every time he goes outside to potty, he brings back a ton of nasal irritants to shove in my face.

Needless to say, I would never kick him out of his little nook. Some things in life are just worth sneezing about.


Puppy Love,

P. Manolos

Thought of the Day

"I survived"


That's just it, need I say more? Three more hours until I've got a martini in my hands.


Destiny's Child,

P. Manolos

Today's Obssession




Thanks to the recession, Herve Leger Dresses are at an absolute bargain. I can't wait to get a hold of one of these! Around this time last year, you couldn't find one under $800.00. I love Herve Leger because his dresses celebrate the curves of a woman's body and any woman any size can look great in one of them. Just be sure to keep the rest of the ensemble (jewelry, hair, make-up) simple and sleek. This dress doesn't need a supporting cast.

Bargain Beauty,

P. Manolos

Thought of the Day

What a weekend.


Brown Eyes and I went back to his college town to visit some of his old college buddies. We had a lot of fun acting like immature college kids drinking and watching sports. I still had in the back of my mind all of the work I had to complete tonight before my journal deadline tomorrow afternoon, but I feel like the time I've spent this weekend was worth the work.

Life is different now. I miss my closest friends I lost contact with last fall dearly, but with all things in life you have to know when to let go and when to hold on. You can't force people to do things they don't want to do.

Mom is getting sicker. I can't tell you how hard it is to call her and hear about the myriad of physical problems she is experiencing. To make things worse,  she keeps reminding me that she won't be around forever.

There's a verse in the Bible that says there is a season for all things- a time for peace and a time for war. A time to laugh and a time to cry. A time to live, and a time to die. I just hope that time can hold otu a little longer. There are so many things I want to share with my mom before the seasons change for good.

Seasonal,

P. Manolos

Grown-Up Blog

New format, same Pink Manolos. When life gets hectic, change the small stuff.


Change is Good,

P. Manolos

Thought of the Day

Halfway done with law school.



I have another year left before graduate. Life is good right now, I'm working on my journal note, spending time with my boyfriend and getting to know myself better and better each day.


Living the Life,

P. Manolos

Thought of the Day

I need a nap.


Couldn't come home in time to save the pup from peeing in his crate yesterday due to the snowstorm. I gave him a bath as soon as I got home. Now I'm exhausted and ready to take a nap. I miss Brown Eyes already....

Sleepy,

P. Manolos

Happy New Year

And may I add Happy New blog format?

New Year's Resolutions

  1. Be Happy- I'm going to just go with the flow and let life take the wheel
  2. Exercise consistently- I'd like to make sure I keep working out, at least four days a week for 30 minutes

That's pretty much it. I'm not big on New year's resolutions, so I try to keep them brief and reasonable. Hope you like the new blog format, be on the look out for more changes.

New Manolos,

P. Manolos

Back to Home Back to Top Pink Manolos. Theme ligneous by pure-essence.net. Bloggerized by Chica Blogger.