Disqus - Latest Comments for traci

Re: Mygazines

traci — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 11:53:53 -0000

Illegal. Period.

Re: WishList

traci — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 17:58:09 -0000

Note to Self is on the list of books I need to read for a review. I think it's going to be divine.

Re: What do you do to promote your own happiness?

traci — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:35:06 -0000

Oh, how I can relate to the hungry brain syndrome. But I wouldn't say that indulging my curiosity is something I do to secure my day's happiness. As I writer, I want to know about EVERYTHING, and sometimes learning gets me into serious trouble on the mental health front, because I'm often curious about terrible things (war, hunger, abuse, all the big ones). Those are not the good days. But, then again, sometimes I am curious about what on earth a platypuss (sp?) really is, and so I find out. Again. That one never quite sticks with me.

Re: What do you want to be thanked for?

traci — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 09:32:45 -0000

I get stuck on this one a lot, too. I feel like I put so much effort into making my household run and that it is quite unnoticed by my husband. It's my greatest fantasy that some day he'll just say, "Wow, honey...you've made our house such a lovely home." I would die of pure pleasure.

But then one day I realized that all of the effort I put into it is really for my own benefit. I love my husband immensely, but he really is oblivious to what I do and why, because it honestly doesn't matter to him. Whenever I let things go for a while, he has absolutely no idea anything is different. I go insane, but he's just as happy living in squalor as he is in the beautiful, organized, smoothly-running household I've tried so hard to create.

So, officially, I'm thaking MYSELF this morning for the things I do for me!

Re: What is the sound of your voice?

traci — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 09:18:46 -0000

My voice sounds like I've got something to say. I'm not a talker (except with my Mom), and I usually only speak when I honestly have something to say. I'm the girl at the party who says 3 things all night, but can tell you exactly what each individual group is discussing. I'm always interested.

Re: What is the sound of your voice?

traci — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 17:53:21 -0000

Oh, heavens. I hear that!

Re: You Will Never Get Where You Are Going: Sweet Relief!

traci — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 09:16:57 -0000

I struggle with this constantly, and I have to make a daily conscious effort to live where I am. Thank you for bringing it back to the forefront for me. It's always helpful to be reminded.

P.S. The acoustic version of the Jagged Little Pill album was surprisingly wonderous. When I listen to the original album and then follow up with the acoustic album, it feels like the aural history of my life...same me, same message, completely different delivery.

Re: What are you anticipating?

traci — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 09:11:40 -0000

Finding my style statement. (I'm working on it!)
Gaining all sorts of semi guilt-free weight while my husband attends culinary school. (Practice, practice, practice, honey!)
Finally being able to stay in a place for more than 2 years once my husband graduates. (Please, please, please.)
Landing a freelance gig I applied for a bit ago. (Again, please, please, please.)

Re: You Will Never Get Where You Are Going: Sweet Relief!

traci — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:59:38 -0000

Hmmm...one part Patty Smith, one part Debbie Harry, one part Robert and Peter of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (check them out), and perhaps the tiniest sprinkling of Tiffany. Hey, just being honest here. :o)

Re: What are you anticipating?

traci — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:02:05 -0000

Good luck! If it's not the reply you were hoping for, don't be afraid to turn around and send it right back out again! Sending lots of good mojo your way.

Re: What are you anticipating?

traci — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:04:57 -0000

Oh, oh, oh. My dogs are my children, too. I'm sending a bit of love for you, too.

Re: In terms of celebrities, whose fashion sense do you admire?

traci — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:22:44 -0000

Sarah Jessica Parker, Drew Barrymore, Kiera Knightly, Michelle Williams, and Audrey Hepburn.

Picturing Audrey is the way I keep myself in check. Coco Chanel said to take one thing off before you leave the house. Instead, I just think of how I could "Audrify" my look just a tish. It totally works.

Re: What would be your last meal and with whom would you share it?

traci — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:07:51 -0000

My grandmother's mashed potatoes and meatballs, a truly enormous burrito with perfectly blended insides (no bites of rice and nothing else), Lou Malnati's pizza, and a giant tub of Cherry Garcia, all topped off with a perfect wine that makes me relaxed and randy. I'd spend dinner with all the people I love, and then politely say goodbye so my husband and I could enjoy the effects of the wine until my little death turned into the big one. How's that for honest and uncensored? :o)

Re: What’s your favourite inspirational quote?

traci — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:52:10 -0000

I have three favorites. They compliment each other beautifully, and I get the most out of them when I consider all three.

