This cover of Nivana's 'Heart-Shaped Box' will blow your mind.
X-Men: Days of Future Past Official Trailer 2
Really loving these totally funky necklaces.
Scientists find treatment to kill every kind of cancer tumor
Love this simple outfit!
A 4 year old and her bulldog.
DIY Traveling Vanity! So neat!
'Paper Towns' is going to be made into a movie! Fingers crossed that they actually film it in Orlando.
I just can't even believe this is something we have to fight for.
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Friday, March 28, 2014
Dustin Says
Photo taken October 2012 overlooking downtown Pittsburgh.
I'm high on life and prescription heart medication.
The question is how are YOU going to feel? Because I'm not going to feel anything.
Dustin: Your little brown boots look like the same ones Link wore.
Me: Umm...thanks?
Dustin: It's a compliment!
Me: You can never escape me.
Dustin: I know. You're like the plague.
How am I such a terrible person but great at giving a good person advice?
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Journal Day #6: Motivation
Everyone has different things that keep them going. Sometimes it's the people around us, other times it might be what's waiting for us on the other side of hard work. Whatever it may be, there's usually some sort of motivation to get up every day, get things done, or maybe even go the extra mile. With that said, what would you say is your biggest motivation in life? Has it always been this way? via Sometimes Sweet
I've always been a pretty motivated person. When I want something, I go after it. I like accomplishing things whether it be as small as a load of laundry to completing a huge art project. It gives me a natural high. It just feels good. I like being able to mentally check things off a list. For some reason, that brings me so much satisfaction.
As motivated as I am naturally, I still need cheerleaders. I love that I married someone who is so supportive and truly my biggest fan. I push myself but when things get tough or I feel like giving up, Dustin is there with the extra nudge, or if I'm being honest, sometimes the push that I need. My close friends are the same way. They each bring their own unique support to the table and it helps me to keep striving for things that I want out of life. Because no matter how motivated someone is, I feel like it's always nice to have at least one person in your corner. I feel lucky that I have a handful.
I've also found that what really keeps me going is always having something to look forward to. It helps me get through those blah days when I've got dinner with so-and-so on Wednesday or that super fun vacation in two months. And every single day I look forward to coming home to Dustin. It's really so important to me to have countdowns to events no matter how big or small. I know the saying is something like "live for today, tomorrow isn't promised" but looking to the future in some kind of way just feels good. I'm constantly struggling to have a good balance of past, present, and future but I think I'm getting close to mastering it. I've just realized over my life that planning little things in the future help keep me excited in the present and then when the moment comes to pass I get to look back on a wonderful memory. Hope is a beautiful and powerful motivator. I know this way of thinking or doing isn't for everyone but it is for me. And at the end of the day we all have to do this whole life thing our own little way.
I've always been a pretty motivated person. When I want something, I go after it. I like accomplishing things whether it be as small as a load of laundry to completing a huge art project. It gives me a natural high. It just feels good. I like being able to mentally check things off a list. For some reason, that brings me so much satisfaction.
As motivated as I am naturally, I still need cheerleaders. I love that I married someone who is so supportive and truly my biggest fan. I push myself but when things get tough or I feel like giving up, Dustin is there with the extra nudge, or if I'm being honest, sometimes the push that I need. My close friends are the same way. They each bring their own unique support to the table and it helps me to keep striving for things that I want out of life. Because no matter how motivated someone is, I feel like it's always nice to have at least one person in your corner. I feel lucky that I have a handful.
I've also found that what really keeps me going is always having something to look forward to. It helps me get through those blah days when I've got dinner with so-and-so on Wednesday or that super fun vacation in two months. And every single day I look forward to coming home to Dustin. It's really so important to me to have countdowns to events no matter how big or small. I know the saying is something like "live for today, tomorrow isn't promised" but looking to the future in some kind of way just feels good. I'm constantly struggling to have a good balance of past, present, and future but I think I'm getting close to mastering it. I've just realized over my life that planning little things in the future help keep me excited in the present and then when the moment comes to pass I get to look back on a wonderful memory. Hope is a beautiful and powerful motivator. I know this way of thinking or doing isn't for everyone but it is for me. And at the end of the day we all have to do this whole life thing our own little way.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
A Kind Of Sort Of Movie Review
Over the last week Dustin and I have managed to watch 4 new(ish) movies. I'm so happy that he shares the same love for movies as I do. We hate going out anywhere after work. We don't like to go-go-go all the time. We are both homebodies through and through. Some of my favorite memories are holding his hand in a dark theater or cuddling up together on our couch watching a great movie. To us, it's always the simplest of times that are the best. Fuck the hustle and bustle. Slow down and just relax.
I remember first seeing the preview for this movie and not really knowing what to make of it. I wasn't dying to see it until everyone started talking about how great it was. So Dustin rented it off Xbox. It was way better than I was expecting. For one thing, I wasn't expecting it to be so funny. Like really funny. Jennifer Lawrence was especially fantastic. The 70s weren't exactly my favorite time in history when it comes to trends but this movie had me wanting to put curlers in my hair and wear big ol' bug eyed glasses. Aside from all the fashion, the story in itself was good. I was never quite sure who was conning who and by the end of it I was happy to see how it had all worked out. Good stuff!
I never saw one preview for this movie. It was like all of a sudden it fell out of no where and became the biggest animated movie of the year. All I ever saw on Tumblr/Vine/FB were references to it. All I ever heard were people singing that damn song "Let It Go". I wanted to hate it even though I had never seen it. So last Thursday after a hellish day Dustin suggested we watch it. So we did. And of course we both LOVED it. I mean I could never hate this movie because it's just so cute and funny and amazing. I loved that it was a true Disney movie in that there were multiple songs throughout. I loved that it was more about sisterly love than romantic love. And how great was Olaf aka the snowman? He goes down as one of my favorite Disney characters of all time. Am I the last person to find out that Kristen Bell actually sings?! I had no idea. Also, there's a fan theory that Frozen, Tangled, and The Little Mermaid are all related. I don't know if it's true but I kind of want to believe it is. This movie definitely lived up to the hype.
Dustin and I have been so anxious to see this movie. We adore everything that Wes Anderson has ever made. He's a film genius. Since his movies are considered "indie" they don't come out in theaters like regular bigger movies. I thought we'd have to go see it at the Enzian like we did for Moonrise Kingdom. I kept checking their website and Facebook for news but nothing. Dustin read online that it was to be released 3/21 to more cities. So I set up a Fandango reminder to let me know when it was playing in Orlando. I was so excited when I got the little alert that it was playing at the Winter Park Village. I immediately bought us tickets for the very first showing on Saturday morning. We got there earlier than usual because Dustin thought it might sell out. Let's just say it DID NOT sell out (at least not the 10:15 showing). There was an issue with the projector and the movie started and stopped just as fast. Thankfully it only took them 15 minutes to get it up and running for real this time. First of all Ralph Fiennes (aka Voldemort) was superb. Just perfect. As was the entire cast, but I really saw him in a whole new way which I loved. The movie has several layers and time frames and many many different characters. I thought it might be hard to keep it all straight but it really wasn't. The whole film was like watching a true piece of art. I mean, the sets and costumes are incredible. Like all Anderson movies, it was like watching the loveliest of dreams. It left me wanting to get a room at the Budapest and stop by Mendl's for something sweet. I love Wes Anderson's humor. I also loved how adventurous this movie was. Needless to say, Dustin and I loved it as we knew we would.
I don't really know how to put this movie into words. I liked it, I do know that much. I liked seeing this man fuck up and keep on going over and over again. I liked the whole feel of the early 60s folk scene. And I really loved the cat. My biggest complaint was Justin Timberlake was in it. I just don't like him as an actor (or a singer for that matter).
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Up Up and Away
I'm about to go to bed even though I probably won't get any sleep due to the excitement I am currently experiencing. Our vacation has technically already begun because the work day is over but it doesn't really start until we get to the airport. Then it will all feel real. According to weather.com it supposedly snowed today in Pittsburgh! Yeah, snow in March. What. Is. Going. On?! It's supposed to be in the thirties tomorrow and then "warm" up to the 50s for the rest of our stay. I can totally do 50s. I am the sweater queen - behind Felicity that is. I also wanted to let all of my 5 readers know that I have scheduled posts for each day I'm gone. It was just one of those times where I had a lot to blog about and didn't see any point in waiting to post it when I got back. So enjoy those while I'm gone. I'll be back next week posting about our trip.
These are some of the outfits I have picked out for various days/events of our trip. I just up and decided to become a wannabe fashion blogger apparently. Ha! I really did it because I needed to visualize what each day would look like. I hate overpacking! Dustin saw me taking these pictures and just gave me one of those looks like I was crazy. Oh well!
These are some of the outfits I have picked out for various days/events of our trip. I just up and decided to become a wannabe fashion blogger apparently. Ha! I really did it because I needed to visualize what each day would look like. I hate overpacking! Dustin saw me taking these pictures and just gave me one of those looks like I was crazy. Oh well!
This Week In Photos
New $10 shirt from H&M. Dustin said I looked like Oblina from Aaahh! Real Monsters. HA! // I listened to Brand New while cleaning both of our cars. It's only been a week and a nice layer of pollen has graced both of our hoods. Ugh!
A photo from the day we celebrated our anniversary. It's so simple yet I feel captures so much.
Pat and Sam came over last Saturday for a lovely game of Card Against Humanity. I'm still cracking up over "dick fingers". HAHA! // I usually check our mail every single day because that's just one of my weird quirks. The ONE day I didn't check it we had FIVE cards arrive. I was so surprised that our family not only remembered our anniversary but went out of their way to send us a sweet card.
Monday, March 24, 2014
Thrice the Rants
I've had a few rant-worthy topics on my mind recently and what better place to get it all out than right here.
SPOILERS
It annoys me to no end when people get mad about spoilers. I'm talking about mainly TV show spoilers. If I choose to DVR a show (for whatever reason) over watching it live then I fully accept and expect that I might see something on the internet, TV, or in an article referring to that specific episode. And I'm totally fine with that. That's what I chose so those are the consequences. I don't get angry about spoilers ever. I don't go looking for them but if I stumble upon them then OK. No big deal. But there is a group of individuals that we are all friends with on various social media that FREAK OUT. I mean the only way to not have a show spoiled is to watch it right when it comes on. Or stay off the internet until you watch it. It's that simple.
