Slice of Pink

Decidering, Part 27

Angela is deciding where to go for holiday next month and she's called on me to make the decision! I love making decisions about other people's holidays. She's leaning toward someplace in Europe and listed these as possible choices: Holland, Italy, Ireland, Britian, or France.

I decide: France!

Alright, I mean, it's the only place on the list that I've actually been, but it is fabulous. So fabulous that I can absolutely and unequivocally say that you will have a lovely, lovely time. You can visit Paris and, time permitting, the South of France.

You will eat crêpes, pain au chocolat, and macarons. You will drink good wine and kir royales. You will visit the Mona Lisa and ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower. You will walk marvel at Notre Dame and buy three scoops of Berthillon ice cream (the best ice cream in the world) on the Île Saint-Louis.

(Also, choosing Paris allowed me to take a break from my Bar studies to look through old photos of my 2003 trip to France! Ah, the days before the law so rudely intruded into my life.)

Bon voyage! 

Readers, do you have any input? Is France IT or do you have a compelling case for one of the other options?

Decidering, Part 26

I got another college decidering question in my inbox this week. People, I should so obviously have been a guidance counselor, which, interestingly enough, is EXACTLY THE JOB MY HUSBAND DOES. Sometimes I make him answer these questions for me and then I pretend like I came up with the thoughtful and deliberate answer.

The lovely Kacy emailed me with this decision to be made:

I have a couple more days to make a final decision, and I don't know what to do!! I've narrowed it down to Whittier College--which is located in the heart of Southern California between Los Angeles and Orange County--and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. My major is Journalism, and I want to minor in French as well. I think Cal Poly would be great for Journalism, I love the campus, and know a lot of people going there next year. As for Whittier, it's a small liberal arts college that has a community feel and empowers its students. I really love both, but need to choose one!

I actually did NOT ask my husband for help making this decision.

I was going to mention it to him, but then I realized I knew somebody even more capable than a guidance counselor. I have a friend who is a Journalism major at Cal Poly. Yes. I'm going straight to the source.

Kacy, meet Kayla.

I emailed Kayla the dilemma and she agreed to write a guest post on what you should do! Here is her very thoughtful--and not at all biased, I must say--advice:

First of all--I have never been to the Whittier College campus and don’t know much about the school or the Journalism department. I will begin, though, by saying that if you want to be a Journalism major it can only HELP you to be located in the “heart of Southern California” near Los Angeles. That area is full of news stories--from crime to big events to health to more events and when it comes to reporting for stories in your class, more story ideas at your fingertips will lead to more experience.

However, I am a Broadcast Journalism student at Cal Poly SLO and will be graduating in June. I chose Cal Poly, because both my father and brother had been interested in it and when I came to visit I absolutely fell in love with the town. The beach is close, the adorable downtown is a great place to hang out, Farmers' market is a blast, and the weather is wonderful.

To admit, when I accepted Cal Poly I knew nothing about their Journalism department and I can tell you it has been a slight struggle over the years. The studio and equipment wasn’t that great and it’s a small town so finding news stories is a whole different thing in itself. Of course, during my last quarter here, they just bought all new computers and are “starting” to upgrade equipment so everything is only going to get better.

At times I regretted coming here simply because Journalism isn’t one of Cal Poly’s exceptional majors, but when I look back I realize that if you are a hard worker, are determined to be a good journalist, are willing to put your foot out there and start on projects and internships early (I did my first internship at KSBY end of Sophmore year), you will definitely get a great education out of this place. I know I did--but I still believe if I would’ve chosen a school in a larger community (that ‘empowers its students’) I might have received an even better education and experience.

After all that, if this is the only thing you read, this is a very hard decision. Here’s the thing: if you want to be in print or be a producer I would choose Cal Poly. You are going to love it here, your friends are here, and the Mustang Daily will give you a ton of experience. But if you want to be a broadcast reporter or be in public relations, I would choose Whittier. One, it’s in a more fast-paced area which is better for your resume reel or portfolio and two, you’ll be around all new people for a new adventure.

Good Luck to you Kacy, keep us updated!

I decide: follow Kayla's advice.

And, if you are not sure what exactly you want to do after you earn your degree, join the club, sister. Join the club.

Decidering, Part 25

I received two decidering questions in my inbox from the lovely Katherine, who needs help choosing a college and a prom dress.

Let's start with the college decision. She's ultimately interested in nursing and is deciding between Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and U.C. Davis.

Two towns that I absolutely love. It's like having to choose your favorite child. Or ice cream flavor.

I decide: U.C. Davis. First of all, have you heard about Picnic Day? More importantly, for your purposes, U.C. Davis has a large, award-winning Medical Center, which includes a number of specialty clinics, and it seems to me that there may be greater opportunity for hands-on type experiences and internships.

Plus, the bike lanes here are magnificent.

Moving on to prom dresses! Here are her choices:

She writes that "the blue one is more elegant while the black and white one is a bit more scandolous, with a completely open back and two triangles of skin showing on the front stomach area."

This is so seriously not the question for me. You see, once upon a time, in the late 90s, I was a high school senior and I couldn't decide between two dresses for my senior prom. So, what I did was, I bought two dresses and changed outfits halfway through the prom. Yes.

You see, I was torn between two equally fabulous dresses: an elegant, silky maroon number and a more scandalous stretchy, backless black mermaid-style dress. I bought both, with the intention of returning one of them when I made a final decision. I brought them both home and my dad jokingly said I should just wear both.

And so I did.

The black stretchy dress was basically wrinkle-free (hello lycra! it was the 90s, after all), so I rolled it up and put it in my purse. Halfway through the prom, I went to the ladies room and changed dresses. Elegant, silky dress for dinner; black, mermaid affair for dancing.

Since I have to make a decision for you, though, here's what I recommend: go with the more elegant option. Generally speaking, when I look back at photos from high school, I am mortified by the photos in which I am wearing trendy (for the time) items--things like baby doll tees, flannel shirts, combat boots, tuxedo pants. On the other hand, when I see photos of myself in a great classic item, I find myself thinking, "what ever happened to that lovely black turtleneck sweater? I'd so still wear that now!"

So, if you can't change halfway through, go classic. You'll thank me in 10 years.

