"Here's to KU"

NOTE:  The following article/blog was written by Paul Pierce, a 1998 KU graduate and basketball player (duh) who now plays for the Boston Celtics and is a team captain.  I couldn't pass up sharing a little Jayhawk love...

So who’s still standing in their NCAA pool? I can’t let you in on who’s ahead in our locker room, but I was doing pretty well up until my alma mater let me down. I was crushed when the Jayhawks lost to VCU last week. Not only did it kill my bracket, but I also just couldn’t believe it. I gotta give it to the Rams though, they’ve been playing amazing ball. They’ve got heart, and Coach Smart is…well…smart.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that I was rootin’ for Kansas all the way, and I was pretty excited because the Jayhawks killed it against Illinois and Richmond. I thought it was smooth sailing to the Final Four -- but look what happened! It’s been a crazy tourney this year, but real exciting to watch.

I give KU props, though. They came a long way and outlasted a bunch of other top squads in the tournament like Louisville and Duke. Kansas is always in it and certainly had a good chance this year. I pick them every year to win it because that there’s my alma mater, and I gotta stay true to my roots. But this year they realistically had a great shot at winning it all. They’re quick and well-coached. I like the way they play. I had them up against North Carolina in my final. Gotta give some love to Roy Williams.

But man, another former coach also just about sunk my whole bracket this year. I mean, Rick Pitino really let me down when Louisville lost in the first round -- just about ruined that whole side of my bracket. I had the Cardinals going to the Elite 8! Come on now Coach P., after all those laps I ran for you? Least you could’ve done is get to the Sweet 16 -- but I can’t hate. L’Ville is a strong squad and they don’t call it March Madness for nothing.

Anyway, people ask me if I miss college around this time of year. It’s definitely a special experience being part of the tournament, especially when you go to a school that has the history and tradition Kansas does. I always enjoy this time of year; it’s one of the biggest tournaments in all the world. It was always a fun when I was at Kansas, everybody getting so excited, dressed in blue, watchin’ us on TV. It was unforgettable – and I think it prepared me a little for what the NBA is like.

But when I was at KU, things were different. Not many guys went straight to the pros so early. Most of us stayed for three or four years before going on to the big time. That’s a big difference from today. Now, I can’t blame the guys for goin’ to the league when they get the chance, but a couple years in college definitely gives you the added preparation you need and gives your body the time to grow so you can withstand the long NBA season.

March always makes me think about what it was like when I was a Jayhawk, all the great rivalries. I remember playin’ against Tyronn Lue a lot when he was at Nebraska. That was fun, and then we both ended up playin here in Boston - he even came to my Truth Strikes Again at Foxwoods back in December. We’ve stayed close, which is cool, but I’m definitely not rootin’ for his Huskers any time soon. College rivalries are classic. And what’s cool in college is the rivalries are all about the teams and uniforms vs. individual players. Of course there’s Duke-North Carolina, but I remember the KU -- K-State games. Those in-state tilts were always huge, and it was no different in Kansas. We did a lot of prep for those, and us vs. Missouri was another strong one. Hate to say it, but I never did win a game in Missouri in my time at Kansas. Still gets under my skin. Can you tell?

So even though my bracket didn’t pan out, I’m still proud of Kansas for making it as far as they did. Coach and the guys had a great season -- I know what they’re goin’ through, but you move on and put all your focus into next year. It’s tough because in tournaments like this, no matter how far you make it, only one team wins it all.

---Paul Pierce

Lovin' my Jayhawks...always and forever

-Stay Sassy, xo

10,000 Thanks

Thank You for double clicking your mouse!

(on my blog link...duh)

It's been three months almost to the day since I started this whole blog thing.  As of today I reached 10,000 hits therefore this post is a THANK YOU!  I remember when I couldn't wait for the ticker to reach 1,000!  So thank you to each of you who officially "follow" my blog and those of you who read my blog.  As I said in the beginning, I didn't really know what my purpose was...and well I still really don't.  I just know that I love writing in my free time, I love being a jokester, I love making people laugh and I LOVE BEING SASSY!  Also, I especially love it when I receive comments and messages from YOU, the readers telling me how much you enjoy reading my blogs.  At the end of the day, knowing I made you smile or laugh totally brightens my day.  So a BIGGER thanks to those of you who have personally messaged me and personally approached me in public.  You're the best!  

10,000 Clicks from all over the World!

It's been a bit bumpy along the way and I cannot thank those of you enough who stood up for me and left encouraging comments when others were not being so encouraging and down right mean.  Please keep the comments and/or suggestions coming!!!

I cannot promise any time frame on how long I'll continue to blog, but for right now it works.  So I hope you all continue to read my blog and leave your comments either here or on Facebook. That's all for now...here's to another 10,000 clicks!

