The new me :)

Not because I planned it, but I realized today that I made two new resolutions or changes in my life. (I should have made about 100 changes in order to make me a better person, but let's not get out of control here!!)

I love my car.... but maybe too much. It's fun, pretty clean, reliable, and comfortable. People say that if you live in Boston, or anywhere just outside the city, you don't need a car. ( I learned today that due to its size, Boston is known as a very accessible city, but it may be that its reputation as a walking city relies on the creation of one of America's first historic walking tours, The Freedom Trail. I've walked parts of it MANY times... but come and visit me and we can do the whole thing :)

To get around, there's the "T" and buses that can take you almost anywhere. I used to take the 'T" every day to work at Harvard Univ.. I have fond memories of cramming into the subway cars when the AC wasn't working, and being closer to complete strangers than I have ever wanted to be while holding my breath till the next stop so the doors would open. Ahhhh.... the "T".

I have friends and roommates who don't have a car and they survive as well. But, I have the excuse that I need my car for my job and thank goodness for that! The school I work in is about 30 min away. But, I realized this week that I am abusing that excuse of having a car for a job and perhaps I love it too much!

Here's why - I live about two blocks from the gym, yet ironically I drive there 1/2 of the time. It's quicker. I also live two and a half blocks from the "T" and all buses, yet if there is ANY possible parking at the place I am going, I'll drive. Well this week I filled up my car and was SHOCKED at the price of the gas. Then I happened to read a very good article about how silly it was to drive some places in the city because you can just walk. It's that simple. Walk. You can read while you walk, listen to your ipod, talk on the phone, etc. Boston's known to be a "walking city" as mentioned above. My uncle lives in the city and doesn't have a car. He literally walks everywhere! It's healthy for you to.

Spring is trying to "spring" here in Boston. We're not quite off the ground yet, but we're sure trying! I decided this weekend that my pocketbook and my lifestyle needed to embrace this idea of walking. So, I started today. I walked to my VTing appt this morning. It took about 30 minutes, but I read and talked on the phone on the way. It was refreshing to breathe in some brisk morning air. Then I walked to two friends houses this afternoon. Granted, it took me an extra 45 minutes (total) out of my day, but I really enjoyed it. So, the new me is going to give this a try... and attempt to be as "city girl" as well.

The new me also got a makeover this weekend!!! Exciting stuff! So, I have a good friend who is a speech therapist by day and a passionate make-up artist on the side! We've talked about having her do my makeup before, but never got around to actually setting a date. Well, no special events happen in my life, so I decided I should get a makeover for stake conference today! It started at 3 PM, so there was no rush in the morning. Here are some pics...


















The usual me. I shouldn't be smiling. Good models would have the straight face, right. But, this is me without make-up. And, sad to say that's how I usually look. Sometimes I'll wear eye-shadow and mascara, but that's it.

Then..... this is the NEW me. I asked her to go mild and natural. Nothing to bold, but I did like looking at the pictures in her books with "smokey eyes". Maybe I'll try that someday.



















Me right after we're done. The lighting wasn't the best to get the full-picture, but I loved it! She cut back on my rosy cheeks... and the eyes and lips.... loved 'em. Keep scrolling...





Look at those eyes!!! Kind of up close and personal... but THANK YOU Andrea!!!!!