It's Official...

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I'm going to Iowa State University's MFA Program in Creative Writing and Environment.



I can hardly believe it. There were a whole lot of last-minute waitlist shenanigans over the weekend, but when I got the offer yesterday, I didn't hesitate to take it. The program has everything I want and more, it's close to Greg's family, and I loved the campus (even if I wasn't nuts about Ames - nothing's perfect, right?) It's fully funded with a lower teaching load than the other two schools I was considering and a higher stipend than Kansas.

I am so, so, so happy. So relieved that all of this is over and I never have to apply to MFA programs ever again (I hope). So excited to spend some time in that gorgeous library at Iowa State.

If I learned anything from this process, it is that the game is really not over until you have the rejection letter in hand. Anything can happen right up to April 15. Don't give up hope!

Things

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As I write this now, it's a lazy, rainy day in Chicago, one of a string that we've been having recently. Ever since my MFA drama finally resolved its second act, things have been quiet. I've been sleeping a lot lately - it seems like all the stress and my allergies have wreaked some havoc, and it's been nice to have the time to just relax.

But really this is kind of the calm before the storm. The timeline for the next four months looks like this:

- Next week I turn 26. Not a huge deal, but officially puts me on the "late" side of the twenties. Adulthood! It just never stops! Wasn't I eating Count Chocula and drinking Gatorade out of a sippy cup like, last week?

- May 20 is the NATO summit here in Chicago. This is going to be big and historic, and part of me wants to go downtown and observe the protesters and try to catch a glimpse of some world leaders and just generally see what happens. The other part of me thinks that this would be a really bad idea given some of the recent security news I've been hearing about. We're far enough from downtown that it won't affect us, but it should be an interesting weekend nonetheless.

- May 24 we're heading down to Kansas City and then to Wichita for Greg's brother Andrew's wedding over Memorial Day Weekend (yes, his poor parents have two weddings to help with in four weeks).

- June 13th or so I'm going to Tennessee to do the final preparations for MY wedding. HOLY SHIT.

- June 23 I'm actually getting married. This really sunk in a couple of days ago. This day that has sort of been a hypothetical for over a year now is actually going to happen. Remember what I said about the Count Chocula and the sippy cup?

- June 30 we're going to leave for eight glorious days in Hawaii. I am so, so, so looking forward to this. We're doing the ritzy resort thing for the first half, during which I plan to lay by the pool and read and drink daiquiris and then go inside and enjoy our king sized bed and then maybe go to the beach and do nothing else. Then we're driving to the other side of the island to stay in a small inn and check out Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea, and some other historical sites. Lava! Sea turtles! Manta rays! Did I mention the volcanoes and the pool and the beaches and the king-sized bed?

- The first weekend of August or the last weekend of July we are going to pack shit up in a moving van, drive to Indianapolis, meet up with Greg's parents who will be driving his car, and tag-team it all the way to Raleigh, North Carolina.

- August 16 I start graduate school. Not sure exactly what I'm going to be doing yet, as I'm still waiting for the Graduate School to clear me for registration and for the English department to decide what my TAship 1st year project is going to be (tutoring or admin assistant type stuff, it seems). I am definitely going to be taking a fiction workshop and two lit courses. I'm toying around with the idea of taking an undergrad science course because if there is one thing I regret from BU, it's that I never took biology or chemistry. I'm actually also interested in an intro to atmospheric science course. The credits are covered by my TAship, but I worry that it will be so much work that it might distract from my writing. I might enroll and see how it goes for a few weeks and then drop if it's too difficult. We'll see.

Somewhere in all of that I have to do 10,000 things for the wedding, register for classes, find an apartment (which may or may not entail a quick trip to Raleigh), sign a lease, and do all of the Chicago touristy things that I haven't done yet (like go on a boat tour, go the Aquarium/Planetarium/Field Museum/MSI, go to Navy Pier - that kind of thing). Also, I have a lot of writing to do. I'm in an informal online workshop group with two stories due in the next two months, and I want to have...things...ready to go so I hit the ground running when I get there.

See what I mean about the calm before the storm? That's a lot of stuff to take care of in a pretty short amount of time. And I know it's all going to be here before I know it.

One thing, though: I am starting to get really excited about the wedding. I will definitely be glad when it's over, because the whole thing is a lot of money and work, but marrying Greg in the mountains is going to be pretty awesome.

