Things I'm Afraid to Tell You

I saw this on Oh the lovely things blog (and I think it started here) - and I felt a ring of truth to it...and I liked the general idea behind it all. It’s true, blog Kassie and real life Kassie aren’t necessarily the same person. I mean, I’m not drastically different (I don’t think?), but I’m definitely an edited down...or censored version of myself on my blog. I choose my words carefully as not to offend people and I stay away from any sort of touchy subject so I don’t alienate or make any readers feel uncomfortable. While, in some ways I don’t see anything wrong with that...in other ways I think....wait, what? Why am I doing that? You see, I’m supposed to be blogging for myself, because it’s something I enjoy. And while one of the big things I enjoy is connecting with other people, how real of a connection is it if I’m not really being myself?

So, I’m going to share some things that I have been afraid to tell you - afraid for the reasons above and also because hey, this is the internet where ANYONE can read it. A couple of these things I actually wrote up a post about, but never hit publish.  I figure now is as good as time as any.

Things I’m afraid to tell you...

1. I have HPV (human papillomavirus). I generally don’t share this information, because well it’s personal and because people assume crazy shit. Please educate yourself before passing too much judgement. HPV is extremely common and often doesn’t show any symptoms (which is why it’s so common, just gets passed along unknowingly). One reason I’m sharing this today is for other woman. Other woman who have it...or who don’t. Please ladies, stay up on your yearly check ups! While HPV is often no biggie, in some cases it can cause cervical cancer. I personally have already had surgery once (3 years ago) for prevention measures and I recently had a second biopsy to see if I need it again. It is a slow growing cancer, so as long as you stay up to date on your check ups you should be able to catch anything unusual!  For the record, I'm definitely no expert, but if anyone is dealing with this (or just has questions) and wants to talk my door (email) is always open!

2. Sometimes I throw myself little pity parties (in my mind, not literally...ha). I know there are people out there have it so much worse, but sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in our own lives. Things are just not ideal...I live on an really tight budget (which people never understand since I have a decent paying job) because of my INSANE school debt. I live far away from my family for a job I don’t even like. Yea then there’s that. I spend the majority of my days doing a job that...well is not my passion. I’m sure lots of other people are in the same boat, but when I see people who actually enjoy their jobs (my boyfriend) it frustrates me that I have one I don’t care about. And yes the logical thing would be to change that, but due to the financial situation mentioned I just can’t do that. Blagh. See, stupid pity party. And it’s over...NOW. I just have to stop and remind myself of all the wonderful things I have in life (family, friends, Brian!) and then it puts everything into perspective. :)

3. I don’t want kids, which I have told you all before. But what I haven’t told you is that I secretly detest when people don’t get it. When they get all bent out of shape about it OR (this is the worst) they don’t take me seriously. They say something like oh, yea sure...just wait Kassie, you’ll want kids in a few years. I know it shouldn’t bother me, but it does - because I feel like I'm being judged.  So, here it is in plain english...I just don’t like the idea of being a mother.  It's not that I dislike children, I mean I don't ooo and ahh over them like lots of people do, but I like them enough when they are around...and well behaved...and go home after a few hours.  But to the point - kids are a time-suck, energy-suck, money-suck, and sanity-suck. If you want children, that’s fine by me. But when I tell you I don’t, don’t look at me like I’m the crazy one. Besides,I have a fur-child...and that works out just fine for me. (go ahead parents, do the eye roll, I know you want to! LOL :P)

4. I’m an atheist. I think I’ve said this out loud maybe twice in my life. It's really hard for me to even admit to myself, mainly because I worry it will be upsetting (and possibly hurtful) for some people who care about me, but it’s the truth. It’s frustrating that I have to listen to people talk about religion all the time (at work! which I find insane and incredibly inappropriate!), but as soon as it becomes known that I don’t share the same beliefs it’s like...idk. TABOO. If someone expects me to accept their beliefs than they should be willing to accept mine, no? In any case, I’ve decided I’m going to try to not hide this tidbit about myself. I mean I’m not going to go crazy and scream it from the rooftops, but if someone asks or it comes up I will be honest. I would like to add, I have nothing against Christians or other religious believers...as long as you aren’t bringing harm to anyone. Just because we don’t believe the exact same things doesn’t mean we can’t get along just fine.

5. Last but not least...well maybe least, ha. I’m quitting the 30 for 30 challenge. I enjoyed it this time more than last time, but I’m so busy (read: stressed out) with packing and moving right now that I just can’t deal with it. It takes too much planning and ...effort (ha) with the photos everyday and I just don’t have the time. I would like to say though I actually made it to outfit 15 (just didn't get them posted)!!

