2005 Reflection

In honour of the impending New Year, I would like to direct everyone to the BBC's '100 Things We Didn't Know This Time Last Year.'

Among the things we didn't used to know, is the fact that 'half of Britons have a collection of more than 20 carrier bags at home. One in 10 people has up to 80.' Fascinating! And, more newly discovered gems include the knowledge that 'Tory leader Michael Howard and wife Sandra watch a video of Brideshead Revisited every New Year.'

There is a reason I'm proud to be British.

At BBC.com.

Skip Might Be Insulted (or Insulting)

Yesterday when sifting through my piles of Holiday mail that had accumulated in my absence, I came across a magazine of sorts called 'Heifer Foundation' with a photo of man and a cow on the cover. Surely, I thought, this is some kind of mawkish joke sent by a deranged Richard Simmons (or someone from 'Saturday Night Live') to remind me to stop eating the Christmas chocolate and my mom's mince pies.

But, no! Some further reading proved it is an actual organization and the catalog is filled with pictures of smiling celebs with various farm animals (think Walter Cronkite with a flock of fluffy, yellow chicks). The purpose of the organization is to help families in third-world countries create self-sustaining farms.

I am really not a bad person, but I think I had a fairly good laugh at the expense of those less fortunate than me. Forgive me.

The Waning Christmas Spirit

So this will be my last Christmas picture/post, I promise.

The Mummy Mummy

Seriously, I challenge anyone out there to a 'Cutest Mom' contest.

Christmas Fun with Friends

Would you believe we've all known each other for 22 years? I feel suddenly very old and very lucky.

Happy Christmas to Skip

This is my new watch. Ladies and Gentlemen, try not to be jealous.

At Zodiac.

An Almost Christmas Miracle

Being away from San Francisco for over two weeks has been somewhat frustrating because it makes it very difficult to keep my blog up-to-date. Naturally, I have so many glorious thoughts and opinions to share with the world and so little time (work, work and shopping) and resources (digital camera) with which to do it. Oh, how my fans will suffer without me! Alas, I have to tuck my ideas into a small pocket of my mind for elucidation upon my return.

Fortunately, I can always make time to expound on the triumphs of my most favorite company of men; the Bears. Yesterday, the boys beat the Green Bay Packers (at Lambeau Field) to secure the NFC North title and a first-round bye in the playoffs with the help of a finally-uninjured Rex Grossman and a very unimpressive Packer's defense. May I add that this is the first time in 14 years that the Bears have actually swept Green Bay in a season! This win was surely because I was in Chicago and watching the game in my new Bears jersey.

PS- On Saturday, the Steelers shut-out the Browns in 41-0 victory at Cleveland. Literally, they c-r-e-a-m-e-d them. It was awesome!

PPS- Hi, Ben.

Skip is a Classy Broad

The snobby French woman in me will wear this with my black blazer and some oppressive perfume.

At Hermes.

Skip Creates Winners

Yesterday was unlike any other Football Season Sunday in that my two favorite teams, the Chicago Bears (I have to support the hometown boys) and the Pittsburgh Steelers, were playing against each other at Heinz Field. Kyle vs. Ben, Hines vs. Muhsin. This was an unprecedented conflict of interest, which I must say was quickly resolved when the Bears' defense chose to take a vacation, rapidly ending their 8-game winning streak.

I'm fairly positive the Steeler's win was also because I was sporting my Ben jersey and not my Target boys Bears sweatshirt.

Girl's Night Out

Er, kind of.

Celeb Spotting

Look! We're famous! My friends and I made it onto those trashy party website photo thingys, like party pics only everyone is less clothed! We are so cool.

At Ovahere.

Happy Feet

Omigosh.

I have found the perfect Christmas gift for everyone on my list (with a little help from my friend Lauren). Slippers from USA Happy Feet!

PS- Santa, I would like the Bear.

A High School Success Story

I don't much keep up with high school people (with a few very important exceptions, of course). It was so long ago and I had severe wallflower syndrome (identified by the fact that everyone I knew didn't know me). In fact, I'm certain that since I last saw these people, they have gone through several physical changes and personality iterations such that I am doubtful I would even recognize most of them. Regardless, it's always interesting to learn where everyone is, what they are doing, are they married, knocked up, etc. It is that morbid curiosity that I believe most people to possess when it comes to their high school classmates.

So, when it recently came to my attention that a boy with whom I went to high school and shared many a French conversation was the lead singer in a band, I had to hear more. Now, when I say 'band' I'm not speaking of a few guys who work part-time at Best Buy and/or Starbucks and jam in a garage and/or basement on the weekend. I am talking about a real band with a real tour schedule, whose songs you can buy on iTunes and who just played at the Great American Music Hall.

Um, that's pretty cool.

Aberdeen City.

Spy Gal Skip

Last night, after much discussion about the state of man/men with my pal Natalie over some red wine and the persistent, pestering voice of our waitress, we have decided to become spies. Much like my (as-yet-unfounded) notoriety as Wilderness Barbie, I think I will like having the gear more than being a gumshoe. But, honestly, who wouldn't love accessories like this pen video camera or the indispensable envelope x-ray spray!?!

Available at Spy Life.

Birds of a Feather

How fantabulously luminous is my little sister? She is truly my best friend.

I shall buy her the Conducktor for Christmas to show her how cool I think she is.