OK, OK, I'm giving in to the Star Wars hype. My family and I are planning to go see it next week.
Here's the thing - when I saw the original Star Wars movies back in the day, I was too young to fully understand the story. Before next week, I need to get my comprehension in order!
Adam's got the DVD collection at home. Therefore, my critical and time-sensitive mission is to sit myself down this weekend and watch Episodes 4, 5, and 6 in their entirety.
It's going to be a challenge... but I am up for it!
Lest I hit the wall from my complete lack of movie-marathon training, Adam has courageously offered to pace me and watch alongside me every minute of the way. How's that for self-sacrifice!?!?!?
I finally joined the Windy City Blogger Collective. After hearing endlessly positive testimonies, I finally decided to pony up the membership fee.
Best investment, ever. I was already overwhelmed by the amazing array of member events in the first week alone!
Here's a snapshot from my first member event a few weeks ago - a holiday dinner aboard the Odyssey Chicago ship:
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| From L to R: Erin, Natali, and me |
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| Rose and me |
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| From L to R: Maggie, Erin, Natali, Lauren, Erica, and me |
I am planning to get new glasses, contacts, and prescription sunglasses soon. I only wear contacts for special occasions, but I've come to realize how momentous the glasses/sunglasses are. I'm not thrilled with either of my current pairs. Both frequently slide down my nose, and both have arm hinges that get caught in my hair. Next time, I hope to make better choices.
I love how glasses have evolved from being a practical necessity to a potential fashion accessory. I am excited to potentially try something different, style-wise.
I took a curling iron class. It was very helpful and I came away with lots of new knowledge. I also found out about the wide varieties of curling irons available out there. Who knew there were so many products to pick from?
After the instructor demo, we were given "lab time" using ourselves as experimental test subjects. I started getting the hang of things, but I still need a lot of practice! At least I have some ideas now instead of completely floundering around.
(True story: I once inadvertently replicated Sonic the Hedgehog's do with a curling iron. It was a good thing my hair was long enough to tie back afterwards.)
After the instructor demo, we were given "lab time" using ourselves as experimental test subjects. I started getting the hang of things, but I still need a lot of practice! At least I have some ideas now instead of completely floundering around.
(True story: I once inadvertently replicated Sonic the Hedgehog's do with a curling iron. It was a good thing my hair was long enough to tie back afterwards.)
After attending the annual NAAAP Convention for 12 consecutive years, I broke the streak in 2015. I was thinking that would very well be the end of my NAAAP Convention road, and I was okay with that. After all, it's perfectly normal for interests to evolve over the years. There's no time like the present to move in another direction. Explore different pursuits.
This week, I learned the 2016 NAAAP Convention will be hosted in Las Vegas.
Oh HECK yes!
When can I sign up??? =D
I didn't know about the WCBC, but I will join too--just to connect with other bloggers! Thanks for sharing. There's just so much I don't know.
ReplyDeleteIt's a constant learning process for all of us!!! I think the WCBC is a fantastic resource and it would be awesome if you joined! FYI, though, most of their events take place downtown or in the city neighborhoods. Some folks have said the event locations made it challenging for them to participate based on where they lived. Either way, please do keep me posted on what you decide!
DeleteDid you see RnR had a one time special for $99 yesterday?
ReplyDeleteI have not watch any of the Star Wars movie. I may have to borrow them from you.
I used to be a member of WCBC but did not feel like I got anything out of it. Maybe I'll join again.
I did see RnR was hosting one-day specials yesterday but I'm so burnt out on racing I didn't read the details. $99 for what? A 3-pack tour pass?
DeleteLet me know if you'd like to borrow the Star Wars DVDs sometime after next week. =)
Bummer that you didn't feel like you got enough out of your WCBC membership! Admittedly, most of their events seem to take place downtown or in the nearby neighborhoods, so I can understand how it might be tough for you to attend. How long ago were you a member?
I think it was 1 or 2 years ago? It was $99 to sign up for Las Vegas. I signed to for it as well as for Seattle.
DeleteOh wow, $99 for Vegas is a good deal outside of the Tour Packs! Honestly, I am surprised RnR hasn't excluded RnR from the 3-Pack Tour Pass deal. I wasn't able to make the schedule work this year, but if I did my Tour Pass cost for RnR Vegas would have been like $75!
DeleteSo jealous of your curling iron class! My experience is basically really talented friends and youtube. But I mean, I can culr my hair to a reasonable amount of present-ability, so i'm happy about that.
