Instant Sigh.

I haz a sad.

We've covered the fact that I watch a ridiculous amount of TV, yes? Well, one of the shows that I watch WITHOUT FAIL is now over.

*pout*

Instant Star enjoyed four seasons of "Canadian Idol"-esque scripted drama. Basically, it was about this girl that won a talent competition when she was fifteen, and the ongoing drama of her career. Make fun of me. I don't care. I effing loved this show.

And since I loved it SO much, I HATE that it ended. And I HATE the WAY that it ended.

HATE.

But it's still worth watching. If you've never seen it, and you tend to like the same kind of TV that I do, see if you can catch some reruns. They are usually on the GAS channel, which is 350 if you have Cox cable.

Also, the girl who played the lead character (Alexz Johnson) actually sings all the songs, and her voice is rad. Of course, being me, I love me some musician drama. Especially when it involves this guy:

The brooding. The leather jacket. Tim Rozon, you know not what you do. Le sigh.

If you'll excuse me, I'm off to mourn the ending of such a fine television program.

(If I'm not back in a couple days, please send a search party. And perhaps some wine. And a sandwich.)

Questions, round two!

You asked, I answer. Here we go with round two of your questions!

Hollywood Sucker asked:

What do you do when you think you are totally alone that you worry a homeless Japanese woman living in your closet might see you do?
This question really freaked me out. I went and checked all the closets. Because while I'm not so worried about a homeless Japanese woman lurking about, you can never be so sure about someone else. Like Ashton Kutcher waiting to punk me, or something. Actually, that would be rad. I'd be all "Hey what's up Ashton?" and he'd be like "Not much, you?" and I'd be like "Eh, the usual. How's Demi? Ready for Social Security yet?" and he'd be all "That's kinda mean, yet funny and true!" and I'd be like "Yeah, I know. So, you're cute, let's be friends" and he'd be like "Ok cool Demi's harshing my mellow anyway" and I'd be like "Dude, old people do that to you!" and then we'd go get a beer.

But if Ashton wasn't in my closet, and it was some weird homeless Japanese woman? I'd be worried that she might see me change my underwear three times before I decide on a pair I like. Yes, I do that sometimes. Don't know why.

Girl Interrupted 1218 asked:

If you could live anywhere and had unlimited funds to do so where would you live?
Honestly, I would probably live exactly where I do. I love my neighborhood and my house. Of course, I'd remodel the hell out of it, but I don't think I'd leave. Visiting or vacationing, that's another story. If I had to pick somewhere else to live, I think I'd pick Maine. Random, yes, but I think Hubs would make a kickass lobster boat captain. He'd love it. And there's something about small town life that appeals to me. Of course, I've only ever lived in a big city, so I'd probably be completely culture shocked, but I'd give it a whirl. I'd probably just do a hell of a lot more internet shopping. Right?

JenBun wants to know:

Why ARE you so fabulous?
Ahh...the age-old question. Clearly.

I think fabulous is a state of mind. (And JenBun already knows me, so she can attest to this.)

I know what I want and I am not afraid of being myself. I am confident but not conceited. I like extravagance and to buy expensive things, but I'll also drink beer and eat popcorn while watching the game. I don't like to get dirty but I will work up a sweat dancing my ass off. I am independent and fiercely loyal. I don't cook but I can bake. I don't clean but I can knit. It's hard for me to apologize. I have more makeup than a drag queen. I spoil my pets like babies.

I try to be exactly who I am, all the time, no matter what. Because being true to yourself is fabulous.

Twentysomethingandclueless asked:

What's your biggest regret, and how would you do it over if you could?
I have no regrets. I think everything happens the way it's supposed to. Most people would probably say that they would erase the disaster also known as my first marriage, but I don't regret it. I loved my ex more than I thought I could ever love anyone, but I also learned a lot, especially about what I don't want, and I wouldn't have learned as much if it had happened differently. Looking back clouds your vision. It distorts memories, and rose-colored glasses are a bitch. I can't say I would change anything because I did what I thought I had to do. Hindsight isn't fair. It makes you doubt yourself.

How did you and Hubs meet? How did you know he was "The One"?
Hubs and I have actually known each other since we were little kids, we just didn't know each other that well. We went to school together since about the age of seven. Three years ago, we re-met at a bar that both of us frequented. That night, at the bar, I wasn't sure, since I knew a bunch of his friends, and the stigma attached to them. They were the bad boys, Italian and beautiful, with big smiles and deep pockets and occasionally loose morals. They wore gold chains, drove nice cars, and spoke to each other in a hybrid of Italian slang and English insults. They were charming, and dangerous. They would bar-fight on Saturday, and wake up to go to church in the morning. They loved their mothers, and blew through girlfriends like cigarettes. I grew up with these boys. I didn't think they could change.