What do y'all think? U.C. Davis or Cal Poly SLO? Classic or scandalous?

Decidering, Part 24

I received a Decidering question in my inbox a few weeks ago and I've spent a boatload of time thinking about my answer to this question because, hooweee, it's a toughie. Here's our reader's dilemma:

My boyfriend and I have been seeing each other for just short of two years now. A few months ago his sister and her boyfriend came to visit for the week. I emailed her countless times giving her several options of things to do in our town so I could plan everything and make reservation to ensure they had a good time. She didn't respond. Prior to them arriving, I bought brand new sheets and spent nearly $100 on wine. She didn't say thank you for the hospitality.

The whole time she was here, she walked all over my boyfriend (her brother). She was demanding and rude. I took all of us out to a play, paying for the tickets. She never once said thank you. The next day she threw a fit and demanded to go out for sushi, despite what the rest of us wanted to eat. After that I completely checked out and I did not participate for the next two days during their stay.

All said and done, this had caused my boyfriend and my relationship to basically go down the drain. We have been bickering for nearly two months now. Today I just gave in and emailed his sister to apologize for my actions. She has yet to write back. Prior to her coming in town we discussed getting married, but now after all of this it seems like marriage is a ways away. Also his sister NEVER used to call my boyfriend, but now she calls ALL the time. I don’t know if it is time to end our relationship and move on, or continue to TRY and work on our issues. What do you think?

I changed most of the details to protect the involved parties. I wouldn't want to go and make a bad situation worse. (And, by most of the details, I mean everything except the demand for sushi. Somehow, a demand for baby back ribs or cheeseburgers and fries doesn't have the same tone, if you know what I mean.)

This is not a good problem for a gal to have. I think it is relatively common for people to have issues with in-laws, but it is definitely not a good sign when $100 of good wine can't bring a group of soon-to-be family members together.

Here's my decision:

If the bickering between you and your boyfriend is because he is not taking your side--that is, if he is sticking up for his sister, making excuses for her bad behavior, or failing to see her complete lack of graciousness--you might as well say goodbye now and save yourself a whole lotta heartbreak.

Harsh, I know.

But, yo! If he can't admit that a proper thank you was in order for some tickets to a play and some good hospitality, then you probably don't want to be around for the drama that will likely ensue over important life details like getting married and having kids. If it bothers you that she throws a fit over sushi, you probably ain't gonna find it too jolly when she throws a fit over the bridesmaid dress you select for her to wear to your wedding (because, of course, you'll HAVE to invite her to be a bridesmaid or else deal with the wrath of NOT inviting her to be your bridesmaid. Hey! Rock and a Hard Place! Pick your poison!). If your boyfriend was backing you up on your decisions, fine. But if he isn't on your side, it is going to be a long, long road (one full of speed bumps and completely lacking in great roadside diners with fluffy pancakes).

On the other hand, there are crazy people in every family--don't even get me started on the wedding where I was accosted by a crazy family member in front of fifty people forcing me to KEEP MY COOL in a way I didn't even know I was capable of keeping. If your boyfriend can recognize the craziness and can admit that the craziness is too much to take sometimes, and he accepts the fact that you are not, under any circumstances, going to engage in the toxicity, and if YOU can accept the fact that your boyfriend is probably going to have to interact with his sister, no matter how crazy she is, and you can be cool about that and not feel the need to make him feel guilty every time he chats with her on the telephone, then go ahead and try to work it out.

If you decide to work it out, by all means continue to buy the good wine when she comes to visit because 1) you are SO above the drama (and will, thus, kill her with kindness) and 2) you're gonna NEED it, sister.

Decidering, Part 23

One of my favorite former students, Laura, emailed me last month asking me to help with a very important decision. Here's her dilemma:

I am graduating from UCSB next year with a zoology and sociology degree (indecisiveness at its absolute worst!) and I don't know what in the world to do next! I want to go to grad school at some point, but I am mixed about when. Should I go straight after undergrad or wait a year? I know you waited a year. The economy adds a sour little twist to the decision making process.

First of all: ohmyholyhell, my former students are graduating from college. College! How old am I? Oh, yes, 30. Sigh.

Second of all: UCSB! Go Gauchos! As a former Gaucho, I have to give a shout out to my alma mater. I'm not as crazy as my cousin Mike who, as an alumni, still goes out to cheer for the team in full gear and face paint (yes, he's a face painter) and texts me with photos. But, still, go team.

Third of all: Zoology! I think that zoology is just about the most intriguing major ever.

And, now: on to the decidering. I'm going to vote for taking a year off, a gap year. While gap years remain relatively rare in America, they are rather popular in some other places and, I think, a rather good idea. Getting off the conveyor belt, so long as you feel assured you can get back on, can be restoring, energizing.

But! Here's the deal: there can be no lying around eating bon-bons and drinking champagne during the gap year. Well, actually, for the week after graduation only, you may lay around eating bon-bons and drinking champagne. One week off. The gap week. And then you are back on task!

Your task? To do something meaningful during your year off--something exciting, something momentous, something that will make you even more competitive for graduate school. Travel someplace spectacular! Intern! Get a job working at a zoo! Feed giraffes! Make a big Gap Year Checklist--twenty or thirty meaningful things you want to accomplish during the gap year--and then accomplish them. List places you want to go, things you want to see, people you want to spend a day with, books you want to read, things you want to learn.

You may find new things you want to do with your life. You may find out that things you thought you wanted to do with your life are not really things you want to do at all.

Make it an earth-shaking, change-for-the-better, life-altering year of discovery.

And, please, please send me a postcard!

Decidering, Part 22

It's time for me to make another decision.

Emily used to be a teacher and is accustomed to summers off. Now, she's working at a job that's okay, but that she doesn't really love. Here's some more:

I am pregnant and due in September. Because I have always had summer’s off, I really don’t want to work this summer. My family lives in CT and because both my sister and mother are also teachers, I’d like to go home and spend time with them. My husband and I would also like to do some travelling before the baby comes AND we have two weddings on the east coast (one of which is on a Friday). I don’t have enough vacation time to cover all this time off.

So my dilemma is, do I quit as of July 1st like I’ve been planning or do I stay employed until the baby is due. Remember the money doesn’t matter. I’ve always worked just to keep occupied.

