TOODLES 2011, HEY THERE 2012

Well, well, well, here we are in 2012 and I am looking forward to the year ahead. 

Intentions, resolutions, dreams, and goals are wonderful to have at my fingertips, but choosing a single word to encompass what I would like to strive for throughout the year is extremely helpful in keeping me on track. Mental, physical, spiritual, and financial health are all under the 'HEALTH' umbrella with each having enough subsections to keep me pretty busy.

Another word that has come up for me a lot lately is 'LISTEN' and not just to others, but also to myself. I think this will play nicely with 'HEALTH' seeing as how tuning out what my mind, body, and spirit truly need is far from healthy.

That is where I am in this sparkling brand new year, how about you? Do you have a word or phrase to sum up your intentions for 2012?

Toodles from this 2012 basking Smalltownista.

THE ROARING TWENTIES: UHAULS & HAIR COLOR

July 28th, 2011 marked the last day of my roaring twenties and oh what a decade it was, a time line that could easily be measured in Uhauls & Hair Color.

As I stroll into my thirties it seems like an opportune time to reflect on the past decade. It started out a little rocky, hit a hight point in the middle, and thankfully remained pretty steady.

THE SAVVY TRAVELER

You know the well kempt woman you see breezing through the airport with a perfectly coiffed do, clean and easy makeup, donning fashionable attire, calmly strolling in front of respectable sized luggage. . . that is SO not me. Now, you know the frantic woman you see barreling down the gate, straggling tufts of hair flailing over her day old looking makeup, donning yoga pants and what may or may not be a matching t-shirt, wildly hauling a suitcase that was zipped closed much to its chagrin. . . that is me. Well, that is not entirely true, I do pack light.

Oh how I would love to be the savvy traveler, but no matter how much thought I put into it, I can never quite execute it. I am constantly on the lookout for anything that would streamline my travel experience. It is amazing how many purchases I have made in the pursuit of savvy traveling and yet remain the disheveled individual at the airport.

ROWDY ON DOWN

On the eve of a double header or two nighter, out last night for the Bears game and again tonight for Wolfmother, I thought it appropriate to share yet another older post. Originally posted on Tuesday, January 01, 2008, it still rings pretty true.

Conjuring up some Hank Jr., I am thinking to myself, "Me and my rowdy ole friends done rowdied on down." Of course, to be honest, pretty sure it's just me. Holiday Benders just do not do the ole body good anymore. I can't be sure of the exact date this phenomenon occurred, the not being able to 'hang' so much, but an educated guess tells me it was right around the time of the metabolic slow down. We have all heard the tall tales of "Enjoy it while you can" and "It will all catch up to you one day." But did anybody ever seriously believe that nonsense. What do ya mean I won't always be able to party like a rock star or get messed up like a research monkey without any repercussions???

OVERCOMING GYMOPHOBIA

Aside from the occasional strenuous Yoga Session, I have not worked out a day in my adult life. I attribute my lack of physical fitness to what I have dubbed gymophobia. Whether it's being in the throws of a quarter life crisis or a high school reunion looming, I can't say, but at the ripe age of late twenties it is time to face my fear of gyms. In order to get over my fear of 'working out' in general, I took a deep breath and jumping in, all the way in.

Two weeks ago I signed up for Boot Camp, that's right, not just paid for a gym membership (that I would never use), but Boot Camp. And I must say, so far I am totally digging it and look forward to my 3 nights a week class and have yet to skip out on one yet. YAY!!!

SMALLTOWNISTA BEGINS

I recently stumbled upon a book circa early 00's about life in the city. While the author offered up some valuable advice, she sprinkled it with tidbits of small town stereotypes. Ideas that all small towners wear overalls, drive pickup trucks, and have little to no ambition makes my blood boil. I do not claim to be familier with small towns everywhere, but from my humble experiences, I can honestly say those sweeping claims are simply NOT TRUE.

Okay, small town style may not be HIGH fashion, but it is not all overalls all the time. There is a simple approach to style in small towns, which I happen to appreciate. Pickup Trucks, really? Need I say more. And yes, we may not all be clawing our way up a fortune 500 company ladder, but chances are we own or work for a family owned business, are stay at home moms with a creative biz on the side, teachers, lawyers, occupational therapists, artists, and that is just to name a few occupations within my small circle. Assuming that small town dwellers have little to no ambition in life, is like assuming city dwellers have no connection to family. It's ridiculous.

Hence, the inspiration for Smalltownista: Small Town Girls Have Style Too. May smalltownistas everywhere band together to share tips, tricks, inspiration and to show the world that style can be found anywhere, even in a small town.