On a quest

I need a new eyeliner. Sounds easy enough, but no. I'm picky. I don't like to look like I've got raccoon eyes. But I want to be able to notice an eyeliner's effects without looking as though I'm all painted up. Got it?

So, in the past month I've tried four eyeliners. Each make me mad in their own little way.

Here's a rundown:

1. Almay Intense I-Color: This one was my tried-and-true, never-fail liner. But the past three times I've purchased this product it has crumbled each time I apply it. I don't know if it's a new formula, or if my local stores are stocking out-of-date eyeliner. Regardless, this is what led me to the quest for a new product.

2. Maybelline Line Stylist: One word — OUCH! You have to press so hard to get the eyeliner to apply that it isn't comfortable. No thanks.

3. L'Oreal Pencil Perfect: Too thick. Even when sharpened.

4. L'Oreal 16-hour Infallible: Again, too thick. I looked like I'd used a Crayola as eyeliner.

So, tell me what you use. Or tell me what I'm doing wrong. It could totally be operator-error. At any rate, I need help!

Bump

Argh! I had to bump that still shot down. Horrible ... HORRIBLE!

I promise the next video blog I post will be more eventful — as in maybe out somewhere showing something other than my mug.

But for now I've got to go to sleep. Lots to do and see tomorrow!

Oooo ... a vlog!

The most difficult thing ever

I've touched on it here before. It's silly to most people who know, but very real to me. I want to get over it, but can't seem to make myself just do it.

Flying.

For someone who loves to visit new places as much as I do, you'd think I'd have been on an airplane in the past 25 years.

You'd think ...

But it's been exactly that long: 1984. The year I returned from Japan with my mother after living in Okinawa for nearly two years. It wasn't a memorable flight. Leaving my doll at the Honolulu airport is really the only thing that sticks out at me about that long trip back to the States. I was pretty much devastated.

But I digress ...

The thing is, I've made a commitment of sorts. A good friend of mine moved to Portland, Oregon, a year or so ago. And I've promised to visit. I truly want to. I miss my friend and Portland looks like my kind of city.

The only problem is it's clear I'll need to fly to see her. Now is the time to book, considering flights are being slashed left and right. But I cannot seem to make myself do it. Flying across the country is petrifying to me. And flying across the country ALONE is just downright terrifying.

Besides the fear of crashing (my No. 1 fright) is the fact that I am completely clueless when it comes to check-ins, baggage requirements, security and the host of procedures that come as second nature to seasoned travelers. My fear is that I'd be THAT GIRL who holds up the line because I didn't know the secret handshake at the gate. Never mind the fact that I'd probably take my shoes off at the wrong moment.

Layovers are another thing. Waiting in airports is far worse than waiting in a doctor's office. Panic sets in and the hives pop up ... and that's just when I'm waiting for someone else to land. I can't imagine what I'd be like waiting for my own plane to get there.

(Legal) Drugs clearly are an option. But, flying alone while mildly sedated could only lead to bad things. Wandering around the airport talking mindlessly to complete strangers would make me look like a freak. Maybe. But I'm sure stranger things have happened.

I mentioned this to a few co-workers today only to hear about four or five horror stories involving faulty landing gear, the infamous Hudson River story and turbulence woes.

I'm scared to death, but I've got to face this. I just don't know if I'm ready — as much as I want to be.

Highlight of my day

Setting: The kitchen at my office
Me: Heating up a Lean Cuisine for dinner
R (male co-worker): Getting ice for his water

Idle chit-chat about the glories of frozen dinners — making note of which ones are the most flavorful and those that taste like cardboard.

Then, the good stuff:

R: You've lost about 10 or 15 pounds, haven't you?
Me (stunned): Um ... Yes, I have!
R: My wife has lost about 15 pounds, so I kind of know how to judge these things lately.
Me: Well, thanks for noticing!

- Scene -

It's the little things that keep me smiling. This was definitely one of 'em.

I have weird friends ...

... but it's for a good cause.



If you feel compelled to donate, there's a web address at the bottom of the video.

Or, if you want even more entertainment in return for your hard-earned moolah (and are in the Atlanta area at the end of the month) come see me and all the other cool kids race tricycles. It's sure to wow you!

Today's post brought to you by the letter 'e'

I'm a font freak. I admit it. I have fonts that I loathe ... absolutely despise, shudder at their site and just generally wish would never have been introduced. At the top of that list would probably be Hobo. Ever seen it? It's vile. So vile, in fact, I'll make you google it because it will never show its wretched face on my blog.

A bit extreme? Maybe. But it turns out I'm not alone — not in the least bit. I would totally recommend watching Helvetica, an independent film about, you guessed it: Helvetica, the font.

Why all this talk of fonts? Well, my class this semester is Typography, so I've got typeface on the brain — especially today.

Due tomorrow are six letters. Three in New Century Schoolbook (one of my go-to fonts) and Helvetica (the font [mostly] loved 'round the world). I've got two done, and I must admit I'm over it.

Fontmakers are insane. They have to be. Getting the curves right and ensuring complete symmetry is difficult, and sanity-snatchingly irritating. Add on top of that the fact that it's got to be done in INK, and you've got one nuts-o-rama Stacey on your hands.

I need a strong coffee and a super steady hand. Too bad the two don't mix.