Blue Lollipop Road

July 29, 2009 In Uncategorized

I’m A Stripper, That’s How I Make My Money

I figure if this waitressing thing doesn’t work out- I can always fall back on my supermodeling career.

It’s not rocket science.
You could too.

What the hell is the difference? It all works the same.

You’d be surprised.
Do you know how easy it is to do this stuff?
Yep- I got it for that cheap.
…So which of the above do you think I have said to people? 
Yes. All of them.
I have gotten and continue to get constant comments and questions along the lines of; “Wow- you sure travel a lot”, “Must be nice”, “Do you ever stay home?”, “Business must be good!”, “How the hell do you afford to go places all the time?”, “You’re so lucky.” 
(That last one is my favorite.)
HA! Come on now. Are you kidding me?
Lucky? Yes. I guess I’m lucky that I have been smart enough (along with plenty of stupidity of course) to make some choices I have in my life. I have afforded myself the opportunity to go places and do things that I want. I’m not sure it has been “luck” though. I wonder what that means when people say that I’m “lucky.” I’ve had every kind of job to make ends meet in the past 15 years from slinging burgers and beers to working on marketing projects and as somebody’s “Toots” (they literally called me that. I was a Project Manager which in this case meant a glorified babysitter of staff and secretary.) I have struggled to pay my bills, put a roof over my head keep “food on the table” just like every other human, but somehow I am one of the “lucky” ones. Sweet. I like that. I’ll run with it and pretend here for arguments sake that I am some uber lucky person. A total genius and way super smarter than everyone else walking around busting butt. Lets say I’m the magical merlin. The all-knowing. While we’re rolling with that ridiculousness, I will share my secrets here. 
Next time you are:
*Grabbing your $5 Venti mocha frappa-dappa-yappa whatever delish at Starbucks and paying $10 for their unlimited TMobile Hot Spot WIFI for the day
*Writing a check for your monthly car and insurance payment
*Buying that new stylin’ top/dress/pants-whatever at Banana Republic
*Out with pals having a top-shelf martini 
I will be:
*Grabbing my Tall Starbucks dark roast of the day with my 10% off card that comes with free refills. (It only costs between $1.43 and $1.65 depending on location.) I’ll also be using their free WIFI because yes- you can actually get it for free
*Writing no check for car payment because I own my used Honda Civic that I paid in full on the spot for $3,800.) 
Car insurance? No monthly payment. I pay in full for 6 months because they give you insane discounts when you do that. 
*Buying something equally as stylin’ from Banana Republic. But from the clearance rack. 
*Out with pals having whatever drink is on happy hour special or sipping some YUM $10 bottle of wine on my porch or theirs.
Just like everyone else, I can still get a caffeine high, drive wherever, whenever and safely when I want, I can look hot in my threads and get tipsy all for a sliver of what most people pay. And best? No one, including me- can ever, would ever or cares ever- the difference whether I spent a buck of a thousand bucks on anything. 
Yup. I’m a friggin genius. 
No, I just pay attention a little closer and take a few extra minutes for certain things. It’s sure worth it to me. Come on people. It’s not rocket science. I’m not lucky. I’m an average chick. I don’t have disposable income, I have bills and problems and all the rest of life stuff just like everybody else. There’s no luck about it. It’s about being smart. I just make certain choices of how I want to live. My choices are time, experience and stuff that’s usually on sale or not quite as new and perfect and shiny. Some people have to have the best and shiniest as soon as they can get their hands on it. That’s Ok. To each his own. Believe me, I LOVE me some fancy and brand new cool stuff. I have expensive and “snobby” taste about some things. I just don’t allow myself to practice that expensive taste and snobbery all the time. If I did, it would get in the way of buying lots of gas for my car and plane tickets so I could go see people and stuff that I love and that is so not worth it to me.
I’m happy to share money saving tricks and tips if anyone wants me to. I could teach you to save TONS of loot on the above and more. It does take a bit of effort, but if you want to stop looking at someone and thinking because they travel a bunch or have something you want, they are “lucky” just stop for a few minutes and take a look at yourself, your life and your choices first. You just might be able to make tiny little adjustments that could get you those new jeans or plane ticket before you know it.
Who needs a session? I should charge for this stuff. Maybe I’ll start a side biz called “Living lucky with Diane.” HA! 
Man does this free Starbucks Gazebo blend refill taste yummy while I use their free WIFI. 
(Now after rereading this post and some thought, I think I’m going to have to start posting some deals, bargains and money saving tricks and tips I use so stay tuned for some of that.)
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July 28, 2009 In Uncategorized

These Buns Aren’t Messin’ Around


I accompanied my sibs and mom this morning to Frosty’s in Brunswick, Maine to participate in their yearly cinnamon bun feast. Holy crap. Holy yummy. This sugary spot was jammed full of locals and enough pastries to make your heart stop. The cute older lady who helped us had that poof of grandma hair that was perfect for an old- school donut shop like this. My sister told me this poof haired lady had been working there forever. She was too busy serving up sweets for me to bother her for her picture though- so I opted for the buns themselves instead. As you can see these things are EEE-NORMOUS. (And those are my bite marks out of one. Mmm…)

I would like to add here that at the end of every day of my life when I think to myself; Self- you should really stop having treats and sweets and move toward an all healthy, all the time fruit and veggie diet. The thought that follows that up is; Nah- I’ll just run another mile. I’m on a “live-it” not a diet. (Within reason of course.) 

