And The Number One Way To Tell You Work Too Much

All your friends begin to ask you if you're having an affair with the janitor because they can't figure out why else you would stay at work so late!

Be forewarned...

http://www.mtv.com/onair/dyn/power_girls/series.jhtml

I feel like most people don't really understand what I do as a pubilc relations professional, and I am not about to blog about how I spend my days and what PR is. I will admit all types of PR have their differences. Working in-house at a company is different that working at an agency which is different for health care clients or non-profit clients. However, I'm letting you all know upfront that the new MTV reality show "PoweR Girls" will not accurately represent what it's like to work in my world of public relations or what skills you need to succeed. Entertainment PR is a very different world, trust me, I know from my experience at the celebrity PR firm. I also know if one more person makes reference to Lizzie Grubman's Hamptons SUV accident when I tell them I work in PR, I will scream. So I'm putting it out there now for everyone-- please don't think this is what I do or how I act in the corporate world.

I wonder who wrote these girls' bios on the MTV website. Scary...

I'll have to blog again after next week's debut episode.

Ticketmaster

I don't know how many of you use Ticketmaster, but I kind of think it sucks. This is my third experience in about 3 weeks where the second the tickets go on sale and you sign on to buy them, there aren't any available. Like what's the point anymore? Not only do I hate ticketmaster, but bad ticket purchasing experiences like this make me start to not like the bands behind the performances. Okay, okay, I guess that's taking it too far. But it's 12:10 and I just missed my second opportunity to buy Maroon 5 tickets for the week before my birthday (hint hint hint). And I gave up a power dance class at the gym to stay home and try and buy the tickets. This sucks!

A Big Red Heart At My Calendar

March 8th! I'm a firm believer in always having something to look forward to. Be it a family event, tv show, date or concert-- it's important to have something to think about that makes you excited and happy.

Well yesterday, I found my next big thing to look forward to. March 8th, Prohibition, Bob Guiney Performance.

So, as many of you know, I like Bachelor Bob. I thought he was great when he was on the Bachelorette trying to win Trista's heart and he was even better when he wrote a book and put out a CD. The CD is awesome and I listen to it all the time- on my way to work, in my apartment, and the gym. It's just good music. The book however, hits much closer to home. The book gives you (or me) hope for the future. Hope that things may seem bad right now, but can be better. You just never know when your luck can change and where you'll be in a year.

Well regardless, my opportunity to see Bob perform live in a pretty small setting has finally come. Some of you may remember how excited I was last year at this time when I found out Bob was going to perform at one of my favorite venues-- The Cutting Room. However, my excitement wore off when I realized his performance was the day before the huge non-profit gala I was planning. So I tried not to cry while I worked until 5 in the morning knowing my friends Lisa and Tara were hearing Bob play, AND they even got to meet him.

Minnie

as in, Minnie Mouse. It appears that apartment 2A has another mouse. Although we jumped to call him Mickey #2, we've discovered this 4 legged visitor is clearly female. Unlike Mickey, who lived in the kitchen and made his presence known every day, Minnie is much more intelligent (just one reason she must be female). Minnie is athletic too. She climbs up shelves and stays out of the kitchen (she must be watching her waistline). But as with all women, she has a weakness. Her weakness: CHOCOLATE. Now Minnie doesn't visit a lot. I mean, we started to think my one roommate made her up because we never saw her. However, she paid me a few 1 am visits and even the poison and traps from the exterminator don't seem to be working. She outsmarts the traps, better than Mickey did. We caught Mickey in a few days. Minnie has been eluding us for 2 weeks now. So back to the chocolate. I didn't really understand why two nights in a row Minnie was waking me up by scurrying along my top shelf- until I happen to look up there and see a half eaten chocolate kiss from my brother's wedding favor. So the PMSing mouse likes chocolate. This was further proven when Minnie woke up Cheryl by scurrying around her bookbag eating an unopen bag of MnM's. Of course, now we've put MnM's in our traps and Ms. Minnie is nowhere to be found...

