Archive for the ‘Stories’ Category

First times | Wedding Shower

Sunday, March 7th, 2010

I have been in the United States for over 6-years now… I have been to several weddings, and even recently a funeral; the only baby shower I attended was thrown by a French girl and was more a of party than a traditional girly thing and I had never been to a wedding shower… until today.

My friend Marialana is getting married in May, and will probably have a more traditional wedding than any of my other friend had, or would have… And the festivities started with the Wedding Shower (a.k.a Bridal Shower).

When I received the invitation a few weeks ago I had to do a little research, I didn’t want to break the etiquette (which I ended-up doing inadvertently). A few things to know:

The wedding shower is a surprise. However it seems to me that if you’re getting married, you should, at least, expect it to happen…

The wedding shower is all about gifts. I gasped when I got into the room and saw the amounts of gifts sitting on the floor. Mine was not there (of course), because it got shipped directly to Marialana’s address… You would think that I know how to work an on-line wedding list… and you would be wrong.

The wedding shower will feed you. Or maybe that’s because it was an Italian family throwing it, and when you deal with Italian families you should always expect to be fed… Kudos to the Eggplant Parmegian

The wedding shower is long. Even if punctuated with cutesy little games, the “presents opening ceremony” can compete with the Academy Awards in lengthiness… Odd actually that they’re happening on the same day…

The wedding shower won’t let you leave empty-handed. Yeah… I got a gift too!!! By the way, the sugar-coated almonds in the white pouch with the little roses are the exact same that would be given in my (Italian) family. A little pinch in my heart here.

All in all, it was good to (barely) see Marialana, and to spend some time with girlfriends that I don’t see often enough. But really, we shouldn’t wait for one of us to get married to see each other… Although, now that I understand better the tradition, I’m up for more, and without “faux-pas” this time. Who’s next?

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I love

Sunday, February 14th, 2010

I love I love the post from Ree Drummond on her blog The Pioneer Woman and it inspired me, on that over-marketed Valentine’s Day to celebrate as well the things that I love (I’m keeping the people separate from this list).

I encourage you to do the same and spread another kind of love: the love for life. If you don’t have a blog, use the comment section below to share the things that you love.

I love (list is non-exhaustive):

  • Peanut Butter.
  • Dancing.
  • Cinnamon.
  • Flying (airplanes that is).
  • Facebook.
  • Writing.
  • The smell of fresh coffee.
  • Clothes that make me feel beautiful and stylish.
  • Reading in bed.
  • New York, Savannah & Barcelona.
  • The first nights of Spring when you can feel in the air that Winter is gone for good.
  • Long conversations about abstract subjects.
  • Randomly running into people from my past.
  • Driving convertible cars.
  • Marc Levy and Rene Barjavel’s books

Photo Credit: CreateSk8

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Sunday Project | Wardrobe Makeover

Sunday, January 24th, 2010

It has been one of those days when I wake-up with enough energy to move mountains… and I need to get myself a nice big project to take over. Today could have been Spring Cleaning… however, since it’s only January, I turned it into “Wardrobe Makeover”.

Step 1: Get it all out!

All my clothing comes out the multiple closets in my apartment and take place along my canopy bed. I knew this thing would be useful at some point…

Articles of clothing are then separated by categories: skirts, pants, tees, tops, sweaters…

The pieces that have not been worn recently are going through try-outs and the jury (me, myself and I) is bound to make a decision: keeper or giver. To be honest, most of what made the give-away bags are clothes that I haven’t worn in years, or that are not fitting anymore (too loose, too tight, too long, too short…), or that are ripped or stained, which makes me wonder why they are still in my closet.

Shoes are no exceptions… I have to confess, it hurt a little to have to say goodbye to my black boots… but there’s no possible salvation and it’s time to move on and find another pair that will be as awesome, if not even more. Meanwhile, I also fall-back in love with shoes I haven’t worn in a very long time… Gives me a motivation to create opportunities to wear them again!

If my collection of bags is also going through the process, most of it made it back immediately to its shelf. I  might not have too hard of a time separating from clothing items, but I can’t help it, I’m a sucker for shoes and bags… they stay!

Step 2: Put it all back in

Nicely organized, isn’t it… But it feels weird that half of my closet is empty now…

Step 3: Shopping time!

Anyone interested?

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Not For Sale

Sunday, January 10th, 2010

This week I had one of the toughest internal debate in a very long time. I was faced with a proposal that I would summarize as: “I’m going to change everything that you know and that you like, I’m going to order you to follow blindly what I’m doing, and I’m going to ask you to give up things that you value a lot and that makes you who you are. In exchange I’m going to help you make a lot of money. If you’re not interested, here’s the door.” That’s basically how things were presented to me.

Of course, being who I am, my first reaction was rejection: no amount of money in the world would buy my freedom, my self-thinking, my soul. In addition to that, the person who initiated this wind of change was someone I trusted, respected and loved; someone I considered a close friend.