On the other side, I don't go tweeting or texting about pivotal plot points if I am watching a show live. But some people like to live tweet that kind of stuff and they have every right to. It's not like any of us are forced to follow someone on social media. I just don't get what all the huff and puff is about because EVEN if I know about a scene or event in a show before I watch it, it doesn't change my experience. If it's sad, I'll still cry. If it's crazy, I'll still be shocked - wide eyes and all. I still feel all the emotions and enjoy the story. But I guess that's just me.
This also applies to books (especially books that are turned into movies).
TEEN SPENDING
I read an article this week on MSN regarding what teenagers are expected to pay for once they start earning their own money. Read it here. I also read the comments of that article. It's been something on my mind ever since. No, I don't have children and I don't plan to. But I was a teenager once so I do feel like I can weigh in on the topic.
I was never forced to get a job by my parents. My dad told me if I wanted a car I would be responsible for the insurance and gas. That was plenty of incentive for me to start working. So I did. I got a job 4 months after turning 16. Then I got my car soon after. I paid for every single insurance payment and gas on my own. My dad helped out when there was a major repair but that was it. I didn't have a ton of extra money after my car expenses but any I did was mine to spend (or save) however I wanted. It usually went toward extra food (the stuff not in my house) or extra clothes (since I only ever got new clothes at the beginning of the school year and at Christmas). About a year later I got a cell phone that I paid for myself. I also was responsible for half of the bill since I had to be on my mom's plan. I always thought this was reasonable. It taught me that hard work pays off. It taught me how to budget. It taught me responsibility. My parents may have failed me in many ways but they got this one right. Sure it was tough but it really paid off. I appreciate the things MY money is able to buy even to this day.
I think it's ridiculous for parents to pay for cell phones (especially smart phones) after a teenager reaches 16 and is able to get a part-time job. I think it's even more ridiculous for a parent to pay car payments, car insurance, and gas for teens as well. And if for whatever reason they can't get a job then they should at the very least have a list of chores and a deadline to get them done. The whole point of parenting is to prepare these young people for the real world and being responsible and learning the value of money plays a huge part in life as an adult. Parents who pay for every little non-essential (cell phones and cars are not a necessity!) really do their kids a disservice.
I think I read in the comments of the article something along the lines of "kids these days are so spoiled" and although I believe it's true, I also believe every generation has "spoiled kids". I remember going to the mall with people in middle school and their parents would give them multiple $20 bills. I remember knowing kids in high school that had their own credit card that their parents paid for. There will always be the kids who get everything for doing nothing. That's just life.
MERGE ASSHOLE
One of my biggest pet peeves is people who don't or won't merge correctly on the highway. I probably have damaged Dustin's ear drums because every day while I'm either driving to or from work while talking to him, I'm also yelling profanities at the idiot mergers.
Every morning I hop on the same ramp to get on I-4. And every morning I put my turn signal on immediately and merge into the next lane as soon as it's safe to do so. I know the lane ends therefore I try and get over right away. COMMON SENSE. Every other car likes to try and pass as many cars as they can before the lane ends which causes the cars in the lane they are merging into to slam on their brakes. This happens every fucking morning. It pisses me off that these people are so damn selfish. We are all trying to go where we need to as quickly and safely as possible. Why be a dick about it? Is passing 3 extra cars really going to make a difference? Is it worth almost causing an accident? NO NO NO.
SPOILERS
It annoys me to no end when people get mad about spoilers. I'm talking about mainly TV show spoilers. If I choose to DVR a show (for whatever reason) over watching it live then I fully accept and expect that I might see something on the internet, TV, or in an article referring to that specific episode. And I'm totally fine with that. That's what I chose so those are the consequences. I don't get angry about spoilers ever. I don't go looking for them but if I stumble upon them then OK. No big deal. But there is a group of individuals that we are all friends with on various social media that FREAK OUT. I mean the only way to not have a show spoiled is to watch it right when it comes on. Or stay off the internet until you watch it. It's that simple.
On the other side, I don't go tweeting or texting about pivotal plot points if I am watching a show live. But some people like to live tweet that kind of stuff and they have every right to. It's not like any of us are forced to follow someone on social media. I just don't get what all the huff and puff is about because EVEN if I know about a scene or event in a show before I watch it, it doesn't change my experience. If it's sad, I'll still cry. If it's crazy, I'll still be shocked - wide eyes and all. I still feel all the emotions and enjoy the story. But I guess that's just me.
This also applies to books (especially books that are turned into movies).
TEEN SPENDING
I read an article this week on MSN regarding what teenagers are expected to pay for once they start earning their own money. Read it here. I also read the comments of that article. It's been something on my mind ever since. No, I don't have children and I don't plan to. But I was a teenager once so I do feel like I can weigh in on the topic.
I was never forced to get a job by my parents. My dad told me if I wanted a car I would be responsible for the insurance and gas. That was plenty of incentive for me to start working. So I did. I got a job 4 months after turning 16. Then I got my car soon after. I paid for every single insurance payment and gas on my own. My dad helped out when there was a major repair but that was it. I didn't have a ton of extra money after my car expenses but any I did was mine to spend (or save) however I wanted. It usually went toward extra food (the stuff not in my house) or extra clothes (since I only ever got new clothes at the beginning of the school year and at Christmas). About a year later I got a cell phone that I paid for myself. I also was responsible for half of the bill since I had to be on my mom's plan. I always thought this was reasonable. It taught me that hard work pays off. It taught me how to budget. It taught me responsibility. My parents may have failed me in many ways but they got this one right. Sure it was tough but it really paid off. I appreciate the things MY money is able to buy even to this day.
I think it's ridiculous for parents to pay for cell phones (especially smart phones) after a teenager reaches 16 and is able to get a part-time job. I think it's even more ridiculous for a parent to pay car payments, car insurance, and gas for teens as well. And if for whatever reason they can't get a job then they should at the very least have a list of chores and a deadline to get them done. The whole point of parenting is to prepare these young people for the real world and being responsible and learning the value of money plays a huge part in life as an adult. Parents who pay for every little non-essential (cell phones and cars are not a necessity!) really do their kids a disservice.
I think I read in the comments of the article something along the lines of "kids these days are so spoiled" and although I believe it's true, I also believe every generation has "spoiled kids". I remember going to the mall with people in middle school and their parents would give them multiple $20 bills. I remember knowing kids in high school that had their own credit card that their parents paid for. There will always be the kids who get everything for doing nothing. That's just life.
MERGE ASSHOLE
One of my biggest pet peeves is people who don't or won't merge correctly on the highway. I probably have damaged Dustin's ear drums because every day while I'm either driving to or from work while talking to him, I'm also yelling profanities at the idiot mergers.
Every morning I hop on the same ramp to get on I-4. And every morning I put my turn signal on immediately and merge into the next lane as soon as it's safe to do so. I know the lane ends therefore I try and get over right away. COMMON SENSE. Every other car likes to try and pass as many cars as they can before the lane ends which causes the cars in the lane they are merging into to slam on their brakes. This happens every fucking morning. It pisses me off that these people are so damn selfish. We are all trying to go where we need to as quickly and safely as possible. Why be a dick about it? Is passing 3 extra cars really going to make a difference? Is it worth almost causing an accident? NO NO NO.
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Found
Everly's Cooking Show - Episode 2
The Giver trailer
Bill Maher on religion. ON POINT!
44 Facts About United States Presidents That Will Blow Your Mind.
The surprise of this band is so genuine.
Crisis Mode: America's Friendships Very interesting and really sad. I am now all over Lifeboat for friendship articles and what not.
LOST had their 10 year anniversary. We have to go back!
The craziest make-under.
It Happened To Me: I Was Slut Shamed In My Wedding Dress
First Gay Hug (A Homophobic Experiment)
Scary shit. Another reason to not bring a child into the world?
This hockey bud gets his wish.
The cutest commercial ever.
Gellar, Rogen, and Franco are awesome.
The Giver trailer
Bill Maher on religion. ON POINT!
44 Facts About United States Presidents That Will Blow Your Mind.
The surprise of this band is so genuine.
Crisis Mode: America's Friendships Very interesting and really sad. I am now all over Lifeboat for friendship articles and what not.
LOST had their 10 year anniversary. We have to go back!
The craziest make-under.
It Happened To Me: I Was Slut Shamed In My Wedding Dress
First Gay Hug (A Homophobic Experiment)
Scary shit. Another reason to not bring a child into the world?
This hockey bud gets his wish.
The cutest commercial ever.
Gellar, Rogen, and Franco are awesome.
Friday, March 21, 2014
Journal Day #5: Daily Challenge
I didn't participate in last week's journal prompt but you can read Danielle's prompt and response here.
We all encounter challenges on a daily basis. You may consider yours something small, like having enough time in the day to accomplish everything you set out to do, or it may be a bit bigger- perhaps something you have to overcome mentally or emotionally, or even a struggle when dealing with a difficult person. Whatever the case, take a look at your daily life- what would you say is your biggest challenge? Or if you have a past struggle you were able to overcome, how did you do it? This week, write about a challenge you currently deal with on a day to day basis, or discuss one you managed to get past. via SometimesSweet
The first challenge that comes to mind is something I can't really discuss publicly so I'll go with the second thing that comes to mind. In going with same theme of Danielle's response about positivity, my biggest daily challenge as of late is to not let something negative (whether small or big) ruin my entire day. I hate to admit it but this has happened quite often recently. When I sit back and think about it logically it is just so ridiculous and silly to let one event, action, or conversation ruin an entire 24 hour period. I think the problem is that I feel pushed to my limit these past few months so every emotion is heightened. Not that I'm trying to blame my behavior on something because I fully take responsibility for it but I haven't always been like this either. I tend to react to everything emotionally instead of taking a more logical approach. Yesterday was a really rough day for me. I could have just thrown in the towel the minute I walked through the door. But instead I cried for abit awhile, talked to Dustin, and then we hung out with Anna, Elsa, and Olaf while eating pizza. I tried my hardest not to waste or ruin the rest of the night just because one thing had happened that afternoon. It's something that I think I can overcome with time but it's damn hard. Dustin is a great cheerleader and always has so many positive and encouraging words for me. He really helps me to not get so wrapped up in the negative and to focus on the positive. Negativity will always exist. Bad things are always going to happen. Disappointments and frustrations are just part of life. But I have a choice in how I react to them and now that I realize that more than ever, I'm going to work hard at it.