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Confession Time

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I used to be a Republican. More than that, I used to be a conservative. I was raised by conservative parents, and though I wouldn't have said they influenced me, looking back now they definitely did. In college, I was surrounded by extremely liberal people, and I often found myself offended by just how militantly liberal they were. In a way, that made me more conservative. I was an extremely susceptible young woman then, I thought I was smarter than I was, and the supreme smugness of conservatism suited me well at the time. I fancied myself a pragmatist. This period reached its peak around 2008, when my daily internet reading usually included sites like National Review (yes, really). I voted for McCain. If you were dedicated enough to page through the archives of this blog, you'd find some posts on politics that make me cringe now.

I cannot say what exactly changed me except that I matured. I could no longer walk through the world with blinders on. The more I read, the more I experienced the world, the more I realized that conservatism is too often a thinly veiled word for a world that white, straight, privileged people think ought to exist. A world where minorities mooch and commit crimes because they don't have the personal mettle to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps. Where women need to have decisions made for them. Where the foundations of American life (their version of it)  are threatened by immigration, Spanish on customer service helplines, and gay people not only coming out of the closet but having the audacity to demand the same rights and privileges as straight people.

I can no longer believe that white privilege doesn't exist, that every person in the world has the same opportunities that I do, that racism is dead, that universal health care is a bad idea (oh, how could I ever have thought that?)

So I want to apologize. I want to apologize for my ignorance. I want to apologize for my apathy. Tonight, as the state of North Carolina denies its citizens equal rights, I declare that I am no longer a Republican, that I am no longer a conservative, that I will no longer keep my mouth shut when others spew bigotry, that I will do my best to help the cause of equality in every way I can.

Changing my Name

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Lately, Greg's relatives who can't come to the wedding have been kind enough to send us cards and checks through the mail. One thing about these is that they all come addressed and made out to "Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Brown" or "Gregory or Clarissa Brown."

Knowing as I do that this is the standard way most married couples are addressed (at least in the mind of his parents' generation), it shouldn't bother me, but it does. On a very profound level. I hate the way my name is completely subsumed in the first way, as if I have ceased to become a person upon my marriage, and as for the second - to be honest, the first time I saw it, I had a visceral reaction along the lines of "Who the hell is Clarissa Brown?" That's how disconnected I feel from that name. She is not me. And I do not think she ever will be.

I never seriously considered changing my last name. I don't know what I would do if Greg felt differently than he does - thankfully, he would never ask me to, and in fact is planning on eventually changing his to mine. But even if he did want me to change it, I don't know that I could. Some women don't think twice about it, but I am not one of them.

The difficulty will be adjusting to the fact that no matter how loudly I state it, I have a feeling that some people will never stop addressing me as "Mrs. Brown" or thinking of me that way. To Greg's elderly Midwestern relatives, that's just the way it is. But it bothers me that no one has thought to ask me how I'd like to be addressed, that no one has asked me if I've made a decision about my name. Most people have assumed I'm just going to take his.

I'm not trying to shit on women who do change their last names. It's a really personal choice, and there is no right or wrong decision. The only thing I know is that it's the wrong decision for me. And I wish it did not have to be something that I will have to assert. I wish that the letters and checks addressed to the wrong name will not be just something I have to put up with. It's as if, having made this choice, I will have to re-make it every day.

Wichita Weekend

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On Wednesday, Greg and I headed down to Kansas City to see his parents, and by Saturday we were in Wichita for the wedding of his brother Andrew (yes, we're putting his poor parents through two weddings in four weeks). It was a great trip, actually. Kansas is a more interesting state than I would have imagined. On the drive from KC to Wichita we passed through the Flint Hills region, the largest remaining chunk of tallgrass prairie in the United States. It was amazing to see, miles and miles of gently rolling green hills with grass waving in the wind and placid cows roaming the countryside.

One lonely tree

On Saturday after the rehearsal I had some time to myself to sit beside the pool and read Paul Theroux's The Happy Isles of Oceania. It was great to take a dip in the pool, lay out in the sun and read, occasionally closing my eyes to imagine I was in the paradise the book describes. I don't think it's possible for me to be more excited for our trip to Hawaii next month. I realized that it's been a few years since I've been on a real vacation.

Can you tell I got an iphone last week?

The wedding, on Sunday, was at the lovely Botanica, full of meandering paths and fountains and flowers.


Greg was a groomsman, which meant he had to be unhooked from his electronic devices for the bulk of the day. He still brought his ipad, though. Of course.

It was a lovely wedding, and I was really glad I got to attend. Not only did I meet many of Greg's family members for the first time, but I haven't been to a wedding in about five years. Here I am planning one and I had no real idea of the guest experience. It was nice to sit back and soak in the happiness without any of the stress.


I actually learned some things from this wedding (which, I must add, went very smoothly). The main thing I learned was that things move more quickly than you think they will. The bride and groom had sent out a schedule to wedding party members in advance, which was very detailed, but the ceremony and reception events didn't take as long as they had allowed for. It was a good reminder that it doesn't actually take that long for people to eat, to cut a cake, or to make a toast.