1. I am still learning. -Michelangelo
2. Life's a journey, not a destination. -Various
3. Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined. -Henry David Thoreau

Re: What’s your favourite inspirational quote?

traci — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:35:12 -0000

Oh, and when the journey has taken me to a place I'm not crazy about, and I feel a little lost,:
"Not all who wander are lost."

Re: What do you regret?

traci — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 09:00:12 -0000

I'm on this bandwagon, too.

Re: What is your biggest indulgence?

traci — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:50:20 -0000

I'm with Carrie on this one. I'm the one who gets things done and feels undone when I don't, so indulgence is hard. But I have finally decided that an expensive (for me, anyway) haircut and eyebrow wax every 6 weeks is a little slice of bliss.

Also, reading. Reading always every day every spare minute despite it all because words are food.

Re: What is your big, audacious dream for yourself?

traci — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 09:25:32 -0000

Same dream - different setting. Dividing time between Paris, Tuscany, and New York. (Why settle?)

BTW, I FINALLY discovered my Style Statement last night. I'm so excited! Constructive Nostalgic.

Re: What is your big, audacious dream for yourself?

traci — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 09:27:03 -0000

That's such an exciting dream! I love it!

Re: What is your big, audacious dream for yourself?

traci — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:48:16 -0000

Yes, please!

Re: What is your big, audacious dream for yourself?

traci — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:54:52 -0000

OOoohh...good one! I'm officially adding this to the List O' Dreams.

Re: What’s your favourite magazine?

traci — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:33:32 -0000

The New Yorker, Marie Claire, Easy Living, Lucky, Domino, Paste. Once in a while I'll jump out of the box and get something totally different like Preen, The Believer, or Uncut.

Re: What’s your favourite magazine?

traci — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:41:19 -0000

Oooh! And Cottage Living. Love that mag.

Re: Who in your life do you admire… and why?

traci — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:15:49 -0000

I admire my husband for having a creative well that never runs dry, being aware of the well, and using it to the best of his ability and as often as possible. I admire my dog Princess for putting herself out there: when she wants love, she lets you know it. I admire my 4-year-old neice for braving the most fantastically adorable pixie cut in the land of long, golden mermaid hair (something I've always said I'll do, but haven't found the courage yet).

Re: If you believed you were enough, what would you do differently?

traci — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 09:24:54 -0000

Oh, heavens. If I thought I were "enough" I think I'd be a completely different person. Sad but true.

Re: 12 Great Wedding Gifts to Give

traci — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:08:48 -0000

Board games!

Re: How do you want to feel today?

traci — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 09:28:33 -0000

Creatively satiated.

Re: What are the best Inspirational or “Personal Growth” books you’ve read?

traci — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:51:33 -0000

I loved this book. Charming notes......genius!

Re: What’s your beauty dilemma?

traci — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 09:21:27 -0000

My hair is almost exactly the same it was when I was 8 years old...baby fine. Find yourself a really good stylist who will take the time to experiment with cutting technique. Also, a bit of sea salt in some water spritzed lightly on dry hair does wonders. And, when desperate, a light back comb is always helpful.

Re: What’s your beauty dilemma?

traci — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 09:25:00 -0000

Boobs. I love having them, but after 16 years with them, I have yet to find a bra that REALLY works AND is pretty. So frustrating. And I'm not even THAT huge, I don't think. Something between a 34 and 36 DD. (Which is also frustrating...take the 34 AND the 36 to the dressing room and purchase the one that's less bad.) Ugh.

Re: Trick Yourself Into Getting Fit

traci — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 09:33:28 -0000

I recently started doing yoga. I tried a few years ago and realized that I really sucked at it. Then, I decided to try again. Once I stopped trying to force my body into the disturbing contortions achieved by the instructor, I started to like it. I let my body tell me when I was far enough into the pose and allowed myself to let that be enough. And, it seems now that every day I do it, my body is naturally moving further into the poses. It feels GOOD!

Re: What’s your image of God?

traci — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 10:00:22 -0000

Amen!