Over the course of the week, things went from bad to worse. And every morning I woke-up with a new thought. It made for pretty heavy awakening moments:

  • Monday: Excitement – something new was about to happen
  • Tuesday: Motivation – change is good, new options, new opportunities, new directions…
  • Wednesday: Belief – surrounding atmosphere starts to crackle but I still believe this is good, and stand by my position
  • Thursday: Discomfort - starting to witness things that I don’t feel comfortable with: abusive behaviors, disrespect, rejection to attempts of communication. When the question becomes “Why should I do that?” and the answer is “Because I say so…”
  • Friday: Rejection – I know the confrontation is coming and I’m not ready to compromise. I’m not for sale.
  • Saturday: Deception – How can someone I loved and respected so much can become a total stranger. It’s Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde. Dollars signs are floating in the air and I’m at loss.
  • Sunday: Understanding – Communication opened-up with the initiator of that change (whom stayed very quiet as things were unfolding all week long) and I finally get to see where that person comes from. Playing the week over and over in my head, I finally come to realize what went wrong on Friday and how things could have been salvaged.

A good sales person identifies it’s prospect. And selling a new environment is nothing else but selling. Here’s how the conversation went and how it could have gone:

  • Consultant: I need you to change everything you know, to adapt to my beliefs and to stick to a plan that I’m putting together. You’re going to have to give yourself 100% in that and I don’t see how you can manage both your universes. I think you will need to drop one of them.
  • LittleAudrey: I don’t know if I can do that. Having those two universes is what’s balancing me, what’s making me happy.
  • C: But you’re going to make a lot more money if you do what I say
  • LA: Money is not my priority, life balance and happiness are. Money is not my carrot.
  • C: Then I’m sorry to say, but I don’t need you because money IS my priority as well as your boss/friend’s who hired me.
  • LA: …

(rewind last two “sentences” – new answer that would have make all the difference…)

  • C: I understand. Your boss/friend is in a place right now where she needs all the support from her friends she can get. You’ve been working together for 2 years. You’ve known each other for longer than that. Are you going to be there for her and help her achieve what she’s trying to accomplish?
  • LA: Let’s talk about what you need from me and let’s figure out something that will work for both of us.
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10 things I loved about 2009

Thursday, December 31st, 2009

All I see, all over Facebook statuses is “Good ridance 2009, welcome 2010″… well, maybe it was not a perfect year for most of us, but at the same time, it’s been a fun ride at times and I thought it would only be fair to compile the 10 things I loved about 2009. In random order…

1. My new nephew, Maxence, was born on September 21… new addition to the Julienne-Branda family.

2. Thanks to Facebook, I reconnected with my friend Sally, over 15 years later; and visited her and her family.

3. I became a better dancer, a better teacher, I choreographed, performed, and found a dance-partner.

4. I lived my childhood dream and became a movie critic for a few month.

5. I made hilarious memories with friends: zip-lining, Poconos, Alissa’s birthday…

6. I got involved in amazing projects such as Philadelphia Fashion Week or Dancing with the Philadelphia Stars.

7. I finally made it to Coney Island.

8. I more than doubled the income of Raison d’Etre.

9. I created Oh Little Audrey Says.

10. I loved, got my heart broken, and still found the strength to keep on loving.

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Rating 10 on Little Audrey’s “scale”: the One that’s Right for You!

Sunday, September 20th, 2009

In my post It’s rating men, I promised a description of all those “mankind” and along the week I did. Here’s the last one: the one that’s right for you. So ladies, where is your man? And guys, which speci-man are you? Feel free to comment and discuss, but all I hope is that at least I made you smile.

Rating 10 on Little Audrey’s “scale”: the One that’s Right for You!

The man of whom you see all the flaws and issues immediately but still makes your heart beat. The man who will take risks (even the risk of giving up is freedom) for you, because he thinks you’re worth it, and won’t complain about it later on.

Where to find him: Wherever you’re not looking. I’m still not proud of where I found my man so I will not give away that information, but trust me, it’s really somewhere I was not looking.

How to spot him: He’s probably the one that you will think “so not for me” at first sight, or first encounter; but deep inside, something already tells you that the interest is sparked and you want to know more.

How to seduce him: Seduce him? You don’t want to seduce him. You have no interest in him, remember: “so not for you”… So why can’t you take your eyes away from him and why do you instinctively maneuver to be closer to him?

What’s the catch: Oh wait, he could be the one. And if he’s the one you’re done: no more cat & mouse games, no more martini-afternoons with your girlfriends complaining about the whole man genre, no more first dates and their collections of sordid but funny stories… You’re out of the market. Are you ready for that?

Something a One that’s Right for You would say (and mean and make you want to say back): “I love you.”

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Are you a Good on Paper?

Monday, September 7th, 2009

In my post It’s rating men, I promised a description of all those “mankind”…

Rating 9 on Little Audrey’s “scale”: the Good on Paper!

woman_listA man whom your mother would love. A man so perfect that he leaves you wondering what can be wrong and why your heart does not beat faster as you check all the items down your list.

