Leja's Random Musings

[LejaOMG]

So...I should start to think about:

• transitioning away from acrylic nails (for the first time in 10, count them, TEN years)
  
• stockpiling specialty beauty products such as Dr. Bronner's soap, Elasta QP shampoo and Fantasia IC gel
  
• possibly learning to do my own braids and extensions
  
• getting lasik eye surgery to preclude the hassle of contact prescriptions
  
• creating a mobile spirits collection
  
• making sure that I figure out how to fit in ONE clothing size for an extended period of time
  
• learning how to manage my own health...nothing major, just when/how to treat and diagnose minor issues
  
• finding (or learning to make) a highly effective yet toxin-free insect repellant
  
• getting a coupla more universal electric plug adapters
  
• acquiring as much electronic music as possible
  
• figuring out the legal implications of operating my business from abroad, while maintaining persistent domestic contacts
  

[Southie]

Mobile spirits collection! One of my Ls's does that...we always have the trunk ready for events! LOL

[Kyng of JDs]

Oct 13, 2011 11:33:51 GMT -5 LejaOMG said:

So...I should start to think about:

• transitioning away from acrylic nails (for the first time in 10, count them, TEN years)
  
• stockpiling specialty beauty products such as Dr. Bronner's soap, Elasta QP shampoo and Fantasia IC gel
  
• possibly learning to do my own braids and extensions
  
• getting lasik eye surgery to preclude the hassle of contact prescriptions
  
• creating a mobile spirits collection
  
• making sure that I figure out how to fit in ONE clothing size for an extended period of time
  
• learning how to manage my own health...nothing major, just when/how to treat and diagnose minor issues
  
• finding (or learning to make) a highly effective yet toxin-free insect repellant
  
• getting a coupla more universal electric plug adapters
  
• acquiring as much electronic music as possible
  
• figuring out the legal implications of operating my business from abroad, while maintaining persistent domestic contacts
  

It sounds like you are going to go to war, hide in a jungle, or fake your own death.

[Sapphire]

Leja try the shellac nails. There's no drilling so they're a gazillion times bette for your nails. You still have to sit under the UV thing but basically they put multiple coats with multiple UV baking (LOL) and your nails are stronger than just a regular mani. Plus the polish lasts about 2 weeks unlike a regular polish.

[LejaOMG]

I wear shellac on my toes currently. My "BIG THING" that I mentioned on page 14 will most likely prevent me of availing myself of much beauty industry technology

[Rare_Commodity]

*Tip-toes in my neighbor's house and posts and sticky on her front door before running out*

Sticky Reads: CND's Shellac and OPI's Axxium are great products for weaning yourself off acrylic nails. If you like designs try the Konad plates you'll love the DIY method and save tons! Also, Lasik is the one of the best investments you can make in your vision.

[Kyng of JDs]

I'mma say hide out in the jungle at this point.

[LejaOMG]

Oct 13, 2011 13:52:26 GMT -5 Rare_Commodity said:

*Tip-toes in my neighbor's house and posts and sticky on her front door before running out*

Sticky Reads: CND's Shellac and OPI's Axxium are great products for weaning yourself off acrylic nails. If you like designs try the Konad plates you'll love the DIY method and save tons! Also, Lasik is the one of the best investments you can make in your vision.

lol @ the sticky note!

[LejaOMG]

I. Cannot. STAND. When people try to count my money. I'm not sure why it bothers me so, but it's a perennial concern of mine. Are you unfamiliar with the concept? Follow me. Money was counted if you or anyone you know has ever said:

• "oh you live there? I know you could get a house twice that size. You must be stacking paper!"
  
• "oh wow, how are you able to afford such-and-such on your salary?"
  
• "you know what? You need to get a thus-and-so. It only costs $X, I know you got that"
  
• "You can't afford to buy that widget. Perish the thought. You need to be saving for such-and-such"
  
• "I can't borrow $x? Why not when you just spent $x on a new such-and-such"
  
• "I didn't get you a gift because you got that long dough now, so I figure you don't need it. Nice party though. Could you pass me another stuffed shrimp?"
  