Re: What are your 3 top priorities this week?

traci — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 09:43:00 -0000

1. Empty the garage in preparation for our move.
2. Contact and/or visit a few more rental communities.
3. Finish reading Madame Sarah (it's begun to drag a bit).

Re: How would you spend your last $20?

traci — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:38:03 -0000

Oh, if I had a nickle for every time I spent my last $20 on something silly, I'd probably have another $20!

Re: What would improve your work space?

traci — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 09:25:37 -0000

I'd move it to my house (and out of this stuffy old medical institution). If it were so simple...

Re: What’s the best relationship advice you’ve ever given or received?

traci — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 09:25:50 -0000

Pay attention...you get what you give. The pay attention part is particularly important. Often, we're not "giving" as well as we think we are.

Re: What do you need to let go of?

traci — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:19:31 -0000

I need to let go of the thought that if I don't accomplish everything I ever wanted to accomplish by the time I'm 30, then it's over. Hello...30 is young...REALLY YOUNG. I wonder where the hell I came up with that arbitrary number anyway. Probably something that popped into my head when I was 13. And yet...30...it's so near and when I think of its nearness I become paralyzed with anxiety over what I've not done. It's ugly.

Re: What’s your favorite eco-friendly habit?

traci — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:40:39 -0000

Riding the commuter bus! I live about 60 miles from my office, and the place where I work is lovely enough to have a subsidized commuter bus program. So, for $60/month (about 1/4 what I would pay in gas), I can take a lovely walk down to the commuter lot and then ride peacefully for an hour. I love that hour. I can catch a nap or get some extra work done or just catch up on my reading. It's fantastic.

Re: What promise did you keep that changed your life?

traci — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 09:06:01 -0000

I'm a 80% head, 20% heart kind of girl, which generally works pretty well for me. But I once promised myself that when my heart is SCREAMING to be heard, that I need to listen to it instead of the calm but persistent voice of my head. Every time it happens, it changes my life.

Re: What promise did you keep that changed your life?

traci — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:28:46 -0000

Ooohh...I love this! Kudos to you!

Re: What promise did you keep that changed your life?

traci — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:20:38 -0000

"monkey chatter." I love that. It's such a fitting description! I called mine "calm but persistent," which it usually is, but I definitely have plenty of "monkey chatter" days too!

Re: What promise did you keep that changed your life?

traci — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:22:06 -0000

No problem, Marissa. It happens more often than not. Plus I have 2 big sisters, Teri and Tami, so by now I'll answer to nearly anything! ;-)

Re: What’s sacred to you?

traci — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 09:05:15 -0000

I'm with Danielle. 100%.

Re: What’s sacred to you?

traci — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 12:28:13 -0000

Sending you fortitude and love. You seem to be doing fine, but I'd be scared out of my wits!

Re: What’s your favorite gadget or piece of technology?

traci — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:55:46 -0000

My coffee maker. And my MP3 player. And a ballpoint pen (doesn't seem like technology, but the logistics of it are a simple wonder). I'm not hard to please.

Re: If you had a totally open day, every day, what 4 or 5 things would you fill it with?

traci — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:14:06 -0000

Husband snuggles, puppy cuddles, yoga, writing, and crazy good food.

Re: When do you hide?

traci — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 08:54:36 -0000

I hide when I'm broke, too. It's the best way to avoid spending!

Re: When do you hide?

traci — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 08:55:51 -0000

I hide when I'm overwhelmed and scared and honestly just need to bunker down until whatever is overwhelming or scary goes away or quiets down.

Re: When do you hide?

traci — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:22:37 -0000

Today I'm hiding at work. I'm overwhelmed by the boredome. Sad.

Re: What’s your favorite easy thing to cook?

traci — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 08:56:58 -0000

I'm married to the most fantastic man who also happens to be preparing for culinary school. I eat well and dinner's usually ready when I get home. He's incredible.

Re: What adventure are you craving (or planning for)?

traci — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:57:54 -0000

By November I'll be deep into a new apartment in a new city, 2 new writing ventures, and a freelance editing gig. It's been a big week!

Re: What adventure are you craving (or planning for)?

traci — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:18:47 -0000

I've fallen into a couple just from networking. But the best source I've heard of is www.elance.com. You might try there just to dip your toes in.