Hubs is different. More sensitive, honest, insecure at times. He is a misfit among them. He drinks and trades insults, but he has one eye on the door. So I opened my mind, and after our first date, I would've married him. He waited 6 months, and then proposed. It felt like forever. Three years later, I feel like we've always been together. When you know, you just know.

I also changed my preconceived notion about his friends. Yes, there are always exceptions. But I've seen the loyalty, and the kindness. They are brothers, bonded by culture and history. And f*ck it, they're really fun.

Frank wants to know:

Do you like ice cream? And if so, what flavor?
Uhm...who doesn't? I like cookies n' cream. And mint chip. There's this fro-yo place by my house that has the most kickass raspberry tart flavor. Yummy!

brookem asked:

What is your favorite hairstyle to whip up? Your favorite cut? What's the best haircut you've ever done?
This is a really hard group of questions. I like to do all kinds of hair. I'll admit I'm probably partial to long layered styles, but short hair is fun too. I've been cutting a TON of bobs lately. I would say my favorite hairstyle to do is probably a long layered cut with a side swept bang. It's a very versatile style; you can curl it or wear it straight. I also like to cut guys hair. There's nothing like taking a ragamuffin guy who is WAY overdue for a haircut and cleaning him up so he looks like a totally different person.


Thanks for all of your questions! I still have a couple that are going to be separate posts, so keep your shorts on, I'm workin' on it!

Or take your shorts off. Whatevs.

Hot.

I love what I do. Seriously. Making people pretty is awesome.

(I mean, pretti-ER. Depending on the situation.)

I also love to give advice. Even when it's not solicited.

(Actually, probably especially when it's not. Wanna know what I think? Don't worry, I'll tell you.)

When you guys ask me hair questions, or recommendations, I feel really special. I also, clearly, like to buy things, and share my loot with you by telling you all about it and what I think.

Recently, I had my ego majorly stroked by the good folks at Misikko.com when they asked me to review the new FHI Platform Flat Iron.

Now, the common misconception about flat irons is that they are only for girls, and only to straighten hair. That's not true.

You can flip and curl your hair with a flat iron just as easily as you can straighten it. In fact, I sometimes like to curl my hair with my flat iron more than with a curling iron because you get a more natural look, rather than typical perfect curls.

Guys love flat irons too. (Straight guys, even!!) They can help you achieve an edgier look with less product. If you flat iron the hair, it'll stand up with less gel, and give you a more natural look. Like this guy:

So here's what I like about the new FHI flat iron:

• It heats up fast. Really fast. Perfect for you if you have a short attention span. Like me.
• The heat setting is adjustable, so it's easier to work with if you're unfamiliar and worried about damaging your hair.
• The swivel cord makes it really easy to work around and not get tangled up.
• The hair is super shiny when you're done. Soooo pretty.
• The fact that it's 1" makes it maneuverable and easy to flip and curl your hair.

Here's what I'm not quite sure about:

• The adjustable heat setting is new to me, and as a seasoned flat iron user, I don't find it necessary. The hotter the better, in my opinion.
• It advertises as able to work on damp hair, but I feel like the shine factor is not as good in the final result. FYI: I don't think you should flat iron damp hair, period. It's a very possible recipe for disaster.

All in all, I'm very pleased with it, and my clients love the results. It's definitely a professional product, so expect to pay a professional-tool price, but I think it's worth it.

(You can't put a price on beauty. I mean...you CAN...but it's totally obvious.)

Your questions answered, round one.

You guys are awesome question askers. Since I got around 20 altogether, I decided to do two installments, plus two separate posts for questions that were more story-esque, therefore necessitating their very own section.

Ready? Heeeeeere we go!

Katelin had three questions. She asked:

What is your favorite movie ever?
Oooh...that one is really hard. I think...ever ever ever? Can't say. Probably a three way tie between The Princess Bride, Steel Magnolias, and The Notebook. Yes, I'm incredibly sappy.

If you had an all expense paid trip anywhere you wanted to go, where would it be?
Italy. For sure. I'd love to spend a month there, drinking wine, seeing the palazzos, soaking up the culture. (And by culture, I mean couture. Clearly.)

Where is the craziest place you've ever hooked up with someone?
Heh. Uhm...in a movie theatre. And that's all I'm saying.