Enjoy the View

I can't tell you how much the favorite part of my day is walking the one short block from the bus stop to my apartment. As I cross 48th street, I am blessed with the most amazing view of the Empire State Building. I love to see how the colors change each day. Today, the building was lit up in purple and yellow, a color combination I have not seen before. Just goes to show, even inexpensive apartments on the 2nd floor come with their own special views.

It's My Life

Kind of sad-- the only people who wished me a Happy Valentine's Day today were the bus driver and the guy at the deli!

PS To all you guys who may date/marry a girl who works at an all female PR agency, please remember to send flowers. It was easier to ask who didn't get flowers than who did. The only job worse than mine today, was the receptionist who had to call all the people to let them know their flowers arrived. UGH

(C'mon, only one bitter V-day post isn't that bad)

"Why does Samara look like she's having root canal?"

Thanks Brian for the inspiring comment and title of this post!

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, your face reveals how you're truly feeling. Sometimes, you want something so badly-- so badly that you make excuses, refuse to see situations as they are, and give people second and third chances to be a part of your life. Sometimes it takes a rough Friday night, and a friend of a friend's comment to make you realize what you really want and how you really feel. Or more appropriately, what you definitely don't want.

My Mom was telling me about Ebert and Roeper's review of The Wedding Date. She said Ebert commented about how this is one more movie "where an attractive, intelligent woman can't get a date- yeah that's real believeable". I could give Ebert a real earful. It doesn't matter how attractive or intelligent you are, if you're living in NYC-- and I bet a lot of other places-- it's extremely difficult to get a date. Doesn't matter how much you try or not try. Dating doesn't come easier for the pretty ones or the less attractive ones.

Don't hate Debra's charater. Hey, I wish I would have thought about hiring a date for my brother's wedding, oh wait- I didn't get invited with a date...

Love the song, hate the lyrics

I love this song-- absolutely love it ever since I heard Hootie cover it a few years ago. But I hate the concept behind it. It's horrible. You should really love someone for who they are, not just cause they are around and available. People do this all the time and don't even realize it. I'm sure I've probably done it in the past too. Just something to think about.


"Love The One You're With"

If you're down and confused
And you don't remember who
You're talking to
Concentration slips away
Cos your baby is so far away

[Chorus]

And there's a rose in a fisted glove
And the eagle flies with the dove
And if you can't be with the one
You love honey
Love the one you're with
Don't be angry don't be sad
Don't sit crying over good
Times you had
There's a girl, right next to you
And she's just waiting for something
To do

[Chorus]

Turn your heartache right into joy
She's a girl and you're a boy
So get it together make it nice
And you won't need any more advice

[Chorus]

Derelict

der·e·lict ( P ) Pronunciation Key (dr-lkt)
adj.
Deserted by an owner or keeper; abandoned.
Run-down; dilapidated.
Neglectful of duty or obligation; remiss. See Synonyms at negligent.
n.
Abandoned property, especially a ship abandoned at sea.
A homeless or jobless person; a vagrant.
Law. Land left dry by a permanent recession of the water line.



In case you've ever been called one, errr or not called one...

Surveys...

I get these emails a lot. I always feel bad sending them out to people...so I figured I'd just post them instead.


1. What time do you get up? Anywhere between 6:30 and 7:30...all depends on how long I snooze for.

2. If you could eat lunch with one person, who would it be? It all depends...sometimes I wish I could just meet my mom for lunch. Other days, I wish Mr. Big would pull up beside me on the street and invite me to lunch :-)

3. Gold/silver? Diamonds :-)

4. What is your favorite TV show? I only watch tv on Monday nights, lol. 7th Heaven, Everwood, Bachelorette and The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch.

5. What did you have for breakfast? Dunkin Donuts Coffee Coolatta (I had to throw out my heart shaped cake because I was scared the mouse may have gotten to it!)

