'Maybe our girlfriends are our soulmates and guys are just people to have fun with.' ~ SATC

So as you can tell by now, a majority of my posts revolve around love, boyfriends (past & current), growing as an individual, etc. And isn't that really what life's all about? The relationships we have and the experiences and memories that those relationships create. I've harped on my past dating experiences and the men in my life, because those relationships have done a lot to shape me into this person I've become (and still becoming). But I have failed to make any mention one of the BIGGEST and most important relationships in my life... the ladies.

This post was actually inspired by a culmination of things I experienced this week. First, I read this article in Marie Claire Magazine called "Do Women Hate Attractive Women?" If you don't have the time to read it, it's basically about this woman (British journalist, Samantha Brick) who wrote an essay stating that women hate any other woman who they find to be attractive based solely on that fact. Now, don't get me wrong...we've all had our Mean Girls experiences in life, but I for one found this article to be slightly absurb (thankfully, Marie Claire agreed...I suppose I'll keep investing in it). I mean, I'm as guilty as the next girl when it comes to having a tinge of jealousy here and there. I envy any gal who can pull off shorts, orange, and a pixie cut (all of which is/would be a massive trainwreck on yours truly, ps). So, envious?? Maybe. But hateful?? C'mon! I think Cameron Diaz had a very valid point when she and JLo were on The Ellen Shown the other day...and that is our society LOVES. DRAMA. Especially when it comes to women. Shows like The Bachelor, Bad Girls Club, The Real World, and any "Housewives" show are proof in and of themselves. It's always women vs women, and usually it's over a stupid boy (yes, Brad Womak & Jake Pavelka, I'm talking about you). And yes we, as women, can be catty at times (some more than others). But through all the media and facebook posts and tweets, it makes it appear as though women on women crime is abundant...and NORMAL. I say NAY!

Oh Lindsay, what the hell happened to you??

But maybe it's because I'm spoiled. For example, earlier this week I posted a random picture of myself --

It was honestly just an attempt at being semi-artsy (and showing off my ballin' little pengy earrings, that I love so dearly). But when I posted it, I couldn't believe all the sweet things people were saying! And guess what...they were ALL women! (well, and the bf, of course...but he's obligated to do such) :o) I mean, it was just a few sweet and simple comments, but after all of this I had just read and saw about women hating women and what have you, it filled my heart with so much joy. And not because of what they were saying (although what girl doesn't like to be told they're pretty??), but because of the act itself. These women didn't have to say anything, much less the super kind words that were expressed. The joy that I felt came from knowing that I am SO blessed to be surrounded by such kind, strong, loyal, and overall supportive females. My closest friends have been there to help celebrate my victories and hold my hand through my darkest days. Told me what I needed to hear...not just what I wanted to hear. From care packages and awesome post-breakup mixed CDs to random, silly gifts or a card "just because"...these women in my life have done more to help mold me into who I am today and what I aspire to be as a friend, a sister, a human being. They have taught me patience, loyalty, and that lipstick really is my friend. I normally don't go around naming names, but because of the tremendous daily impact that these ladies have on me and my world, I feel it's the least I can do to acknowledge them by name: KT Lou, Raysh, Dibbs, Ash, JenJen, Stephy. Granted, I have had numerous other great women throughout my life, and although their role may have been a small one or short, it still leaves that lasting feeling that sisterhood and girl power really do exist. And if the women in your life don't make you feel the same way, then maybe you need to heed this advice from Marie Claire: "Most women are kind and empathetic, supportive and sustaining. . .Perhaps the fault, dear Samantha, is not in your face, but in your friends."

sis·ter·hood (sis ter hu̇d) n. - the solidarity of women based on shared conditions, experiences, or concerns.



These chickas were really on to something...and it wasn't platform boots or adult pigtails.

And now that we know this to be true, ladies...let me challenge you to this --

1) Pay a daily compliment to a fellow female. Whether it's your BFFL or a stranger in Target, if you're loving her new hairstyle or pining over that fab Coach purse she's sporting, TELL HER. Every girl deserves to feel pretty every day, right?

2) Tone down the cattiness (I would say "eliminate", but we're all human here). When you feel yourself about to go on a rant over some chick (for whatever reason), stop and think about it for a sec and why you're really upset. Did you have a bad day at work? Did you scuff your new J.Simps? (<~~~story of my life) Chances are you maaay not be so upset with this girl as you think you are. So next time you get a little worked up and start to say something fussy, stop. Take a breath. And think, "Am I really mad at her, or am I just projecting?"

3) Tell the ladies in your life what they mean to you. Really, you should let everyone in your life that you care about know how much you appreciate them...but especially the women. This is something I'm making my own personal mission. We tell our boyfriends how much we care about them daily (I mean, mine does deserve it). But how often are we telling our besties (without testes) how kick-ass we think they are? Not enough, I'm sure. So whether it's a short and sweet tweet or mailing them a little something that reminded you of them, let the ladies in your life know that you're thankful for them.

