an airport muse

This marks the third airport muse of "The Prose of Krose." While my current situation isn't as bad as the time I was stranded in O'Hare for six hours en route to the Alamo, it's close enough. I've got this runny nose-cough thing, and all I want is some tea in front of the TV in preparation for tomorrow's big lunch. The New York Noreaster has prevented my 1:45 flight from making timely departure. However, the time spent people-watching got me thinking about a few airport-related things:

1. Airports could benefit greatly from having manicure/pedicure stations alongside the news stands, or -- let's think big here! -- a full on spa beside the boarding terminals. As frustrations and tensions rise with each hour spent watching the time tick in cold, dreary airports, spa owners would ROLL in the dough of said frustrated passengers. I think this idea could make me the next Google, don't you think?

2. How do chainsmokers handle flying? Trashy magazines and books can only go so far in distraction terms. I'm glad my addictions are limited to sushi, classic Billy Joel, and haggling.

3.Logan Airport has a homemade fudge shop. I succomed to the chocolate. Bad decision.

4.A toddler is shaking his tush to Shania Twain's "Man, I Feel Like A Woman." It makes waiting feel a little less painful

5. SCORE. See you in New York.

ho ho ho

To me, Christmas music is playlist-acceptable any time after Halloween, which would therefore make a Christmas-themed blog perfectly seasonal from now until January 6th. As a result, I hope you all enjoy the ho ho ho-ness that will grace "The Prose of Krose" for the next few weeks. Anyhow, now that we've mentioned the musical miracle that is the Christmas tune, let's get down to business! It's not Christmas until I hear the following lucky seven songs:

1. New York City Christmas by Matchbox 20 is the perfect description of the most fabulous city's portrayal of Christmastime. I love nothing more than the Big Apple, decked in lights, garland, sales, sidewalk Santas, and Rockettes. The song's final exclamation for a "Merry New York Christmas" is extremely fitting, as Christmas in New York is unlike Christmas anywhere else.

2. All I Want for Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey. Need I say more?

3. Gaudete by some classical composer (?). Back during my teenage years, I was a "Chamber Choir" nerd-ette. As the "elite" chorus group of my high school, we sang some pretty obscure songs. They were always in foreign languages -- from Latin to Russian Gibberish -- and written by "experimental" composers who blended harmonies that hurt the ears of those without college degrees in "Music Appreciation." In short, our parents, as the only members of the audience, usually dreaded attending the seasonal Christmas concert. "Can't you just sing 'Let it Snow,'" my dad would often ask. Anyways, Gaudete was the one and only operatic masterpiece of my high school singing career that I enjoyed singing during the Christmas concert. While my vocal praises have decreased considerably since voice lessons and choir practice came to a halt, I'll never stop belting showtunes in the shower, despite the dismay of my roommates and family members. ;-)

4. The 12 Days of Christmas by the Muppets is an R family favorite. A song full of as much tradition as there are members said family (a.k.a. a LOT), this song reminds me of a time when Christmas had a bit more magic -- in the form of a jolly belly, a red coat, and a white beard.

5. Christmas Shoes by Bob Carlisle makes me want to ball my eyes out for eternity... but I can't help but love it, despite the fact that I only listen to it once a season; that's all I can handle.

6. Jingle Bell Rock was Grandma's all-time favorite Christmas carol. The site of her dancing alongside her hip-swinging Santa was always a highlight of the holidays!

7. Oh Holy Night by Christina Aguilera proves this chick's vocal chops, while turning a classic tune into a rockstar version that I replay, and replay, and replay, and replay...

Stay tuned for a 2009 Christmas List post in the near future. It will be as unrealistic as it is fabulous. And also, I haven't forgotten about Thanksgiving: I already hear the early morning road race and post-run awards of stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, and cranberry calling my name!

the underrated blondie

While equipping Precious Pink (That's my iPod. Don't make fun.) with some new tunes for my evening run, I came across a few musical throwbacks. Ironically enough, they all involve the same blond, who, like the following songs, is somewhat of a figure of the past -- yet still totally amazing. That's right: Ashley Tisdale. Yet again, don't make fun; these songs never suffered the shame of a nose job gone wrong.

