Decisions, decisions...It's my decision!

Part of being a polished woman is about making the right choices in life.  My mother can tell you that one of my favorite things to say when she or anyone questions or criticizes something I have done is: "It's my decison." 

I'm fairly good about making decisions and making them quickly, and I would venture to say that I usually make a good one. Although I have slipped up in BIG ways before, as we all do.  I have also come to find out that some people just can't make decisions. Some people can't make a decision to not make a decision. Here is a quotes I like about decisions:

Life is the sum of all your choices.  ~Albert Camus

A peacefulness follows any decision, even the wrong one.  ~Rita Mae Brown

When you have to make a choice and don't make it, that is in itself a choice.  ~William James

Let's talk about this important part of every day:  The average person according to USA Today makes 35,000!!! decisions each day. That's a lot of decision making going on. If what Mr. Albie  says is true, that life is the sum of all your choices, then what is my life thus far equal to?  Well, I am tempted to talk about what is not on the other side of the equation, but for now I will talk about what is. I have a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, a decent job, wonderful family, a loving boyfriend, obedient dog and a handful of good friends.  These are all things that I have acquired and developed over time in a positive way. Unfortunately, there are negative things on this side of the equation as well, but it's best not to dwell. 

The thing that I keep thinking is that whether we like it or not, everyday we make many choices about how to deal with the past, present and future. We can choose to ignore the past, enjoy the present and not worry about the future or we can dwell on the past, fuss over the present and be concerned about the future (my normal state!).  I'm sure there are several combinations and can change with any given day and mood, pick yours; it's you decision! 

My last observation (I am aware that this has been a post of incomplete observations) is that I find it absolutely amazing that so many people can  make seemingly HUGE decisions very quickly yet have the hardest time making the simplest decisions.  I have a friend that can absolutely never decide what she wants to eat for lunch until she finally just eats whatever the other person orders yet she jumped into a marriage very early and is now divorced.   

I think the best way to polish your day of decisions is to not sweat the small stuff, but be thoughtfully concerned over large choices. So yes, I do make the little decisions quickly. I don't spend a lot of time in the grocery store, the dressing room or running to my friends to seek their advice before I choose an outfit for a date (I have done this precisely once in my life).  But I do spend a lot of time on the big decisions that will have such a huge impact on what the other side of "Life =?" looks like down the road.   Without choices our lives would be boring, but be careful to proceed with caution since out of 35,000 choices each day you are bound to make a mistake.  Just hope its on just a little one!  But too all those none decision makers out there, the longer you wait to make a decision means that you keep coming across that decision each day adding to your list of 35,000 normal decisions.  It's best to just bite the bullet and jump in with both feet.  Once you make a choice that is a mistake, you can then make the choice to correct it!  

Camp Out of No Where

So last post I discussed how I was not a "camping girl" per se.  Although I went into the weekend with a very open mind, I have certainly decided that I am not that kind of girl for sure! I honestly tried, I did. I packed all the blankets, warm clothes, sleeping bag and emergency make-up kit.  I found out that I was trying to "rough it" more than anyone else! The other couples had generators, electric blankets and heaters! My boyfriend and I didn't have any of that and we won the best campers award!  I was totally prepared to eat packaged foods and s'mores for two days straight.  My friends actually brought the creme de la creme of camping gear complete with burners, grills, and prime steaks! So it was totally not as bad as I thought. All of this was perfectly fine with me, and as the polished girl that I am the biggest luxury I had was putting my makeup on with my quick-fix bag!

I know you are all dying to know what I could possibly have packed for quick-camping makeup! So here is a list of must haves:
1- Cleansing cloths: my dermatologist recommends the Olay for sensitive skin cleansing cloths and make-up remover.
2- Moisturizer with sunscreen: again my dermatologist recommends Olay Complete with SPF15
3- Colgate Wisps: these are great if you don't have running water or if you just ate onions/garlic at lunch and are headed back to the office for a client meeting!
4- Foundation: my favorite liquid is Teint Idole Ultra by Lancome. Run by your favorite make-up counter before a trip and ask for a ten day sample. I used to work at the make-up counter and we loved to give these away to good customers! Skip the mineral foundation since it takes several brushes and powder pots. Leave the fancy foundation brush behind and use your fingers; they still give medium to full coverage!
5- Powder: if you would like to forego the liquid, then use a foundation-powder like Lancome's Dual Finish or Estee Lauder's Double Matte Oil Control Powder for a soft look with full coverage.
6- Mascara: if you use nothing else, use mascara. If you are a make-up counter girl, then you have lots of mini-mascara's from the "Free Gift" times.  Save them and use for trips or stick in your purse in case you forget!
7- Color: bring a rosy colored eyeshadow that can double as blush!
8- Lip: gloss or chapstick, doesn't matter! Just make sure it has some SPF to protect.

It's so simple to take these 8 items and look fabulous even in the middle of the woods!  And even if you get silly comments about you being super girly, at least you know you will be super cute in all the photos!

Next time the boyfriend and I will being staying in a cabin and not a tent!