Style Log: Pretty Pink (One)

{Shirt/Old Navy, thrifted :: Skirt/thrifted :: Shoes/Kohl’s :: Necklace/gift, it’s Bolivian silver, interesting!}

Both of these items were thrifted a day or two before I started this challenge. The necklace and shoes were gifted, so you are looking at an outfit that cost me $6 dollars. Ha, unless you count my underclothes! Which actually probably cost more than the outfit! TMI?

My family came up to visit this weekend. The dreary weather made our attempts at boating and fishing a bit pathetic, but we still tried and we still had fun! We also went out for dinner and drinks one night, thrift shopped and I made a yummy mexican dinner last night [unfortunately no food pics, meh]! I love having my family up, but I hate when the leave! It always sucks. :( It always makes me re-realize that I couldn’t live much farther from them than I do now. Please help me remember this for those times I think I want to find jobs on the coasts or somewhere equally far away. Craziness. Besides, I’m a midwest girl through and through. :) Sure it may be 75 degrees one day and 52 the next (for real, see the 15th & 16th http://www.weather.com/weather/monthly/USIA0015), but who wouldn’t love that?

Hope your weekends were also fantastic!

30 for 30 Challenge...again?

Am I crazy? I must be. I loathed this thing last time, seriously. However, thoughts of doing this have been haunting me for the past couple of weeks. It’s a different season, I have different clothes to wear...and I’m a bit braver with my style now. I’m evolving...{but not out of my corny tendencies, har har}. Anyway, the decision has been made, so don’t try to talk me out of it. {Wait, are you sure you don’t want to try? For real, it wouldn’t be hard...}. Le sigh. So here we go...

9 Tops...

Pink blouse/Old Navy, thrifted :: Pink Cami/f21 :: Red/Black Abstract Tshirt/Daisy Fuentes, thrifted :: Black ¾ sleeve sweater/Gap, thrifted :: Rust Short Sleeve sweater/f21 :: Navy Polka Dot Blouse/Old Navy :: Ivory Lace Long Sleeve Blouse/f21 :: Sequin Black Tank Top/Charlotte Russe :: White button blouse/gifted

5 Pants

Skinny Jeans/a.n.a, J.C. Penny :: Boot cut jeans/Lee ::Black cuffed slacks/old, thrifted :: Khaki Slacks/thrifted :: Bright Blue Skinny Jeans/f21

3 Dresses & 2 Skirts

Button down dress/Maurices, thrifted ::Neon Orange knit dress/f21 ::Striped Dress/Shirt, thrifted

Black flare skirt/thrifted ::Zebra pencil skirt/thrifted

4 Cardis

Black Shrug/Gordman’s (old!) :: Cream Shrug/Kohl’s :: Lime Cardigan/Merona, thrifted :: Purple cropped Cardi/Kohl’s

7 pairs of Shoes

Brown Boots/Merona, Target :: Black Mary Jane Heels/Kohl’s :: Grey heels/Target :: Tan Sandal heels/Kohl’s :: Brown flats/American Eagle for Payless :: Teal Gladiators/gift :: Black Flats/Payless

Also, this will probably take me longer than a month to post. Mainly, because I don’t plan on blogging on weekends, but I will continue with the challenge. In fact if I’m being totally honest, I’m already on like Day 5 on the challenge. :P Maybe I’ll double up on some of the posts, or only post my favorites and then do a recap of all at the end? Okay, now I’m just thinking out loud and this post is too long as is. 

Enjoy your Monday :)

#30 Date Night

 

I’m finished. FINALLY. For real, I started to loathe this challenge at times, but I’m glad I stuck it out. I actually did it! It may not have always been pretty, but I did it, I followed through!

Anyway, Brian & I are headed back home tonight. Once we get there we are going out for sushi! I can’t wait! I’ve only had sushi once, but I loved it! I’ll be sure to take some yummy pictures.
Have a great Thanksgiving!

#29 Dirty Feathers

 

 Ahh, warm and comfy. That’s how I like to dress this time of year. Want to hear something gross? I haven’t ever washed this vest. It’s down feathers, so I can’t just throw it in the wash and I’ve never bothered to have it dry-cleaned...or whatever you have to do to down feather clothing. Ha! I haven’t a clue. Either way, it doesn’t smell I promise! I kind of look at it like a jacket, you just sort of wash it when it gets dirty, or maybe once a year or two years. Hmmm, based on that I suppose I should get this guy washed soon.

#28 Baby Steps

 Still chilly here in the midwest! Even so, I braved a skirt - with no tights! Lately it’s been pretty warm in the office, it’s just the getting there part! At first, I wasn’t sure about this outfit, the colors to be specific. Now that I see it in a photo, I definitely think it works. I’m generally pretty conservative when it comes to wearing more than one color. I mean, I’ll wear color, but I usually pair it with a neutral. Although, navy blue is basically a neutral. Baby steps folks, baby steps.