Re: What adventure are you craving (or planning for)?

traci — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:18:11 -0000

Holy crap!!! (and forgive me for that) I so admire mountain climbers. I just don't have that in me.

Re: What adventure are you craving (or planning for)?

traci — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:20:45 -0000

!!!!! You are officially on my to-read list!

Re: Popcorn Withdrawls!

traci — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 20:11:54 -0000

Almonds! Or, depending on your love of salt, cashews!

Re: What’s the best work you’ve ever done?

traci — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:20:10 -0000

I'm deep in the journey of my best work so far. I'm finally figuring out how the real me fits into the world around me.

Re: If you suddenly inherited $10,000, what would you do with it?

traci — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:19:37 -0000

$10K would be just the tidy sum I'd need to pay off my student loan and have just enough left over to buy the brown velvet sofa of my dreams.

Re: What do you find sexy?

traci — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:12:21 -0000

Nutella! Love it!

Re: What do you find sexy?

traci — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:22:17 -0000

the backs of necks
homemade borscht in the fridge when I get home from work
small patches of curly hair behind his ears (amidst a sea of straight hair)
attentive blue eyes that, in the time mine notice that the carpet is brown, can see how long the man we're speaking with has been married and how often he travels abroad and why
Benicio Del Toro (don't tell my husband!)
quirks among perfection (Joaquin Phoenix's mouth, Kate Bosworth's eyes)
the way he says "mm...more" when I kiss goodbye too quickly

Re: What do you find sexy?

traci — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:47:28 -0000

Cecile, you should rent The Thing Called Love. Dermot Mulroney is THE. CUTEST. in it. And it also stars one of the All Time Sexiest, Mr. River Phoenix. I think it was made in 1994...oldie but goodie.

Re: What did you learn from your favorite mistake?

traci — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 09:16:54 -0000

I made the mistake of choosing to NOT dive into a search for my dream job right after college. I decided instead to go back home and "write for a year." In the 3 years following college, I wrote about 10 paragraphs...and that's being generous. And now I'm technically working in my field (publishing), but with content I care nothing about (medicine). BUT, moving closer to home allowed me to forge very strong, healthy relationships with my family and it allowed me to meet my husband, who I love so much and who loves me so much that we have to talk each other into going to work every morning, rather than staying home in bed all day.

Re: What did you learn from your favorite mistake?

traci — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:18:27 -0000

Kelsey, I love your story. I learned of all of my neices and my nephew through phone calls that started, "You're never going to believe this crap...I'm pregnant." Every one of them. Not a single planned pregnancy, and I have 5 neices and 1 nephew. And they are the most wonderful, beautiful, loved people on the planet and my world would be gray without them.

Re: What do you need to move your vision forward?

traci — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 08:56:37 -0000

A nice balance in my savings account so I can quit my job and freelance full time.

Re: What is your favorite fiction book?

traci — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 06:00:28 -0000

I could list books all day. But the few that always pop into my head when someone asks this question are: THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER by Stephen Chbosky, THEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD by Zora Neale Hurston, BELOVED by Toni Morrison, and THE POISONWOOD BIBLE by Barbara Kingsolver. Ask me again tomorrow and I'll probably have a different answer.

Re: Startup Princess, Kelly King Anderson, Interviews Us!

traci — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 16:08:58 -0000

Oprah! Oprah! Oprah! I can't wait to see what comes of this. Congratulations, ladies!

Re: What is something completely luxurious that you dream of owning?

traci — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 20:04:44 -0000

I would love to own a year. One year of my own time, to do with it what I will or will not. When I ask myself what I'd do for that, my lust and want is so strong I scare myself and have to turn away from it. Oh, for one little year.

Re: What is something completely luxurious that you dream of owning?

traci — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 20:59:23 -0000

Will do...thanks!

Re: What are you excited about right now?

traci — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:38:51 -0000

In the past month or so, my whole life has changed. I'm excited about everything!
Except for the job I don't love but can't talk myself into leaving just yet. Soon, though. Soon.

