Spooky

Just a quick post to share my sad attempt at making some festive treats. On Sunday, I stopped at Target to see if they had a Halloween equivalent to a gingerbread house kit on my way back from Western Springs. I was pleasantly surprised to find not only a haunted house kit, but a graveyard AND a coffin making kit. I opted for the coffin since it seemed like the easiest to put together.

Here's the adorable little box:

See how cute and festive that is.

Now, here's my version...

ummm.... Happy Halloween?

Do real women wear heels?

After digesting a rather misogynistic and ignorant comment regarding women wearing high heels, I've done a little self-reflection on the topic. I'm not a huge fan of heels and this off-the-cuff remark concerned me. It's not because I don't appreciate the look. Heels elongate your legs and give you the appearance of being skinnier which is always a plus. But I can't wear heels without looking like an 8 year old who's raided her mother's closet . When I wear heels I hobble around like a drunken idiot. I barely last an hour in the towering beasts without downgrading to flats or bare feet. The pain just isn't worth it and I'm perfectly content hovering around the 5'1 range that I've become so accustomed to.

Now, it offends me greatly to think that a man might think I'm not a real woman because I refuse to artificially increase my height and put on the illusion of being skinny day after day. There's a time and place for heels and darn it I'll wear 'em if I have to ( or at least start the night wearing them) but when it comes to the daily grind, I'm not about to sacrifice my feet for the sake of perceived femininity. I'm a dancer and I'll destroy my feet by banging the shit out of them while doing a hornpipe or by wearing soft shoes that are 3 sizes too small, but I won't subject them to the pointless pain of pumps. And it's not like I'm coming to work everyday dressed like a masculine hobo. I put time, effort and personal spunk into most everything I wear. But just because it doesn't include 4 extra inches doesn't mean it isn't flattering or feminine.

Update: In celebration of my own girlishly unique style I'm going to buy myself some boots sans heels this weekend and I'll post pictures.

I think I earned this one...

Lately I've been finding myself alone on a Sunday, flipping through channels desperately trying to find something decent to watch. I'm pretty foggy this morning in particular as I had the most action packed Saturday in recent memory. This weekend started early as we were asked not to come into the office on Friday due to our team moving floors. I spent Friday recovering from the previous night and preparing for Saturday. I ended up grabbing the 4:53 express train to LaGrange with Molly and we spent the evening at her house.

Friday night was interesting because it reminded me of what weekends were like when we were in high school. It's probably the sort of stuff Molly and I would do if we had actually been friends during our formative years. We shared a frozen pizza with her family and took a trip to the Jewel to get a movie from the Redbox. Somehow we ended up with the movie about babies which consisted of embarrassing body parts and little dialogue. We decided to turn in early in anticipation for Saturday.

The next morning we rose at 5:30 shuffling along, barely aware of our surroundings. We piled into the Diamante just as the sun was peaking out of the tops of trees and headed downstate to Champaign. I was able to sleep most of the way and was well-rested by the time we started unloading the stuff. Tailgating is one of those times where it's OK to start drinking at 10am so I gladly cracked open a beer and ate a sub sandwich for breakfast. We headed into the stadium around 11:30 and trudged to our seats which were located at the very last row of the horseshoe. Now, I'm an avid weather.com fan but I was a little disappointed in its forecast for the game as I was definitely not prepared for the freezing winds the tore through the stadium. Our faces were all bright red with wind burn by the end of the game but we were comforted by a game well played by the Illini and continued tailgating for a few more hours.

We raced home to prepare for Becky's birthday dinner and arrived in record time to a little sushi place called Zen in Wicker Park. Molly and I shared a few rolls and a bottle of wine and wished our friend a very happy birthday. She went home early to get some rest and we continued on to meet up with other friends in Lincoln Park. The night lasted until 3AM where I snuck into a cab and headed home to the comfort of my own bed.

I'm off to see a movie and grab a bite to eat later...just as soon as I get off the couch.

Radio-oh-oh

So, I'm kinda bored tonight and I really wanted to update the blog but I don't really have anything interesting to write about so I think I'm gonna put the ol' itunes on shuffle and let the nostalgia commence:

Song #1: Dammit. A new Paramore song, "Brick By Boring Brick"

Have to say I freakin' love this band. It started out as a guilty pleasure but has recently turned into straight up love. You gotta admire people that are out there doing what they truly love and are able to rock while doing it. I saw them live at Northerly Island a few weeks ago and was truly stunned. I am super jealous of Hayley and wish I had her life, hair and her figure. (ehh I'm workin' on it). This song in particular is a pretty catchy one but the music video looks kinda cheap-o, but I don't listen to bands based on the quality of their music videos. It's amazing that I'm even listening to a band that has the means to produce a music video at all. I particularly adore the clapping and the bah-bah-bahing in this song.