-Stay Sassy, xo

Inspiration and Bracelets

I'm not really sure why, but lately I've had an obsession with inspirational quotes and bracelets.  I like wearing at least 10 bangles.  Gold AND Silver...MIXED...and sometimes I even throw in a Pewter bangle or two.  So, the newest addition to my collection is the perfect combination of both. I'm a little behind the times and just discovered my obsession with Etsy.com.  I can spend hours browsing through the thousands of items including jewelry, scarves, wall decor and anything else you could ever imagine.  Anything and everything you'd like monogramed or personalized, go here.  I bet you can find it.

Designed by me
Made by Spiffing Jewelry
Customize yours here!

I've always loved the quote "c'est la vie" for various reasons.  I'm sure many of you are well aware, but if you don't know, in French it means "that is life."  I frequently remember this phrase as I often catch myself dwelling over something I cannot change.  For example, I hate living in St. Louis and can't wait to move far, far away.  But I then try to remind myself I am only here for two and a half years and in the grand scheme of life, that's nothing.  And these short two and a half years are going to define who I am in the future.  Plus, how could I forget all the wonderful new friendships I've made since I've been here?  We're not always happy with how our life is unfolding, and it may not be how you always imagined it would happen, but it's what you make of it that counts.  That is life.

Bad things happen to good people.  That is life.  I drive myself crazy wondering why I feel like I have the worst luck in the world some days.  Days when it seems like nothing is going your way.  I wonder why I've lost so many great people and young lives to tragedy.  Billy Joel said, only the good die young.  It never seems fair, but that is life.

Sometimes I hate how much I care about people who go through their lives without thinking twice about anyone but themselves.  I've wished on SO MANY stars that people like this would change.  But they never will.   That is life.  So it becomes my decision to remove those people from my life, no matter how much it sucks...and believe me it sucks..A LOT.   I naturally tend to care more than I should or they deserve.  That is life.

Less often I wonder why I'm still single and the person next to me is married, living happily ever after with a wonderful husband, children, a house, a dog and a white picket fence.  Those thoughts are quickly replaced with a nauseous feeling reminding me I'm no where near ready for any of that.  I remind myself when I'm ready, someday my prince will come and all the tears I've cried over other boys will be long gone.  I'll be happily living life as "the one who got away."  That is life.

Many times I fail at all of the above.  But then again, I'm only human.  But with one quick glance at my wrist, I can be reminded, that is life.

I'll leave you with these words that I repeat to myself frequently...one of the lines which will most likely will be found on my next inspirational bracelet. 

I can choose happiness whenever I wish no matter what my circumstances 

I am loved by myself and others

I will face and conquer my fears today

I will believe in myself and others will follow

I am my own unique self - special, creative and beautiful

Stay Sassy, xo

         

Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas to all my friends, family and blog readers*.  May your bells get jingled and your stockings stuffed. 

*Happy Holidays to those whom this does not apply (hope your dreidel gets spun and your menorah lit).

I wish I could claim this creativity and wittiness, but I stole it from a facebook friend.  Either way, I hope that you all enjoy the holiday season, how ever you choose to celebrate.  I will be celebrating with my obnoxious family whom I love dearly drinking strong bloodys until the vodka runs out...then switcheroo to world famous Dago Red.  If you don't know what Dago Red is, I feel sorry for you.  Love me some Italians...for more reasons than their wine.  After that I'll probably watch Home Alone or Christmas Vacation again for the tenth time until the shitter is full (Pittsburg is entertaining).  

Wonder what his yule
log looks like?

If you live here in shitsburg, I'll see you tonight...most likely at McCarthy's.  Hopefully this man will be there to stuff my stocking and jingle my bells!  After a few strong cocktails, I'm sure I can find someone who looks remotely close.  (And for those of you out there who jump on any chance to harass me...that was a joke).  Merry Christmas to you too, you filthy animal. I must get back to my family, my bloody, our pajama party and the love that fills my house.  I love the holidays...it took me several years to appreciate the quirkiness of each of my family members, and now I wouldn't have it any other way! I am truly blessed!  Happy Holidays to you all and your families!  I hope you have a joyous holiday!

-Stay Sassy, xo

Love that Crimson & Blue

TWELVE DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!

-Stay Sassy, xo

Dear Santa...

Dear Santa,

This boot is named after me....it's called the Melissa Button and I don't think this is just a coincidence.  I think it was made for me specifically and therefore you should deliver it to me December 25 in a size 9.

Don't worry, if those aren't your fave, even though they're named after me...you can bring me any of these and I'll be just as happy.  

I told you I'm really loving boots right now and I hope to find a pair under the tree!

Oh...and Santa...since I'm old enough to know how this works, could you please pass this info on to my mommy?

They can be found at endless.com (a website that I just found and am in total lust with).

Love always.

-Stay Sassy, xo

You're not a whore if it's for charity

I'm not sure how many of you have heard of the newest cancer awareness fad...but if you haven't, I'll let you know that I'm totally in to it.  For several years we have been raising breast cancer awareness left and right...don't get me wrong, I totally support it and have raised my fair share of money for the cause.  Boobs feed babies.  But with the male stigma of doctors and doctor's offices, I think it is fabulous men are finally jumping on the band wagon and promoting cancer awareness.

