back up off

So, this may be an unpopular thing to say, but I really dislike salespeople.

They rarely sway my decisions. And I have such a psychotic aversion to asking strangers for help that there is no way they can ever be of use to me.

But I guess this time of year, everybody's after a commission.

I was at Ulta, looking at Anastasia brow powder when a salesgirl literally hands me an Urban Decay brow powder and is all, "Oh, it has so much more product, PLUS mini tweezers PLUS a mini brush PLUS an eyebrow wax for just $10 more dollars!"

First of all, I went to Ulta with the Anastasia product in mind. Second of all, I hate Urban Decay make-up. Thirdly, DID I ASK YOU?!

I got so annoyed I eventually put both away and left her section entirely. I'm not sure that's what either she or I had in mind.

Maybe I'm just crotchety but it seemed extremely pushy to me.

i got what i wanted. now what?

I am now the proud owner of an Electra Deluxe ladies' red cruiser 3-speed bicycle. Now we just have to find a way to get it home since the bike store guy says we shouldn't remove the handlebars, neither of us is willing to get a bike rack and between us, we know exactly one person who has a truck.

huh. maybe I didn't think this through too much. Also, braking is so tricky! I have to relearn how to ride, for serious. But I'm super excited and it is super hot.

i want to ride my bicycle

Things are lovely at the moment in most cases. I'm currently driving a rental Kia Spectra while my car is in the shop. We just got a new employee, so I'm back to not only having two days off, but having weekends. I'm turning 24 on Saturday. And most exciting: Sean is going to let me pick out a bike for my birthday!

I really want a classic cruiser with a basket and a bell and a little dog and a baguette from a farmers' market. Hopefully, that will work out.

I'm also happy because even though there are always one or two things that aren't quite taken care of yet, I've been fairly productive. I ordered copies of my transcript just in case I need them in the future, I've bought several Christmas gifts already and I got a bunch of books to get me through the next month or so.

I read a terrifically inspiring piece about Bill Clinton's foundation and its work in Africa and I thought, "You know what? Times are hard, and I don't make a ton of money, but I could commit at least $100 a year to some kind of charity." So I think I'm going to do that. Donate at least $100 a year to something; lord knows they need it now more than ever since everybody is thinking the opposite. So for me, it will either be The Clinton Foundation or Harlem Children's Zone or something else that will probably lose funding as states make their budget cuts.

burning down the house

Talking Heads |MTV Music

MTV has loaded all of their vintage videos onto one site and I just spent an hour reliving childhood. SO GOOD! Find your favorites: MTV Music

No longer a partly cloudy patriot

Last night was a doozy, with lots of shouting and pizza. And around 11 p.m., a group hug and tears.
I can't wait to tell my children and grandchildren about the moment our presidential election ended.
About John McCain's gracious speech.
About the crowds that surrounded the White House.

I woke up this morning and turned on my computer.
I read stories in the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Washington Post.
I looked at photo galleries and videos of people dancing in the streets.
And I listened to "A Change Is Gonna Come," bawling my eyes out.

Today, I am so incredibly proud.

forgive the poor quality

Norfolk Obama Rally from Amber Lester on Vimeo.

But I thought you should know what it's like to be at an Obama rally, in Norfolk, when Kanye West is playing.

This is from my phone, so needless to say, we're not winning any Oscars.