1. Bop to the Top. You know you all watched, loved, and replayed each installment of the High School Musical triolgy, so need I even ask you to not make fun? Anyways, each second of this 1:52 tune is as "fabulosa" as Senorita Sharpay exclaims in the opening. Run to it. Rave to it.

2. Shadows of the Night. Ever since the life-changing Rock of Ages re-defined my appreciation of 80s glam rock by way of Broadway, I've payed a lot more attention to Pat Benetar's creations. Ms. Tisdale's rendition of this hit is definitely rock star-worthy. I'm obsessed.

3. Kiss the Girl. While I can't say I go overly gaga for Disney, I certainly love the merits of each film's happy ending. Though this moment in The Little Mermaid is highly frustrating, the song is bananas, especially when sung by AT. The best part: there's no Scuttle screaming in the background!

In other news, I've done a bit of shopping over the past few days! Though the mother hen squawked at it, I am now the proud owner of this delectably gold Michael Kors watch. It's chunky and men's wear-ey, which makes it perfect and "now." I also spotted this brown leather version by way of my favorite fashion blog (I literally want to BE this girl!), and it just might have to make an appearance on my Christmas list. Nina Garcia always spoke of the merits of a men's watch -- and that chick's got some serious street cred in runway-land, despite getting booted from Elle to Marie Claire. Unfortunately, my lovely new gold friend has a scratch on her face already. Are glitches like that fixable? Help!

green

I'm a huge advocate of green. It's pink's perfect compliment. It's Christmas' signature color. It's the hue that escapes your wallet on payday. It's the shade of St. Patrick's day. Needless to say, I like to keep as much green in my life as possible. However, I'm on the fence regarding its most recent trend: nail color.

I'll admit it: I'm a chronic nail biter. As a result, I try to draw as little attention to my hands as possible. While I cherish each second of my monthly pedicure as though it's truly a heavenly experience, I never splurge for the hand-equivalent. However, as Chanel's Fall 2009 runway show proved, a minty green shade can actually spark some life back into stubby nails, such as my own. On the other hand, though, it's still green nail polish...

What are your thoughts on this trend?

a quick little tribute...

...to the p-units. I don't know many members of the college-parent crowd who have the chutzpah to make such convincing Halloween-ized replicas of John Lennon and Yoko Ono. The glasses! The flowers! The tie-dye! That's peace and love at its finest! If only I were there to witness this 1,000-word picture in person. Maybe it's time to retire the Ralph Lauren permanently, M and D. The flower-child look is hysterically becoming...

Also, I failed to mention in my Halloween re-cap that the wondrous hat atop my head on the 31st was custom product of "Yoko's" design and sewing skills. Despite your breaking up the Beatles, Ms. Ono, I extend my sincere thanks for your creative kindness, from Neverland to NY. ;-)

xoxo

some spring break tidbits

Add a healthy dose of The Most Magical Place on Earth......with a scoop of the resort made popular by Mary-Kate and Ashley's straight-to-TV-but-should-have-been-a-blockbuster movie......with an attempt to find Nemo through some sexy snorkel goggles......with a sprinkling of relaxing, poolside afternoons......with a shot of neverending nights of disco dancing and casino cruising......upon this tricked out ship......and you've got the trusty recipe for my first REAL Spring Break! If only I could pull that whole bikini thing off like Marisa Miller. That would make things really perfect! T-minus 122 days until departure.... is that enough time to turn myself into a Victoria's Secret model?

I know. I'm laughing, too. If anyone wants to work his or her waistline by joining my new daily 8-Minute Abs club, though, new members are more than welcome... ;-)

Love and Skinny Girl Margaritas,

KR

Never, neverland

Despite flying off with Princess Tiger Lily to brave the sess pool of swine flu -- also known as the infamously infamous Stonehill College Halloween Mixer -- I escaped my final Halloween at the Hill completely unscathed, if you don't count the gash I gained when a biddy's stiletto punctured my poor foot. Ouch! Minor bruises aside, however, I enjoyed the day, rocking green leggings, a make-shift "lost boy" top, outrageous green booties, and a whole lot of swaggar. I even soared through the cafe circa dinnertime, decked to a T in my Peter Pan get-up. I hope your Halloweens were just as fabulous!