We all encounter challenges on a daily basis. You may consider yours something small, like having enough time in the day to accomplish everything you set out to do, or it may be a bit bigger- perhaps something you have to overcome mentally or emotionally, or even a struggle when dealing with a difficult person. Whatever the case, take a look at your daily life- what would you say is your biggest challenge? Or if you have a past struggle you were able to overcome, how did you do it? This week, write about a challenge you currently deal with on a day to day basis, or discuss one you managed to get past. via SometimesSweet
The first challenge that comes to mind is something I can't really discuss publicly so I'll go with the second thing that comes to mind. In going with same theme of Danielle's response about positivity, my biggest daily challenge as of late is to not let something negative (whether small or big) ruin my entire day. I hate to admit it but this has happened quite often recently. When I sit back and think about it logically it is just so ridiculous and silly to let one event, action, or conversation ruin an entire 24 hour period. I think the problem is that I feel pushed to my limit these past few months so every emotion is heightened. Not that I'm trying to blame my behavior on something because I fully take responsibility for it but I haven't always been like this either. I tend to react to everything emotionally instead of taking a more logical approach. Yesterday was a really rough day for me. I could have just thrown in the towel the minute I walked through the door. But instead I cried for a
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Random Bits From My Former Self
As a blogger, I sometimes get stuck about what I should post next. I really love the weeks where I have so much going on inside my head that I never really have to think about it. I just open up a new post and go at it. But I really dread the weeks where I feel kind of blank. I'm currently having a blank week. I am always jotting down stuff in my notes section of my iPhone. It's how I keep track of all of Dustin's hilarious quotes and how I remember what I need to pick up at the store. It's where I keep ideas or where I keep track of a band or website a friend mentioned. It's a catchall of information. I recently came across a list I made a while back of weird things I remember about myself as a child. I can't remember why I even started it but I'm sure something must of triggered it. Maybe I meant to write a blog post about it all along. Who knows! But since I don't really have a whole lot to say this week I figured I'd write about some of these things.
My grandparent's (old) house sits on a lake. Across the lake used to be a Navy base. It was like this up until I was in high school and then they tore it down and Baldwin Park was born. Well, every Fourth of July the Navy Base would set off fireworks. So of course all of the lake residents would sit out in their backyards or on their docks to watch. I have been told by my mom and several other relatives that when I was four(ish) I got really scared of the loud noise the fireworks made. So my mom told me that Alf was the one setting them off in hopes to make me less afraid. I was obsessed with Alf when I was little. I watched the show, wore t-shirts and even had a Alf sleeping bag. So being told that Alf was what was the one making the sky go boom totally worked. Kids will believe anything. Ha!
When I was a kid, I used to think women HAD to be shorter and younger than men if they were in a romantic relationship. Umm what?! It's always so interesting and funny to view the world from a child's perspective.
I was never big into Barbie's. I had a few but I mostly liked regular dolls and stuffed animals. I had so many that I filled the entire bottom portion of a huge built in shelf that was in my old room. I of course couldn't fit them all in my bed every night so I made a rotation schedule. Yeah, a rotation schedule for STUFFED ANIMALS. I thought that if I chose a favorite then the others would get jealous. So my little 7 or 8 year old brain came up with a solution. Each night I slept with a different one. I think this lasted for a couple years.
I used to cry (almost) every single time I got an answer wrong in class from the time I was in first to fifth grade. My mom remembers my first grade teacher calling her to talk about it. I wouldn't sob uncontrollably or anything but any time I was brave enough to raise my hand or called on randomly by a teacher and answered incorrectly, I felt my eyes fill with tears. This sounds so silly but I've just always been emotional. I also think at the time I was scared that all the other kids would think I was stupid for not knowing. I mean, I was a kid, in school - of course I didn't know everything! I really wish I hadn't been so hard on myself.
The imagination of a child is incredible. I remember coming up with all kinds of things to play with my friends from "Saved By The Bell" (where we all fought hard to be Kelly) and "house" (where we made floor plans out of dirt and sticks). But something I came up with on my own was "screenwriter". I didn't even know that was the official term at the time but I remember trying to write scripts. I loved coming up with characters (especially getting to choose their names) and an overall story. I never really got much further than that. I would maybe write a few pages of "script" in a spiral notebook and then start a new story. I now understand why I love the Sims so much!
I'm pretty sure it's impossible to escape childhood without some kind of nickname. I had a few that relatives and friends would call me (ex: Smashley, Ash) that I liked. But I had a few that random idiot kids would call me for a good laugh. One kid in elementary school who will remain nameless used to call me Ashtray. Isn't that cute and creative? Except not. I also got called Bugs Bunny thanks to my giant front teeth. I was probably one of very few kids who actually begged for braces. Everyone especially my teachers had a hard time pronouncing my maiden name. It's kind of unusual but it sounds exactly how it's spelled. I would get called Ashley Slayer a lot. So much so that kids would even joke that my name should be Buffy instead.
*
My grandparent's (old) house sits on a lake. Across the lake used to be a Navy base. It was like this up until I was in high school and then they tore it down and Baldwin Park was born. Well, every Fourth of July the Navy Base would set off fireworks. So of course all of the lake residents would sit out in their backyards or on their docks to watch. I have been told by my mom and several other relatives that when I was four(ish) I got really scared of the loud noise the fireworks made. So my mom told me that Alf was the one setting them off in hopes to make me less afraid. I was obsessed with Alf when I was little. I watched the show, wore t-shirts and even had a Alf sleeping bag. So being told that Alf was what was the one making the sky go boom totally worked. Kids will believe anything. Ha!
*
When I was a kid, I used to think women HAD to be shorter and younger than men if they were in a romantic relationship. Umm what?! It's always so interesting and funny to view the world from a child's perspective.
*
I was never big into Barbie's. I had a few but I mostly liked regular dolls and stuffed animals. I had so many that I filled the entire bottom portion of a huge built in shelf that was in my old room. I of course couldn't fit them all in my bed every night so I made a rotation schedule. Yeah, a rotation schedule for STUFFED ANIMALS. I thought that if I chose a favorite then the others would get jealous. So my little 7 or 8 year old brain came up with a solution. Each night I slept with a different one. I think this lasted for a couple years.
*
I used to cry (almost) every single time I got an answer wrong in class from the time I was in first to fifth grade. My mom remembers my first grade teacher calling her to talk about it. I wouldn't sob uncontrollably or anything but any time I was brave enough to raise my hand or called on randomly by a teacher and answered incorrectly, I felt my eyes fill with tears. This sounds so silly but I've just always been emotional. I also think at the time I was scared that all the other kids would think I was stupid for not knowing. I mean, I was a kid, in school - of course I didn't know everything! I really wish I hadn't been so hard on myself.
*
The imagination of a child is incredible. I remember coming up with all kinds of things to play with my friends from "Saved By The Bell" (where we all fought hard to be Kelly) and "house" (where we made floor plans out of dirt and sticks). But something I came up with on my own was "screenwriter". I didn't even know that was the official term at the time but I remember trying to write scripts. I loved coming up with characters (especially getting to choose their names) and an overall story. I never really got much further than that. I would maybe write a few pages of "script" in a spiral notebook and then start a new story. I now understand why I love the Sims so much!
*
I'm pretty sure it's impossible to escape childhood without some kind of nickname. I had a few that relatives and friends would call me (ex: Smashley, Ash) that I liked. But I had a few that random idiot kids would call me for a good laugh. One kid in elementary school who will remain nameless used to call me Ashtray. Isn't that cute and creative? Except not. I also got called Bugs Bunny thanks to my giant front teeth. I was probably one of very few kids who actually begged for braces. Everyone especially my teachers had a hard time pronouncing my maiden name. It's kind of unusual but it sounds exactly how it's spelled. I would get called Ashley Slayer a lot. So much so that kids would even joke that my name should be Buffy instead.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Found
Keri Russell is just AHHH. I can't. And Jimmy with the wig. Just watch.
I needed to read this post.
PostSecret: Out Loud
The Most Astounding Fact
Check out this guy dancing on a busy street corner after losing a bet! Ha!
Between Two Ferns With Zach Galifianakis: President Barack Obama So good!
The first kiss is typically awkward or amazing. And then Jimmy Fallon came out with first lick.
Taylor Swift is awesome.
The Moment I Fell In Love With My Son
Close Call Compilation - I'm pretty sure I didn't breathe while watching this.
These 'Saved By The Bell' publicity photos had Dustin and I dying laughing.
I needed to read this post.
PostSecret: Out Loud
The Most Astounding Fact
Check out this guy dancing on a busy street corner after losing a bet! Ha!
Between Two Ferns With Zach Galifianakis: President Barack Obama So good!
The first kiss is typically awkward or amazing. And then Jimmy Fallon came out with first lick.
Taylor Swift is awesome.
The Moment I Fell In Love With My Son
Close Call Compilation - I'm pretty sure I didn't breathe while watching this.
These 'Saved By The Bell' publicity photos had Dustin and I dying laughing.
Monday, March 17, 2014
Nine
I've been thinking about our anniversary for awhile now. Since the beginning of the year, really. I just can't believe it. Nine years. NINE YEARS. It boggles my mind that we've been together so long. Not because it's been a difficult road or anything (because it hasn't) but just because nine sounds like forever. I'm sure I'll laugh at this when we reach our 15th, 20th, 30th, etc. But nine out of 28 years is a huge chunk of time. We've been together a third of our lives. That's crazy and awesome!
The best part is we are still so happy. Still in love. Still best friends. Still changing but headed down the same path. I guess that's really the amazing part. It just comes naturally though. Sure, we have to work at certain things within our relationship and we always will - but mostly it's just easy. We just get each other. And there's not a day that goes by where I don't think to myself "I am so lucky". I really am.
Ours is a great love and St. Patrick's Day will forever be my favorite day.
* * *
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Camels, Swans and CDs: An Anniversary Story
Our anniversary falls on a Monday this year which is totally lame. So we decided to celebrate on Saturday. Since our vacation is only 10 days away we wanted to just keep it simple this year. But we still went with our theme of doing something fun we had never experienced before.
I've lived in Orlando for pretty much my entire life (other than the 3+ years I was in Palm Coast from 2006-2010) and I have never been on the swan paddle boats. I have been to Lake Eola a million times over my life but never on a swan. It's been on my life list since high school. When Dustin and I agreed to keep our celebration simple (& cheap) he was actually the one to suggest it. I immediately screamed "YES!" and boom - just like that our anniversary was planned.
We took I-4 and as we were just driving along we noticed a bus that was transporting a camel. A CAMEL. His head was sticking out the back. It was such an odd moment. I told Dustin to take a photo but the camel pulled off the exit too quickly. So strange! But after googling "camel in bus on I-4" I came across this amongst other articles and photos. So maybe not so strange.