#27 Holiday Cheer

Just getting into the Holiday spirit a bit!  Yes, yes that is my Christmas tree!  It's up, just not decorated.

 
Anyway, I was packing and trying things on for the upcoming holiday...and decided to take pictures for my 30 for 30! It’s that blue plaid dress with my black sweater over top, that I just sort of tucked into a belt. You can’t tell from these pictures, but my leggings are sparkle-y! I’ll be wearing this wearing over the weekend!

#26 Teal Me More

 
It’s Monday...again, still. Whatever. It was freezing this morning and it hasn’t gotten much better, so I scrapped my skirt for pants. I’ll wear the skirt tomorrow, it’s suppose to be a smidge warmer. Happy Monday!

#24 & #25 Fiday Plumday

Happy Sunday!

I actually wore this on Friday, but I haven't been near my computer since then!  I didn't get any photos of the dressier outfit, oh well! 

 

Today my boyfriend and I took pictures for our holiday card!  I think he had more fun then he expected to, or maybe that's just what I'm telling myself?  At the very least, he played along and was a good sport about it all!  I bribed him [and my pooch, Theo] with super yummy deer jerky!  Food is always a good way to get cooperation out of men...and dogs.  :)

#22 & #23 Bootie Love

I'm so lazy today, these two outfits look almost the exact same in these photos.  I promise in real life they don't!  Which is why it's best to take outfit photos while wearing the outfits!  However, since I am feeling exhausted and a bit sickly I ended up looking very frightening in the photos.

I do need to say that I love these booties!  I believe they are Worthington from JcPenny.  They are ridiculously comfortable, especially for heels!  On my work day outfit I just work them under my khakis and for my night out ensemble I tuck my jeans into them.  So versatile, eh?  :P

Speak of "eh" - anyone out there watch hockey?  I'm a fan and I'm a huge fan of the Minnesota Wild!  Which is why I'll now be leaving you to go cheer them on against the Avs.  GO WILD!

#20 + #21 Day to Night

 
Oh my gosh, so exhausted today.  Here is a quickie outfit post...wait, a TWO IN ONE outfit post.  :)  One look for the office, then just a quick change up for drinks with the girls.  I didn't really have drinks with the girls in this outfit, but I have worn that exact outfit to go have martinis in the not so far past. So that counts, right?

 

 

I love those feather earrings!  I did a scarf braid that I found on a pretty penny and it worked pretty well.  I think I shall be wearing it that way more often.  Also, what's the verdict on a fair skinned ginger wearing such a bold red scarf?

#19 Monday Blahday

 
I was looking at the calendar...and this 30 for 30 has been going on for so long. I think I might double up on outfits to get it finished quicker. For instance, take an outfit from day to night, work to play, business to date night. That sort of thing is allowed right? Right!

I’m not really sure what to do about this outfit, plus I’ve got a bad case of the Monday’s! I’ll try the “doubling up” thing tomorrow.

On a side note...can someone please direct me on how to wear gold jewelery? I’ve never been a fan in the past, but every time I see my fav bloggers wear gold bracelets or necklaces I think it looks great! However, whenever I try...it looks all wrong! Actually, I think I just need a lesson in accessorizing in general!

Bah, Mondays!

#18 Grey Lime

 

My titles are so original, eh?  Ha, my brain is pooped out from the long weekend!  I actually wore this outfit last Thursday.  I meant to come home from work and post it right away, but alas that did not happen.  Since we had Friday off for Veteran's day the work folk decided to have a "committee meeting" at one of the local watering holes.  By "committee meeting" I just mean we went and had half priced beer while snacking on healthy treats, such as fried cheese balls.  Good times were had!  However, by time I got home I did not feel up to taking outfit photos.  

Somehow, it became Sunday, so I figured I'd better get something up!  Hope you all had a great weekend!

#17 Simple

My boss texted me this morning and told me I could wear jeans to work, AGAIN! I was so thankful, because I didn’t get to bed until well after midnight and was not feeling too “dressy”. I helped with elections last night and wound up staying at work until 11 pm. It might be lame, but that is well past my weeknight bedtime!

This outfit is pretty simple and unimaginative, which directly reflects my mind set when I put it on. I’ve worn this shirt a lot, so I’m going to try really hard not to wear it again for the rest of the challenge.

In other news, I’m starting up the “Thursday Recipe” post tomorrow. I think I did it once before, but then I started this challenge and it sort of took over my blog! Which is okay for the moment, but I’m going to start working in some things that will be around long after this challenge [hopefully!]. I originally planned on Ginger Flair being more of a “life style” blog touching down on many things, including style, so that’s what I’m going to start moving towards.

On that note, Happy Hump Day! :)