Krispy Kreme, Dunkin Donuts and all others? You got nothin’ on this glazed goodness. Thanks for the biggest cinnamon bun I have ever eaten this morning Frosty’s. Now off to run…
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July 28, 2009 In Uncategorized

The Coast, Champagne And Condoms

Ahh… Portland, Maine today. Saw loads of great shops, restaurants, scenery, people, etc.- what a fabulous coastal city. Highly recommend this one too if you’re ever on a New England tour. I’m having so much fun and running around experiencing it all (did you notice I forgot to add the photo to yesterdays post until now? Yeah, it’s a case of the having too much of a good times.) so I haven’t had much time to write all the gazillions of things I want to. Again I will have to say more soon- hang tight and if there’s one thing I can guarantee for sure it’s that I will never run out of material for my writing and posting here so I hope you’re in for the long haul with me and you’ll be patient.
We drank a bottle of champagne at a park overlooking the ocean, walked through alleys of cafe’s as pictured here and went into this shop; Condom Sense . It was hilarious. (Don’t be offended- it had great gag gifts. Even my mother came in the store with us was cracking up at the selection.) It was chucked full of things you could bring to just about any party or person for some good laughs. Great name, very entertaining. 
Summer days, the Maine coast, sunshine, a bottle of champagne with some fresh baguette and cheeses for a snack in the park, chocolate truffles, “lobstah”, shopping, and still being able to get work done so as to not be complete slacker because you have a Blackberry…priceless. Now that’s some quality of life and an office I like to be in.
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July 26, 2009 In Uncategorized

I Love You Pinot Gris

I visited Atwater Vineyards the other day to pay a visit to a friend and taste some wine. Oh what tasty Pinot Gris they had along with this great chalkboard quote. They even have a webcam you can see Seneca Lake. from the tasting room. The view of the lake never ever gets old. It’s absolutely gorgeous. 

This was my first Atwater visit, but I have been visiting the lake and many other wineries for years. There are over 30 on this lake alone. Wine tasting around those parts is always comfortable and casual as the typical air of snobbery is nonexistent. You always feel like the staff in the tasting rooms and wine makers themselves (that tend to wander through at random greeting you) are just those average guys and gals- neighbors that anyone could get along with. Love that.

Next time you have a chance to go for a trip and you’re feeling like some green beauty, water, wine, relaxation and all things ahhhh…head to upstate NY. You just don’t get this kind of package anywhere else. 
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July 25, 2009 In Uncategorized

Damn Inflation!

This is Willy’s Variety. They used to have an entire wall of penny candy and other old school treats like Lemonheads, Fireballs, Lotsafizz, etc. when I was growing up. I thought for old times sake I’d take a stroll in there today. I know it hasn’t been too many years since my last visit but looks like prices have gone up and selection is down. Bummer. Still a fun spot to get your sugar high for the day though.

Who knows where you can get penny candy these days? Maybe I’ll go on the great penny candy hunt across America…
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July 24, 2009 In Uncategorized

Watch This

Point Blank. 

Every time I think I am “doing my part” or consciously living on our precious planet, I come across things like this video. I have to welcome the slap in the face reality. Who am I kidding? I could be doing so much more. We all could. Please try with me. Step one; Encouraging everyone to keep spreading the word on information like this video. Two; Being really aware of ways we can produce less waste/trash. The average American produces 4.5 pounds of trash a day. Yikes. That is insane and awful.
It’s so much more than trash but that’s at least a start. We all have the power to make positive change. Now lets stop talking about it to be trendy and start doing it to save the place we’d all like to live in 30 years.
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July 24, 2009 In Uncategorized

Still Working On #6 For You

Clearing out old emails, I just saw this one. Got it a while back after a break-up. Before I hit delete I thought I’d share. 

Glad I kept showing up for those 6am runs Neil. Who says you need to actually see or talk to a person regularly to know you have a real friend. Thanks for the love and for making me laugh!

From Neil, for when feeling blue:

1) listen to happy music
2) when you think of him/relationship, find a replacement to think about (for me, it’s australia!)
3) write a little bit, but not too much
4) find someone else to go on some dates with, a total distraction. someone that you won’t be tempted to talk about your relationship with at all
5) find a friend or someone to talk to, and tell them that you need them to NOT talk about the relationship for a while, and then just have conversations about nothing. and, have them be available when you need them 24/7 as much as possible. whenever you get blue, call them and talk about anything other than the relationship.
6) find sophia bush for me!!! (okay, that probably won’t help you, but damn that would be awesome for me!!!)
7) know that you are loved by many, many people!
8) visit me in SF soon!

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