We got to Lake Eola right around 10AM. Parking proved to be a little difficult due to the various walks and activities going on but we found a spot after doing a few laps around the neighborhood. We were the first swan goers of the day. I paid the lady and she sent us down the ramp to the "swan wrangler". That's not what she called him. I just came up with it because I forgot his name. Dustin got in first. Then me. The boat rocked back and forth as we tried to get situated. The "swan wrangler" told us to stay away from the edge of the lake because we will get stuck and not to go within 50' of the fountain. He also pointed out the phone number on the boat and told us to call if we got into any trouble. This made me wonder how many people he's had to rescue from a swan in the middle of downtown Orlando. Then he unhooked our boat and pushed us off. We both immediately started moving our legs. Dustin was in charge of steering because I would have steered us right into a situation where we would have needed to use that emergency rescue number. It was so sunny but beautiful out. Thankfully it wasn't too warm. We would paddle and then we would stop and just take it in. We'd paddle some more. Then rest. We were certainly getting our cardio in for the day. I really think that swan paddle boats are the next new fitness trend. Just remember I said it here first!
We tried to turn around to head back to the dock but just ended up doing a donut. Is it still considered a donut when you're on water? Whatever, we went in a circle and I just couldn't stop laughing because I'm sure all the people jogging around with their dogs were thinking we were some wacky tourists who can't even operate a paddle boat. We finally got the boat going in the right direction. We thought we were so smooth coming in right where we had gotten on the boat. But then the damn boat started to turn even though Dustin was steering properly. We hit the emergency rescue boat and then the "swan wrangler" was able to push us in the right spot. Again more laughing. He was so nice and didn't even look at us like we were crazy, so I asked him to take a photo of Dustin in the boat. As one does.
It was such a fun little experience and I recommend it to everyone, especially the Floridians who have always wanted to do it. Why wait? Dustin and I are already talking about going back with friends because the boats seat four people!
I've lived in Orlando for pretty much my entire life (other than the 3+ years I was in Palm Coast from 2006-2010) and I have never been on the swan paddle boats. I have been to Lake Eola a million times over my life but never on a swan. It's been on my life list since high school. When Dustin and I agreed to keep our celebration simple (& cheap) he was actually the one to suggest it. I immediately screamed "YES!" and boom - just like that our anniversary was planned.
We took I-4 and as we were just driving along we noticed a bus that was transporting a camel. A CAMEL. His head was sticking out the back. It was such an odd moment. I told Dustin to take a photo but the camel pulled off the exit too quickly. So strange! But after googling "camel in bus on I-4" I came across this amongst other articles and photos. So maybe not so strange.
We got to Lake Eola right around 10AM. Parking proved to be a little difficult due to the various walks and activities going on but we found a spot after doing a few laps around the neighborhood. We were the first swan goers of the day. I paid the lady and she sent us down the ramp to the "swan wrangler". That's not what she called him. I just came up with it because I forgot his name. Dustin got in first. Then me. The boat rocked back and forth as we tried to get situated. The "swan wrangler" told us to stay away from the edge of the lake because we will get stuck and not to go within 50' of the fountain. He also pointed out the phone number on the boat and told us to call if we got into any trouble. This made me wonder how many people he's had to rescue from a swan in the middle of downtown Orlando. Then he unhooked our boat and pushed us off. We both immediately started moving our legs. Dustin was in charge of steering because I would have steered us right into a situation where we would have needed to use that emergency rescue number. It was so sunny but beautiful out. Thankfully it wasn't too warm. We would paddle and then we would stop and just take it in. We'd paddle some more. Then rest. We were certainly getting our cardio in for the day. I really think that swan paddle boats are the next new fitness trend. Just remember I said it here first!
We tried to turn around to head back to the dock but just ended up doing a donut. Is it still considered a donut when you're on water? Whatever, we went in a circle and I just couldn't stop laughing because I'm sure all the people jogging around with their dogs were thinking we were some wacky tourists who can't even operate a paddle boat. We finally got the boat going in the right direction. We thought we were so smooth coming in right where we had gotten on the boat. But then the damn boat started to turn even though Dustin was steering properly. We hit the emergency rescue boat and then the "swan wrangler" was able to push us in the right spot. Again more laughing. He was so nice and didn't even look at us like we were crazy, so I asked him to take a photo of Dustin in the boat. As one does.
It was such a fun little experience and I recommend it to everyone, especially the Floridians who have always wanted to do it. Why wait? Dustin and I are already talking about going back with friends because the boats seat four people!
Dustin and I don't frequent downtown too often so we decided to make an afternoon of it and stopped by a lot of my favorite downtown-ish spots. I looked for a camera strap at Colonial Photo & Hobby, found some really cool cards at SamFlax, and almost went to the Drunken Monkey so I could pick up some Sparkling Apple Juice but decided against it (only because I didn't want it to sit in my car for the rest of the day).
We went to Five Guys in Baldwin Park for lunch. We sure do love our cheeseburgers! Then we ended up stopping by my old Best Buy. I call it "mine" because it's right by my mom's house and I used to go there so often that a few people knew me by name. These days though, I only go to Best Buy if we're going to buy a new TV. I noticed that it felt like they were missing something. There was so much room and then Dustin pointed out that "they took out all of the CDs". It took me a second to process what he had just said. I stood there looking around bewildered. He was right. No more CDs. I was immediately pissed. I get that with iTunes, Pandora, Spotify, etc. that CDs just aren't popular these days but STILL. It kind of upset me. I mean, I spent many hours rummaging through CDs there as a teen trying to decide which one to buy. Dustin even said he remembered coming to visit me in Orlando and buying Thrice's Vheissu at this specific Best Buy. He listened to it in their parking lot until I got off work. I love technology but sometimes it's really hard to move forward.
We stopped by Blue Jacket Park because I'm sentimental through and through. It's "our" park. We spent so much time there in the beginning of our relationship. And also, it's the place where Dustin proposed to me on March 17, 2009. We both couldn't remember the last time we had been but we were fairly certain this was the first time we've been back since that special day. How have we not been here in 5 years?! I mean we go on that side of town often enough but we never stop by our park any more. I hope to change that going forward.
Before heading home, we stopped by Park Ave. CDs because they have "CD" in their fucking name! Yeah, I just needed to be in a room full of CDs after our Best Buy experience. I wonder if CDs will be the new trendy thing to collect 20 years from now like vinyl is these days? Weird world.
It was a lovely day. The weather couldn't have been more perfect and same goes for the company. There's nothing that makes me happier then celebrating our love.
Friday, March 14, 2014
What Works For Me: The Un-Seasoned Traveler
I wish I could call myself a traveler but due to finances and only so many vacation days per year, I'm lucky if I get to leave the state once annually. I'd of course love to go more places, more often, but it's just not in the cards right now. So I take what I can get and make the very best of it.
PACKING
I am fortunate to have received all my luggage as gifts. My first real suitcase was a 17th birthday present from my Aunt to use on our Las Vegas/L.A. trip. I still use it all the time but especially when flying. And then my mom got us a 3 piece luggage set for our wedding that we also use quite frequently. Good luggage is definitely key! Also, it needs to roll. Wheels may have been nerdy in high school but they become your best friend in an airport. I am a naturally anxious person so of course I pull our luggage down from the guest room closet a month before we even leave. I know it's ridiculous but I like to prepare and it's just part of the experience. Dustin and I already have stuff in our suitcases and we're still 12 days out! HA!
WEATHER
As soon as I have a date picked out for my trip I automatically go to weather.com's monthly averages section for whatever city I'm going to. For example, the daily average high in Pittsburgh in March is 50 degrees. I've known this for six months now because I'm just a weirdo. Once I'm about a month out I start looking at the 10 day forecast to start gauging what kind of clothes I need to bring. I also want to be prepared for any outside activities we have planned. I try to pack as light as possible but of course that can be hard. I only bring one pair of jeans because I can wear those a few times. I try to limit how many shoes I bring but I like to have options (tennis shoes,flats). I always take my hair dryer and straighter. ALWAYS.
ACTIVITIES/ITINERARY
Dustin and I have a FULL itinerary this trip. Every day we have multiple activities planned and people to see! When I go somewhere I like to do some research beforehand by googling "Best things to do in ______". And then I narrow it down into two categories: 'MUST-DO' and 'would-like-to-do-if-there-is-time'. I try to put both lists in the note section of my iPhone with activity name, address, admission price if applicable, and hours of operation. That way it's right at my finger tips and I don't have to search around on the internet while out and about. I don't schedule things down to the minute or anything crazy but I like to have some kind of idea of what each day is going to look like.
TIMING
Dustin and I are really good and kind of anal about time-frames. If our flight leaves at 10AM you bet your ass we will be at the airport at 8AM on the dot. We always arrive two hours beforehand just in case. There have been times where we fly through check in and security and other times where we have to wait in long line after long line. I find it's always easier and more relaxing to have extra time rather then not enough.
ENTERTAINMENT
We always have time to kill while waiting for our flight and while on the flight itself. I like to do the normal things like make sure our phones are fully charged, make sure my kindle/magazine is easily accessible and of course have snacks at the ready. I also download a couple games on my iPhone before take off and usually end up deleting them once we come back home.
photo taken in MCO en route to Pittsburgh (10/2012)
I am fortunate to have received all my luggage as gifts. My first real suitcase was a 17th birthday present from my Aunt to use on our Las Vegas/L.A. trip. I still use it all the time but especially when flying. And then my mom got us a 3 piece luggage set for our wedding that we also use quite frequently. Good luggage is definitely key! Also, it needs to roll. Wheels may have been nerdy in high school but they become your best friend in an airport. I am a naturally anxious person so of course I pull our luggage down from the guest room closet a month before we even leave. I know it's ridiculous but I like to prepare and it's just part of the experience. Dustin and I already have stuff in our suitcases and we're still 12 days out! HA!
WEATHER
As soon as I have a date picked out for my trip I automatically go to weather.com's monthly averages section for whatever city I'm going to. For example, the daily average high in Pittsburgh in March is 50 degrees. I've known this for six months now because I'm just a weirdo. Once I'm about a month out I start looking at the 10 day forecast to start gauging what kind of clothes I need to bring. I also want to be prepared for any outside activities we have planned. I try to pack as light as possible but of course that can be hard. I only bring one pair of jeans because I can wear those a few times. I try to limit how many shoes I bring but I like to have options (tennis shoes,flats). I always take my hair dryer and straighter. ALWAYS.