6. Who would you hate to be stuck in a room with? NN (not writing out her whole name, but those who know me, know who I mean)

7. What/Who inspires you? Creative writers, my mother, those who act selflessly for others

8. What's your middle name? Rose

9. Beach, City or Country? City during the week, beach on the weekends.

10. Favorite ice cream? Birthday Cake Remix from Coldstone or Cookies and Cream

11. Butter, plain or salted popcorn? Butter and Salt....the way my Daddy makes it for me.

12. Favorite color? Black, Red, Pink, Yellow, Grey

13. What kind of car do you drive? A white Saturn named Barbie (that I hope isn't dead on my driveway)

14. Favorite sandwich? Tuna Melt

15. What characteristic do you despise?

16. Favorite flowers? Orchids and roses and lily of the valley

17. What color is your bathroom? Beige and Blue and Dr. Seuss themed

18. Favorite brand of clothing? Old Navy is my favorite.

19. Where would you retire? I'll never be able to retire at this point.

20. Favorite day of the week ? No alarm Saturdays.

21. What did you do for your last birthday? Bought red party shoes. Waited for TV Piggie to come to my party-- and danced and partied with all my closest friends, including my two favorite Bostonians. Marriott Hotel was fun too! Schwab, what did you do for my last birthday?

22. Where were you born? Port Jefferson, NY (on long island)

23. Favorite sport to watch? Football, Hockey & Tennis

24. Who do you least expect to send this back? Karen :-)

25. Which person do you expect to send it back first? Hayley or Erin...

26. Which detergent do you use? Tide

27. Coke or Pepsi? Pepsi all the way (my brother works for them, I think I have to say that, but it is true!)

28. Are you a morning person or a night owl? I like mornings better

29. What is your shoe size? 7 1/2

30. Do you have any pets? Does mouse #2 count?

31. What is your favorite season? Spring :-) When people fall in love and flowers bloom, haha

32. What time is it? 11:07

33. Name as it appears on your birth certificate? Samara Rose Finn

34. Nicknames? Sam, Sammy,

35. Number of candles on your last birthday cake? 23

36. Hair color? Brown (and gray aghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh)

37. Tattoos? None

38. Eyes? Brown

39. How much do you love your job? It has its ups and downs

40. Favorite food? Quesadillas, Tacos, Pizza, Mozzarella and Roasted Peppers on italian bread

41. Been to Africa? Just Tara's Kitchen ;-)

42. Been toilet papering? No

43. Have you ever been in love? Yes, a long time ago

44. Been in a car accident? One

45. Croutons or bacon bits? I prefer Asian noodles in my salad

46. Favorite saying or phrase? currently, it's a Ms. Erin catchphrase "Hottie McHottenstein"

47. Favorite restaurant? Serendipity in the city, Good Steer on Long Island

48. Favorite nonalcoholic drink? Shirley Temples

49. How many times did you fail your driver's test? None

50. Before this one, who sent you your last email? One of my coworkers

51. Do you sing in the shower? Nope

52. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Old Navy, Victoria's Secret,

53. What do you do most when you are bored? Watch TV and fall asleep, or annoy Chad.

54. Bedtime? All depends. Anywhere from 8:30 to 4:30.

55. Glass half empty or half full? no comment

56. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be Right where I live in Hell's Kitchen, NYC

57. What is your most annoying habit? I get cranky when I am tired

58. When and where was your last true vacation? Disney World when I was 6

59. Time you finished this e-mail? 11:18



1. First Name: Samara

2. Were you named after anyone? My grandad and grandma, Sam & Marie

3. Do you wish on stars? when I am not in the city and can actually see them, yes absolutely

4. Which finger is your favorite finger? left hand ring finger-- it's waiting for a diamond

5. When did you last cry? hmmm not in a while

6. Do you like your handwriting? not really

7. What is your favorite lunch meat? bologna

8. Any bad habits? hmmm, i must not think they are bad if I continue to do them

9. The most embarrassing CD on the shelf? Billy Ray Cyrus

10. If you were another person, would you be friends with YOU? Of course! If you wouldn't beyour own friend, you should definitely think about making some changes in your life

11. Are you a daredevil? no, i don't like risks

12. Have you ever told someone's secret? yes- in hs everyone did

13. Does $ matter? Yes- unfortunately that's a Finn trait I have.

14. Have you ever misused a word and it sounded absolutely stupid? sure have

15. Do you think there is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? not really

16. Do fish have feelings? sure

17. Are you trendy? depends on the trend

18. How do you release anger? talk about it

19. Where are your second homes? the office? and Long Island

20. Do you trust others easily? not anymore

21. What was your favorite toy as a child? Barbies- I got al the Barbie and the Rockers for my 5th birthday and thought i was the coolest girl around!

