Finals

So, I'm getting ready to start finals ... I'm done with my second semester in a little over 2 weeks. Frightening.

So, one of my teachers asked me to evaluate where I am right now. And here's what I jotted down:

Lost, Or Rather Discovered, In Translation

At the beginning of my time at Parsons I knew I would be introduced to a myriad of niches within the Fashion Marketing industry and came to the conclusion that I had to enter with an open mind as to what I would pursue upon matriculation. Yet, at the end of the Fall semester I knew a couple of things: math wasn’t fun in middle school, math still isn’t fun, and public relations fascinates me.

I’ve always loved writing. But while studying theater in undergrad at the University of Virginia I felt more freedom and less limits within the expected structure of language in my papers. Then once I graduated I began writing more freely on my blog, and general short stories.

Throughout this past semester I have realized that, while I love imagery, what inspires me even more-so than images is the art of language. As seen throughout my portfolio I have included relevant articles alongside my essays. I am attracted to images supported by reason, whether it is explained or merely detailed in my own cranium. By unknowingly creating a harmonious marriage between imagery and language I have gracefully stumbled upon a challenging pursuit.

I’ve discovered my ability to translate a language that is not taught, but rather learned through personal passion. And I know this is not a destination to be reached, but a journey to enjoy.

SEEYA.

A Smorgasboard. So, Eat Your Heart Out.

I'm going to expose a secret of mine. I take after my dear Southern mother in being non-confrontational. Even if people treat me with disrespect I hold my tongue. Believe me, sometimes it's really hard. I could easily be like my dad and spout off all kinds of ridiculous-ness but instead I write emails or blog posts ... and then I just save them. I never send them or post them but they act as an outlet for me to get out a bit of frustration without ruffling feathers or, more importantly, I allow myself to calm down and put things back in perspective before jumping back at people.

But believe me, it's hard.

My mom's bff (and twin) Linda would ask me my perspective on people and their personalities, even as a child, because I had an oddly (almost weird) accurate perception of character. But here's my downfall (and Lisa will tell you this over and over and over again) I believe the best in people. Unfortunately, this often puts me in the compromising position.

L to R: Little Lisa, Moi, Tiffany (Linda's daughter, obvi!), and Miss Linda. Please notice not only the fact that we look exactly like our mothers, but our outfits. All leopard. All black. And, PS, we're wearing the crowns because it was a post-Miss America celebration dinner. Love it! Love them.

Either way, I've got a couple of danglers that won't be posted. But I also have two that will. They ain't bad or nuthin'. Kind of fun, really!

NEXTTTT. So, I've been working on a big social media project in one of my classes for, well, the entire semester. And something I've emphasized throughout the entirety of the presentation is the idea of making a direct and personal connection with the specified consumer/target market (you're thinking, "well duh, idiot." ... I'M NOT DONE YET!) and I want to start emulating the same ideal on my blog! I've had so many people, from so many parts of my life, tell me that they enjoy reading my blog. I love that! So, in an effort to try and make it slightly more interactive I'll post some opinion based questions in an effort to increase interaction! Neat? You betcha! Winky face. (<-- channeling Sarah Palin and her CONTAGIOUS personality. And by contagious I mean as contagious as a 24 hour virus that makes you hang by the pot the whole dang day.)

So, here's the deal, yo. Today Paul passed a big test at slash for work so we went to lunch to celebrate. (P, I'm fairly confident no one at DB reads my blog, if so, sorry! Tell them I made you go.) We started talking about a bespoke men's clothing line my friend started here in the city. They were featured on Daily Candy the other day for their rockin' deal on amazing custom-made suits for men to wear at their wedding. So Paul started talking about how convenient Men's Wearhouse was for he and all of the groomsmen to get their tuxes for his cousin's wedding. Inexpensive, too.

And then he said this: "I mean, it's just for one weekend. It's really not a big deal."

Insert my gaping mouth right here. Just a weekend? No big deal? Go ask a girl planning her wedding if she agrees with that. Chicks dream about this stuff for years. So, this is the question ... what do y'all think? Am I off base thinking that statement was a wee-tad off base?

Either way, I wouldn't tell this lady that:

Or this one for that matter:

I mean, I'm sure he belched or picked his nose afterwards in hopes that I would avert my attention from the train wreck of words that had just escaped his mouth. Which leads me to one more funny ...