You can fly, you can fly, you can fly...

charmin.

For the first time in a while, I've got something blog-worthy to discuss. FINALLY! Let's hope I still have it in me. Here goes...

Way back when BT, NL, and KF still called themselves non-Stonehill grads, we spent a frosty afternoon in a Christmas-decked NYC, while navigating tourists, wrapping paper, and Salvation Army Santas. We trekked from the ice skating rink at Bryant Park to Serendipidy bakery; to 5th Ave. to window shop; to Times Square to people watch. And then it hit us. We really had to go. You know... go. What were four little ladies to do? As poor college students, we certainly didn't want to buy a slice to warrant the use of a cramped pizzeria stall, nor did we want to brave those $.25 public restrooms that scream deathly, deathly disease. No worries, though. KF charmed in about Charmin and revolutionized the afternoon.

I have never looked at toilet paper the same way since.

If you haven't experienced it yet, you must. Each holiday season, Charmin sets up shop in Times Square, establishing somewhat of a dance club dedicated to relieving the aching bladders of sale-hungry tourists... and disguised locals such as myself. As you enter bathroomland, Charmin ambassadors greet you with pom-poms, dance moves, high fives, and killer smiles that make you either (1) up your water intake for the day to guarantee a repeat trip, or (2) forget about imbibing altogether to ensure that you never, ever have to take such an enthusiastic "break" ever again. I clearly sipped and sipped and sipped to the point where I dragged little sis AR into the city just a few days after for the sole purpose of having a ball in the Charmin stall one more time.

So just today, the aforementioned BT sent me this little tidbit of information: those pom-pom waving, dance move-busting, high-fiving, smiling Charmin Ambassadors get paid $10,000 smackers for a mere MONTH dedicated to celebrating the 16th letter of the alphabet. Any unemployed New Yorkers feel like cha-cha-ing your way through the holiday season? You'll certainly never have to wait on an epically long restroom line in Macy's Herald Square...

Black Friday can't come soon enough. Charmin Restroom, I'm coming home...

the flu

H1N1 has officially graced our fair Stonehill... Ick! Bust out that antibacterial -- you don't want the swine to spoil your Halloween time!

a quick muse for tues.

After years of NYC Restaurant Weeks (though its more like Restaurant Month now, much to the chagrin of my ever-depleting savings account!) in which a coveted reservation at Mesa Grill failed to grace my pocket-sized, pink (duh!) day planner, I have finally achieved a seat at a table. Well, not "I," per se; the red hot rezzy is more of a reward! As loyal readers, friends, acquaintances, eavesdroppers, family members, and pretty much anyone who will listen to me babble on and on already know, my summer intern team -- in the words of Rachel Zoe -- shut our video project down and brought home the first prize! As a result, on a lovely Fall day in November, I will be rocking a killer fabulous Tory Burch shift as I lunch at Bobby Flay's NYC hotspot of Southwestern cuisine. Red snapper with avocado and sweet potato ravioli aside (seriously, check out the menu!), I'll be sitting beside the famed and fabulous man who is Thomson Reuters' Markets Division C. E. O.! While I hope to be on an entirely new level of A-game at this chow and chat sesh, I can rest on the fact that, even if I don't land a another summer or (fingers crossed...) permanent gig at my dear Thomson Reuters, I will have had an unbelievable lunch with unbelievable company.

This is the true story of KR... The Real World -- both MTV's reality gem and the current vida loca I lead -- has got a whole new meaning to me now! Wish me luck...

the day we didn't have Internet

Just call me Laura Ingalls Wilder. Having no Internet as a college student is like being on Little House on the Prairie, except instead of having no running water or electricity, we have no Facebook... which is obviously much, much worse. It was a six-hour suffering, but through some miraculous means, we made it through. Phew. I can't really complain, though; my partner in delicious crime (a.k.a. Senorita Crackberry) kept me connected through the technological famine.

In other updates, my Halloween costume has been established. It involves green tights and flights to Neverland...

Have a great week!

first of all...