ACTIVITIES/ITINERARY
Dustin and I have a FULL itinerary this trip. Every day we have multiple activities planned and people to see! When I go somewhere I like to do some research beforehand by googling "Best things to do in ______". And then I narrow it down into two categories: 'MUST-DO' and 'would-like-to-do-if-there-is-time'. I try to put both lists in the note section of my iPhone with activity name, address, admission price if applicable, and hours of operation. That way it's right at my finger tips and I don't have to search around on the internet while out and about. I don't schedule things down to the minute or anything crazy but I like to have some kind of idea of what each day is going to look like.
TIMING
Dustin and I are really good and kind of anal about time-frames. If our flight leaves at 10AM you bet your ass we will be at the airport at 8AM on the dot. We always arrive two hours beforehand just in case. There have been times where we fly through check in and security and other times where we have to wait in long line after long line. I find it's always easier and more relaxing to have extra time rather then not enough.
ENTERTAINMENT
We always have time to kill while waiting for our flight and while on the flight itself. I like to do the normal things like make sure our phones are fully charged, make sure my kindle/magazine is easily accessible and of course have snacks at the ready. I also download a couple games on my iPhone before take off and usually end up deleting them once we come back home.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Currently
Watching: Cosmos! I've never seen the original Cosmos with Carl Sagan in it's entirety so I was super excited about this new series. I love science, space, knowledge, Sagan, etc. so I knew I would love it. Within minutes Dustin and I were both mesmerized. It's all so fascinating! My only complaint is that it airs on Sunday nights along with every other damn show we watch. It's always such a (ridiculous) struggle to decide what gets DVR'd and what we're going to watch live. First world problems or WHAT!
Last weekend Dustin and I finally watched 12 Years A Slave. I feel weird saying it was a "good" movie. It was of course but it was a really hard movie to watch. It does have some of the best performances I've ever seen in it (Fassbender and Nyong'o were especially). It just baffles me how anyone could treat other people with such cruelty. If I think about it too long it makes me physically ill. Solomon Northup's story is incredible. It's hard to put into words.
Listening to: Roman - Anyone who knows me, knows I'm not into rap. I never have been. Sure I will enjoy a popular 90s rap song once in awhile as a joke or because I'm feeling nostalgic but you'll never find any rap on my iPhone. I maybe have only 10 rap songs total on my iTunes library which is home to thousands of songs. Rap typically doesn't do anything for me because I don't find it catchy and also I feel like I can't relate to any of it. And for me, a song either has to be catchy or make me feel something...or both. Enter Roman. I came across him randomly via Vine. He and another Viner were promoting a music video for their 'Adore You' cover. I loved the cover so much I decided to check out the rest of his stuff on soundcloud. And I loved every song. I loved them so much I was ready to pay for each one. But they weren't available on iTunes. Then I found out that they were available to download on sound cloud - for FREE. I still feel like I owe Roman $5. I don't know what it is about his music that is different. All I know is that his songs put me in a good mood. They make me happy. So really there's no reason to even question it.
Reading: It's not even quite mid-March yet and I've already read 6 books. And yeah, I am totally bragging about that. I don't care. I'm just excited that I exceeded my reading goal in 2013 and I am starting 2014 just as strong. I just finished Attachments by Rainbow Rowell last night and loved it! It kind of reminded me of You've Got Mail (which is one of my all time favorite movies). It had email romance and really great characters. Rainbow Rowell has yet to disappoint. I've read all 3 of her books and have fallen in love with them all. I'm really looking forward to her next one which comes out this summer.
Thinking: I've been weird/off/sad/confused/overwhelmed for months. Some of these problems were entirely my own doing and others were just completely out of my control. But I feel like I'm really starting to get a grasp on doing my best to change the things that I can. I'm also working on accepting the things I can't and instead making the best of whatever it is. I know I'll never get it down 100%. I know I will always have to work at it. But I've noticed a slight shift in myself and the way I handle certain situations and it's been eye opening. It feels like a huge relief.
Excited about: Obviously our vacation to Pittsburgh! Two more weeks and we're out of here! Dustin and I sat down tonight and made a rough itinerary which made it that more real. It's all going to be happening so soon! BUT first, we're going to celebrate our anniversary. I am really looking forward to spending a fun yet low-key day out with Dustin this weekend celebrating our love. Is it Friday yet?!
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Found
10 Painfully Obvious Truths Everyone Forgets Too Soon. I want to paint every word of this whole thing onto my eyelids so I can carry them with me always. Luckily, I can save it on my iPhone and it's almost the same thing.
Seriously cannot stop watching this 'Adore You' cover. ROMAN/DIGITAL KICKS! AH. Love.
13 Things 'Girls' Gets Right About Being In Your 20s. Yep! Everything on this list is on point.
We're Slowly Growing Too Old For Facebook.
The biggest mistakes you're making shaving your legs.I'm making a ton apparently. Ooops.
Anna Kendrick's Oscar Weekend Diary
We can all learn a thing or two from this adorable 3 year old.
New Taking Back Sunday music video.
I love Melissa's Work Clothes/Play Clothes posts.
Mr. Kate got married and instead of a diamond ring she and her husband opted for super cool tattoos. I love when people go a nontraditional route with anything in life.
One of the best videos on Vine or EVER. FLAWLESS.
So this video is awesome and totally made me cry.
Seriously cannot stop watching this 'Adore You' cover. ROMAN/DIGITAL KICKS! AH. Love.
13 Things 'Girls' Gets Right About Being In Your 20s. Yep! Everything on this list is on point.
We're Slowly Growing Too Old For Facebook.
The biggest mistakes you're making shaving your legs.I'm making a ton apparently. Ooops.
Anna Kendrick's Oscar Weekend Diary
We can all learn a thing or two from this adorable 3 year old.
New Taking Back Sunday music video.
I love Melissa's Work Clothes/Play Clothes posts.
Mr. Kate got married and instead of a diamond ring she and her husband opted for super cool tattoos. I love when people go a nontraditional route with anything in life.
One of the best videos on Vine or EVER. FLAWLESS.
So this video is awesome and totally made me cry.
Friday, March 7, 2014
Dustin Says
Dustin: People just put the stupid things we do in private - on their Vine.
Me: Yep, pretty much.If you can't laugh at a Kardashian's misfortune, I don't want to be your friend.
It's just unnatural to wake up by a screaming electronic.
Dustin went from zero energy to bouncing off the walls. He blames the shrimp.
You gave me a couple of shrimps and now the crustaceans have made me crazy.
I want to cheer you up with these songs of hatred.
(And he did. I especially enjoyed Reel Big Fish's 'Everyone Else Is An Asshole. See/listen below.)
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Journal Day #3: Hindsight
They say hindsight is 20/20, and with good reason- looking back at
something always gives us a better view. We're often able to really see
how our choices and decisions then shaped our today, and examine what we
would have done differently given the chance. When looking back though,
we often look way back, but for this exercise stay a little closer to
present time and look back just 12 months. If you could go back just one year, what would you tell yourself? What advice would you offer about everything you've experienced? via Sometimes Sweet
Dear Ashley of 2013,
Go with the flow more. There's no need to be so uptight about things - especially something out of your control. Change is hard but freak out for a moment and then just let it go. Adapt instead of making yourself miserable. Baby steps, I know...
Voice your opinions less.We all have opinions about everything & everyone. We just do. It's human nature. But not everything needs to be said aloud. If it's that important for you to get it out, write it in your LiveJournal (on private) as an alternative.
Don't take everything so personally. I know it's just who you are and it's a hard thing to change but there isn't meaning in every little detail. And every detail certainly does not always pertain to you.
I know you love documenting life but it's ok if you miss a photo-op. It's ok if something happened that you didn't get on video. Not everything is meant to be recorded. It's ok to only re-live moments through your memory. And sometimes it's ok for it to slip away entirely.
Put that craft table you wanted so badly (and finally got) to use sooner. Why wait? Sew. Create. NOW!
PUT ON BUG REPELLENT WHEN YOU GO CANOEING WITH ERIN. You will thank me.
Sincerely,
Your Future Still-Trying-To-Get-Our-Shit-Together Self
Dear Ashley of 2013,
Go with the flow more. There's no need to be so uptight about things - especially something out of your control. Change is hard but freak out for a moment and then just let it go. Adapt instead of making yourself miserable. Baby steps, I know...
Voice your opinions less.We all have opinions about everything & everyone. We just do. It's human nature. But not everything needs to be said aloud. If it's that important for you to get it out, write it in your LiveJournal (on private) as an alternative.
Don't take everything so personally. I know it's just who you are and it's a hard thing to change but there isn't meaning in every little detail. And every detail certainly does not always pertain to you.
I know you love documenting life but it's ok if you miss a photo-op. It's ok if something happened that you didn't get on video. Not everything is meant to be recorded. It's ok to only re-live moments through your memory. And sometimes it's ok for it to slip away entirely.
Put that craft table you wanted so badly (and finally got) to use sooner. Why wait? Sew. Create. NOW!
PUT ON BUG REPELLENT WHEN YOU GO CANOEING WITH ERIN. You will thank me.
Sincerely,
Your Future Still-Trying-To-Get-Our-Shit-Together Self
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
MWF seeking BFF
I finished reading MWF seeking BFF: My Yearlong Search for a New BFF by Rachel Bertsche over the weekend. I've been going through some friend issues of my own lately and one day thought to google "BFF books". This one popped up and I decided to go for it.
From Amazon:
When Rachel Bertsche first moves to Chicago, she’s thrilled to finally share a zip code, let alone an apartment, with her boyfriend. But shortly after getting married, Bertsche realizes that her new life is missing one thing: friends. Sure, she has plenty of BFFs—in New York and San Francisco and Boston and Washington, D.C. Still, in her adopted hometown, there’s no one to call at the last minute for girl talk over brunch or a reality-TV marathon over a bottle of wine. Taking matters into her own hands, Bertsche develops a plan: She’ll go on fifty-two friend-dates, one per week for a year, in hopes of meeting her new Best Friend Forever.