• "A certain charity is raising funds. Can you donate? Why you? Because we are approaching people who we believe can make a larger contribution"
  
• "if you're willing to pay for this, then you should be willing to pay for that"
  
• "Can I hold this-or-that when you get your income tax?"
  
  

A close cousin to chip-counting is folks who have tons of suggestions for WHAT you need to do with your money or who are full of ideas and empty of solutions. This is especially bothersome when someone is availing himself of an amenity you have provided. Ever give somebody a ride from the airport and have them comment that you need headlight restoration? Invite someone to share a quick meal and have them turn up their nose at your disposable tableware? Have a houseguest worry you to death about how best to control the climate despite their lack of a contribution toward the attendant expense? Yep.

GETCHO HAND OUT MY POCKET!

[Rare_Commodity]

^Yep and yep. I don't want to hogg your thread so you should start another one about how folks like to watch other folks money (hint hint). Add this one

* Oh you don't have no kids I know you can afford it or can afford to let me borrow have that $100

[LejaOMG]

feel free to post in my thread! (or to start a general thread on the subject )

[Chal™]

The "you have no kids" one irritates me to no end. I don't care if you feel no kids equals more disposable income. You must not know my nieces and nephews. lol

And I can't forget

* you moved there? rent is like $200 more than what you were paying at the old place - not that it's your business, i have NEVER paid full price for a place to live. i got it like that. lol

* so you got a new place AND a new ride in the same year. (Chally's job) must be paying you a lot

* I like your 'do. What kinda har did you use?..... D**M!!!! I can pay my light bill with what you paid!!! - note: just like Chally never pays full price for an apartment, Chally never pays full price for hair. LOL

* (after an Ashley Stewart shopping spree, putting up clothes. heffa peeping my tags) Dang!! You got money like that? - Heffa, I don't NEED money like that. Everybody knows A.S. has those "spend $150 get $75 off" sales. I'll get $400-$500 worth of items and spend no more than $250.

[LejaOMG]

lol @ Spend $150, get $75 off. They do though. *nods head*

[Chal™]

They sent me a 40% off coupon in the mail PLUS there was an in-store 30% off sale AND and additional 10% if you apply for an A.S card....

I was BEYOND Cloud 9. I was on fricking Cloud 15. lol

[LejaOMG]

I've been getting all kinda outta control coupons. They just don't do it for me, lately. Victoria's Secret has 7 for $26. I started to take advantage of that, but the website is wonky and I am loathe to drive to the mall.

[Chal™]

well since you acting all funny, scan those coupons right this way. lol

[LejaOMG]

Seeing new sights really does give me life.

[Southie]

I should try this coupon game...

[LejaOMG]

I surround myself with two kinds of people: (1) those who are like me and (2) those whom I wish to be more like. Anyone else is basically fringe.

I do mentorship and community service where I spend time with folks outside either of these categories and I find it quite rewarding but I'm not sure I care to spend much of my free time around folks to whom I don't (or don't wish to) relate. Usually, my mentees are children or teens, but I've recently acquired another who is merely a less seasoned professional (she's actually older than me...as are most folks in my field). Because we are similar in background and age, our relationship tends to take on more of a "friendship" appearance, and I'm not sure if I'm entirely comfortable with this. I like her. Absolutely. And I've even enjoyed myself when I've taken her to various work events. She's good people. But somehow, I can't shake the feeling that if I had met her outside of our professional situation I would not have selected her to be in my circle. When she asks me personal questions I tense up. I don't accept invitations to weekend outings with her friends. I don't want to turn her off because she is still very needy and I want to help.

Interestingly, I have an upcoming meeting with a more seasoned attorney who has agreed to mentor me. I wonder if she has similar thoughts about me...