I'll bet y'all can guess what I am going to say, right?

Quit that job!

You don't need the money. The job isn't fabulous. And, most importantly, it sounds like you have a wonderful summer planned, spending time with people you love--plans that employment will certainly hinder.

Plus, I think you should get some rest. I don't have any babies, but I hear that they can really interfere with your sleep. As in: you can forget about getting a good night's sleep for, like, six months or something. I could be wrong but, just to be safe, you should spend the summer taking a lot of naps. Work can really interfere with mid-day naps.

Happy travels and congratulations!

Decidering, Part 21

So, I was doing a great job making your decisions until law school finals came and then I started an internship and then I had to write three papers, a grand total of SEVENTY pages (one of which is still not finished and desperately needs five more pages--help! Anybody have an opinion on the Empire that ol' Shep Fairey built?).

Anyway. Point is: I have two more questions to answer and I am totally on it.

Dawn has a dilemma:

I've decided that I want to change career fields entirely, and am working on a plan to go back to grad school starting in Fall 2010. Between now and then, do I keep my much-hated and stressful job that comes with the nice paycheck? Or swap it for a significantly lower paying job that I'll enjoy much more and won't make me crazy?

My advice: NEVER keep a much-hated job that make you crazy if you have other options. And, believe me, there are always other options.

A common theme running through a lot of my decision-making is: do I keep doing this really sucky thing that I hate or do I go do this other thing that would make me so much happier?

Go do the thing that makes you happy. Go on, you can do it! It may not be the easiest road, but it will be worth it.

I might not have always had this answer. In fact, whoops! Would you look at that! Last year I instructed somebody to take the money! But, alas, I am older and (arguably) wiser now, and boy, have I seen some people who work ridiculously long hours and complain at ridiculously long length about how much they hate their ridiculously high paying jobs (oh, those pesky first world problems).

Thing is: if you have to choose between making money and making meaning in your life, make meaning. FOR PETE'S SAKE, make meaning.

Decidering, Part 20

I'm deciding college related questions this week.

Here's the scenario: Allison has one year before the MCATs. She's working full-time and has a year left in a post Bacc premed program.

Here's her dilemma:

I am convinced extensive volunteer work will give me a power-up on my applications over these hyper-achieving millennials I'll be up against (I'll be 29 by the time I apply to med schools.) Berkeley Free Clinic has an awesome volunteer program but the training is 3 months long, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday nights throughout the summer then a year commitment of sporadic volunteering after training. I'll be taking 1 class 2 nights a week during this time as well (and working.) Should I go for it? Risks: home life. My boyfriend will have to fend for himself for a while and my dog just gets sad when I'm not around. Gains: better chance at Medical School entry...What to do, what to do?

This was one of the more difficult questions I've had to answer because I am inclined to say "do the clinic" even though that is not necessarily what I would do.

Here's what I am going to decide: Do the clinic if it something you want to do. Like, really, want to do. Not want to do because it will make you look good, or want to do because everyone else is doing it, or want to do because it seems like it's the only thing else to do. What I mean is: do if it is something you want to do because it makes you want to get out of bed in the morning or inspires you or makes you feel like a better human being.

I think the key to everything, to life (here I go unlocking the meaning to life, people, pay attention), is to do things for the right reasons.

So, if you really feel passionate about this program, it'll be okay if you have a hectic schedule for the summer (and your boyfriend and dog will forgive you; they only want what's best for you after all). On the other hand, if you have to drag yourself to the training everyday, wondering if it is even really worth it, you'll regret signing up. In which case, I say don't do it.

Wow, is this ever a non-decision.

Let me put it this way. At Law School I am not on the highly prestigious Law Review, but I am President of Law Students for the Arts. I am not on Law Review because, even though it looks all fancy and spectacular on a resume, I just didn't feel passionate about doing a bunch of monotonous, repetitive, boring, bang-your-head-against-the-wall work. I am involved with the art club, because I truly love the arts.

You know who gets on my nerves? People who sign up for EVERY club because it looks good. Here's what I say: do what makes you feel good, like, on the inside (that is some deep stuff right there, friends). I'll bet you end up happier.

Also, Allison lives in Berkeley and says she's been reading my blog for a year now. To which I say: why haven't we met for coffee or cocktails?!

Decidering, Part 19

Christina is completely torn between Clark University and DePaul University.

I decide: Clark!

First, it's a Tier One school. Although I definitely do not think that rankings should be dispositive, the most recent rankings indicate Clark as Tier One and DePaul as Tier Three. Maybe there's something to that, maybe not.

More importantly, though, Clark was named one of the Top 40 Colleges that Change Lives. That sounds pretty dang amazing, if you ask me. Your life will be changed! Presumably for the better!

(Although, really, if you ask me, going to college, any college, is a real life changer. I didn't happen to go to one of the Top 40 Colleges that Change Lives, but college absolutely changed my life. Many of my friendships, experiences, and life lessons are directly attributable to attending college. Not to mention all that great knowledge I am currently purchasing at the not-so-bargain price of $25,000 per year. The 150K PLUS INTEREST that I will owe at the end of this big adventure will be worth every penny. Assuming, of course, that I find myself a job.)

And, hey! If you are interested in some specific majors, you can get a Master's Degree in five years at Clark, with the fifth year tuition free. I wonder if UC Davis will let me go on to get a Master's in Art History for free. I am guessing the answer to that is a definite no.

So, go Clark!

{Any DePaul or Clark students care to chime in?}

Decidering, Part 18

Jennifer wants to know if she should take a semester off from school before transferring to CSUN for her Bachelor's degree?

I decide: take a semester off!

However, there will be no lying around eating bon-bons during this semester off because I am going to give you two tasks to accomplish.

Task one (the dull task): pay off your credit card debt (or as very much of it as possible). You don't want to be attending CSUN with a bunch of financial obligations hanging over your head, so aggressively pay that debt down each month. You absolutely must not just pay the minimum balance, because we all know that paying the minimum balance basically means you'll be paying that thing off for the rest of your life. (I'm sounding so Suze Orman here.)