22. What is your favorite movie? Serendipity, A League of Their Own, any romantic comedy taking place in NYC

23. Do you have a journal? does my blog count?

24. Do you use sarcasm? not often

25. Have you ever been in a mosh pit? nope

26. What is your favorite outdoor activity? lately it's cycling

27. What are your nicknames? Sam, Sammy, Sam I Am

28. Would you ever bungee jump? nope, don't like unnecessary risks

29. Do you untie your shoes before taking them off? sometimes

30. Do you think you are strong? emotionally? much more than people think. physically? not
too shabby for a girl ;-)

31. What's your favorite ice cream? birthday cake remix from coldstone

32. What's your favorite color? black, red, pink, yellow, grey

33. What is your least favorite food? fish

34. How many wisdom teeth do you have? none - thanks to the greatest oral surgeon ever

35. Are you in love with anyone? not right now

36. How many people have a crush on you right now? god, maybe 1 if I am lucky

39. What color pants are you wearing? gray

40. What are you listening to right now? people in the offices around me talk

41. What are the last 4 digits of your home phone number? 5782

42. What was the last thing you ate? MnM's

43. If you were a Crayola Crayon, what color would you be? red

44. How is the weather right now? pretty nice here today

45. Who is the last person you talked to on the phone? clients

46. First thing you notice about the opposite sex? smile, height, hair (or lack thereof)

47. Do you like the person who sent this? of course! Megan rocks. I miss 8 Mile and our trips to Bourbon Street.

48. How are you today? okay. could be better.

49. Favorite non-alcoholic drink? shirley temples

50. Favorite alcoholic drink? midori sours or mudslides

51. Favorite Sport? tennis, football, ice skating

52. Your Eye color? brown

53. Do you wear contacts? ALWAYS

54. Your hair color? brown (and gray :-( )

55. Do you watch soap operas? Nope

56. Favorite month? april, i love spring and my bday doesnt hurt

57. What is your favorite food? too many to list

58. Favorite TV show? sex and the city, big idea with donny deautsch, everwood, 7th heaven, bachelor

59. Are you too shy to ask someone out? depends

61. Scary movies or happy endings? happy endings

62. Summer or winter? Spring

63. Hug or kiss? Hugs. Nothnig beats a great hug

64. Relationships or one-night stands? depends on the person and my mood

65. Do you want your friends to write back? YES didnt u already ask me that

68. Living arrangements? 2 roommates, one boyfriend (not mine!) and a mouse!

69. Books you like to read? self help dating books, biographies of famous people,

70. Favorite smells? cakes, D&G men's cologne,

71. Favorite Actor? Scott Wolf, Dylan McDermott

According to the Wall Street Journal...

For those of you who know me well, you know I love skirts. I love skirts so much that I have about 40 different ones. I could probably go about 2 months at work without repeating a skirt. Many people don't understand this. In fact, I don't even know if I understand it. But it's what I am comfortable in and what I feel most confident wearing. So it's not suprising that skirt sales jumped 9% in the 12 months ending in November 2004. I think my shopping habits had a direct effect on this economic boost.

Skirts Go Wider

Last Year: Full skirts
This Year's Twist: Even fuller skirts

Skirts haven't been this hot since the 1960s, when the mini and the midi first made headlines. Skirt sales jumped 9% in the 12 months ending in November 2004, according to NPD Group. That's more than double the rate of growth for the rest of the women's clothing business.
The most prevalent new look is the very full skirt, which falls right below the knee. It was center stage at last fall's runway shows (when spring designs are first shown), especially at Marc Jacobs and French design house Lanvin. Reflecting the broader trend toward Bohemian chic, designers are also taking skirts down, nearly to the ground, and pairing them with flat sandals for a casual look.
"The tiered skirt was just beginning last spring, but now there is a version at every [price] level," says Sue Patneaude, executive vice president of designer apparel at Nordstrom.