a silly little life

I find most ironies in life pretty amusing.  In fact, they add a little spice to an otherwise bland existence.  For instance, "if I don't get insurance on my new iPhone then something bad will happen.  But if I don't get insurance, it's a waste of money because nothing will happen."  You can deduct the result of my cheap reasoning: nine months and over $800 later I had the newest iPhone 5. So, at the first of every month I get excited for my paycheck, and excited if I can pay my rent with a little left to pay my credit or cable bill.  Since I am on commission, I never exactly know what amount will be sent my way.  Due to the very large and unexpected expense in December I was thrilled to be able to cover my rent at the first of January.  It looked like there was going to be some "play" money left, so I thought I would treat myself to a little treat: Lauren Bush's Ubiquitous "FEED" bag profits go to hungry children in 3rd world countri...

It's that time again.  The one that only comes every four years and we cannot help but become mesmerized and addicted.  The 2012 Olympics in London.  Honestly, I tuned in for the Opening Ceremonies because I missed the "incredible" Beijing show.  You would think I had learned from the 2012 Winter Olympics it's not a good idea.  I fell asleep as one of the "B" countries was parading in. I've kept my eyes on the games because I wanted to see Michael Phelps break the medal record, for the gymnastics (even though the men's makes me a little uncomfortable) and even some beach volleyball.  The trouble is that I get so wound up and excited that I cannot fall asleep!  Last night's women's gymnastics and men's relay was heart-pounding and nail-biting.  I found myself crying when the USA won a gold in gymnastics.  Then I thought: "why am I crying?  I didn't do anything.  They worked really hard and earned the medal."  Seriously, I a...

Oftentimes when I am in a situation where my name is to be shouted out, I just use the nickname "Mac."  No, it's not an actual nickname of mine, nor is it a very girly moniker.  But it's quick, easy to say and easy to understand.  Surprisingly, "Shannon" is tricky for most. When I lived in Spain, my name in the household was "rubia" because my señora could not say "Shannon."  It became my name in public, too.  At a Starbucks I noticed my amigos were giving themselves pet names as well.  Aubin went by "Sarah" and Amanda went by "Maria" because otherwise we didn't know our drink was ready.  I preferred the quizzical smirks from the Spanish baristas than my drink turning cold. Fortunately most of Starbucks language is universal A while ago I used "Mac" when I was with friends.  One got quite a chuckle out of it.  And I guess I get that--it's not something normally used or heard.  But you know,...

There is a reason people love dogs--they provide unconditional love and support.  Doesn't matter if you're fat, stupid and ugly because your four-legged friend is at home waiting to greet you with love.  If I could, I would have more than one, but I don't have a yard or the kind of money needed with that responsibility.  So I continue to dog sit and consider others' dogs as my own in a way. Look, no one loves a great dog more than me.  I've been taking care of a friend's lab, Moe, and he's the greatest.  He literally understands everything I say, and doesn't even need to be walked with a leash.  He's friendly but tame, a winning combination. But the other day while I was walking him and his cousin, Gabby, a neighbor recognized us and went (pardon my French) apeshit.  She had her hands full of bags but put them all down to "say hello" to Moe.  She kept trying to get him to stop sniffing around and let her pet him.  Gabby, meanwhile, ...

I have been a terrible blog host by not writing for quite some time.  But, all the time spent away has only created more adventures and hijinks to write about! Today marks two full weeks of dog sitting.  Lots of dog sitting!  More business just kept coming, and I am not one to turn it away, especially considering that I was free all day.  Which was no longer the case after the first day of the first job.  I literally found a job that is not off the internet and not some scam.  An old friend owns a bridal shop and she needed help--immediately.  As it turns out, Fortunata, her only consultant, was not so fortunate  as her namesake would have you believe.  She was hit by a car and seriously injured.  When Emma reached out about filling in, I was ecstatic.  While I can forgo any type of big wedding of my own, I found such a job to be ironic for me.  But it turns out that it's even better than any kind of retail: there is very li...

This is what stinks the most about growing up: it's nothing like the movies…at least in my experience, and quite a lot of people I know.  There is no cool apartment, at least certainly not within a reasonable price range.  Amazing clothes and makeup don't just appear, we have to max out our credit cards instead.  Hot guys don't necessarily approach us, or they aren't interested if you're actually yourself.  The best friend is rarely that loyal or constant in the real world, and our endings are not always so happy. Clearly has been my philosophy from the start. It's fairly reasonable to conclude that I believed all this stuff could actually happen.  One thing I have noticed over the years is a common phrase, "this is a tough age."  Since I was 12 years old I've been told this piece of wisdom from my elders.  Over 18 years I've been told that each is "a tough age or time."  Whether it's hard because you're being picked on...

Unless you've been completely selfish, you know that yesterday was Mother's Day.  I was excited as Christmas to give my mom her loot.  I got everything weeks beforehand, and I am the worst at keeping gifts away from recipients.  My favorite was a personalized iPhone case because she just got an iPhone.  I also had some cookies arranged like flowers delivered to her.  Sadly, all my dad gets for Father's Day is a couple books, but as long as its wrapped and he can tear the paper he's pretty satisfied. This post is to show off my own mom.  You'd better pay attention because you might be jealous that she's so great.  I'm not even biased--everyone loves her and tell me all the time.  She's inviting, funny, comforting and loyal to a fault.  She's always been a "cool" mom, too.  Not only is she beautiful, but she is the example of patience and love.  I can say all of this matter-of-factly because she has been through almost everything, ...