I quickly found that I had a lot in common with Rachel. And the more I read the more I wanted to go to her BFF "try-outs". I think I'd have a decent shot. There's definitely no way she would pick me last. I mean, we both love Harry Potter and Friday Night Lights! We'd never run out of topics to discuss. We're both child free (at least she was when she wrote the book a few years back), married and roughly the same age. But unlike her, I'm not close to my mom. I don't have relatives whom I see a lot or even that close knit group of work friends that she does. She explains in the book that the main reason she started her search was because she was in a fairly new town. Although, I was born and raised in Orlando, it feels brand new now. It's not the same Orlando I left when I moved to Palm Coast. When I came back three years later, more was different than the same. I sometimes feel like I'm in a seemingly new city trying to navigate all the different roads (ramps all over the place!) and trying to find people to connect with.
I, too, would like a new best friend. And like Rachel, I'm not looking to replace anyone. Just an addition. Erin is 1,000 miles away and although I hope we can maintain a friendship through the distance, I am finally coming to terms with the fact that it's impossible for us to be "bests" anymore. And my other "best" and I are just kind of in a weird place. I recently read a Miley interview where she said "I have a lot of people that I could call and hang out with, but I have very few friends, if that makes any sense". It makes sense to me girl! I can't believe I just quoted Miley but she makes a good point and I can totally relate. I have good friends I text with daily and see regularly. I have friends that I keep in touch with here and there. I have people I talk to once a year and it's cool. But at this moment in my life, do I have someone I can call and say "Hey, want to meet at Starbucks and chat about everything and nothing for 3 hours?". Nope.
I think everyone's definition of a BFF is different and probably changes over time and especially when our lives shift in a big way. For me, at this time in my life, the "perfect" BFF would be a girl close in age who "gets me". You know when you just click with someone? THAT. Someone I can talk to about all my feelings but also someone who can discuss the latest (stupid) Kardashian episode with just as much passion. Someone who is reliable, honest, sarcastic. Someone who laughs at the same stupid things as I do. Someone who enjoys nerdy stuff (extra points for a fellow HP lover). Someone I see and talk to on a regular basis. Contrary to popular belief, I do not have a text or hang outs limit that must be reached. I just want consistency. Texting multiple times a week and seeing someone multiple times a month would be ideal but there is no minimum requirement. Someone I can call at a moments notice to tell exciting or sad news to. Someone I can say anything around and nothing at all without feeling awkward. Someone who uses curse words as every day vocabulary. Someone who makes me a priority. Someone who makes me feel important. Yes I want all these things but I also want to be all these things for someone in return. I'm a good friend. Sure, I have my faults but I take pride in being a damn good friend. Most people I know have moms or dads or in-laws or co-workers that are a super supportive and loving force for them. And that's awesome. They are lucky. Some people don't have people like that in their life. I am one of those people. My BFFs ARE MY FAMILY and I treat them as such.
I think it's very telling that most of my friends (probably 95%) I've met through school or work. I don't know how else to "pick-up" a girl. I'm extremely shy around new people. I will never just walk up to someone. Also, I don't hang out at bars. Or bookstores. Or anywhere. I don't have a specific hang. There have been occasions where I'll be out and think to myself "She seems so cool. I want to be her friend!" but I never do a damn thing about it. I don't want a girl to think I'm hitting on her or being a total creep. Where is the line? After reading this book, Rachel said that most girls are flattered and open to friendship but never want to be the initiator. Totes understand! I definitely don't. But I guess someone has to say something and maybe I should try and be that someone or I'll never have a new friend and certainly not a new BFF. I am really going to make an effort to be more friendly to people. I always get annoyed when random people talk to me even though they usually mean well. I might try that route though. I have already started looking for different groups (book/crafts) to join so I can meet more girls. And maybe eventually I'll try a class of some sort. I think the biggest thing for me is being in a group of strangers. I hate it but it's key. I'm not going to meet anyone new by sitting at home updating my blog. I don't know if any of this will work but I think the first step is being open to new people and I really haven't been - at least not to this degree.
These are most of the quotes I highlighted in my Kindle while I read because they stood out for one reason or another.
"Research says female friendships are most at risk between ages 25 and 40, the career-building, child-rearing years."
"...there are four necessary behaviors to make a friendship stick. Self disclosure, supportiveness, interaction, and positivity."
"There's a lot that goes into personal interaction. You have a much richer understanding of someone when you are physically present with her than if you are talking over the phone or email."
"Finding a best friend is a low probability for anyone. But you only need one or two to ward off loneliness."
"Sitting with everyone in Miami, talking about the wild nights I've not been around for, that's when it hits me. Friend envy. Or, as I like to call it, frenzy."
"...there's so much more I want our of a BFF. But how do you say, "Looking for someone to call on a moment's notice, who will watch TV, talk books, laugh at nothing, and analyze others (from Charlie Sheen to my mom) with me when necessary. Someone who will talk me off the ledge from time to time. In return, I will support you in all you do, drive you to the airport whenever you need, and be up for a playdate always"?
"Popular culture has made it okay to yell "I want a man!" from the rooftops, so why are we still embarrassed to say, "I want a best friend"?
"This is why lifelong friends are so hard to supplement. The shared history is what makes our sleepover so entertaining. Whose Facebook page can I gawk with a newbie?"
"A 2010 study found that when the average person couples off, she drops two friends."
"A pair of researchers who studied U.S. national data from 1994 to 2004 found that married couples had fews familial ties and were less likely than single folk to socialize with neighbors or friends."
"Sociologist Ray Pahl, author of On Friendship, calls these kinds of friends - the ones you may not see for years but with whom you can always pick up where you left off - "fossil friends." It's a rare breed of pal, usually one with whom you've shared a significant life experience, but we all have them."
"Research shows that emotional closeness between friends declines by about 15 percent a year in the absence of face-to-face contact."
"I want someone with whom I can talk about the deep stuff - hopes and dreams and expectations and disappointments - and also the minutiae. Sometimes it takes talking about everything to get to the place where we can talk about nothing."
"So while my oldest relationships are incredibly dear, and it's true that they know me so intimately, it can be freeing to have relationships built on exactly who you are at this moment."
"If there's one single factor that can turn a potential BFF into a real one, it's consistency."
I highly recommend this book. It's incredibly interesting and insightful. I loved it, if you can't tell!
Rachel's blog/twitter.
From Amazon:
When Rachel Bertsche first moves to Chicago, she’s thrilled to finally share a zip code, let alone an apartment, with her boyfriend. But shortly after getting married, Bertsche realizes that her new life is missing one thing: friends. Sure, she has plenty of BFFs—in New York and San Francisco and Boston and Washington, D.C. Still, in her adopted hometown, there’s no one to call at the last minute for girl talk over brunch or a reality-TV marathon over a bottle of wine. Taking matters into her own hands, Bertsche develops a plan: She’ll go on fifty-two friend-dates, one per week for a year, in hopes of meeting her new Best Friend Forever.
I quickly found that I had a lot in common with Rachel. And the more I read the more I wanted to go to her BFF "try-outs". I think I'd have a decent shot. There's definitely no way she would pick me last. I mean, we both love Harry Potter and Friday Night Lights! We'd never run out of topics to discuss. We're both child free (at least she was when she wrote the book a few years back), married and roughly the same age. But unlike her, I'm not close to my mom. I don't have relatives whom I see a lot or even that close knit group of work friends that she does. She explains in the book that the main reason she started her search was because she was in a fairly new town. Although, I was born and raised in Orlando, it feels brand new now. It's not the same Orlando I left when I moved to Palm Coast. When I came back three years later, more was different than the same. I sometimes feel like I'm in a seemingly new city trying to navigate all the different roads (ramps all over the place!) and trying to find people to connect with.
I, too, would like a new best friend. And like Rachel, I'm not looking to replace anyone. Just an addition. Erin is 1,000 miles away and although I hope we can maintain a friendship through the distance, I am finally coming to terms with the fact that it's impossible for us to be "bests" anymore. And my other "best" and I are just kind of in a weird place. I recently read a Miley interview where she said "I have a lot of people that I could call and hang out with, but I have very few friends, if that makes any sense". It makes sense to me girl! I can't believe I just quoted Miley but she makes a good point and I can totally relate. I have good friends I text with daily and see regularly. I have friends that I keep in touch with here and there. I have people I talk to once a year and it's cool. But at this moment in my life, do I have someone I can call and say "Hey, want to meet at Starbucks and chat about everything and nothing for 3 hours?". Nope.
I think everyone's definition of a BFF is different and probably changes over time and especially when our lives shift in a big way. For me, at this time in my life, the "perfect" BFF would be a girl close in age who "gets me". You know when you just click with someone? THAT. Someone I can talk to about all my feelings but also someone who can discuss the latest (stupid) Kardashian episode with just as much passion. Someone who is reliable, honest, sarcastic. Someone who laughs at the same stupid things as I do. Someone who enjoys nerdy stuff (extra points for a fellow HP lover). Someone I see and talk to on a regular basis. Contrary to popular belief, I do not have a text or hang outs limit that must be reached. I just want consistency. Texting multiple times a week and seeing someone multiple times a month would be ideal but there is no minimum requirement. Someone I can call at a moments notice to tell exciting or sad news to. Someone I can say anything around and nothing at all without feeling awkward. Someone who uses curse words as every day vocabulary. Someone who makes me a priority. Someone who makes me feel important. Yes I want all these things but I also want to be all these things for someone in return. I'm a good friend. Sure, I have my faults but I take pride in being a damn good friend. Most people I know have moms or dads or in-laws or co-workers that are a super supportive and loving force for them. And that's awesome. They are lucky. Some people don't have people like that in their life. I am one of those people. My BFFs ARE MY FAMILY and I treat them as such.
I think it's very telling that most of my friends (probably 95%) I've met through school or work. I don't know how else to "pick-up" a girl. I'm extremely shy around new people. I will never just walk up to someone. Also, I don't hang out at bars. Or bookstores. Or anywhere. I don't have a specific hang. There have been occasions where I'll be out and think to myself "She seems so cool. I want to be her friend!" but I never do a damn thing about it. I don't want a girl to think I'm hitting on her or being a total creep. Where is the line? After reading this book, Rachel said that most girls are flattered and open to friendship but never want to be the initiator. Totes understand! I definitely don't. But I guess someone has to say something and maybe I should try and be that someone or I'll never have a new friend and certainly not a new BFF. I am really going to make an effort to be more friendly to people. I always get annoyed when random people talk to me even though they usually mean well. I might try that route though. I have already started looking for different groups (book/crafts) to join so I can meet more girls. And maybe eventually I'll try a class of some sort. I think the biggest thing for me is being in a group of strangers. I hate it but it's key. I'm not going to meet anyone new by sitting at home updating my blog. I don't know if any of this will work but I think the first step is being open to new people and I really haven't been - at least not to this degree.