Vanessa asked:

How many tattoos do you have and what inspired them?
I have 4 tattoos. Actually, one is a cover up, so technically I have five. The sad part is, I only really LOVE two of them. The first three I got at 18. My very first one was a little star on my right shoulder blade. I was happy with it, because I love stars, but then I noticed it was a little lopsided, so I ended up getting it covered with a Jap Anime go-go fairy with butterfly wings. The artist actually drew it just for me, so it's original. It's not that bad, but I just don't love it anymore. She's cute, I guess. Eh. Then I have the requisite tramp stamp of a tribal butterfly on my lower back. (Keep in mind, this was all at 18. Because I'm an idiot.) Again, drawn for me. No flash tattoos for this girl. I just wish I knew then about quality tattooing, because while the tattoo guy wasn't bad, he wasn't amazing. I guess I don't think much about the ones on my back anymore because I've had them for almost 10 years, and I don't see them everyday.

A couple years afterward, I had a new tattoo guy touch up the fairy, and he's amazing. It really improved her. So when I was 23, I decided to get my first star on my right wrist. I really missed having the little star on my back, but I decided to go big or go home. I still loved it a year later, so I got a complimentary one on my other wrist. My tattoo guy put his spin on it, and 3 years later, I still get tons of compliments on them.

Chris asked:

Would you rather hang out with Christopher Columbus or Aquaman, and why?
Count on Chris to ask me a random ass question like this. Okay, lemme break it down for you. Both of them pretty much suck. It used to be that everyone thought Christopher Columbus was this great guy, and then we find out that he didn't even really discover America, and that he was kind of an asshole to boot. The Italians don't even want to claim him anymore. (But there's still a big festival every year. I mean, any excuse to eat a bunch of food and drink grappa, right?)

Then there's Aquaman. Yeah, he's a comic book "superhero" but his powers are kinda wussy. Big deal, he's a good swimmer. In my opinion, he's a glorified merman. However, he has a great body, and far be it for me to overlook a six-pack. (Of muscles, I mean. Or of beer. Whatevs.) But what if he smells like a fish? Hmm.

So my answer is...Aquaman. But only if it's Vincent Chase (aka Adrian Grenier) from Entourage.

Playful Professional asked:

How did you come up with your blog design? What inspired you?
I cannot take much credit for the blog design. I contracted Jess from Delicious Design Studio, and I basically told her "make it fabulous!" Just kidding. I actually told her I wanted something pink and black, with a kind of retro glam vibe. I also sent her a couple pictures of myself so she could see what I was like. And this is what she came up with! She's really great. I highly recommend her!

Sequined asked:

What's one totally random goal that you have, and why?
This is a really good question. I have lots of goals. I mean, I think most people do. We set little ones for ourselves every day. But a random one...well...I guess it would be to go to Prince Edward Island in Canada and see where they filmed Anne of Green Gables. Because I love those books, and when I was younger I kind of wanted to BE Anne. (You know, minus the whole orphan thing. And the part where she dyes her hair green and has to chop it all off.)

What outfit do you feel most confident in and why?
I think most days it just depends on my mood. Usually, I wear a lot of black. So I will say probably this great black tunic-y shirt I have that shows just the right amount of cleavage, my favorite worn-in jeans, and black leather peep-toe wedges. I like wearing those particular shoes because they show off my signature toenail paint, Malaga Wine by OPI. And I cannot forget, my big silver hoop earrings. Another signature.

Yay! That was fun. Stay tuned!

Feelin' it. Kinda.

Thank you guys so much for submitting some really interesting questions!! (And keep 'em coming! I'm answering the first set on Monday!)

In all reality, I could probably write an entire post based on each one, but I will refrain.

Anywho, in the meantime, let's talk about something else.

Every once in awhile I get really happy with my life. Things are going well, work is good, I haven't had an overly strong urge to dropkick Hubs out an open window...and then I think to myself "Wow, I'm happy!" aaaaaaaand The Crazy sets in.

The Crazy can kick rocks. Seriously.

I'm not sure what part of me feels like I don't deserve to be happy. Or why, for that matter.

My past sins, while they are legion, aren't really anything out of the ordinary. I mean, I've never sacrificed children for Satan, shoplifted, or worn orange lipstick. I've made mistakes, of course, but hasn't everyone? And I always had the best intentions.

(Except, perhaps, when I stole a few boyfriends here and there. But really, my philosophy has always been that you can't lose something that didn't belong to you in the first place.)

(Plus, karma has already kicked my ass for that. So I think we're square.)

But the thoughts that come into your head late at night while your sometimes-too-good-to-be-true husband snores next to you...well...they can't always be justified away.

I've written before about how I tend to be slightly obsessive. So when an idea gets into my head, sometimes it's hard to shake.