When we were home for Easter I was chatting with my mom and dad in the kitchen while Paul showered getting ready for a night on the town and all of the sudden my dad ripped out a filthy long belch. So I looked at my mom and said, "oh my gosh! how have you put up with this/him for so long?" She just shook her head and giggled and then about 5 minutes later, as if on cue, Paul walked into the room while ripping a filthy long belch. My dad looked at me and in his perfect Leigh-Taylor high-pitch girl voice and said, "oh my gosh! how have you put up with this/him for so long?" And, hit the cymbals, please.

But, let's be honest, I'm so amused by that stuff. How could you not be? And, as Paul pointed out he's a catch. And as I'll point out, I know, I know! I. Love. Him.

Alright, off to do some work. Hump day is ova' and onto Thursday we go y'all. It's almost the weekend! (But finals are quickly approaching. Sad face, sad face.)

Well, looks like more work to be done ...

So, the envelope I got from Kate Shindle that had the bill in it is old and the effective date was just a part of the memo.

So sadly that means the bill is not yet a law ... but, the upside is the following, the bill is pending with the education committee where it has been since January 7, 2009.

The following link will take you to the bill and all of its information: http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?default_fld=&bn=A00302&Summary=Y&Actions=Y&Votes=Y&Memo=Y

But this isn't terrible news. It just means you need to write your legislators and encourage them to pass this.

I'm SO Excited.

And I can't even begin to hide it. Even though I have an interview in an hour and a half I just have to share the news.

The bill that I filed last year as Miss New York sponsored by Assemblyman Danny O'Donnell ... was PASSED!!! It. Is. A. LAW. (Well, on July 1st it is!)

Here's what the official bill states (if read aloud by me, it would have an exclamation at the end of each sentence):

"Section one of the bill adds a new section 815 to the Education Law. The new section establishes a school based service learning based, in large part, on the Maryland program set forth in COMAR (Code of Maryland Regulations) 13A.03.02.06, requiring students to participate in community service learning programs in order to graduate from high school.

Starting with the 9th grade class in the 2010-2011 school year, students are to complete one of two community service options in order to graduate from high school. The first option, set forth in new Education Law 815(1)(a) and 3(a) , is a 40 hour requirement that complies with guidelines to be issued by the NYS Education Department. The second option, set forth in new Education Law, 815(1)(b) and 3(b), is a locally designed program that has been approved by the NYS Commissioner of Education or the Commissioner's designee. The new requirements will first apply to students who graduate from high school in the spring of 2014."

People often asked me whats I wanted my legacy as Miss New York to be. This is it. A generation of compassionate New Yorkers introduced to service even if it doesn't happen or begin in the home. This will be an impetus to thousands of lives changed. And I'm so happy for my state.

I don't cry often as you know, but my eyes are filled with happy tears.

Have a wonderful Friday, y'all! And, have a glass of wine for me tonight!

PS: Please excuse the absurd amount of exclamation points. I'm on Cloud 9.

I Was Going To ... But I Couldn't

go to bed.

She's baaaaack. The insanely OCD Leigh-Taylor. The one who not so discreetly stuffs herself into a booth at Orchard88 with WWD's, notebooks, computer, mechanical pencils, extra lead, and various eraser choices. Cramming my not so large brain full of information. Somehow we're creepin' up on midterms and I'm not, defiantly not, okay with that.

BUT, I wanted to share a couple of things. Mostly because Miss America, Caressa Cameron, commented on a previous post (two posts ago to be exact) and it seems she's using this sucker to help wind down her days. And, since she can't share in the wine that I so enjoy (until she comes to NYC and I cook her a home-cooked meal and slip her a brew) I thought I would leave this little surprise for her. Much better than the kind the mice leave. Eh, Katie Martin? But, that is neither here nor there.