* * *
These are most of the quotes I highlighted in my Kindle while I read because they stood out for one reason or another.
"Research says female friendships are most at risk between ages 25 and 40, the career-building, child-rearing years."
"...there are four necessary behaviors to make a friendship stick. Self disclosure, supportiveness, interaction, and positivity."
"There's a lot that goes into personal interaction. You have a much richer understanding of someone when you are physically present with her than if you are talking over the phone or email."
"Finding a best friend is a low probability for anyone. But you only need one or two to ward off loneliness."
"Sitting with everyone in Miami, talking about the wild nights I've not been around for, that's when it hits me. Friend envy. Or, as I like to call it, frenzy."
"...there's so much more I want our of a BFF. But how do you say, "Looking for someone to call on a moment's notice, who will watch TV, talk books, laugh at nothing, and analyze others (from Charlie Sheen to my mom) with me when necessary. Someone who will talk me off the ledge from time to time. In return, I will support you in all you do, drive you to the airport whenever you need, and be up for a playdate always"?
"Popular culture has made it okay to yell "I want a man!" from the rooftops, so why are we still embarrassed to say, "I want a best friend"?
"This is why lifelong friends are so hard to supplement. The shared history is what makes our sleepover so entertaining. Whose Facebook page can I gawk with a newbie?"
"A 2010 study found that when the average person couples off, she drops two friends."
"A pair of researchers who studied U.S. national data from 1994 to 2004 found that married couples had fews familial ties and were less likely than single folk to socialize with neighbors or friends."
"Sociologist Ray Pahl, author of On Friendship, calls these kinds of friends - the ones you may not see for years but with whom you can always pick up where you left off - "fossil friends." It's a rare breed of pal, usually one with whom you've shared a significant life experience, but we all have them."
"Research shows that emotional closeness between friends declines by about 15 percent a year in the absence of face-to-face contact."
"I want someone with whom I can talk about the deep stuff - hopes and dreams and expectations and disappointments - and also the minutiae. Sometimes it takes talking about everything to get to the place where we can talk about nothing."
"So while my oldest relationships are incredibly dear, and it's true that they know me so intimately, it can be freeing to have relationships built on exactly who you are at this moment."
"If there's one single factor that can turn a potential BFF into a real one, it's consistency."
I highly recommend this book. It's incredibly interesting and insightful. I loved it, if you can't tell!
Rachel's blog/twitter.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
A Wasted Weekend
My nose was a bit runny on Thursday but I didn't think much of it. Maybe some allergies? I don't have normal allergies. I have random allergies so certainly a possibility. I wasn't sure what was going on so I drank some airborne and went about my day.
By the time I came home I was not feeling well. Sore throat. Stuffy nose. The works. UGH. I woke up Friday morning feeling even worse! I wanted so badly to call in sick but I can't really do that. I mean I guess I could but I don't have a back-up anymore therefore it all falls on me. I hope to change this going forward but for the time being I had no choice but to go in. Womp womp. I did what I needed to do while drinking lots of water and sucking on Ricola. I was certain I would at least be able to go home early. But then something else came up. And I had to stay. Talk about a shit day. I finally made it home by 4:30 after 40 minutes of I-4 traffic. The worst.
I slept for a few hours once I got home from work and when I woke up Dustin made me soup. He also moved my (DESKTOP) iMac onto my night stand so I could hang out online or watch a movie or whatever I wanted. It was kind of the best. Being able to watch a movie from my computer while laying in bed is amazing! I still have no desire for a laptop but I will admit it's the one thing they have over desktops. I ended up watching Reality Bites on HBOGO. I have seen bits and pieces over the years but I don't think I've ever seen the whole thing from start to finish. It's so good! Winona! Ethan! 90s!
I woke up at 5am on Saturday morning due to not being able to breathe properly. It's awful to feel so exhausted but not be able to sleep. So I ended up finishing my book (a separate post is coming soon on that!) which was at least productive. I stayed in bed ALL day sleeping here and there when my body would allow - internetting and TV watching in between. Dustin was in and out checking on me and bringing me things. He's the best caretaker in the universe. UNIVERSE! There's no one I rather be by my side when I'm not feeling well. I mean, he not only went to buy me sprite and soup BUT also made a separate trip to get me tampons. (Yeah, I was cursed with a cold and a period AT THE SAME TIME which should be illegal.) If that doesn't scream KEEPER than I don't know what does. But truly, I am so thankful to have such a wonderful husband - in good times and bad, in sickness and health.
I was able to watch The Way Way Back on my computer (while in bed of course). I loved everything about that movie. Seriously, start to finish was awesome. Steve Carrell's character was such a dick! Sam Rockwell was incredibly charming. And Allison Janney was hilarious. It's worth a watch just for her alone.When 8pm rolled around Dustin and I cozied up on the couch and turned on the Pens game. They played an outdoor game in Chicago. Outdoor games are fun in theory but when the snow is coming down hard it seems like there really is no point. We got our asses handed to us. I didn't even end up watching the whole thing it was so bad. But at least my boy Fleury looked ever so bad ass in his Steelers inspired helmet. If you can't win, at least look good while losing. Right?
Sunday was more of the same on the cold front. I was feeling better but still no where near 100%. I managed to go to CVS and to Firehouse without collapsing. But then life kicked me while I was just about to get up, as it always does. Dustin and I had heard a weird noise coming from my car while we were out. Once I parked, he found a nail in one of my rear tires. UGH. I was too exhausted to even comment on it. So I told him let's eat lunch and then worry about it. Instead of throwing a temper tantrum (which is really what I wanted to do) I sucked it up and took my car to get patched up. I was so over running around, especially on a Sunday AND WHILE SICK. Whine whine, yeah yeah. It was annoying but I got it fixed. Done and over.
Dustin and I stayed up late to watch the Oscars. We didn't go to bed until 12! We both had trouble falling asleep but he eventually started snoring which meant he was good to go. 1 am came and went and I was still unable to fall asleep because of my throat. So I decided to watch Friends on Nickelodeon for awhile hoping it would make me tired. It didn't. But it did wake up Dustin. Whoops.
I'm ready for a weekend I can actually enjoy! Only 3 days away...
By the time I came home I was not feeling well. Sore throat. Stuffy nose. The works. UGH. I woke up Friday morning feeling even worse! I wanted so badly to call in sick but I can't really do that. I mean I guess I could but I don't have a back-up anymore therefore it all falls on me. I hope to change this going forward but for the time being I had no choice but to go in. Womp womp. I did what I needed to do while drinking lots of water and sucking on Ricola. I was certain I would at least be able to go home early. But then something else came up. And I had to stay. Talk about a shit day. I finally made it home by 4:30 after 40 minutes of I-4 traffic. The worst.
I woke up at 5am on Saturday morning due to not being able to breathe properly. It's awful to feel so exhausted but not be able to sleep. So I ended up finishing my book (a separate post is coming soon on that!) which was at least productive. I stayed in bed ALL day sleeping here and there when my body would allow - internetting and TV watching in between. Dustin was in and out checking on me and bringing me things. He's the best caretaker in the universe. UNIVERSE! There's no one I rather be by my side when I'm not feeling well. I mean, he not only went to buy me sprite and soup BUT also made a separate trip to get me tampons. (Yeah, I was cursed with a cold and a period AT THE SAME TIME which should be illegal.) If that doesn't scream KEEPER than I don't know what does. But truly, I am so thankful to have such a wonderful husband - in good times and bad, in sickness and health.
I was able to watch The Way Way Back on my computer (while in bed of course). I loved everything about that movie. Seriously, start to finish was awesome. Steve Carrell's character was such a dick! Sam Rockwell was incredibly charming. And Allison Janney was hilarious. It's worth a watch just for her alone.When 8pm rolled around Dustin and I cozied up on the couch and turned on the Pens game. They played an outdoor game in Chicago. Outdoor games are fun in theory but when the snow is coming down hard it seems like there really is no point. We got our asses handed to us. I didn't even end up watching the whole thing it was so bad. But at least my boy Fleury looked ever so bad ass in his Steelers inspired helmet. If you can't win, at least look good while losing. Right?
Sunday was more of the same on the cold front. I was feeling better but still no where near 100%. I managed to go to CVS and to Firehouse without collapsing. But then life kicked me while I was just about to get up, as it always does. Dustin and I had heard a weird noise coming from my car while we were out. Once I parked, he found a nail in one of my rear tires. UGH. I was too exhausted to even comment on it. So I told him let's eat lunch and then worry about it. Instead of throwing a temper tantrum (which is really what I wanted to do) I sucked it up and took my car to get patched up. I was so over running around, especially on a Sunday AND WHILE SICK. Whine whine, yeah yeah. It was annoying but I got it fixed. Done and over.
I'm ready for a weekend I can actually enjoy! Only 3 days away...
Monday, March 3, 2014
Oscars
Lupita Nyong'o
Lupita is everyone's new girl crush including mine and I haven't even seen 12 Years A Slave yet. She's beautiful and eloquent. Her dress (and headband) are perfection and so was her acceptance speech.
Emma Watson
Emma always looks stunning! I love her dress to her hair to her makeup. Talk about a person/celebrity that gets better with age! Also, how cute is she with Joseph Gordon Levitt?!
Anna Kendrick
I really love how this dress has so many different elements. Sure it's elegant but it's also kind of funky which I think is the best part. Get it girl!
Amy Adams
I love the simplicity and sleekness of this dress. Plus the color compliments her red hair and skin tone perfectly. It's such a classic look.
And as far as the guys go, Cumberbatch always looks great, Hemsworth's purplish jacket is pretty cool, and of course Gordon-Levitt who is always stylish in his super fitted suits.
The Oscars this year were just bad. I love Ellen. I mean, I even DVR her show daily. I was expecting her to be awesome but she wasn't. Her jokes were blah and it just seemed like no one really cared. Bring back Seth MacFarlane! The most interesting parts of the show were when Ellen brought out pizza and all the celebs actually started eating it and paying for the tip. Also, the below photo is probably the coolest selfie ever.
Dustin and I entered Real Radio's Oscarpalooza where you pick who you think is going to win for each category in the hopes of winning a free cruise. We got 9/12! So yeah, no cruise but it was fun checking them off and high fiving the ones we got right as we watched. The one that really threw me for a loop was Cate Blanchett. I did not see that win coming at all!
And this was very sweet. Bill Murray and Harold Ramis!
Found
The 5 Types of Friends Everyone Should Have
9 Reasons Taylor Swift Is The Best Celebrity Friend Ever
THIS! and also THIS!