Trying to shake the feeling of the other shoe about to drop is hard. Really hard.

It's also hard to try and wrap my mind around the fact that I do deserve everything I have, because I worked hard for it and tried my damnedest to be a good person. (Aside from the boyfriend stealing, of course. Bygones.)

So I stuff The Crazy back into that little hole in my brain, and hope it doesn't pop out again anytime soon. Which is futile, I know.

But it helps to write about it in my blog. And it helps to enjoy everything I have, every day, and not take it for granted. And it helps to know that it is JUST THE CRAZY, and not actually reality.

I think we make choices in life every day, and those choices shape our futures. But I also think that everything happens the way it's supposed to, and that we learn from every experience. (I learned that stealing other people's boyfriends will eventually cause the theft of your own.)

So while I abhor The Crazy, part of me appreciates that it really makes me more grateful for what I have, because I'm hyper-aware of what I have to lose.

You could say that we have a love/hate relationship. You know, like keep your friends close and your enemies closer? I have to keep a close eye on The Crazy.

(Seriously. That bitch is tricky.)

Brainfart.

Even though I've been blogging less than a year, I can still relate to all of the highs and lows described by the more seasoned blogging veterans.

Sometimes...there's just not much to say.

Yeah, I could tell you what I had for lunch, what I bought at the mall, or what shows I watched on TV...but I usually try to strive for more substance than that.

(I mean, except when I'm obsessively talking about reality TV. Then, you just have to suffer through it and hope that eventually I'll shut up.)

So, here's where I ask for your help: Get me out of my funk.

What have you always wanted to know about Tia? Your questions answered, right here. So submit them in the comments, email me, or light up the Bat Signal, and I'll do my best to answer them.

(Unless I don't want to. But I probably will.)

And if this idea is lame or boring, because I know everyone in the world has already done this, then I'm sorry, but I need a little boost to get me back into blog mode.

(By the way, if this doesn't work out, and only like 2 people submit questions? Yeah, I've probably got three or four ENTIRE POSTS worth of So You Think You Can Dance or Legally Blonde: The Search for the next Elle Woods material all ready to go.)

(So save yourself. Ask away.)

Gaily ever after.

I've been a bit out of the blogging loop lately.

(As in, my Google Reader was at approximately 25o. But I'm caught up now.)

It's not that I haven't had anything to say. I just haven't been sure how to say it.

The other day, the lovely Molly talked a bit about gay marriage. Because she's rad.

Obviously, anyone who knows me even a tiny bit knows that I might actually be one-half gay man.

(At least, that's what BFF main gay Andrew says.)

(And you can't argue with him. He's too fabulous.)

I would assume that it's clear I think that homosexual couples should have every and all rights that are afforded to straight couples. Because obviously, I do. It's as simple as that.

It disappoints me down to my core that people put gay marriage into the same category as incest, pedophilia, and even, bestiality. I mean...seriously? I'm so tired of hearing some ignorant asshole say "If we let the homos marry each other, what's next? Marrying a goat? Kissing cousins? Those sick bastards will be after our kids if we don't watch out!"

(Yes, I've actually heard MULTIPLE idiots express these sentiments. And I've mentally kicked them all in the shins. And criticized their outfits.)

(Because, yeah, being gay is SO THE GATEWAY to goat-sex, marrying your relatives, and being a big child-molesting pervert. Dumbasses.)

I thought for awhile about what I would say in this post. I wasn't even sure I'd write it. But then, today, driving through my neighborhood, which is adjacent to (and pretty much seamlessly melds with) the most tolerant, diverse, and gay-rific neighborhood in this city, I saw something that made my heart ache, just a little.

Spray painted on the side of a construction site, standing alone with no other graffiti daring to take away it's significance, were the words:

LEGALIZE LOVE.

And I knew, right then, that this is what it is all about. Love.

The heart wants what it wants. And not only are we not equipped with the omniscient knowledge to then judge others, we've also no right to deny the heart it's desire. And that desire, for so many, is to have their love recognized, just like everyone else.

I'm so tired of all the arguments. They have no merit. Nothing ruins the sanctity of marriage more than divorce.

(Trust me, I'm part of the statistic.)

There is not enough love in this world. There is no reason that two consenting adults who aren't related to each other can't have the validation of marriage, if they want it. They've waited long enough. Too long.

And clearly, everything the gays touch turns to gold. Marriage should be so lucky.

So, if you'll excuse me, I need to go check my closet and whip up a few outfits. Time to dust off the dancing stilettos and bust out the big hair...I have a feeling I'll be attending a few ultra-fabulous gay weddings this summer.

Thanks for coming to your senses, California. It's about effing time.