ReplyDeleteMorgan, if you can curl your hair to your satisfaction, that is ALL that matters! I am jealous that you are able to achieve that because even after my class, I still have a long ways to go, and lots of practice ahead of me. =) I need to start using youtube as a resource, too!
DeleteBummed I missed the curling iron class! I'll have to keep my eye out for the next one because I really need it. I also probably need a new curling iron/flat iron but, like you said, there are too many options. How could I possibly know what to buy?
ReplyDeleteI am bummed you missed the curling iron class, too! It would have been fun to share the experience with you! But I hope you had a blast at your party that night. The ladies hosting the class said it is SUPER popular, so they host it frequently. There will definitely be ample opportunity to attend in the future!
DeleteI'm not a hair person at all, so outside of my straightener, which I only use for special occasions, I don't style. I seem to be helpless, but I'm OK with that.
ReplyDeleteI'm very much a "wash-and-wear" hair person, too! Every time I get my hair cut, I tell my stylist that I just want something low-maintenance. Beyond that, I don't really care, LOL. I have a flat-iron, too, but I've only used it maybe 5 times, EVER?
DeleteHmm... A curling iron class. That sounds really interesting. I think my sister would love it!
ReplyDeleteI think a curling iron class would make a fantastic gift! The ladies hosting the class said it is a very popular offering - they said the demand is quite high!
DeleteI could use a curling iron class! I have a curling iron that I use maybe a couple times per year, partially because I'm lazy, but partially because I've never been able to figure out how on earth to make it do what I want it to do haha.
ReplyDeleteI've been wearing the same glasses since high school (when I wear glasses, which is very infrequently. I'm all about contacts). Fortunately the style is fairly basic, so I don't think they're likely to go out of fashion any time soon (unless everyone starts wearing enormous 80s-style glasses again -- then they wouldn't fit in!), but I wouldn't mind new frames. With no vision insurance, though, and how infrequently I wear glasses, I can't justify the cost at all, especially since I already have to pony up a bunch of $$$ for contacts every year anyway.
Bethany @ Accidental Intentions
I heard about the class through Dabble.co! Go check out the offerings - the ladies hosting the class say it is their most popular class; they've hosted it something like 50 times to date!
DeleteLOL on the enormous 80s style glasses. At an accounting firm I used to work at, our employee database had profile pictures that NEVER got updated. We would giggle at the long-time employee pictures rocking out those 80s style glasses. =D
I'm with you on how expensive eyewear is! The reason I'm planning to get everything early next month is because I have funded my 2016 FSA purely with new glasses/contacts in mind!
A curling iron class?! LOL! But seriously ... how do I sign up for one? :-D
ReplyDeleteI heard about the class through Dabble.co! They have classes all around the country - and Minneapolis is on the list! Go check out the offerings. =)
DeleteWe have a BRUTAL schedule this weekend. In the course of about 60 hours we have to get in...Three Star Wars Movies (2 hours each), 2 Penguin Games, 1 Hawks game and maybe the most critical Steeler game of the year. And I would not mind grabbing a workout or 2. This is extreme schedule pressure !!! We might have to push Return of the Jedi to Tuesday night.
ReplyDeleteI believe we've actually got 2 Hawks games - a Saturday matinee vs Buffalo (we're goin' north), and Sunday night against the [best Pat Foley voice] SHARRRRRRKS. So the schedule pressure is even worse than originally estimated!!!!! BTW - I noticed you did not include the beloved Bears in your schedule planning. That is too bad because the Sunday schedule would actually line up perfectly - Bears at noon, Steelers at 3, Hawks at 6! We have no overlap between any of our teams' games this entire weekend!
DeleteThere's a Star Wars movie coming out?! I better get tickets then! :) I wish I was a better blogger so I could join that fancy dancy cruise! Looks like you guys had a blast! :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, I hadn't heard about the Star Wars movie until a few days ago, either. =)
DeleteI think your blog is fantastic! I'm fairly selective with the blogs I put on my reader list, and you are one of them. =) Also, I don't believe there are any requirements to join the WCBC other than to have a blog, period! Heck, there are some current members whose blogs have been dormant for months. Honestly, I *think* it's just about signing up and paying the membership fee! So come on down! =)
I'm happy to hear you are glad you joined the Windy City Blogger Collective! I keep hearing great things as well but since I'm stuck in the suburbs I've been hesitant to join... I really wanted to find out more after I move though.
ReplyDeleteAnd good luck with the movies! My husband "made" me sit through 4,5,6 this past week. Seeing the next one on Christmas eve with my family.