A music video of Dustin's old band - The Stereodiary. Pretty fucking great.
Then and Now Pets
The age we feel best about our bodies...
How To Have A Great Life Without Spending A Lot of Money - This is truly a wonderful post with so many great life tips. Not all of them work for me (especially the A/C one) but overall it made me think about what else I could be doing to save money.
Make-up tutorial - every day face!
18 Things That Happens When You and Your Sibling Have A Huge Age Difference. I can so relate!
Mise En Scene & The Visual Themes of Wes Anderson
Old Loves
These paper dresses are fabulous.
A math teacher's secret.
Smile and wave.
Drunk baby.
Lion hugs.
10 Oscar Nominees Posing With Their Younger Selves
9 Reasons Taylor Swift Is The Best Celebrity Friend Ever
THIS! and also THIS!
A music video of Dustin's old band - The Stereodiary. Pretty fucking great.
Then and Now Pets
The age we feel best about our bodies...
How To Have A Great Life Without Spending A Lot of Money - This is truly a wonderful post with so many great life tips. Not all of them work for me (especially the A/C one) but overall it made me think about what else I could be doing to save money.
Make-up tutorial - every day face!
18 Things That Happens When You and Your Sibling Have A Huge Age Difference. I can so relate!
Mise En Scene & The Visual Themes of Wes Anderson
Old Loves
These paper dresses are fabulous.
A math teacher's secret.
Smile and wave.
Drunk baby.
Lion hugs.
10 Oscar Nominees Posing With Their Younger Selves
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Write It Down
Trust the path you're on and dream
Write down the words on your mind
Maria Mena/Interesting
There were many times where my dad or other family members would ask me how I was feeling about everything and I would just nod my head and say "fine". I was not fine. I just didn't know how to tell anyone what was really going on in my head. It was a complicated situation and at the time I didn't know the whole truth. It was easiest to talk about it with my friends. It was too hard to talk to anyone else and even the few relatives I did talk to just didn't understand, at least not the way I needed them to. Every other weekend the subject would come up. I'd continue saying I was fine or burst out into tears which was another problem all in itself. I didn't feel that I could talk to the people I should be able to talk to. My dad was part of that group.
Do they not have pen or paper where you are
'cause I haven't heard from you in ages
I relive each memory
from time to time
Anberlin/Stationary Stationary
I don't know how it came about but I decided to write him a letter. Actually, I think I sent a few letters. I was able to get most of my feelings and frustration out on paper - about him and the situation as a whole. It was therapeutic. This is going back a long time ago but from what I can remember he never responded. He never mentioned the letters. But it didn't matter. Just knowing that he knew how I felt was a relief. It was a small victory for the teenage girl who had so much trouble expressing her feelings. Years later I decided it was best for me to cut off all ties from him. So in the end, I guess most people would say the letters didn't help. No, they didn't help us save that relationship but they certainly helped me have a voice.
It's now 15 years later and I still write family and friends letters when I'm feeling certain emotions. I talk to them too of course when there are disagreements or hurt feelings or misunderstandings but sometimes a letter helps me get it all out in a way I never could otherwise.
We write to apologize
We ask to look past life as it goes by.
I know you have sacrificed time, life, love, time to fly.
Please consider all things trite,
forgiveness will be the thing that gets us by.
I know to have something life this broken is hard to fix.
Mae/Embers & Envelopes
I recently wrote two letters to two very important people. Laying it all out there. Heart on my sleeve and all that entails. I received a response from one and we butted heads back and forth for a bit but in the end we found common ground and came to a compromise. No, things aren't perfect or even resolved but we have an agreement and an understanding. That's all I can really ask for. I still haven't heard back from the other recipient. And as more days pass, the less I expect a reply. It's not ideal but it is what it is. I now realize that just because I tell someone how I feel doesn't mean that they will do the same. It doesn't mean they want to continue trying. I get that. But at least I know that I did my best. I was honest. I put it out there for better or worse. I think that's what is most important in relationships. Honesty. No one needs to be that super-mean-brutal-honest but just regular ol' this-is-how-I-feel-honest. It's how relationships grow. Or dismantle. I don't expect anyone to be able to read my mind or know what I'm thinking. So I make it a point to tell them when necessary - whether it be good or bad. I've come a long way from that teenage girl who was too scared or shy to say what was on her mind. Now everyone knows where they stand and my hope is for everyone to give me the same respect back.
With the jobs I've taken, the bones that I've broken
Seems nothing's the way that it used to be
Now it's over, I guess that I'm older
The proof is on paper in front of me
Write it down, sound it out
Make it loud and this time make it count
I'm putting it down on paper
So I don't forget it all later
As if I could if I tried anyway
I'll say that I learned my lesson
But I'll make the same mistakes again
I think about this everyday
Punchline/Battlescars
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Tweet Tweet
2/7/14
Short hair is so easy. Some days (like today) I don't even have to brush it and it still looks good!
I forgot to document the fact that I saw two sandhill cranes walk across 434 using the crosswalk in 5 o'clock traffic the other day.
2/8/14
The announcers keep calling these skating moves "twizzles" which sounds like something Snoop would rap about.
2/10/14
I just changed out of my heavy sweater into my lighter cardigan. #misterrogersmoment
Currently eating my weight in thin mints. Carry on.
2/11/14
I should get a gold medal for not busting into the box of free thin mints that have been on my desk all day.
2/12/14
I can't get through a third of Winter's Tale (book) but the movie previews look fantastic. What is up with that?!
2/13/14
Our neighborhood looks like a damn hurricane came through. Trees and fences down and debris everywhere. That storm was no joke.
Waze is a traffic app. Not a make friends app. Not a hit on someone app.
I still don't know what snap chat is. I still don't care.
2/14/14
I am freaking out excited that Landry Clarke and Amber Holt are hanging out at The Luncheonette. Like what?! AWESOME.
2/15/14
Officially done reading the Divergent series. Now what?!
Hannah Horvath is totally wearing my shirt on the latest GIRLS episode.
2/16/14
I absolutely loved Austenland! Keri Russell is forever my girl crush.
2/17/14
I want the beautiful purple dress that lady Mary wore to dinner last night. 1920s fashion is 👌. Also, I apparently only tweet about TV.
I didn't yell profanities at anyone while driving to work today. Thank you Presidents' Day!
Is speed-friending a thing? I want to do it.
I get really excited when I read a book with an HP reference.
2/18/14
I just poured my heart out. There's bits of it on the floor. @mariamena_no just gets it.
2/19/14
The average temp for Pitt for the end of March is the mid 50s which isn't ideal but doable. Just none of that 20s bullshit. And NO SNOW.
2/20/14
Seeing Scott Speedman on Chelsea Lately this morning already made my whole day. 😍
Dustin just told me he had Panera for lunch and that it was "really good". So much progress!
I need Amazon Prime so I can watch The Americans and Veronica Mars. But $80 a month before vacation?! Yeah not going to happen.
2/22/14
'A Really Awesome Mess' was a really awesome book.
2/23/14
I was telling Dustin that I'm glad Girl Scouts don't hang out at Winn Dixie's b/c I would be tempted. Turns out they do now. We got 3 boxes.
These severe thunderstorm/tornado warnings are freaking me out. Dustin and I are ready to jump in the closet if need be. Stay safe cent. FL!
2/25/14
I want to participate in the @steelers (Men's) fantasy camp JUST to hang out with Jeff Reed. 🏈🏃
2/26/14
Just because Ashley and Alecia both have SHHHs, LEEs and start with an A does not make them the same thing.
2/27/14
When someone doesn't know when their pay day is I just assume they are related to Richie Rich or are just really disorganized.
Short hair is so easy. Some days (like today) I don't even have to brush it and it still looks good!
I forgot to document the fact that I saw two sandhill cranes walk across 434 using the crosswalk in 5 o'clock traffic the other day.
2/8/14
The announcers keep calling these skating moves "twizzles" which sounds like something Snoop would rap about.
2/10/14
I just changed out of my heavy sweater into my lighter cardigan. #misterrogersmoment
Currently eating my weight in thin mints. Carry on.
2/11/14
I should get a gold medal for not busting into the box of free thin mints that have been on my desk all day.
2/12/14
I can't get through a third of Winter's Tale (book) but the movie previews look fantastic. What is up with that?!
2/13/14
Our neighborhood looks like a damn hurricane came through. Trees and fences down and debris everywhere. That storm was no joke.
Waze is a traffic app. Not a make friends app. Not a hit on someone app.
I still don't know what snap chat is. I still don't care.
2/14/14
I am freaking out excited that Landry Clarke and Amber Holt are hanging out at The Luncheonette. Like what?! AWESOME.
2/15/14
Officially done reading the Divergent series. Now what?!
Hannah Horvath is totally wearing my shirt on the latest GIRLS episode.
2/16/14
I absolutely loved Austenland! Keri Russell is forever my girl crush.
2/17/14
I want the beautiful purple dress that lady Mary wore to dinner last night. 1920s fashion is 👌. Also, I apparently only tweet about TV.
I didn't yell profanities at anyone while driving to work today. Thank you Presidents' Day!
Is speed-friending a thing? I want to do it.
I get really excited when I read a book with an HP reference.
2/18/14
I just poured my heart out. There's bits of it on the floor. @mariamena_no just gets it.
2/19/14
The average temp for Pitt for the end of March is the mid 50s which isn't ideal but doable. Just none of that 20s bullshit. And NO SNOW.
2/20/14
Seeing Scott Speedman on Chelsea Lately this morning already made my whole day. 😍
Dustin just told me he had Panera for lunch and that it was "really good". So much progress!
I need Amazon Prime so I can watch The Americans and Veronica Mars. But $80 a month before vacation?! Yeah not going to happen.
2/22/14
'A Really Awesome Mess' was a really awesome book.
2/23/14
I was telling Dustin that I'm glad Girl Scouts don't hang out at Winn Dixie's b/c I would be tempted. Turns out they do now. We got 3 boxes.
These severe thunderstorm/tornado warnings are freaking me out. Dustin and I are ready to jump in the closet if need be. Stay safe cent. FL!
2/25/14
I want to participate in the @steelers (Men's) fantasy camp JUST to hang out with Jeff Reed. 🏈🏃
2/26/14
Just because Ashley and Alecia both have SHHHs, LEEs and start with an A does not make them the same thing.
2/27/14
When someone doesn't know when their pay day is I just assume they are related to Richie Rich or are just really disorganized.
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