We need to talk about the recent controversy surrounding the iconic all-American designer whose classic stylings overflow my closet. Ralph Lauren champions timeless clothing with undeniable ease; his blazers and button-downs are nothing but collar-popping masterpieces. However, Mr. Lauren has gotten himself into quite the preppy pickle. After this ultra-photoshopped advertisement leaked ("It should NEVER have surfaced," stated the frazzled brains behind the button-downs), speculation arose that featured model Filippa Hamilton's "curvy" size four frame was a bit too much for the gang at Ralph Lauren to handle. (Note that her head is bigger than her waist. Yikes.) So she was fired. Fired! For being too fat. As a size four. A size four! If that's the case, I'm long overdue on a gastric bypass. I have no shame, though. You all know about my love of stretchy non-pants.

Anyhow, enough of this emaciated chitterchatter! It's Thursday. It's the weekend. Joy, joy, joy! As you can tell, I successfully made it back from the land of the Alamo. While I didn't visit the Alamo per se, I did have quite the Southwestern culture shock. Texans are a rare breed. From their steel-toed cowboy boots to their unmistakable drawls, each move they make is as character-filled as the Texas Two-Step. Yee-haw dancing aside, though, it was an awesome trip, filled with exploring the RiverWalk in Downtown San Antonio, taking in the liveliness of 6th Street on Longhorn game day in Austin, and spending time with family in the suburban desert. Most importantly, though, I had an extreme love affair with the San Marcos outlets that resulted in an explosion of new goodies: a polished grey dress, gold gladiator sandals, and a Reva tote from Tory Burch; a cocktail dress that seriously screams me, pink quilted flats, and a NYC taxi charm necklace from Betsey Johnson; a grey skirt and ruffly black cardigan from J.Crew; jeans from Banana Republic. If you were wondering, yes, I am now broke. In an attempt to reel in a sweet buck, I am considering learning to play the guitar so I can serenade New Yorkers on their morning commutes. Thoughts? Other ideas?

With love, laughter, and liveliness,

KR

Hecticness... but stay tuned!

There are far to many exciting things going on in the life of KR at the present moment to cram into a single entry, so stay tuned for some afternoon candy once my week of hellish midterms comes to a delightful close. Texas Two-Stepping is involved. $325 cowboy boots are (thankfully) not. See you Thursday! xxxx

stranded at the drive-in...

You may recall the last time I made an in-transit gracing of Chi town's O'Hare International. It involved ML pushing the pedal harder than ever, while I accompanied her on the world's fastest trip between the Fighting Irish and the Windy City's main transportation hub. I guess my in-the-nick of time arrival from way back when is being neutralized: my three-hour layover has been doubled to six agonizing hours! So far, I've killed two. Ish. As much as I love people watching, six hours in a crowded airport is a tad excessive, even for me, the queen of all things watchable.

Oy.

Starting Fires and Saving Lives

After weeks of busting rhymes to re-write Mr. Joel's "We Didn't Start the Fire," my efforts have come to fruition. I ended up with a pretty fabulous Stonehill-ized rendition of the American history-chronicling hit for my "Mr. Stonehill" host audition. Despite some nerves, I went slightly nuts while auditioning in front of the 2010 class committee, singing about country music, pink and green clothes, sprained ankles, poorly performing football teams, and Obama obsessions. It was a little showcase of my Stonehill experiences, if you will. Something must have worked, because I'm one of the lucky three who gets to host the evening of swimsuit, talent, and formal wear competitions! Also, I can't help but note that when asked which actress would play me in a movie of my life, I responded with the obvious answer of Reese Witherspoon... though not before busting out the best "Bend and Snap" of my life. It seriously does work every time! Too bad no UPS guys were around.

As for saving lives, the Breast Cancer Walk went fabulously on Sunday morning. I somehow managed to rally, and was ready to roll by 7 AM, despite raging the night away on Saturday night under the black lights in my fellow Mr. Stonehill host's house. With every burn in my knees and shins as I walked the six-mile course along the Charles River, I kept reminding myself of how I'm a truly lucky girl. Many thanks to those who donated to our team, especially CO, the p-units, the Texan relatives (who I see on Thursday!!!!!!!!!!), and AK. You are all awesome!

So Victorious!