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men.  It may also be a normal pathologic process of aging and it's estimated that 80% of men have prostate cancer at death.  Even so, prostate cancer should not be overlooked because there is always a chance of metastasis (when the cancer spreads to other organs and lymph nodes in the body).  In 2010, it is estimated that there will be almost 218,000 new cases of prostate cancer and over 32,000 deaths.

Several friends of mine in Kansas City are standing up to prostate cancer and raising awareness through Movember (the month formally known as November).  Check out some of their growths here...

Kevin W.
May or may not be real...you decide...
Either way it's still sick (as in totally hot)

Jason M.

Ben M.

Not only are these guys Mo'Bros, but they're also raising money to support Prostate Cancer Awareness.  Check out their Team Page and donate to their cause.  So far they've raised over $2,000 as a team.  Way to go guys!  You definitely deserve to celebrate November 18 (see below).

Another reason Movember is so awesome...November 18 has been declared, "Have sex with a guy with a mustache day" in support of the Movember movement.  Check it out if you don't believe me.  And as the article says..."you're not a whore if it's for charity."

Ladies...don't worry...if you don't have a mustached male (much like myself) you can still support the cause by being a Mo'Sista.  Not only can you donate, but you can also support the men by using Picknik and adding a mustache to your profile pic.

-Stay Sassy, xo

Things I'm Loving Right Now...

Considering I have two midterms on Thursday and I've hardly studied for either, I have to make this short and sweet.  I've decided to share a few things that I'm totally in to right now.  I cannot take full credit.  I got the idea from my fellow friend and blogger Heather (Check out Heather's blog here) and decided to do a spin on it.  Today, the Things I'm Loving Right Now... are going to be geared more towards my female followers, although guys I encourage you to give me your opinion too because I always am interested in what guys think of the latest fashions.

This weekend I spent my Saturday hanging out with a couple of my girlfriends from my PA class.  Renice and I headed out to West County Mall and I'd like to share with you what I found.  Normally I cannot stand it when someone goes out and buys the exact same thing I do...but these things are too good to resist!  The final thing is something I'm hoping to find under the tree...

I have plenty more Things I'm Loving Right Now, but I have to save them for a day when I have more time to write.  You can enlarge the images by clicking on them to get a better look.

1.  Tulle 'Marley' Hooded Coat

I am absolutely in love with this jacket.  I decided to get it because I felt like I didn't have a casual jacket.  My jackets went from fleece to pea coat with no in between.  That's why I love this jacket.  It's warm, cute and can be worn with jeans or dress clothes.  Plus, how can you beat $33.90?!  According to the Nordstrom website (click on link above on the jacket title to go to page), it's available in more colors than I realized if you want to order it.  In the store these colors were available: navy, black, grey, green, blue, red and off-white.  I have to give credit where credit is due and I must admit that Renice had the jacket first....and I'm thankful she was okay with me also buying it...because as I mentioned...I'm in love.  Also, can't forget to mention that it has a removable hood depending on your mood.  I suggest you get to your nearest Nordstrom Department Store (B.P. Department) and make the $33.90 purchase before they're gone!!

2. Carole Rose Earrings
Also available at Nordstrom's - I'm in love with this precious and feminine rose earrings.  I bought them Saturday and wore them toady.  In the store they came in gold and silver.  I went with silver.  If you have sensitive ears, these are probably not for you, considering they cost a whopping $6.00.  Yes that's right...SIX DOLLARS...So if you lose one after a few Jack Daniels cocktails on the weekend, you don't have to feel bad...they were only $6.00!!  You can find these in the B.P. department at Nordie's as well or click on the title to take you to the online store.  I'm loving it! 

3. Slouched Cowgirl Boots

The final thing I am in love with right now are boots.  I love boots.  Ankle boots, mid calf boots, knee boots, thigh boots, riding boots...you name it.  Being able to wear boots this fall has made me happy.  I'm hoping to find a pair of slouched cowgirl boots that look like the pair here that do not cost $350 like an authentic pair (I could care less about authenticity).  Because I live in the Midwest, you can never go wrong with a good pair of cowboy boots.  Plus, considering I'm thinking about moving to Dallas, it's only appropriate.  I've only worn them a couple times this year - thanks to Renice letting me borrow hers - and I've loved wearing them.  There's just something about wearing skinnies that hug your bum in all the right places with boots over them.  I think it's sassy and perfect.  Dear Santa, please find these boots in my size and deliver them to me on Christmas day.  I've been a very good girl.
***UPDATE*** Boots...CHECK!  I found them online from a company called MyHotShoes based out of California.  The best part about it...only $24.99 plus S&H!  Guess this will have to be my Christmas gift to myself.  Don't worry Santa, I have plenty other things to ask you for...Love the boots??  CLICK HERE

LOVING my Carole Rose Earrings

And finally, if this post doesn't interest you - sorrrrrry.  I have some funny topics coming up including some major addictions of mine.  Unfortunately, I probably won't get to share those with you until after Thursday of this week.

-Stay Sassy, xo