[Chal™]

hmmm. interesting indeed

[QueenOH]

You are not going to like or be liked by everyone. that is they way humans are

[Rare_Commodity]

Mentoring is so beneficial. Good to hear you are a mentor and mentee. The positivity will definately rub off on those you mentor and that are in your sphere of influence. Keep up the good work! *Exalt*

[LejaOMG]

Dec 21, 2010 13:00:58 GMT -5 LejaOMG said:

The new NEW year

I just love New Year's Eve. It's the only "holiday" that I care anything about. Bringing in the new year is very important to me...feels like a new beginning. I have several new beginnings throughout the year, including my Zetaversary, Founders' Day, my Baptism Anniversary (which is tomorrow!), my birthday and start of the service year. I always use those days to reflect on the course of that aspect of my life over the past year, make resolutions for the next one, purge my habits and associates as needed and tie up loose ends.

2010 was absolutely AMAZING for me. Between graduating from law school, winning my first case, launching my website, discussion board and news column, passing the bar on the first try, becoming acquainted with "forgotten" parts of my family, my amazing job, my spiritual growth, all the awesome traveling and affirmatively ending a stultified relationship (that was yet beautiful in its own way) it's hard to enumerate just how many reasons I have to give God glory. I've spent the past several weeks reflecting and setting goals and I look forward 100% to what 2011 will bring. Complete with whatever trials and triumph...whatever love and pain...whatever new experiences and opportunities for growth come along with it. I go through this cycle fairly often as I have multiple "new years" but Jan 1 is like the overarching rebirth for me.

I describe this past year as a "winning season." Yes, there were some low points, but the high points vastly outnumber them in frequency and magnitude. I ended some friendships, but I made a very special one who made it all seem worthwhile (I can't even help but smile as I type this and of the friendships I've maintained, they are stronger than ever. I failed a few times, but my successes were unreal. I've made mistakes. But I haven't repeated any. I've experienced quite a lot of death, but my belief in the resurrection hope has new meaning. I've had some Christian growing pains, but my faith is on a hundred thousand trillion. I've begun to capitalize on certain talents of mine. My business is viable. My focus is where it belongs. My future is bright.

I'm keeping my 2011 goals to myself this year, but I look forward to sitting down again this time next year to welcome 2012. I don't delude myself into imagining that I won't have my fair share of negative experiences simply because I will it so. However, I'm dedicated, this year, to extracting all the lessons and causing them to make me a better Leja. Better than the 2010 version...which was pretty darn awesome.

[Chal™]

yay!

[LejaOMG]

man, my coworker is ALWAYS fussing at her son for being lazy. I can hear her from across the partition and she's on the phone at least 3-4x per day hollering about

Nii-iick! why didn't you go to school today?
Niiiiiick! You need to take the trash out! Why are you so lazy?!
Nick!! Your little sister has to eat, go make her some lunch. No? She CANNOT make it herself, you need to help out a little more!
Nick, you're punished. You're not allowed to use the car. Well, ok you can use the car tonight, but come tomorrow your punishment is back in effect. I mean it!

I...don't get it. No, I simply do not understand. A kid only gets that way because he's been coddled his entire life, right? I don't recall my mom negotiating with me about whether I would "help out" around the house. I had damn chores, and heck was paid if they were done improperly (yes, improperly. Declining to do them was not an available option). Admittedly, my mother was over-strict, but even a cool parent has to draw the line somewhere, right?

That lady seems so stressed, her work suffers, she's constantly leaving early or calling out all because her lil worthless son won't act right. I hear her on the phone frequently with his school making excuses for why he didn't complete an assignment. For the past few days, she's been calling around trying to make excuses for the fact the her son was given a 5-day suspension. "well he wasn't the only boy throwing things at the bus driver...

"Maybe I should email her a link for how to sign up to be on Dr. Phil. They sound like they need some hardcore intervention in that camp.

[QUIET As Kept]

I couldn't get past the "why didn't you go to school today?" part. 'Round these parts, going to school was never an option, and not never was not going met with a simple question.

Shoot...I was shook when the school called my mom b/c I got there hella late after my ride's car wouldn't start and there were no other alternatives to get there.