Song #2: Oooo goody. The Copyrights "Lights Out"

All I can say about this song is that it brings me back to the days of 711 Illinois house shows where I'd be right in front of Adam Copyright's face screaming along to this song. Best part was when they actually turned the lights off. I freaking love this band and they've really shaped the way I've grown up over my college years. A midwest attitude oozes from every song and I gobble up each and every one.

Song # 3 OMG. Vince Guaraldi Trio "Christmas Time is Here"

Sweet Jesus shuffle loves me tonight. It's waayyyyy too early to start listening to the trio (not of the alkaline variety). I start busting this out the day after Halloween and listen to it all the way up to Christmas. There's something so warming and cozy about these songs and it really takes me back to days of when Christmas was such a huge deal. I'd be peering out of the window just waiting for Mr. Claus to appear so he could give me and my little cousins all these awesome gifts... now that's what I'm talking about. This music makes me want to build a million ginger bread houses, hang an absurd amount of stockings, and spread general yuletide cheer near and far.

Song #4 Oh sweet. The Soviettes "Her Neon Heart"

Man, those Soviettes are so cool. Another band I wish I was in. They're pretty high up on the ranks of awesome midwestern bands and they're coming to Chicago soon which is pretty rad. I've recently gotten into them (Again). I go through phases of bands and sorta forget about awesome music and then rediscover it and kick myself for forgetting it in the first place. Apparently there's a girl with my name in the band and I think I might just need to switch places with her very secretly so no one thinks anything is amiss. She could work my 9-5'er and I'll just slip right into her spot and rock out in a awesome punk rock band.

Song #5 Riverdales "A.G.E.N.T. for Harm "

By the time I'm finished writing the band name and title this song will be over because that's just how the Riverdales roll, alright?

Song #6 Blink 182 "Adam's Song"

Wow. What a throwback. I remember getting Enema of the State in 6th grade and listening to it the entire drive to Virginia Beach (that's like 13 hours). This was one of my favorite songs too...not sure what that says about me as a 11 yr old but I assure you I wasn't super depressed and wanting to kill myself all the time. I just always have a special place in my heart for more minor chord-y songs, you know the songs that really tug at your heart and may have you shedding a tear or two or possibly questioning the meaning of life at the end. I love those songs and this was one of the great ones.

Song #7 Theme from the Warriors

Ok. If you haven't seen this movie you suck. I'm kidding you don't suck but you will rule 100x more if you do see it immediately. It's a cool flick about a bunch of fictional gangs in NYC in the 70s that have to bop their way around the city to defend turf and look cool. The theme song is completely instrumental and totally groove-licious as one would expect. It conjures up distinct memories of nasty garbage being blown around a subway cavity and impossibly tight leather pants.

Song # 8 "So Cool" Teenage Bottlerocket

Baby, you're so cool. Bottlerocket is one of my favorite bands right now and there isn't much more I can say about 'em. I just saw them a week ago at the Subterranean and they were awesome. I totally loved their energy (even though Cody seemed stoned). Their songs are so simple yet always seem to convey the bottom line of so many human truths. Baby you're so cool, I love hangin' out with you.

Song # 9 "A Boring Story" The Lawrence Arms

Gosh this could be a doozy. When I talk about how much I love the midwest, this band really is the only one who truly captures what it feels like to feel totally in love yet lost in a city like Chicago than this band. The lyrics are like a Chicagofile's wet dream and the music just makes you wanna get drunk and sing along but not in a dumb fake Irish-y I'm drunk on St. Patrick's Day way. It's a feeling that can't really be described and should be experienced first hand probably at the Ginger Man or the L&L.

Song #10 "Rubber Ring" The Smiths

What a perfect ending to my list. The Smiths are just one of those bands you either get or you don't. Lately it seems like a lot more people are getting it but when I was in high school I was like the weird but possibly cool girl who listened to some mysterious brit band called the Smiths. I was drawn to Morrissey's garishly strange demeanor and his peculiar yet catchy songs and honestly who wouldn't be?

Don't forget the songs that made you cry and the songs that saved your life.