Thanks Alexandra! Admittedly, I do think the WCBC would be a challenge for bloggers that don't live in the city, since most of the events are downtown or in the city neighborhoods. But definitely something to keep in mind, depending on your future locales!
DeleteAppreciate the good luck wishes on the movie marathon! How did you hold up with completing your own marathon!?!?!?
haha I held up? The movies are just so dated now - still good in their own way, but definitely not nail biters. I ended up grabbing my laptop and kind of half watching, half working on some easy things I needed to get done.
DeleteReminds me of my nephew (he's in college). The family wanted to watch Star Trek: Wrath of Khan, and his response was, "Is that the movie with the bad special effects?" =D
DeleteIt was great to see you last night too! I've only been to a few WCBC events and it's definitely a great way to get out into the IRL community for blogging. I can't wait to do more next year (no Ironman, so more time!)! Good luck with the movies!
ReplyDeleteLauren, I am so excited that you'll be working downtown starting next month! It'll give us so many more opportunities to get together and catch up after work! I hope you thoroughly enjoy your time off in the meantime - those periods between ending an old job and starting a new one are the best feeling ever!
DeleteI'm so behind on all the Star Wars hype that I'm not even sure what's going on in the story anymore. I remember seeing all the films waaaaaay back when, but yeah... it's been too long. And a hair curling class would be AWESOME. My hair is the bane of my existence so most days I don't even bother with it.
ReplyDeleteAmanda, you and me both! I seem to remember first hearing about the new Star Wars movie like 6 months ago??? Someone told me this movie has already been more profitable even before opening than many other movies have been in their entire lifecycle!
DeleteI'm with you on my hair being the bane of my existence, too. I'm all about "wash-and-wear" - who has time for anything else???
Am I too far out of the city to be a WCB?? I well remember the first time Star Wars hit the box office. My little brother had the soundtrack and played it constantly.
ReplyDeleteMarcia, from what I've seen, most of the events take place in downtown Chicago or in the city neighborhoods (so far it's been lots of Lincoln Park, Bucktown, River North, etc.) But hey - since the Caveman works in the West Loop, that would help a lot! =D Oh gosh on the Star Wars soundtrack, I had classmates who played it constantly, too!
DeleteWhere was this class!? Sounds AWESOME!
ReplyDeleteI need to get my butt down to the loop for a WCBC event- please let me know when you go! I need to take advantage of being off work and a husband who likes baby time! Also, make it a point to work in the loop more when I go back!
The class took place at a salon called goldplaited in Lakeview. I'm sure they will have future offerings! The class was listed on dabble.co. =)
DeleteAbsolutely - would LOVE any opportunity to catch up with you! I haven't seen you in so long and we definitely need to take advantage of your time off and/or your downtown office. =) Can't wait for our holiday brunch next weekend!
Watching Star Wars all weekend sounds fun! :) I'm excited to see the movie eventually. I watched the originals with my brother about 100 times when we were kids. I'm probably not exaggerating there.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see the outcome of the curling iron class! I've learned everything from YouTube, but a class sounds fun. I don't even own one though, I just use my flat iron and it mostly works out.
It was so fun catching up with you last night! :)
I'm pretty excited to lay around all weekend watching Star Wars, too. =) I bet your brother is pumped for the new release. Do you know if he went to see it last night already? A lot of my coworkers are buzzing about it this morning!
DeleteI do own both a curling iron and a flat iron, but I've used both a combined total of maybe 8 times, ever? Incidentally, we were taught how to use a flat iron as a curling device! It was cool!
It was so fun catching up with you last night, too! Congratulations again on Heidi!!! We'll definitely have to set up a time for suburban get-together soon. =)
YES on the hair rippage - you totally get it! I've gotten to the point where now I always remove my glasses really slowly so I can try to untangle the hair before ripping it out. I've grown envious of folks that whip their glasses off because clearly they don't experience the same issue!
ReplyDeleteLOL on your husband informing you about Star Wars! Are you going tonight?
I could totally benefit from a curling iron class :)
ReplyDeleteDon't worry about understanding the original three when you see The Force Awakens - you don't really need a ton of the back story! :)
Isn't the curling iron class an ingenious idea? The ladies hosting said they also have updo classes, braid classes, and eye-makeup classes. So fun!
DeleteGlad to hear the back story is not completely necessary for The Force Awakens! My parents are probably not familiar with the original three and they are not embarking on the firedrill catch-up session before we go to the theater together! =D
Ooooh, 3D must have been AMAZING!!!
ReplyDelete