Saccharine Thoughts

Taking a stab at a weekly theme here with Wishful Thinking Wednesdays. Being that I am, still, unemployed and nixing my urges for retail therapy in order to have next month's rent, I have indulged in some window shopping as of late. What better motivation to find a job than to fawn over things that you can't afford, right? (kidding.) To kick off this new self-indulgent trend, I'll introduce you to an Etsy shop that I fell heels-over-head for months ago. Under the Root is a small label based in Chicago that produces unique, handmade lingerie from "sustainable, reclaimed, repurposed, upcycled, vintage textiles and materials." Their style is of a vintage, vaudeville, elven sort. Hard to imagine such a mix, I realize, but sexy and sweet I assure you. Today I add this darling set of blumen and corset-laced bralette as the first item on my wishlist. Romantic, no? I must also recommend that you take a peek at these other little gems that would be equally perfect for, oh

"Hon, you're like a lottery ticket. The more you scratch the surface, the more cool shit you uncover." Never could I have imagined that being compared to a lottery ticket would be so heartwarming. Thank you Jack .

One might think that in my current state of uncertainty I may be feeling a bit down on my luck, right? On the contrary, I am kind of delighted with my life at the moment. Instead of giving way to fearful feelings of instability, my situation is actually inducing feelings of freedom and power, and I've chosen to embrace this little bit of ambiguity. I am being forced out of my comfortable-but-stagnant office routine to learn and grow, to look beyond my current position and strive for my full potential. To see a challenge and step up to it instead of shying away for fear of inadequacy, to see possibilities in things I may have been intimidated by before, and to look for ways that I might better prepare or tailor myself for those opportunities. Polish up my people skills? Yes! Learn a new software? Sure! Send in resumes even though I may not be quite qualified, just for the interview experience? Absolutely. It's the ultimate "why the hell not?" mindset and frankly, I

You know I am all for free things, so there's not much better than a whole day of free yoga classes . Right?!? Seva Yoga Collective is celebrating the opening of their new studio with a whole day of free yoga classes as well as music, a community meditation and a veggie feast this Friday, March 19th ! Check out details here .

A year or so ago I took on the personal challenge of trying out two dozen new and exciting things before my 24th birthday. You guys? I failed. Hard. But this is a new year, one already full of surprises and opportunities, a time for new beginnings right? Or at least, a good do-over? Today, I am 8 months from the imminent quarter-century, so here goes- ChristaLou's 25 before 25: Find an organization to volunteer and become actively involved with Hostess a breakfast/brunch, with Saturday morning cartoons Take voice/singing lessons Find a new job that I lovelovelove Take a stripping/pole dancing class Finish 3 of the 5 classes for my second BA Get an addition to my tattoo Take a bellydancing class Go camping Spend a day thrift shopping Have my tarot cards and palms read Finish a video game NOT on NES Take level 2 at the Hideout Theatre Take level 3 at the Hideout Theatre Reupholster my couch Go blues dancing Compile/organize

The Ides of March are upon us, dear readers, so I will take this time to get rolling again here on Saccharine Thoughts. We are still hanging on to the first quarter of 2010, yet it has already proven to be a year full of surprises. January watched as I broke off a delightfully geeky but sadly dysfunctional relationship with a much-blogged-about BlueEyedBoy, and February saw me calmly walk away from 2+ years of employment at HomeAway, Inc. during a recession. Brilliant. I did both with the intent of moving on to things that I will be better suited for, and March is now paying audience to new adventures as I do just that. I am currently in my second week of unemployment, and in between freelance gig-hunting and resume-sending my free time finds me volunteering with Austin Voices to help plan their major annual event, organizing photography and videography for LAFF , and spending time with people who are important to me. In short, I have just been making myself very, very happy. Whil