Jan 9, 2012 17:23:01 GMT -5 LejaOMG said:

man, my coworker is ALWAYS fussing at her son for being lazy. I can hear her from across the partition and she's on the phone at least 3-4x per day hollering about

Nii-iick! why didn't you go to school today?
Niiiiiick! You need to take the trash out! Why are you so lazy?!
Nick!! Your little sister has to eat, go make her some lunch. No? She CANNOT make it herself, you need to help out a little more!
Nick, you're punished. You're not allowed to use the car. Well, ok you can use the car tonight, but come tomorrow your punishment is back in effect. I mean it!

I...don't get it. No, I simply do not understand. A kid only gets that way because he's been coddled his entire life, right? I don't recall my mom negotiating with me about whether I would "help out" around the house. I had damn chores, and heck was paid if they were done improperly (yes, improperly. Declining to do them was not an available option). Admittedly, my mother was over-strict, but even a cool parent has to draw the line somewhere, right?

That lady seems so stressed, her work suffers, she's constantly leaving early or calling out all because her lil worthless son won't act right. I hear her on the phone frequently with his school making excuses for why he didn't complete an assignment. For the past few days, she's been calling around trying to make excuses for the fact the her son was given a 5-day suspension. "well he wasn't the only boy throwing things at the bus driver...

"Maybe I should email her a link for how to sign up to be on Dr. Phil. They sound like they need some hardcore intervention in that camp.

[ShimmeringSTAR]

She needs to do better before she is making excuses on why he has 5-10

[LejaOMG]

I take certain ish WAY too seriously. What is my greatest anxiety in life? Not fear of snakes or losing my job or anything normal...I, Leja Moreno, am afraid of dummy missions. You heard right. Dummy missions. I get so unhealthily bent out of shape at the idea that my time and effort will be wasted as a result of my having relied on the best available information. Now, this is not to be confused with doing the right thing in the wrong way or making a mistake. Mistakes happen. I move on. To be clear, I am afraid that I will think something through, engage all my available resources, make the obvious and objective best decision and yet end up in a worse position than where I started. It's one of the only times my inner control freak shows herself.

Today, I had a simple task: go purchase a money order and get a letter notarized; paperclip said items, mail them and go about your day. I know how normal people approach such a task. But me? First I searched online to ensure that the bank in my building offered all three services (money order, notary and postal). Check. Then, I asked a coworker (who is a member of said bank) whether she knew my online findings to be correct. Check. I then proceeded to call the bank on the phone. They confirmed also. To be safe, I notified them that I was not a member and asked whether this would be a problem. “No, ma’am. Come on over” I was told. So I walked...in my more comfy-than-they-look-but-still-not-all-that-damn-comfy work stilettos over to the bank. I arrived, signed in and once again verified with the clerk that my needs could be met. An employee came from the back and escorted me to her desk. I presented my documents and my method of payment only to be informed in so many words that not ONE of my three needs could be met at all. I felt the salty sting of real tears welling up in my eyes. I mean I ain’t no punk, so I ain’t bust out crying or nothing, but still. I got myself together in a half-second, but my visceral reaction alarmed me! I wanted to punch myself in the arm. Am I really about to cry right now? Just because I couldn’t cop a money order and a notary stamp? What is my problem? Couple things…

1. Yes, I am about to cry right now

2. No, the reason is not merely that my mission was thwarted, but that I did everything imaginable to ensure that my mission would have success and another person—someone whom I’m never met and presumably would not be able to control my comings and goings in any other situation—summarily rendered my efforts moot. My protest of “but I checked online before I came! I spoke to someone on the phone first! I swear!” did not move her at all.

3. I’m an attorney and a business owner. OBVIOUSLY I know how to obtain a notary seal and a money order if I really need one. To wit, when someone suggested “just go down to the courthouse and stop by the bank on the way to the post office,” my body went limp. Had I wanted to do that, I would’ve. Not the point. My problem was that I felt helpless. Which made me feel weak. Which made me feel scared. Which activated a psycho-somatic fear response (in my case, tears). I acknowledged above that I was doing way too much, so whatever. Judge if you must.

[Chal™]

no judgement.

how about a hug instead.

[LejaOMG]

Mar 26, 2012 10:55:28 GMT -5 Chal™ said:

no judgement.

how about a hug instead.

I'll take it!!