So while I feel like an “adult” among all the younger 18-21 year old undergrads that attend the same school I do as an MBA (and the younger MBA students that seem to make up the majority of the full-time MBA program), I do NOT try to fit in…at least fashion wise…as much.
I do not have my 18-year-old body unfortunately (it all started with the freshman 15), but even if I did, I don’t think I would wear the current-fashion trends of tights, miniskirts, and sky-high heels to class on a daily basis (or a swimsuit in one faux-beach girl’s situation in my class…you’re an MBA for crying out loud…brunette I might add)! I also do not prefer to wear skirts, button-up shirts, or plaid a la the St. Agnes uniforms of my high-school days and the ’90s.
What I do like? Being able to wear flip-flops & jeans after 5 years of professional dressing…for now anyway!
Like my new kicks? Before you ask, the answers are: no this is not the 80’s, no I do not have an argyle sweater tied around my neck, yes I feel like I’m a Seinfeld joke gone wrong, yes I am required to wear these on the tennis court & would not otherwise have picked these out. Oh, and yes, everyone else is wearing ‘black-soled’ running shoes that we were told we cannot wear!
Can you tell I’m self conscious? As if my tennis skills (or lack of) don’t bring enough unwanted attention!
They better improve my tennis game…anything to maintain a hobby that brings a welcome study break & some much needed exercise!
Did you enjoy your Labor Day festivities? I had a good weekend…
As part of a last of summer ‘hurrah’ while getting into the swing of school again, a college friend and I celebrated by going to the concert of one of our favorite artists…Jack Johnson from the North Shore of Hawaii! My friend wondered how exciting a concert with one of the most mellow rock artists would be, but it was definitely something in person…
Jack Johnson up-close in concert, sort of...
Awesome visuals on the flat screens!
Jack Johnson is very environmentally active, especially in saving the environment and oceans for his native Hawaiian islands (and I suppose for his surf habit), and this was evident with promotions for taking part in activities such as carpooling to the event, bringing your own reusable water bottles, sponsoring organizations in the “Village Green” at the concert, and even campaigns to “Vote Environmental” in the upcoming presidential election…even his latest CD Sleep Through The Static was produced in a totally solar-powered studio!
I know I definitely enjoy the efforts of such campaigns, such as cleaning up our oceans so I could body board the next day in Huntington Beach, watching the dolphins, and listening to Jack Johnson reminding me to “go with the flow, you don’t stop!”
I just saw the new Woody Allen movie, Vicky Christina Barcelona, a couple of nights ago. I love Woody Allen movies for two reasons: 1) the ongoing dialogue reminiscent of Woody himself (if he’s not in the film already), and 2) with his recent films in London and now Barcelona, and before that New York City, he really gives you an authentic and local sense of the place through the characters that live there in the films. (Of course I haven’t been to Barcelona, but hope it’s just like that when I visit!)
The best line in the movie came from man who played Javier Bardem’s character’s dad…he portrayed an old, Spanish-speaking only poet who had never published his poems. When Vicky asks Juan Antonio (Bardem) why, he says it’s because the old man “hates the world” and doesn’t think it deserves his poetry.
This is true I suppose with any joy or wisdom you might gain in the world…if you hate the world and those in it, don’t share it and ‘let them suffer’ (or just not know what they’re missing out on :)). If you love the world and seek to make it a better place though, feel free to share…just don’t expect everyone to understand or learn from it.
In getting ready for that first day of school, one of my favorite parts (at least when I was younger), was school shopping - getting everything new and figuring out what kind of style you wanted to have. Of course, back THEN, it usually fit into the fads in some way, i.e. trapper keeper vs. photo collage binder, slap bracelet vs. friendship bracelet, nikes vs. doc martens…the list changed every year.
In going back for my MBA, now I am need of a laptop bag…not the most EXCITING accessory, but this has been the first MBA style decision I get to make (unfortunately, it still has to be pretty practical 
for the laptop & oversize textbooks).
I bought 2 bags the other day because I couldn’t decide, as I found both at a pretty good deal, then still couldn’t decide so bought another bag online. I figured I’d post them all to see if anyone wanted to comment and help me decide! Here they are:
Nine West bowler bag
Latico shoulder bag
Timbuk2 Marina Laptop Handbag
Which one would you pick?
~ Blonde MBA
I’m gearing up for a quick weekend getaway to celebrate grieve my last day of being employed, so I hit up the Barnes and Noble clearance sale (8 books for $25!). Now I’m a fast reader, especially of chic lit, but I don’t know if I’ll have time to finish all 8 before settling into a new reading list consisting of textbooks and the Wall Street Journal.
Barnes and Noble clearance sale chic lit
Beyond just reading, I wonder if I’ll have time (and money) for some of my other hobbies. Tennis (novice of course)? Check…physical fitness is where I’m going to try to devote most of my extra time. Fashion? I’ll check my fave blogs periodically, but will definitely have to work with this on a budget (and within the business world constraints). TV/Movies? Definitely limited, but I think this is a good thing…my life is real and happening now!
Balance will be the key for sure, to keep my sanity (and my husband’s) in check!
