Flip Flop Forward

Happiness is the Zest of Life

2011-02-09T12:49:00.000-05:00

I had a leftover lemon in my refrigerator from a meal I made last week. Instead of throwing the remains away, I've been adding pieces to glasses of water. Even though it's common in restaurants, I never think to do this at home. So simple, yet so nice.

(Photo by MigleG)

Jar of Hearts

2011-02-04T12:05:00.000-05:00

Confession: When I am in a really good mood, I sing. Loudly.

Last night, Jeff and I were driving to a nearby neighborhood to go for a run. (It's unsafe to walk from my apartment to this neighborhood due to lack of sidewalks.) The song "Jar of Hearts" came on the radio, so of course I cranked it up and sang along. The best part was the interpretive dancing. Sometime I just get in these moods where I need to act ridiculous and try to make people around me laugh.

Despite the fact that the song is pretty depressing, I had a great run, and I've been in a wonderful mood ever since.

(Photo by LittleGaGaMonster10)

Thinking of Spring

2011-02-02T11:42:00.000-05:00

I've been pretty quiet in this space lately. I think it's because the winter blues have hit me pretty hard. Cincinnati has been under a constant blanket of snow, ice and freezing rain since December it seems. I'm trying to make the most of it--I'm actually a big fan of winter and snow--but sometimes the cold and gray skies get the best of me.

Last night we had freezing rain. I can't remember the last time I had to work so hard to just walk on my driveway without falling down!

Anyway, I refuse to be cooped up. Tonight I am braving the gusting winds and the 15-degree temperatures to go running outside. (No, I still don't belong to a gym.)

Here's to a beautiful spring. May it come soon!

(Photo by OVEclipse)

Holding On

2011-01-23T20:50:00.000-05:00

Saying goodbye is always so hard for me. Ever since I was a little girl, I always had a hard time letting go. If I was with my mom, I wanted to be with my dad. If I was with my dad, I wanted to be with my mom. I have so much fun spending time with all of the special people in my life, that I have a hard time letting it end. This weekend has been no exception.

I went to Toledo this weekend to spend time with part of Jeff's family for a late Christmas and New Year's get together. I had never met this side of his family before, and it was amazing how easily I seemed to fit into the banter and teasing. They are such nice people, and it feels great to be so accepted by them.

We spent most of the trip gathered around the kitchen talking, but we were also able to play with the children, play with the dog, eat great food, and at one point we even got to go shooting (something I am determined to learn how to do safely, accurately and properly.)

It felt like home.

So now I am back at my apartment. I've said goodbye (or more accurately "until next time") to everybody, and it's a bit lonely. I always am sad to see a weekend end, and it's even harder when it has been such a good one.

So right now, I am going to look forward to the upcoming week: seeing pictures from my mom's trip to Houston, seeing pictures from my dad's trip to Vegas, running with my sister and getting dressed up next weekend for a friend's wedding.

(Photo by ElifKarkoc)

The Zen of Running with Stef

2011-01-12T21:16:00.000-05:00

I ran with my sister tonight for the first time since last spring, and I cannot believe how much I missed it. I know I've said this before, but I have grown to cherish the time I get to spend with her on these runs. Even though I usually visit her once a week, running season is a different beast all together. Running is OUR time. We get to talk without interruption and listen to each other. I mean, really listen. Both of us are great multitaskers, so while we talk with one another we're usually doing the laundry, making dinner, driving home, taking care of a child or any other combination of tasks. There's nothing wrong with doing these things. You do what you have to do.

Running with Stef is different though, because both of us are fully there. We are in the moment and listening to each other. We don't need to censor our words or talk in hushed voices. We can get things off our chests. Stef told me tonight that the part she likes best isn't so much asking for advice or solving each others' problems--it's being able to talk. To get it out in the open. To make it real.

I think there's a special connection between sisters in that sense. We know we can tell each other anything. I don't think I have a single secret from my big sister. On our runs and through our talks, I will air feelings that I never even realized I was feeling. Or, I will tell her things that have been on my mind. Once I tell her these things, it's like a great weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Somehow, having her there to witness my thoughts and feelings gives them more depth and truth than if I only admit them to myself.

Tonight was one of those nights. In a quick little run through the neighborhood, we laid the foundation for what I'm sure will be a theme during our runs. Nothing was decided, nothing was fixed, but nothing was ignored either. We've got five months to train for the half marathon. It's going to be exciting to push ourselves physically, mentally and emotionally. By the time we cross that finish line, we will be able to look back and see how far we've come. Because tonight was just the beginning.

(photo by Gee202)

Shedding Light on What's Right

2011-01-07T17:42:00.000-05:00

I seem to be getting myself into all sorts of jams lately. I'm not going to lie, 2011 isn't exactly off to a smooth start.

So what did I do now? I double-booked my weekend. Yikes! In one of my never-ending attempts to DO EVERYTHING I mistakenly planned to hang out with two different friends on the same night--one an old friend from college, the other a new friend who invited me to hang out for the first time ever.

Aside from the fact that I had to let the new friend down (I did make plans with the old college friend first), I don't like the idea that I was so careless. I hate to be one of those people who never commits or has to check her calendar and get back to you. But here I am.

I was dreading having to let one of my friends down, so much so that I've been a little on edge all week trying to figure out how I was going to do it.

But it's over now. Nobody is upset (because it's been a bigger deal in my own head than it was in actuality). And I've got TWO new calendars plus the calendar on my phone to make sure it doesn't happen again.

Here's to keeping it simple!

(photo credit)

Ethical Dilemma

2011-01-06T12:36:00.000-05:00

The problem with walking away from my blog for an extended period of time is that I never quite know how to "get started" again. I feel like I should apologize, beg your forgiveness and promise that I will never do it again. I can't make promises like that though, because we all know that I will do it again. I'll get busy. I'll get writer's block. I'll get blog envy. (Props to Rach for following through with her redesign.)