Task two (the fun task): make a list of ten or twenty meaningful things you want to accomplish before you transfer and then accomplish them. List places you want to go, things you want to see, people you want to spend a day with, books you want to read, things you want to learn. Make the list affordable so as not to defeat task one (sorry, no African safaris or European adventures this time). Make the list accomplishable, too.

Tada! A fabulous and meaningful semester off!

Decidering, Part 17

Operation Pink Herring needs to decide how to style her hair for her upcoming wedding. She's against a formal up-do, but can't decide whether to wear it up or down or half-up, half down.

I decide: wear it back in a not-too-formal, soft, pretty style.

Something like this:

Weddings are long affairs. You'll have to get ready and then take photos and then get married and then take photos and then eat some food and then shake hands and then dance for many hours, all while taking many photos. Hair styled back just seems to hold up better for long hours.

I love these loose, lovely styles:

Maybe you prefer a retro touch:

Plus, a July wedding in Baltimore demands hair off-the-neck! My wedding was on a summer day in August, and I am glad I wore my hair back. I didn't really have any sort of plan for my hair before arriving at my salon, but my fabulous stylist whipped up a lovely low bun with a butterfly perched on the side.

{Photos in this post are from Meg Perotti, Zoom Photography, and Aaron Elesie. Oh, and my photographer, but you don't want to hire them unless you are looking to get your photos about two years after you say "I Do."}

Decidering, Part 16

Leah needs a decision made. Here's her dilemma:

I currently go to a gym with my boyfriend, and our couples gym membership is a little under $30 each a month. If I visit 12 times in a month, my insurance will reimburse me for $20 of the membership. I've been going at least 12 times a month since last November, and I've been going about 5-6 times a week in the past month or so; about half the time, my boyfriend comes with me. I lift weights, run on the treadmill, and do some core exercises that could definitely be done at home (I bring all my own bands for the exercises anyway, and I have my own yoga mat).

Our membership goes until May 3, and my boyfriend already said he doesn't want to renew his part. He's looking forward to hiking, biking, and running outdoors instead of being cooped up in the gym. For my part, I'm undecided. I'm making good progress at the gym (no weight loss yet, but I am feeling/looking better), and I'm worried about derailing progress by switching up my program so drastically. Should I keep up the gym membership, or should I just motivate myself to make the most of outdoor exercise? If the latter, do you have any ideas for motivating myself?

I decide: keep the membership.

Only about 1 in 390 people with a gym membership actually has seen the inside of their gym in the last 30 days,* so you are already in the top .002 percent of gym users nationwide.

I've had a gym membership for almost two years at an amazing gym and let me tell you how many times I have used it: ZERO. If I wasn't forced to have the membership by the University, I would cancel it in two seconds flat. Actually, I've had lots of gym memberships. In fact, I would venture to say that I have had a gym membership for most of the last 10 years. In that time, I've probably been in a gym ten times. TOTAL. Gyms just aren't my style.

But the thing is: you have found something that works. I think 90 percent of people wish they could find a work out regime, any work out regime, that they could stick to for more than two days. (Or am I just talking about myself here?**)

If you're in a groove, best to keep on grooving.

This is not to say that you shouldn't hike, bike, and run outdoors. We should ALL go outside and enjoy the great out-of-doors (stop laughing, I'm serious). But when it's a thousand degrees or raining for a week straight or when you just don't feel like communing with nature and the many things she has to offer (i.e. mosquitos), the gym is where it's at.

Finally, your membership? It's practically free! You only have to go three times a week to get your $20 insurance reimbursement. So, keep the plan and gym it up three days a week. The other four days you can enjoy some outdoor fun. Just remember to wear sunblock.

* All statistics and math in this post are made up by me.

** I know some of you are thinking: Hey! Slice of Pink bikes for exercise. That is true, but only incidentally. I bike for transportation and the side effect is physical activity. I would so weigh ten more pounds if I didn't have to, you know, go places.

Decidering, Part 15

Pink Chihuahua Princess needs to decide whether to go to the Doxie Dash or the Ted Pearce concert. Here's her dilemma:

My husband and I are the youth leaders at our congregation and the congregation is bringing in a big concert on the same day as the Doxie Dash in OKC. I've never missed the dachshund races, but I also really love Ted Pearce, the guy coming in concert. Does it change things that we're the youth leaders? Help!

EASIEST DECISION EVER: Do both!

So, I did me some research and, as far as I can tell, you can totally do both.

Here's your schedule:

1PM to 4PM: Doxie Dash
6PM to 9PM: Ted Pearcy

Does this sound right? Am I missing any key componets that would foil this amazing plan I have devised?

I know, I know. You're gonna have to leave the Doxie Dash early. You might miss Sugar Dotti Dachshund Gilmore, Charlotte Cricket Lovebug Winrow, Ping Pong Bowers, or Zippity DooDah (Zippy) Harrison (aren't doxie names THE BEST?). But, at least you'll get to see some of the races and can carry on the tradition of attendance.

At 4PM, zip yourself on over to the concert and enjoy some good music. Ta-da! You'll probably need to find an outfit that works for both doxie races and the concert, so I suggest doing one of those day-to-evening ensembles that fashion magazines are always talking about. You know, jazz up your day wear with a snazzy jacket and dangly earrings.

By the way folks, I'm gonna be at the Doxie Derby in Davis this Saturday, shirking my responsibilites as a law student on the brink of finals. If you wanna come put your money on your red (or blue, yellow, green, or purple), let me know!

Decidering, Part 14

Sara asks: Should I continue directing the school musical/drama club advisor next year? My decision changes daily. It is going to be a lot of work next year, but there are no replacements. Go out with a bang? Continue and hope for the best?

Here's my decision: do it, but only on condition that you find a co-advisor.

I totally know where you are coming from. On many days, advising a nationally recognized robotics team was only better than, oh, sticking a fork in my eye or eating a plate of tomatoes. In other words, it sucked. Like, for instance, the time one of my kids hit another of my kids in the head WITH A ROBOT CONTROL BOX. That was fun. Or the time when one of my kids lost a ring AT A PHILADELPHIA FLYERS HOCKEY GAME. Good times.

On the other hand, some of my best memories are times spent with those kids--traveling around the country, squeezing 30 people in Daddy D'z BBQ Joint, drinking Starbucks coffee by the bucket.