Anyways, one of the reasons I can't go to sleep is ... tomorrow is Thursday! At 4pm I will begin my sweaty, 90 minute class, in hopes that Josh Lucas is there to join me in sweating. I saw him again this past Saturday. I woke up and went to the 10am, and as I walked out of the room, right there before my eyes was the man-candy himself. He'd been watching our class through the glass. Better? He asked me how I was. As a bead of sweat fell off my forehead onto his leg I simultaneously stuffed my nasty floor and hand towels into the washing machine. It was romantic. If by romantic I mean he probably cringed and though, "geez, my extremely beautiful girlfriend Rachel McAdams is waiting for me at home. dressed in clothing from the late '40's just like the Notebook and I CANNOT WAIT for the 'after-the-canoe-ride' part of today." (Kind of weird. I don't know how or why I thought of that. But I did. And I don't feel like deleting it.)

Secondly, I'm totally jazzed for the gays in DC that can get married. Way to get it done District! On that political note, Paterson - please step down. You are becoming one disaster after another. And while we have to continue to focus on the shortcomings of your administration and the choices that have been collectively (and personally) made, the state is suffering. None of this ridiculosity is fostering a dialogue, or a progressive community, and for that I am disappointed and somewhat ashamed.

MOOO-ving on. I think my last thing will be this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYL2-h4jypQ

Ok, so he has a mullet. But he has AH-MAZING tone. And the girl that sand the Scientist by Coldplay tonight was also phenom. Katelyn Epperley (sp?). I will post that one tomorrow when it makes its way to youtube.

NIGHT, Y'ALL. Kind of ... I'll probably be reading ... or something.

Light For Haiti

I really should have written about this sooner, but unfortunately this week has been somewhat sad and insane for me. On that note, I'd like to get you to come see this show. Not to see me (actually, please go to the bathroom when I perform) but to see all of these crazy insane famous starrrrrrs!

It's been an incredibly long week for me and if nothing else I value the ideals of friendship and of life. Please come out and enjoy ... And most importantly, help shine the light of hope for those still suffering in Haiti. Let's change a small piece of the world ....

xo

LT

http://lightforhaiti.net/The_Event.html

KMG.

Kate Marie sent an email demanding I help fill her (work) time with something on my blog. And, when she sent it yesterday I didn't have much I wanted to write about. Luckily, God took care of that pretty quickly. So here's your treat KMG. Dig in.

Yesterday I did work during the day at Orchard88 as well as coupled with a few rounds of CSI. Here's the thing though, CSI runs a loop. And, most of the time, I've seen every single episode. Which some would say would help me focus more on work. But it actually makes me focus more on the details so when I grow up to be a forensic scientist like them, I'll be detail-oriented and savvy enough to solve all crimes within 24-36 hours. Best when fresh, right?

ANYWAYS, I don't often go to Bikram at 4, I'd rather have it as a book-end on my day. But for some reason yesterday I got antsy and felt the need to go a wee bit earlier. Because of the last minute decision I was running a little later than usual and couldn't take a back row spot. Thus, I swiftly surveyed my options and found a spot in the middle row, in front (and in between so not completely blocking) a handsome man and a pretty gal. As class began I came to learn that Josh had brought his friend Amelia for her first Bikram class. The teacher instructed her to watch the person "Leigh" in front of her. *Sidenote: I go by Leigh in class. Weird, maybe. But Leigh-Taylor is a total mouthful for the teacher when spouting out corrections or very infrequently "way to go"s.

Ok, so Amelia did a really good job for her first class. She only had to sit out a few poses and I don't think she left the room. As I was sitting on the bench in the hallway putting my shoes back on thinking of my swift departure, she joined me. As I told her what a great job she'd done, her friend Josh joined us. He opened his mouth and he could no longer mask his identity. It was HIM:

Don't recognize? Think: Sweet Home Alabama. Reese Witherspoon's love interest with a smooth as honey Southern accent from Little Rock, AR. Got it?

I only knew it was him when he spoke. I told my mom I literally couldn't look at him after that. I was fine before I heard him speak. But I was done for after that. I have never been starstruck, but I've watched that movie so many times ... sigh. And, come to find out, he's dating and just moved in with Rachel McAdams. As if I needed another reason to want to go to yoga at 4 every Thursday here on out.

SO, then I left, slightly flustered, and got on the phone with my dad to ask him a question as I silently contemplated whether to get wine for Claire's then while sweaty or after I showered. I always get the same wine, Bacchus, for $11.99 at september wine & spirits. And what did I find on the ground as I debated the purchase? Two $5 bills and 2 $1s. Truth.

Bought the wine. Done-zo.

And the rest my friends, is history.