2010 Challenge - Part 2

As part "Otter" personality, I am notorious for being a great starter but a lousy finisher. Actually, you already knew that. That's why I'm having to continue the 2010 challenge in 2011. But that makes me wonder...if something starts out lousy for me, is that an omen that it will end great?! If so, then this 2010 challenge (part 2) should be a homerun, because my first event for 2011 was a complete failure. I would like to point out, however, that the failure was not entirely my fault. Allow me to explain:

My first outing for the year was planned for this past weekend. I had noticed on the city's calendar of events that the Horseshoe Arena was hosting the West Texas Kennel Club Dog Show. I've never been to a dog show, but I thought, hey, that's something you don't see every weekend and the best part was the free admission. So, I promptly notified my dog-loving friend and possibly my only blog-reader, Amanda, and she agreed to accompany me to the dog show. The website had Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. listed as the show times, so I assumed it must be a come and go type event (althought the word "show" would suggest otherwise). That was my first mistake. Never assume.

About 3:30 in the afternoon, Amanda and I pull into the parking lot and I'm immediately concerned by the lack of cars, but we park and head inside anyway. Once inside, I notice a line of people leaving the bleacher section. Then I observe what appears to be vendors tearing down their stations. Finally, after walking around in a state of semi-bewilderment and confusion, Amanda prompts me to ask someone what's going on. So I turn to a lady with a red vest on (very official looking) and say, "Is it over?" Dumb question. Of course it was over....that's usually why people start putting things away. All that was left were a few slow-moving vendors, some tired dogs in crates and what appeared to be the winner of the show having his (or her?) picutre taken with his (or her?) owner.

Wow. So after all that, I still haven't ever seen a dog show. But some people did and I'm sure they'd tell you it was fun. Here's what I'll tell you - don't trust the Horseshoe website.

Amy's Final Opinion: At least the afternoon wasn't a total loss. I still got the oh-so-classy picture below (the sign says "Select Bitch")

Amy's Advice: Go with your gut. When in doubt of show times, always call first. (Yeah, I know it's sideways, but if you look close, you'll see that it does indeed say 7 to 7!)

La Vie Boheme!

If I ask you what Madonna is most known for, what's the first thing that comes to mind? Scratch that...what's the 3rd or 4th thing that comes to mind. For me, it is her amazing ability to reinvent herself. What else could explain how she's been able to stay popular for so long? Well, in true Madonna fashion, I've been thinking about reinventing myself, or rather, my style. Those who know me, particularly where my style is concerned, know that I am the queen of "matchy-matchy". Take my bedroom for example. Plum, pale pink, black, white and silver. Those are my colors and I have the HARDEST time introducing anything into my decor if it doesn't fall into one of those categories. Also, patterns have to match. If I have stripes, then plaid just won't work. The same is basically true for my wardrobe, especially where accessories are concerned. I can wear an orange shirt and purple earrings ONLY if I have a scarf that ties them together. To be honest, I envy my roommate. She manages to put things together that, although I think they're adorable, I would NEVER have thought of myself.

So what do I wish to be in this new "style" life? You've probably already guessed it from the title of this post - I want to go bohemian. Talk about a style that marries different patterns and colors! I love it and I want more of it! I've already been eyeing some fabric at Hobby Lobby to make throw pillows with for my bed...and I'm talking blues and greens...not just pinks and plums! Also, I've started scouring the web for pics of all the boho-chic celebs so I'll know what to look for on my next shopping trip. (Exhibit A)

Seeing as how this is my first reinvention, I'm not expecting it to be easy, nor am I expecting it will happen overnight. Also, it's not like I can financially justify a complete overhaul to both my wardrobe and my living decor. But I can start small and introduce little things here and there...and before you know it, I'll be living "La Vie Boheme!"