Remember that dispite our differences, we are all women. We all have strengths and weaknesses, triumphs and struggles. So instead of focusing on the negative, let's do our part to uplift and support each other and hopefully set an example for the next generation of our daughters, and that is what true sisterhood is. So cheers to you, my fabulous friends! :o) And don't ever forget. . .

A Rolling Stone's Resume

I counted the other day...in the past 8 years I have had 5 boyfriends, 6 jobs, 8 combo of hair colors/cuts, and moved 10 times. (I know...it even shocked me a little saying it out loud) Some may describe that as "indecisive" or "unstable". I like to think of it as being "adventurous" or "a rolling stone", if you will. Needless to say, I don't like things stagnant. And what's wrong with that?? Isn't that what they keep telling us our 20s are for? "Go out there...try different careers...go back to school, if you want...move 1,000 miles away then move back again...you should try going back to blonde..." (no worries...that last one will NEVER happen). They tell us this, because it is the prime of our lives. It's our time to figure out what we want and don't want...what we need and don't need...what relationships should be cherished and who needs to get the "de-friend" button. For some people, all of these options can be overwhelming, confusing, and even terrifying. But for some of us, this whirlwind that we call our 20s can pick you up, throw you around, and drop you at exactly where you need to be.

I've been spending a lot of time lately revamping my resume. I've even been looking into going back to school to get my masters (eeek!). But through the hours I've spent having to reflect back on past jobs and experiences within those jobs, of course there were the good (Best Buy), the bad (the cleaners), and the uuugly (Goody's...lord, help me). But even in those jobs that I hated and kept thinking to myself, "I'd rather be homeless than do this job another day" (and I really meant it some days), through building my resume, I was forced to dig deep and recognize positive things that I learned or gained from my experiences within those jobs: patience, communication, team work, organization, critical thinking, patience (I know I said this one already, but in working with the general public for so many years, I thought it deserved a repeat). I've had good bosses and terrible ones. Awesome coworkers and a-holes. Amazing experiences and down right shitty ones. But the lesson I've taken away from this the most: <insert another "Ah HA!" moment> . . . you cannot FULLY appreciate the good without the bad...and every moment in your life (again, good or bad) is guiding you to your final destination. Example: If I had never been fired from Best Buy, I would have never gotten my job at the law office (that I loved so much). If I had never gotten that job at the law office, I might have applied to law school (still not regretting that). If I had gotten any of the hundreds of jobs I applied for in my final semester of college, I would have never gotten a job with my current company. And if I had never gotten a job with my current company, I may not have ever had the opportunity to move to the most amazing city in the country (Chicago, duh). So see...I won't say that "everything happens for a reason", but...it kinda does.

Same thing goes for relationships. For those who know me, I've dated a little here and there (ahem). Some lasting 2-3 years...some lasting 2-3 weeks. And just like with the jobs I've had, some were dreamy, and some were a f***ing nightmare. And I use to resent the bad ones and hold a bitterness in my heart for them. But as I've gotten older and wiser (or just more mature maybe), I've come to appreciate the good and the bad relationships I've had. As most of you know, I like to relate a lot of experiences in my life to quotes and/or songs (you just have to accept it...I just can't help myself). I just feel that sometimes in my life I can't quite articulate what I'm feeling...then I turn on the radio, and BAM! There it is...my exact thoughts thrown back in my face in the form of a lovely little tune. As far as the not-so-pretty relationships I've had, these 2 songs immediately come to mind (and I just so happen to have heard them both on my way home from work today): *Names have been changed to protect the douchey-ness.

The WOW'er Catastrophy -- The GD Devil



And as bad as these two situations were (or ended up being), I think, no...I know I learned the most from them. About life...about men...and more importantly, about myself. I learned the difference between compromising and settling...space and distance. I discovered what my limits were and what they should be. I mean, I don't plan on sending any of them a Hallmark card or anything, but I am thankful nonetheless. We've all been fired, dumped, stabbed in the back, and effed over a time or two. But again, jobs, living situations, relationships, life in general...it's all a learning experience that you can grow and move forward from, and (in most cases) come out a stronger, better version of your former self. I know I did.

You know, I use to be ashamed of my "rolling stone" status and (by some people's definition) lengthy relationship "resume", but no more. I may not have made all of the best decisions I could have, or hell, even somewhat smart ones. But we learn best from mistakes...from failures...from the misses. Sometimes we need to get knocked down to see just how high we can rise. You can choose to mourn the bad times and hold bitterness in your heart. But I...I have chosen to use those dark times for good. It snapped me back to reality just in time to realize what an amazing thing I had in my life all along. For you see, had I not known what it was like to be hurt, to not be trusted, to be cheated on, and emotionally beaten down...I wouldn't have been able to truly appreciate the relationship that I have now. A relationship full of trust, and respect, and thoughtfulness...of actual, authentic love.

Now I'm just "rolling" home into my lover's arms... :o)

So, in conclusion, join me in raising a glass and toasting not only the great moments and people in our lives, but also those that were not-so-great...because they have all done their part to shape us into the kick-ass people that we've become. Sooo...

CHEERS TO YOU, A**HOLES! :o)