It all started with a Christmas Card...

Whoa, look who jumped back on the two-a-day posting bandwagon! Better late than never, right? So my bf and I watched an episode of Mad Men last night (almost done with Season 3!), and at the end there was an interview with Dyna Moe, a super-quirky badass chick who has blown UP for her MM illustrations.

And it all started with this Christmas card she drew for Rich Sommer (Harry on the show.) He gave it to the cast as a present in 2007, and everyone loved it so much that Dyna was encouraged to keep drawing. And drawing. And drawing. From desktop wallpaper to calendars, she has done it all!

Apparently one of the post popular illustrations was the one of Betty shooting birds with a rifle with a cig hanging out of her mouth. I did like that episode, and it's always a joy to see Betty so out of character, but this is one of my personal faves. I flipped out the first time I saw half-dressed women riding on the guys' backs at the office, but eh, after a while you get used to it. And the characters are so on point it's crazy--I totally see why the illustrations have received so much buzz!

Don't you just love these type of succes stories? What's the best one you've heard? A friend also told me that the dude who started the Satorialist used to install cable for a living before his site blew up. Apparently he was a huge proponent of guerilla marketing and just passed out stickers like crazy. I can't say that rumor is 100 percent fact, but I'm choosing to believe it is. And Mad Men fans: What are your predictions for Season 4? I can't WAIT!

Brussel sprouts: I am not a fan of you

Monday was a mindless eating day. I had chicken and quinoa for lunch, but work was slow later in the afternoon and I was in the mood to munch. I went to the grocery store and grabbed a bag of Garden of Eatin' blue corn tortilla chips and salsa. Let's just say that by the end of the day, the bottom of the bag was visible. Whoopsie. That night involved handfuls of sour Skittles and Milk Duds as my bf and I watched the first episode of Mad Men season three. (Next time the dude at Blockbuster tries to lure you with the candy/popcorn/soft drink deal, just say NO, hun!)  

Yesterday morning I woke up feeling a bit icky, but instead of beating myself up about my indulgences, I decided to start fresh. I needed veggies! I read lots of health blogs and it seems like everyone eats brussel sprouts. And not only eat them, they like, nay LOVE them.  I never liked the look of those suckers, and I've been procrastinating trying 'em for a long long time. So yesterday, I decided to take the plunge. I got a small order of brussel sprouts at Union Market near work to eat with the ham sandwich I had packed. What's the hype about these weird looking green balls? I was about to find out. 

I hesitantly took a bite of one, and as I chewed, I didn't like what I was tasting. Well, it didn't really taste like anything. The only thing I could focus on was the texture, which I am not even sure how to describe. These brussel sprouts were cooked in olive oil, so you'd think there'd be more flavor, but nope. I ate three more hoping my feelings would change, but it only solidified my initial opinion: I do NOT like brussel sprouts. And how the heck does anyone eat them steamed? I can't even imagine. I've also heard some people cook them in maple syrup, but doesn't that defeat the purpose of eating greens? 

I was hoping to add a new veggie to my diet, but for now I'll have to stick to the usual suspects: carrots, green beans, broccoli, salad, edamame, peppers. I've been eating more asparagus lately, too. What are YOUR favorite vegetables? And should I give brussel sprouts another chance? How should I cook them?

I had a Good Will Hunting style therapy sesh today. It was awesome.

Sorry for the late post today, friends, I've been busy exercising, Christmas shopping and talking about my feelings. That's right, I went to a psychologist today for the second time in my life. I really don't want to get into all the details because I do need to keep some of my personal life personal, but it turned out to be a good experience despite my initial hesitation. I've been having a lot of anxiety lately about various things, and I just needed to talk to someone to help me deal with those feelings as they arise. 

Ok, so the session wasn't quite on the Good Will Hunting level, but it was pretty darn good. The psychologist was a cool, normal woman with plenty of insight and helpful advice. She did quite a bit of talking, which I liked—unlike the therapist Betty goes to on Mad Men. The most he ever says is "Mmm hmm," which drives me nuts. I even got out a good cry, which apparently I really needed. 

This experience was much better than the time I went to see a sports psychologist when I was 16. I hit a major plateau with swimming, and for some reason my parents and coach thought it would be a good idea for me to talk to someone about it. The man was terrible. I'd talk and talk for what felt like forever and then he'd say, "Tell me more about that" or "Why is that?" Dude, if I freakin' knew WHY I wouldn't be here! Anyway, that wasn't so fun, but I'm glad I gave therapy another go—it's very healthy I think. 

 

There's really no reason for posting this picture other than to mention that Good Will Hunting first ignited my serious, lifelong crush on Matt Damon and Casey Affleck. Gotta love those Boston boyz. 

What about you: Have you ever been to a psychologist of any kind? Did it help? Who else loves Good Will Hunting?!

Do you watch Mad Men?

Ok, so it might seem like a throw away post to write about my favorite TV show, but I can't remember the last time I was this obsessed with something. My boyfriend and I recently started watching the Season 1 Mad Men DVDs, and I can't get enough! The show is genius—I have no idea why I'm just now discovering it.

Some of my friends don't like the show because of all the infidelity that goes on, but I love sexy scandals—I say bring it on! So yeah, women weren't treated the best in the workplace back in the '60s, but I think it's interesting to learn about the way things were back then. I'm all for women's rights, but I'm by no means a feminist, so the lewd and degrading remarks the men say to the women really don't bother me. Don Draper could say just about anything to me, and I'd be putty in his hands.

The man has crazy sex appeal--there is no denying that. He has made me consider a career change to advertising, but why do I have a feeling that only Don Draper wannabes exist on Madison Avenue? And can we talk about the constant drinking that goes on in the office? Yes, please! I can only imagine the brilliant ideas I'd come up with if I was under the influence 24/7.

I recently got Liza into the show, too. She's not far enough along to see why Peggy is by far my favorite character (other than Don). It took me three or four episodes to get over her horrendous bangs, which I'm guessing is what Liza is struggling with, too. She's smart, relatable and charming in her own quirky way. Love her. I can't wait to see what happens with her character--don't spoil it for me!

What about you guys: Do you watch Mad Men? Who's your favorite character? And which of the men would you most want to have an office romance with? That's the thing, I'm really not into anyone other than Don. I hope a few more hotties come on board in the upcoming episodes!