Re: What are you excited about right now?

traci — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:58:03 -0000

I just have to say that this was a particularly lovely parcitipation today. I look forward to Daily Q&As almost more than I look forward to my morning coffee. I love the community here, and the love deepens daily. Thank you all for making my days shine!
Sending love through the blogosphere,
Traci

Re: How do your actions manifest, and contradict, your beliefs?

traci — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 04:17:25 -0000

I am one big ball of contradiction. I believe that children are some of the most amazing people on earth and that families are essential, yet I don't want to have children of my own. I was beyond-myself excited about the idea of having a female president, but Sarah Palin makes me want to shove a pencil in my ear. I love sleep, but I sometimes feel like it's a waste.

Re: How do your actions manifest, and contradict, your beliefs?

traci — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 17:50:46 -0000

The Whitman quote was the first thing I thought of when I read today's Q&A. But...it was 3:00 in the morning and I hadn't the capacity to remember it or figure where to find it. Thanks for remembering and sharing, Jamie!

Re: What do you know the most about?

traci — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 09:10:35 -0000

Hmmm....good question. Of the things I know a lot about, I'm honestly not sure what I know the MOST about. But I WANT to know the most about maximizing my time and skill for writing.

Re: How do you know when a decision is “right” for you?

traci — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 04:24:04 -0000

I'm sad to report that more often than not, I'll feel great about a decision and then start second-guessing myself. I'll spend two weeks calling myelf an idiot, and then everything turns out beautifully. I really have to break that pattern.

Re: What do you find beautiful about your body?

traci — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 09:13:08 -0000

Visually, I like that my body is all woman. Curvy curvy curvy. On a deeper level, I appreciate so much (so, so much) that my body carries me through long stretches of 80-hour work weeks and then is good as new after a single day of rest. My body supports me, even when I neglect it.

Re: What do you find beautiful about your body?

traci — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 11:04:35 -0000

"I am very round, like a Buddha." I ADORE this. It conjurs joy.

Re: What’s the best concert you ever attended?

traci — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 09:12:12 -0000

Oh, yes! Prince is sex personified. He makes me proud to be a Minnesotan. First Ave (where most of Purple Rain takes place) is still one of the coolest venues in the world, I think.

Re: What’s the best concert you ever attended?

traci — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 09:16:33 -0000

I'm lucky...I've been to so many great shows. I used to review concerts in the Twin Cities for a local Web site, so I really packed them in for a couple of years. I think, though, that my favorite live music experience would have to be Coachella in 2003, before it became young Hollywood's playground. I saw Radiohead (Steve's right--frighteningly perfect), The Cure (a personal favorite), The Pixies, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (another favorite), Kraftwerk, The Rapture, and so many more, all in a 2 day period. It was truly heavenly.

Last year I saw Damien Rice all by his lonesome. He was phenomenal. And much louder when he's alone.

Re: What’s the best concert you ever attended?

traci — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 09:18:44 -0000

Nope...the year I went to Coachella was 2004. It was 120 degrees one day. How could I forget?

Re: What’s the best concert you ever attended?

traci — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:31:53 -0000

And...totally funny. Would have never guessed, but it's true!

Re: How have you changed?

traci — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 05:19:33 -0000

I awoke one day, perfectly aghast to find I had become quite judgemental. I slapped myself in the face and have since made it a daily conscious effort to hold a "to-each-his-own" attitude.

Re: What is the best relationship book you’ve read?

traci — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:33:46 -0000

The Conscious Bride wins by default. It's the only one I've read so far. (Which is not to say it was bad. I learned quite a bit, really.) I'm so excited about all the great recommendations!

Re: What's on your must-have list for fall fashion? boots - Petit Bateau - Foley and Corrina - vintage - Luchesse cowboy boots - wide leg jeans | Carrie and Danielle

traci — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 05:21:07 -0000

Yep, leather, knee-high, care-a-little-how-much-they-cost boots. And a rockin' wide belt to wear with simple little dresses. I love fall!

Re: What's on your must-have list for fall fashion? boots - Petit Bateau - Foley and Corrina - vintage - Luchesse cowboy boots - wide leg jeans | Carrie and Danielle

traci — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 12:58:35 -0000

I was crazy excited when tights came back! They're so fantastic!

Re: Guy Kawasaki asks: If you could eliminate one activity from your day, what would it be?

traci — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 04:44:33 -0000

As much as I love the fact that I can bus it and not worry about driving, I would eliminate my hour-long commute to work. I would so rather work at home.