Sure, dealing with teens can be a total hassle, but when they get it right, when they pull themselves together and amaze you, it's so completely worth it. Plus, occasionally they'll go and do stuff like this.

The key, however, is having another adult around to help you keep your sanity. We had five adults coaching the robotics team and, hoo-wee, did it ever take all five of us to make that circus run effectively.

I can think of four reasons for having another adult on-board: (1) someone to share the work load with, (2) back-up when you make an unpopular decision, (3) someone to complain to, and (4) someone to drink with. The adult need not have any drama experience; I didn't know a lick about building a robot. You just need someone who can properly fill out paperwork, who can be present and engaged, and who can manage teenagers. I imagine about 50% of the teachers at the high school meet this criteria, so you just need to wrangle one of them into being your co-advisor.

So, yes, do it. But ONLY on condition that you find yourself a co-advisor. After a day of dealing with teenagers, you definitely need someone to sneak out with you for late night cocktails at Trader Vic's is all I'm saying.

Decidering, Part 13

Jill is applying to Yale, Boston University, Boston College, and Tufts. She hasn't been to New Haven but really loves Boston. Out of the three Boston colleges, which one is the best for her?

First of all, let me just take a moment to point out that Jill was in my class back when I was a teacher meaning that, holy hell, I might have actually taught something to a person going to Yale! Sure, maybe all I ever taught her was the Rule of Thirds (and, to be fair, she probably already knew the Rule of Thirds) but, in any event, she must have learned something in the few hundred hours we spent together. Tell them, Jill! I taught you something right? Like, maybe, where you can find the best ice cream in Paris?

In other words, it was clearly, like, one one-millionth MY DOING that she is such a genius. Ahem.

So, presumably Jill will be going to Yale if she gets in. She didn't ask which of the four colleges she should go to, just which of the Boston colleges she should go to. This makes my job a tiny bit more difficult because picking Yale would just be so easy. Yale! Obviously!

Of the remaining three, my vote goes to Boston University.

First, "University" sounds fancier than "College." This is clearly only because I live in California where everything fancy is called a University.

Second, BU is the closest of the three to Boston proper, according to my stellar Google Maps skillz, with Tufts being in Medford and BC being in suburban Chestnut Hill. If you want to go Boston, go Boston all the way.

Third, the school mascot is the Boston Terrier. That is really cute. You could even own a real-live Boston Terrier some day and name it after a famous BU alum. On the other hand, the BC mascot is an Eagle (wasn't four years with an Eagle mascot enough?) and Tufts is an Elephant (which is just so, um, Republican). And, anyway, you can't keep an elephant or an eagle in your backyard.

So: Boston University!

(Will would like to point out that there is no football at BU. Clearly, I do not care about this sort of thing (I went to UCSB after all, where the closest thing to football is drunk ultimate frisbee) but if football rocks Jill's world (which I suspect it doesn't) then BC is clearly the way to go.)

Any East Coasters have an opinion? Please weigh in! BU, BC, or Tufts?

Decidering, Part 12

I'm back to making decisions for everyone this month, a fun experiment that went well last year (and by well, I mean that none of my decisions landed a person in jail or, worse, had them wearing Sperry Topsiders).

Hope asks: Should I start twittering?

Yes!

For starters, you will get to read Twitters like this:

Additionally, life is full of Twitterable experiences. Like, for instance, when you are at the local coffee shop and they run out of your favorite marzipan tea and you want to tell somebody about it but you don't want to, like, call somebody on the phone or write a whole blog post about the situation because nobody really cares that much about your coffee shop running out of tea leaves, you can Twitter it. Your Twitter friends WILL CARE.

Or, for example, when you are sitting at the San Diego airport and the guy next to you orders a big beer even though it is 7:06 in the morning. You'll want to let some people know about that. Twitter it!

Other Totally Twitterable Things: the weather, your eyeliner, the coworker in the cubicle next to yours. The mundane becomes fascinating on Twitter!

And, also? You can follow people and find out exciting things about their lives like what they are eating RIGHT THIS VERY MINUTE! About 90 percent of my twitters are about things I am currently eating.

You also will find out things you would never have known about people. For example, two days ago I was riding my bike home through the arboretum and, I swear, I was just about to Twitter about what a lovely bike ride it was, when a huge black bug FLEW RIGHT INTO MY EYE. I narrowly avoided crashing my bicycle as I pulled off to the side of the path, where I dropped all my stuff and frantically tried to remove the bug from my eye. Three sweet high school girls came to my rescue, offering a mirror and encouragement until the bug, which was STILL ALIVE, was cried out of my eye.

Once I was able to see again, I Twittered about the experience.

See? You only would have known about that bug in my eye if you had been following me on Twitter at 6 PM on Tuesday evening.

Finally, somebody recently stopped following me on Twitter, so I'm feeling all rejected and sorry for myself, as I now have one fewer Twitter friend (although, seriously, they must not have been that good a friend since (a) they just stopped following me and (b) I have no idea who they were now that they have disappeared from my follower list).

(What is up with that, anyway? Was it the bug-in-the-eye story?)

NOTICE, PEOPLE: I promptly signed up for Qwitter, which will now tell me WHO stops following me, so don't even think you can break up with me all sly-like. I consider you people my FRIENDS (yes, even Lance Armstrong, who, for whatever reason, has not started following me yet but I think it's just because he's been so busy with the shoulder surgery and whatnot).

So, anyway, yes, join Twitter! And follow me, if you are so inclined!

What do y'all think? To Twitter or not to Twitter?

The Decider Redux

Last April, for the whole month, I was The Decider. I made decisions on colleges people should attend, bridesmaid dresses brides should choose, and cupcakes people should bake. I decided no to topsiders and yes to law review. I picked vacation destinations and hair lengths.

And now: I'm back.

And I'm better than ever because I have a whole additional year of life experience. I have a whole additional year worth of decision making under my belt.

Need something to decided? Email Me!

Can't decide between two great spring dresses? Send me the links and I'll make a choice! Choosing between two colleges? I'll pick! Can't decide on a menu for a dinner party this weekend? Let me know! I'll decide! Wondering whether you should go to karaoke on Saturday? Yes, yes you should.