Where to find him: Where YOU like to hang-out… The Good on Paper shares your interests or your affinities for places; that’s what creates the comfort. “Someone I can spend time with and not feel like I’m forcing him (or myself) into an universe he (or I) doesn’t belong to…” Checked. Heart-rate: flat.

How to spot him: He’ll catch your eyes because you’ll find him attractive. He’s a good looking or very charismatic guy, that fits the profile that you have of Prince Charming, whatever your standards are. “Someone who gives me an ego boost as we stroll down the streets hand-in-hand” Checked. Heart-rate: flat.

How to seduce him: No efforts necessary, you’re just yourself and he’s loving every minute of it. You both laugh at each other’s jokes; you make him feel good, he makes you feel pretty; you can talk for hours about life & death and discover that you’re standing on similar grounds. “Someone that I don’t need to pretend for” Checked. Heart-rate: flat.

What’s the catch: Whatever you mentally try to convince yourself of, whatever poll you put your friends through, whatever your mother/grandmother/sister/best friend/boss is telling you on what a great couple you make, whatever exciting/exotic/erotic things you do together… the heart-rate is still flat and the answer to questions on your feeling is “I don’t know”.

Something a Good on Paper would say: “Will you marry me?”

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Are you a Starving Artist?

Tuesday, September 1st, 2009

In my post It’s rating men, I promised a description of all those “mankind”…

Rating 8 on Little Audrey’s “scale”: the Starving Artist!

starving_artist_art_gear_customized_tshirt-p235313204353830173qjfl_210A man who lives for his art. Whether he’s a painter, sculptor, danser, musician or poet… his art comes first, you second and any material comfort could potentially come way down the list.

Where to find him: Gallery openings (where he’s not necessarily showing), bars holding open mics (where he’s not necessarily playing/singing), book signings (where he’s not necessarily signing), art supplies stores (where he’s not necessarily buying anything). Being a starving artist addict myself, here’s where I found mine(s) along the way: dance studios, bars, through friends, on Craig’s list (no kidding).

How to spot him: Usually comes in one of 2 categories: the European wannabe (stylish look, dandy style) or the bad boy (scruffy look and tatooes). One common denominator, from my experience, the Starving Artist loves to wear hats.

How to seduce him: Here again, you can apply one of 2 strategies: either you impress him by your knowledge in his art and he will respect you, or you show a total ignorance in his area of expertise and he’ll want to teach you.

What’s the catch: Be prepared to pick-up the tab, more than once. If that’s a problem for you, stay away from the Starving Artist. Personally, I never really cared, which probably explains the long list above. Be also prepared to see very little of your guy, he will always have something in preparation (a book, an expo, a concert, a movie, a show…) that will be his priority.

Something a Starving Artist would say: “I cannot be available whenever you want me to; I’m an artist, I work when inspiration comes.”

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Are you a Sugar Daddy?

Monday, August 24th, 2009

In my post It’s rating men, I promised a description of all those “mankind”…

Rating 7 on Little Audrey’s “scale”: the Sugar Daddy!

sugar-daddy-tee-shirtA man who’s always there for you… at least when all you need is money.Where to find him: Expensive restaurants, expensive boutiques, theater or opera, country clubs…

How to spot him: He will generally be slightly older than you are and from the first time you meet him, whatever you do: drinks, restaurant, movie… he buys.

How to seduce him: If you’re younger than him and pretty, he’s attracted. If you sound helpless and in needs, he’s hooked.

What’s the catch: Everything must sound pretty good on a woman’s perspective. Finally someone who’s taking care of her. If your only ambition in life is to look good and be carried around like a pretty object; go for it! Although, money rarely buys happiness and owning something that you actually worked and fought for is priceless.

Something a Sugar Daddy would say: “Oh honey, I know it’s so hard to choose between those 2 pairs of Manolo Blahnik. Why don’t you take both. Here’s my credit card.”

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Are you a Workaholic?

Saturday, August 1st, 2009

In my post It’s rating men, I promised a description of all those “mankind”…

Rating 6 on Little Audrey’s “scale”: the Workaholic!

workaholic manA man who’s life list starts with career and ends with relationships.

Where to find him: Business neighborhoods, networking events, in line for a to-go sandwich at the deli or a double-espresso at the coffee-shop.

How to spot him: Late night drinks at a center city bar: he’s still wearing his work suit and he’s only at his first drink.

How to seduce him: Ask his about his job, show him how impress you are by his career choice and tell him that a man whom succeeds turns you on.

What’s the catch: Last minute dinner plan cancellation due to conference-call with Taiwan, business trips around the world where you’re not invited, and a lot of time to hang out at night with your friends while he’s closing a deadline or entertaining clients.

Something a Commitment-phobe would say: “What do you think I’m doing? Do you think I’m playing? I’m doing my job!”

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