A few other things I learned: most people didn't even take the favors with them, and at the end of the day they were just lying around. It confirmed my decision not to have favors. Their low-key flowers and decorations were perfect - they didn't need huge, elaborate centerpieces. It really confirmed for me that what matters is the people coming together to celebrate with the couple.


I also realized that I need to practice wearing my high heels for the week before the wedding. I wore medium heels all day and my feet were killing me after a few hours. And, most of all, I realized how tired I was going to be. Greg and I were there to help set up in the morning - around nine-thirty - and we stayed until the last photos were done in a nearby city park, around four o'clock. I was exhausted - I can only imagine how the bride and groom felt! Greg and I had been planning to hold a party the evening after our wedding, but I realized that neither of us was going to have the energy to do it.






All in all, it was a great weekend, and it was wonderful to see Andrew and Ariel so happy. But it made me realize (gulp) that in four weeks, I have to do it all over again - this time as the bride.

Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez 2012: Couple Enjoy Sweet Weekend Date Together (Pictures)

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By Deepak Saxena

Taking a break from recording the next album “Believe” at studio, Justin Bieber treated his girlfriend Selena Gomez a sushi lunch at Japanese restaurant and headed to Sherman Oaks Galleria to watch an afternoon movie named "The Vow" together on Saturday, 25 February 2012 in Sherman Oaks, California. Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber were joined by a group of friend at the tasty Japanese lunch at Los Angeles’ Sushi Dan. Despite paparazzis coming along with the duo all the way, the young celebrity couple couldn't keep their eyes and hands off each other.

Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez were seen spending time on a romantic weekend date together as the two had a sushi lunch with their friends at Sushi Dan and went to see an afternoon movie at the Sherman Oaks galleria on 25 February 2012The high-profile romance between former princess, Selena Gomez, and teenage heartthrob, Justin Bieber is the perfect example of a teenage love affair for all their fans. While the two are always busy, they manage to spend time together and keep the dates sweet and simpleWhile Selena is currently taking a break from music scene, her boyfriend is busy with making new hits for his next album, "Believe"Selena is scheduled to film movies such as "Spring Breakers" and Adam Sandler's animated film "Hotel Transylvania"An insider talked about the cute couple, “They were very cuddly and romantic with each other during their meal that they shared various sushi and sashimi for the hour or so they were there” and added, “They were holding hands and being extremely coupley and lovey with each other. They even fed each other”Meanwhile, an eyewitness at the cinema shared, “Justin and Selena saw the 2:55 p.m. showing. It was really cute. They walked in holding hands and Justin bought the tickets. They looked extremely happy. The Vow is a really romantic movie, perfect for couples”

The weekend date comes as Selena Gomez spent the previous night at the 5th Annual Women In Film Pre-Oscar Cocktail Party at Cecconi's. Despite being at the top of the A-list, the two are just like normal teenagersThe 19-year-old Gomez recently has a new tattoo, explaining with E! News that “It's a music note. Everybody thought it was a heart, but it's a little music note” and added, “I was named after a singer and music obviously is a big influence for me. And there's music stuff with my mom that means a lot to me, too”Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez at the moviesRelated links:Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez: Couple Hang Out With Justin’s Siblings (2012)Justin Bieber & Selena Gomez January 2012: Lovebirds Do Grocery Store in Encino, CaliforniaJustin Bieber and Selena Gomez celebrate early Valentine’s Day in NYC (Pictures)
About the Author:
John Stevens is an Internet marketer and freelance photographer. He likes collecting photographs of celebrities, posting breaking news and writing articles to comment on outstanding events in the field of entertainment.
Articles Source: Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez 2012: Couple Enjoy Sweet Weekend Date Together (Pictures)

Meryl Streep Best Actress Profile, Pictures, Images And Wallpapers

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Meryl Streep ProfileFamous As: Actress
Birth Name: Mary Louise Streep
Birth Date: June 22, 1949
Birth Place: Summit, New Jersey, USA
Claim To Fame: As Linda in "The Deer Hunter" (1978)
Height: 5' 6"
Nationality: American
Hair Color: Blonde
Eye Color:Blue
Education: Graduated from Bernards High School, Bernardsville, New Jersey, Graduated from Vassar College, New York, with a BA degree in English and drama in 1971, Graduated from Yale University, with an MFA degree in drama in 1975

Meryl Streep  Meryl Streep Meryl Streep Meryl Streep Meryl Streep Meryl Streep Meryl Streep Meryl Streep

Zac Efron Promotes 'The Lorax' Wearing Classic Ray-Ban Aviators and BLUE SUEDE SHOES!