Decidering, Part 11

Remember back when I was making decisions? I was doing so well and then Bam! Finals hit me like a ton of bricks and I failed to finish answering all of your questions. Hopefully y'all have made the decisions by this point, a month later, but maybe somebody else is sitting around wondering whether they should rent Arrested Development (yes) or go see Made of Honor (no). 

So, I'm back! Making decisions that have already been made! Coming through a day late and a dollar short! 

Leah needs a new camera and asked whether she should get a digital SLR or get something small and compact.

I decide: Go small and compact. I know, I know. I almost don't want to say it because, honestly, I love my digital SLR with all my heart. But, you know, it is kind of bulky and inconvenient for regular use. You can't keep it in your purse and, what with all the lenses and flashes and whatnot, you have to carry heavy camera luggage with you every where you go. It's practically like toting a baby around, minus all the crying. (Oh, what do I know? It's so not like toting a baby around, but it's the closest thing in my world.) Anyway, if you are choosing between the two, get a compact camera first. Far more than half of the photos I take are with my point-and-shoot, just because it is easy to throw in my purse as I walk out the door--no fuss, no big backpack of gear. If only children were so easy, I'd have four already! 

All that said, whatever your choice may be, buy your camera at Costco. If I give one good piece of advice this year, if you take nothing away from reading this blog except this, it is to BUY YOUR CAMERA AT COSTCO. Get a membership if you have to. The reason is that Costco has a wonderful, amazing, want-to-make-out-behind-the-bleachers return policy. I returned a camera that was a year old once, because it was "acting funny." "Acting funny" is how I described the camera's problem to the lady at the counter and she was just like, cool, so here's a whole bunch of cash. 

I don't know if I ever told you about the television I returned to Costco. I had this television that also started "acting funny" after a year or so of ownership--specifically, it made a weird noise when the DVD tray ejected--so I took it down to Costso to exchange it for a new one. They had the exact same television in stock, but during the year that I had owned the television, the price had been reduced by nearly $100. So you know what they did, those crazy and wonderful Costco return ladies? They gave me a new television plus some cash. HOW ARE THEY EVEN MAKING MONEY? 

So, get whatever. Big camera, little camera, a gigantic tub of ketchup. If you end up hating it tomorrow--or next year--you can just return it for something new. 

Decidering, Part 10

My law school friend, Mary, would like to know whether she should join Law Review.

I decide: Yes! Absolutely Yes!

The reason I decide Yes! (and so enthusiastically, I might add) is that I don't want to be the reason that Mary does not get the Top 100, starting at $165,000/year, crazy over-the-top major law firm job. So, yes. Definitely, yes.

That being said, I am not joining the law review. Law review is a great big deal. I get it. It's everything we ever hoped for when we signed up for law school--lots of prestige, long hours, extra work, boredom. (Am I really saying this on the Internet right now? Hello future employers reading through my archives!)

I have these rules for my life. They go like this:
1. If I really want to do something, I do it. And I follow through on it, no matter how badly it ends up sucking.
2. But, if I don't want to do something, I don't. Sometimes there are consequences for the not doing and I accept that.

Sometimes people say that you have to live for today, in case you die tomorrow. Thing is, I don't care if I live to be 120, I don't want to waste a year banging my head against a wall. You know? So that what? I can do it for another 20 years? Awesome. (Dudes! I am going to have to password protect this post. I am so never getting hired.)

So, last week? We had this paper due and my closet? Went from tidy to this:

I can't be on law review because, people, I have laundry to do.

(Actually, Will does all the laundry but I have to move my dirty items to the laundry basket on top of the dryer and that takes time.)

(Mom, it's okay. No, you don't need to drive to Davis. I cleaned the toilet yesterday. I swear.)

Anyway, point being: I'm not looking for a crazy 2200 billable hour job making $165,000 to start. I'm just looking for something decent with some time for taking photos and drinking wine and sitting in a summer dress on a Saturday in the park. Despite the word in the hallways at school, we're all gonna be okay. Law review or not (seriously, 30 people make law review. Do 170 people end up on the street? Okay, then.)

We're all gonna be okay. Even Professor Hills says so.

So, yes! If you want to be highly competitive in the job market and make lots of cash, then yes! But, if not, then we can ride downtown and enjoy some wine and sunshine.

Readers! Law review? What is law review anyway, right? Put your vote in regardless because look! I got a fancy new poll taking thing whereby you can cast your vote for Mary.

Decidering, Part 9

I'm back to making decisions! In case you are new 'round these parts, I have been making lots of decisions in April, for better or worse. There is still time if you have decisions that need to be made. Email me soon; in May I go back to being terribly indecisive.

Lindsey needs to decide between two jobs at the hospital where she works. Here's her dliemma:

"If I choose to stay on the cardiac floor, I have a day shift. I will make decent money, I love the people I will work with, and I really enjoy cardiac patients and their disease processes. I will have 6-8 patients at a time, which will run me ragged, but I can handle it.

If I choose the CICU, I will work 12 hour night shifts on the weekends. Yuck. But I could probably transfer to weeknights in the next 6 months. I will make $5 an hour more…that is a lot of money in my part of the world! I will also gain invaluable experience, that could help me if I ever want to go to graduate school (don’t even know if I want to!). And I will only have 1 or 2 critically ill patients to care for, which will keep me running just as much as the other job."

I decide: Night shift! My husband, the mathematician around here, says that $5 an hour adds up to $10,000 per year, assuming you are working a 40-hour work week. That's a lot of shoes. If you are really on the fence, and would enjoy either job equally well, you might as well go for the money and then buy yourself something nice.

In fact, I might as well help you spend it. Let's take a look at what $10,000 can get you.

I thought that would get us close, but all that only adds up to $4,500. Looks like I am going to need to do some more shopping.

Such lovely things! But, that only brings us to $6,755. I continue shopping after the jump.

Decidering, Part 8

Nancy is going to a 1st birthday party for her godson on Sunday and she is the official cupcake committee. She needs about three dozen cupcakes and can't decide whether she should make them herself or buy them from Vanilla or Sprinkles.