The gal I can refer to as nothing but ferosh has awarded me the "Kreativ Blogger" award! YAY! AC's At the End of the Day is quite the collection of awkward stories that involve subway-side kisses from strangers and seductive eye contact with train conductors. (Apparently, public transportation is where it's at these days!) Anyhow, the rules of this award are as follows:

1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award.

2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.

3. Link to the person who nominated you for this award.

4. Name 7 things about yourself that people may not know.

5. Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers.

6. Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.

7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know they've been nominated

I nominate:

SA, the Stonehill-grad with whom I professionally networked back in the day -- though we've since graduated to pub crawling, pint downing, and girly gossiping. Read about her mom-hood and martini sipping at Thus It Continues.

LS's Adventures in St. Kitt's (read for vet school stories, straight out of the sunny, sandy Caribbean), ML's The Roaring Twenty-Something (read for raunchy romantic ramblings), and SA's Pieces (read for rants and recipes). These lovely ladies are my three hometown friends who jumped on the blogging bandwagon in the past few months. Reading their blogs makes me feel like we're all still just a bike ride away. Awwww.....

The Daily, NB's "Thing of the Day." I haven't mentioned my favorite wild child in a while, so listen carefully: NB is an extraordinarily clever writer whose grammatical savvy matches both her ability to dress like a celebrity and her knowledge of their Hollywood goings-on. Living large from NYC to Tennessee, NB never fails to amuse. Read her blog, and love it like I do!

KG from Living the Brooklyn Life was NB's and my boss back during our intern days at Zoom. Though she's technically a Floridian, I like to think of KG as a New Yorker at heart. She does an amazing job at taking advantage of the sites of NYC -- specifically those in Brooklyn! -- so I don't know what's better than reading about my favorite borough! (Read: I am jealous!)

TG from Jimmy Choos and Tennis Shoes writes an awesome "Workout Wednesday" feature. While I can't say I follow her suggestions as best I should, she offers some great tips to tone up! Plus, her precious pooch is to die for!

As for the seven things you don't know about me... stay tuned! I need to think for a bit! :-)

While I've got a case of the Mondays...

...I've got lots to look forward to in the upcoming two weeks. Let's discuss. I'll start small.

1. Gossip Girl is on tonight. Yet again, I'm trapped in the library, doing my "Writing Consultant" thang -- a.k.a. heaps of homework, bits of blogging, and pounds of procrastinating -- during show time, so my 1 AM snuggle sesh with greatstufftv/ch131/hulu/you-name-the-"legal"-tv-watching-website can't come soon enough. (Side note: I'm yet to see Blair Waldorf actually listen to the fair Dan Humphrey, so, though the Queen Bee is dethroned at press time (Ha. Don't I wish!), I'm hoping the starving poet's whole "No headbands in college" rant is short-lived. I love Blair. I love her headbands more.)

2. Quincy's Quest for a Cure hit it's fund raising goal! Any additional donations, however, are more than welcome. I'm also taking donations for a new watch, if you're interested in supporting my cause. In the words of Rachel Zoe, Michael's (yes, that's intentional first-name usage) wondrous tortoise shell watch makes me "die." (Side note: Dear TR, Hire me. I miss you. I miss the paychecks more.)

3. A la Joey, Pacy, Jen, and Dawson, of course, I'll be Cape Side this Friday for some Stonehill bonding. While I hear the location of Friday's event is a bit "rustic," it's sandwiched in Sandwich (I think. Hyannis or Dennis just wouldn't serve the same pun) between forest and beach, which makes for a pretty precious weekend to come. (Side note: Bugs beware when KR is there. I kind of hate you, but bug bites? Those I hate more.)

4. ML is rumored to be shacking up in Massachusetts with a "special friend" of hers this upcoming weekend... and I say that with the utmost respect for the faux-pants wearing Physician's Assistant-in-training who is one of my most loyal readers and best friends. (Side note: ML, I miss your cranberry leggings, but I miss you more. That's all I'm going to say...)

5. The Alamo is a hop, skip, speedy drive, quick flight, and lengthy layover away. Maybe I'll be the next best thing to come out of [albeit a short lived trip to] Texas. (Side note: Kanye (that died down pretty fast, don't you think), your catchy raps are pretty impressive, but I'll always love Taylor more.)

Have a tres fab week, everyone!