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It just doesn't get more CLASSIC than wearing a pair of Ray-Bans, especially when they're wayfarers or aviators. Check out ZAC EFRON as he promoted the animated film 'The Lorax', in which his voice plays the lead character.
One item that Zac wore that caught my attention was the BLUE SUEDE SHOES that he was wearing. I thought them things were BOSS!

He wore them right with a good pair of fitted jeans and this Simon Spurr leather jacket for $1,400, hair combed, just lookin' HECKY COOL. Blue shoes are not for everyone, but if done RIGHT... go right ahead.
Try to rock this look out, and add your own TWIST...

Pic: Upscale Hype

ALLEN ONYIA of 'Upscale Hype' Unique Camo Shirt

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Allen Onyia (right) is one of the ILLEST fashion bloggers of our time. I frequent study his work and visit his fashion website, Upscale Hype. I also post about many of the interesting pics he posts on celebrity fashion (BUT MY WORDS ARE ORIGINAL *knock on wood*)
Check out Allen's amazing camo shirt by @Fruition_LV (Twitter). It looks like the hem has been cut out and another print added to it. It's made even HOTTER with black pants, boots, and bag. The guy's style on the left with the MCM bag and leopard sneakers  (sneakers is so-so) is hott, too.

Pic: Allen Onyia tumblr

The WACKIEST YET Oufit From Lil' Wayne (Just When You Thought He'd Stop At The Leopard Jeggings)

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Lil' Wayne is not only notable for his rapping skills, but for his wacky choices of clothing. Hip-Hop used to be an experience of coolness and swag, but this man took it to a whole 'notha level with the leopard jeggings he wore some time ago, Spongebob Squarepants clothing, and now this combo of his Trukfit clothing with the shorts, white tube socks, and Jordans.
What is DUDE doing?? Expressing some style that I can't seem to come to like? SMH. A fashionista... all by himself.
(By the way, that lady is supposed to be Lil' Wayne's fiance)


What HIP HOP looks like today...
Pic: MTO

Yves Saint Laurent ROUGE VOLUPTÉ - Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick in Opera Rose Review

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I have to admit I probably would never buy this lipstick for myself as it is $34 and I don't think I can justify spending that much on a lipstick. However....I had my 3 year anniversary with my boyfriend and lucky me I got to pick one out :)

I've always admired the glamorous look of YSL products from afar, I'm not even into gold that much but for some reason the packaging speaks to me. When you see the lipstick up close you can really appreciate the design of the packaging. The lipstick does have some weight to it, so it even feels expensive.



Here is what Sephora says:One of these Yves Saint Laurent ROUGE VOLUPTÉ Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick SPF 15 is sure to be your new signature color: they're sensual, radiant, and strong. With shades that drench the lips with densely pigmented color and a unique color-shine complex, lips are visibly smoothed, plumped, and radiant with luminous satin color.

My particular color is: Color 29 Opera Rose - vibrant rose pink

Opera Rose is opaque and extremely moisturizing. I find that the color lasts on me about 4 hours, and leaves my lips soft. This color has in fact become my new signature color, it was Viva Glam Gaga before but this lipstick is far better. I love everything about it, and I'm kind of hoping I'll have another one soon.

Now I saw that some people reviewed YSL lipsticks as being too moisturizing and not very long lasting. I did not experience that with Rose Opera, and I find it to be relatively longer lasting than my MAC lipsticks.

Now to the question of whether you need this. Well if you had asked me before I got it the answer would be a Hells No! But now that I do I really think you should own at least one. It will last you a long time and you can always bring it out just for special occasions. I wore this for my graduation and it lasted the whole time :)

theBalm Betty-Lou Manizer Review

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This is a multi-functional product as in it can be used for bronzer, eyeshadow, or over all shimmer. I use this product in different ways depending on my mood, it's fabulous!



Sephora says:
This all-in-one bronzer, shadow, and shimmer uses mica to diffuse light so your skin looks softer and younger while adding subtle warmth. The oil-free formula can be layered on your lids for a luxe look, swept on your cheeks for a radiant glow, or used as an all-over finish before heading out for the night.

Now on my skin tone this looks fabulous since I have yellow undertones. I saw some comments that said this looks a little too orangey on them but is great as an eyeshadow. I like to use it alone and sometimes on top of a matte bronzer to give a nice glow. It doesn't look like glitter on your face, just a nice fine shimmer. Perhaps on older skin this shimmery bronzer might exaggerate wrinkles so keep that in mind.

Overall I love this product and use it almost everyday!

$24 on Sephora but I bet you can find it cheaper at Marshalls.