I decide: Put on your apron, I think you should bake them. Believe me, I love a gourmet vanilla bean cupcake with thick Madagascar Bourbon frosting. I love it with all my heart, I do. But I did the math, and three dozen cupcakes is going to set you back about $120. I suspect that you could make some amazing cupcakes for a quarter of the price and, just think, you can bake in love.

(My decision, of course, has nothing to do with the fact that I myself need to whip up a dessert for a party tonight and it's nice to know that we are all in this together.)

Some delicious cupcake recipes can be found at Chockylit Cupcake Bakeshop. Yum!

Or, how about one of these fabulous recipes from Martha:

Lollipop Cupcakes, Carrot Cupcakes, Swirly Cupcakes, or (well, well) Sprinkles' Strawberry Cupcakes.

Plus--and maybe this is the most important point of all--if you do it yourself, you get to lick the bowl.

Decidering, Part 7

I have received quite a few emails asking me to help make career decisions. Whoa, people, this is so totally not my area. I have already had a boatload of jobs and still? No career.

But, hey! I'm the Decider! And, for better or worse, I'm making choices.

Elysa wants to know whether she should go back to school for a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Art & Technology or choose a whole new career?

I decide: MFA. My philosophy is this: the longer you can further your education at an institute of higher learning, the better. Let's face it, being in school is awesome. It really is. I know a lot of people get all huffy over this and say that extending your education is just putting off the "real world" and ignoring the inevitable. To this I say: Yes! Exactly! Tomorrow I have class for two hours, after which I will be having lunch downtown, getting my hair done, and riding my bike. The real world is for suckers.

Unless, of course, you want to make loads of cash. In which case you have what I see as three options:

a) Professional degree
b) Business
c) Marry well

Or, you could always attempt to merge the college life with an attempt to make lots of cash in an unfortunate venture called law school.

Stay tuned: more career decisions to come, plus I will get involved in making relationship decisions. Things could fall apart. In the meantime: cast your vote for Elysa: MFA or career change?

After the jump: my many jobs.

Decidering, Part 6

Dawn wants to know if she should keep these recently purchased Sperry Topsiders:

I decide: Unless you own a boat, take 'em back. You know, I really wanted to tell you to keep them. Really, I did. I can understand that they are comfortable and practical, but they just really aren't that cute. I spent a lot of time searching the Internet for photographs of people pulling off the topsider look. My hours of research yielded one set of photographs of women pulling off topsiders, from Refinery 29:

Note: all the models are on a boat. Or on a dock, waiting for the boat to arrive. And, also, there is a man wearing a bow tie with shorts.

I'm thinking that unless you are accessorizing with your yacht and you are wearing them so that you don't fall off of your yacht into the great blue sea, you would probably be better off with a pair of ballet flats or sandals. Some things require a lot of money to pull off--poodles and topsiders among them.

(On a completely personal note, my husband talks a lot about having a pair of topsiders during his youth and I have seen photos of him during that era and, wow, there was a lot of Aquanet involved. And probably a hair dryer. Also, a bright teal suit and some shirts made of silk. Somehow, I associate topsiders with this and so I just can't get on board.)

However! Sperry Topsider does have these nauticalesque beach-to-street flats and wedges, which I think would be a good compromise between comfort and casual style.

Lots more decisions coming soon. In the meantime, please weigh in on the topic of topsiders.

Decidering, Part 5

Lidija can't decide where to go on holiday. She has narrowed it down to three options: USA, Iceland, or Japan.

I decide: Japan! Sushi, Japanese gardens, traditional arts, temples and palaces, Japanese beer, Mt. Fuji, and hot springs.

Plus, this from Wikitravel:

Karaoke (カラオケ) can be found in virtually every Japanese city...Most karaoke places occupy several floors of a building. You and your friends have a room to yourself--no strangers involved--and the standard hourly rate often includes all-you-can-drink booze, with refills ordered through a phone on the wall or through the karaoke machine itself. The major chains all have good English-language song selections.

Japan, obviously.

Of course, if you come to Northern California, I'll take you out for a glass of wine. Not that a glass of wine beats private karaoke with pay-by-the-hour booze, but there you go.

More decisions to come soon! In the meantime, help Lidija decide: USA, Iceland, or Japan?

Decidering, Part 4

The deciding continues...

Violet recently gave notice at her job. She doesn't have another job lined up yet, and would like to take some time off to travel a bit, perhaps visiting some freaders in England. Should she take an extended vacation or spend her time finding another job?

I decide: Pack your bags and book a flight! Between jobs seems to me the perfect time to take an extended holiday. No need to use vacation days, no worries about the work piling up on your desk back in the states, no boss calling your cell to ask where you put that one file, no email box filling up with hundreds of messages. Plus, with some Internet access, you can start your job search in England. Set aside an hour a day to search the web for some employment opportunities, upload your resume, and {voila!} a fabulous hoilday minus the guilt. Enjoy the pubs and definitely send me a postcard!

Need help deciding something? Email me at sliceofpink at gmail dot com or leave a comment. And please put in your two cents: should Violet stay or should she go now?

Decidering, Part 3

Last night I had to make two decisions: where to grab a quick bite for dinner and which frozen yogurt to select at the Yogurt Shack (Chipotle, Cherries Jubilee). Easy.

Tashya wasn't having any of that easy decision making crap, though, so she sent me some decisions that almost made me waffle under the pressure.

Tashya wants to know:

Should she apply to graduate school for a Master's of Public Health if her GPA is low?
I decide: Yes! OMG, I totally know the answer to this one, hands down, because my husband is a school counselor and this is what he does all day. Definitely apply. It's better to apply, whatever the result, than not apply and regret not taking the chance. I would suggest applying to two dream schools, three schools that are right in your GPA range, and two safety schools. And study up for the GRE.

Should she move out of her mom’s house? If so, when?
I decide: Yes, eventually. But, really, you should stay as long as possible. My friend Jose* lived with his parents for a good deal of his twenties, even though he was a working professional at the time. Let me tell you--that man has got some seriously nice clothing and has a seriously nice collection of wine and has a seriously paid-for new car and gets some seriously expensive haircuts--all because he was living rent free. So, I say: live with the mom until either:
a) you have a chunk o' change in the bank;
b) you just can't take it anymore;
c) school or career necessitate a move;
d) you get married;
e) you turn 35; or
f) you accumulate more than 10 cats.