...what a perfect line to end this little rant.

Mairin Gilmartin: Biggest Jerk in America

I've often made my severe distaste for candid photos known but a little work wide email with a certain photo of yours truly has brought me to loathe them even more. Last Thursday was my work's 75th anniversary party. We had celebrations all day and into the evening at the Field Museum. We started off the day by traveling to our main conference room in order to receive our anniversary gift. We were then encouraged to donate to several charities the company supports.

Cut to right before the moment of this picture. I'm just walking in with wide eyes and wonderment trying to decide which charity I'll give some money. I'm bombarded by adorable little children from "Off the Street Club" that are offering up enthusiastic high fives. At the moment of this picture in REALITY: I've just finished giving that little girl a sweet high five and have a little smile on my face in satisfaction. I plan to donate $25 to this worthy charity so she can continue to give people like me high fives.Now what can be misconstrued from this picture: I'm a total asshole who's afraid of inner city children. As this girl offers a gesture of companionship I return with a "talk to the hand" motion because I just don't care. I'm smirking because I totally just spited that girl AND her stupid charity and I'm about to go donate all my money to the Hamburgler because I totally think he's more deserving.

So I'm really glad that all of work now thinks I'm some kind of idiot jerk that hates kindness and charity.

I think I'll go hide under my complimentary 75th anniversary fleece blanket now.

Boston Terrier: Punk Rock Dog of Choice?

I started to notice this "preference" when I'd see the occasional dingy looking punk with an adorable looking Boston (saw another today!), then I noticed punk turned model Lauren from ANTM had the cutest BT equipped with a leather studded collar, and now my friend Jena is dating a rather "alternative" looking fellow who also owns an drop dead darlin' pooch too. Three loosely related instances doesn't make a trend but I still feel as if it's an interesting occurrence to note. I'm sure it's just an observation from my particular position (someone who has a keen eye for boston terriers AND punk looking folks) but I have to say I'd expect a more mangy looking mutt to romp beside a subcultural owner not the smooshed faced goodness of the tiny Boston Terrier.

Identity II

I got an offer for a show for the dance company I haven't even formed yet. My cousin who helps the event coordinator at the Irish Heritage Center has asked Identity to perform at Arthur Guinness Day 2010. The dancers must be 21+ and the dancing should be modern and mature. This sounds like a terrific opportunity for Identity II (the Chicago chapter) to take the stage. I've sent out the invitations to dancers and I'll be searching for a practice space but I hope this will be the beginning of a great sister company.

For all your Mairin Gilmartin portfolio needs plz visit www.youjustgotmairinated.com

Despite the lack of a dress code at my work, there's still a sense of restriction of what you can and can't wear. In response to this rather lax but cryptic dress code I've adopted the Target boyfriend v-neck tee as the new SFW version of my band t-shirts (which I reluctantly made a separate pile for last night). I now wear a healthy amount of skirts paired with flats day in and day out for the 9-5 lifestyle and I've watched my wardrobe adjust itself to a more mature and feminine style. It's a look I used to indulge in from time to time before I started working but I truly miss the little edge to my clothes that always gave me a bit of punk rock thrill when I looked in the mirror.

That being said I’ve recently become re-inspired by the Joan Jett/Midwest crust girl punk look. I went to Macy's during my lunch break today and noticed a new collection of Levi's jeans and jackets that screamed rock n' roll. I saw a sweet little black denim vest that looked like the perfect antidote to my newly muted work wardrobe . I tried it on and knew I had to get it.

Now I have all the intent to look like a badass rock star but lack the know-how and motivation to actually start or be in a band. However, I swear I will start attending practices for the Automatic Lovers once I remember how to play the piano. For those who don’t know, The Automatic Lovers is an all girl punk n’ roll band formed by my friends Shelly and Laurie. They asked me to play keyboard with them but I’ve been holding out on them due to the new job. But I do plan on borrowing my sister’s keyboard this week so I can start to figure out some chords to accompany their songs. I think I’d like to start writing lyrics and perhaps music sometime soon as well. Maybe I'll be rockin' out with the Lovers with my new black vest sometime soon...

edit: Yes, I'm into this look like you haven't showered for weeks because you've been touring dive bars in the midwest garb but I'd also like to nail down a hair cut that closely resembles a mullet without it getting too redneck (I realized this might be an impossible feat since I'll be wearing this denim vest everyday of my life) and if it turns out redneck then I'ma just go with it.