She just totaled her car and does not have money for a down payment. When should she look at getting a new car?
I decide: Get a bicycle tomorrow! You won't have a car payment, you'll get awesome calves, and you'll never have to get gas. This is how I roll. However, if not having a car is detrimental to your employment or social life and you absolutely, positively cannot live without one, I say decide on a payment that you know you can afford and stick to that. Stick to it even when the salesman tries to convince you that if you just don't buy lattes you can afford to tack another $50 onto your monthly payment. (Did I ever mention I used to work in a car dealership?)

Remember: I am decidering for all of April, so send decisions that need to be made. Also, feel free to put in your two cents--should Tashya apply for an MPH program? Move out? Get a new car?

*Single and hott, ladies, and once brought me back a fake Burberry purse from one of his many trips to NYC. A good fake. Loves tapas, traveling, and mixes cheap red wine with Pepsi. {Hi Jose!}**

**This is all my doing. This ad was not approved by Jose. It was not solicited by Jose. In fact, Jose is probably going to be mad at me. But, you know what? Jose can drive himself up to Davis to tell me all about it. And then we will all go out for tapas.

Decidering, Part 2 (With Photos!)

I found the definition for "decider" on the urban dictionary: a decider is someone who makes decisions on issues using a lack of judgment and intelligence. Which? What! I am taking this very seriously! Y'all, I am doing research!

Okay, so hair decisions are hard. This is usually an arena left to Whoorl, but since I am The Decider, I am going to give it a go.

The beautiful Nicole is trying to decide: short or long?

I decide: Mid-length. Honestly, Nicole's hair is so thick and shiny that it looks lovely at all lengths, but the midlength style is so sassy, sexy, and smart. Plus, it looks cute flippy-out (as pictured) and also flippy-in (as in my imagination) and options are always nice.

Heidikins is getting her hair cut. Should she trim with no changes or add side-swoopy bangs?

I decide: Swoopy bangs! Swoopy, sweepy, side-swept--even talking about them is fun. In addition to bangs being very vogue, one eyebrow will be hidden by the sweep meaning that you can pluck that side less often. (Not that I ever allow my bangs to cover my unplucked brow. Nope. Never. Not at all.)

Lani is getting married! Congratulations, Lani! She needs to know: robin egg blue or lettuce?

I decide: Lettuce. Lettuce choose lettuce! (The Decider: Now with Fancy Word Play!) The lettuce seems decidedly more fallish for a September wedding. And I love all these fabulous wedding palettes that use lettucey colors in their color schemes: muted green, white, and champagne, light green and red, or (to include both options) green with a touch of eggshell blue (emphasis on the green). Happy planning!

Your opinion? Should Nicole go short, midlength, or long? Should Heidikins get some swoopy bangs? Should Lani go egg blue or lettuce green?

More decisions coming soon! Have you sent me yours?

Decidering, Part 1

Slice of Pink is falling apart. Once again, I forgot to pay the hosting people, so home now consists of links to debt consolidation and Elton John tickets. And then I rearranged a few things (if you can't see the changes, try reloading), which killed the Blogher ads and I cannot, for the life of me, get them to come back. I've emailed all the relevant people, so all we can do is wait patiently for people who are much smarter than me to tell me where to click.

In the meantime, we still have each other. And leftover Easter candy. And my stellar decision making skillz. So, let's carry on.

Sarah, one of my former students, is choosing a college. Should she go to UCLA or UCSD?

I decide: UCSD. It's in sunny San Diego, the beach is within walking distance, and, most importantly, there is a Dick's Last Resort restaurant. And let's be frank, if you are choosing between a city with Dick's and a city without Dick's, you should obviously go for the city with. Right?

Auburn Kat is moving. Should she go to NYC, Buffalo, or Raleigh, NC?

I decide: Raleigh, NC. Although I am madly in love with NYC, I can't go against my southern roots (which are entirely phony and made up, but I remain true to them nevertheless). You get to say "y'all" a lot, macaroni and cheese is served in fancy restaurants, all the sodas are called "Coke," and you can practice your Southern charm over a mint julep.

Stay tuned, more decision making to come shortly! Please feel free to leave your opinions in the comments. Should Sarah go to UCLA or UCSD? Where should Auburn Kat move--Buffalo, NYC, or Raleigh?

And, finally, be sure to send me decisions that need to be made!

The Decider

Will and I are really bad at making decisions. Really bad. When we have to decide where to go eat dinner, it goes something like this:

Will: Where do you want to go?

Me: I don't know. Where do you want to go?

Will: I don't care. What do you feel like?

Me: Anything really. What do you feel like?

Will: I don't care. What sounds good?

Me: Well, maybe Crepeville or Cafe Bernardo or Plutos...

Will: Which one?

Me: I don't know.

And then we ride around for twenty minutes playing the elimination game and then maybe, once we decide on someplace and park the bikes, I might decide that this place doesn't seem like the best option after all and we really ought to go for Italian instead. It's awesome being us.

Having to decide on dinner is relatively easy. Choosing a hotel for a vacation? That might take two hours or more of searching the Internet, narrowing down options on Travelocity and Expedia, weighing the alternatives (Hilton (four stars, $199/night) or Best Western (two stars, $100/night)).

This month, however, I have a goal to make decisions. I'm just gonna make a choice when a choice has to be made. No pro and con lists. No lengthy debates about crepes versus pasta or Hilton versus Hyatt.

I am the Decider.

And, you know what? I am so excited about this month of decision making--so confident that I am going to be making some really superb decisions--that I want to make your decisions, too. Please send me decisions that need to be made and I will make them for you.

Can't decide between two great spring dresses? Send me the links and I'll make a choice! Choosing between two colleges? I'll pick! Can't decide on a menu for a dinner party this weekend? Let me know! I'll decide! Wondering whether you should go to karaoke on Saturday? Yes, yes you should.

I'll post my decisions right here, so we can all benefit from my decision making. There's no guarantee, of course, that the decisions will be perfect, but at least they will be made.

Feel free to leave a comment or Email Me. I'll be making decisions through the month of April, after which I will go back to not knowing.

Now then, what to have for dinner?