Aside from the three reasons above, another reason I have neglected my blog is because I am internally conflicted about my use of photos. To me, half of a blog's charm is its photos. And while I always make sure to credit the photographer, the journalism student in me knows that it's not quite enough to link to the photo source. It's still not my photo to use. So, the only option I seem to be left with is to use my own photos. (And for all of you who were worried, I did end up finding my camera. It was in my car, hidden under the passenger seat.)

So do I go back and remove my "linked" photos from more than 100 blog posts? Do I put in a disclaimer that says I'm too unmotivated to do that, but from here on out, I will do better? There's no easy answer. Until I reach that moment of clarity in my own mind, I'm afraid that I will perhaps go through spurts of inactivity in this space.

Your thoughts, opinions and suggestions about photo usage would be greatly appreciated. For those of you who use your own images, how do you keep them organized and find time to upload them every day? Do you just carry your camera around with you everywhere? Where should I start so I don't just sit here frozen?

(And yes, I purposely left the photo off of this particular post.)

Lost

2010-12-07T19:29:00.001-05:00

Hello friends. I have a bit of bad news: I lost my camera.

I am not the girl who loses things. I am pretty organized when it comes to keeping track of my belongings. So, it has really thrown me for a loop to lose my camera. It was a gift. My father gave it to me two Christmases ago, and I feel like I've completely let him down by losing it.

I know it's just an object, but it's still important to me. That memory card had two years worth of photos on it. Christmas, my nephew being born, vacations, my entire history with Jeff and finally my trip to Gatlinburg. Luckily, I had downloaded everything but my trip to Gatlinburg, but it is still heartbreaking to lose that much history. (And I was going to wait to tell you this when I downloaded the photos, but while I was in Gatlinburg we climbed Mt. LeConte. I've never climbed to the summit of a major mountain before, so this was extremely heartbreaking for me to lose.)

I am going back to Columbus this weekend to retrace my steps. I've called the stores I was in, but nobody has seen it. Until I check for myself, I am determined to hold onto hope that it's still there and nobody walked off with it. I have to have better faith in humanity than that.

Until then, I'm pretty bummed.

(Photo by ArunBli)

Wind Chimes

2010-12-06T06:00:00.001-05:00

Some nights, in the quiet of my apartment, I can hear my neighbor's wind chime tinkling outside my window. It's so peaceful and delicate sounding. Maybe I should add a wind chime to my Christmas list?

(Photo by crazieghostie)

Happy Weekend

2010-12-03T15:00:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it is Friday already. It has been one long week. The first weeks back from vacation are usually the toughest. Next week it looks like I am going to have to spend some extra time in the office, so I am going to make the most out of my weekend.

My plans include getting a REAL Christmas tree and decorating it; going up to Columbus to make Christmas gifts; getting my apartment put back together; spending some time with my family; and of course hanging out with Jeff.

It's supposed to snow 1-3 inches on Saturday, and we all know that Cincinnatians don't fare well in the snow. Maybe I'll just stay in and read in my big, cozy chair or watch movies on the sofa with Jeff. That sounds wonderful!

Have a good one!

(Photo by JoX1989)

Change is a Good Thing

2010-12-03T06:00:00.001-05:00

I am bored with the layout of my blog. In truth, I haven't spent much time on my own blog lately because I've been too busy drooling over the beauty and creativity that I've noticed the blogs on my blog roll.

I want to make changes, but I don't want to do too much at once. (It's a big deal to go through a blog redesign.) I want it to still feel comfortable--to still feel like home when I am done.

So tell me, what are some small changes you've made to your blogs over time to keep them fresh?

(Photo by Gunpowdersmoke)

The Champion

2010-12-02T17:44:00.000-05:00

Secretly, I am a pretty competitive person. Even when the only person involved in the competition is myself. I'm always trying to do my best, score the highest, come up with the best idea ... you see what I mean. I also tend to make a lot of bets. Most of them have no monetary gain. The only winnings I get from these bets is the glory of knowing I've won.

Well guess what? I made a bet with myself that I could go without turning on my heat until December. You know what else? I WON! Let's be honest here. The bet was made because it was an extremely mild fall. And I think the lady in the apartment below me likes her heat up extremely high. Also, I'm pretty cheap, so any excuse to make my electric bill go down is always a plus. (As a side note, I felt like I was doing my part in being "green" because I didn't use as much electric.)

I discovered a couple of things along my frigid journey:

1. If there's a slight chill in the air, light a couple of scented candles around you. First off, they smell great. Also, you wouldn't believe how much warmth they can put off. Three little candles kept me roasty-toasty for the entire month of November.

2. I can do anything I put my mind to, even if it is a stupid little bet I made with myself.

3. I'm cheaper than I ever thought I could be.

So here's to having a heated apartment...with the thermostat set on 60 F!

(Photo by Citrisfrukt)

My Year in Photos (Part 5: Fall)

2010-11-30T20:59:00.000-05:00

It's definitely taken awhile to show you my year. Going though my photos it's really hard to limit it down to a handful for every season. I've done so many great things and hung around so many awesome people that it's impossible to share it all.

For my birthday, Jeff took me on a hot air balloon ride.

If you ever get a chance to go, DO IT. The views are breathtaking and it's so much fun.

I spent a week in Chicago for a trade show. My room looked like something straight out of Ikea. The Wit hotel is extremely Chicago chic.

October meant more weddings. At this particular wedding we all danced the night away.

And finally, I've been hanging out with my nephew quite a lot. He's the coolest little kid I know. It's as simple as that. Also, what better way to end my year in photos than with a picture of baby tookus?

My Year in Photos (Part 4: Summer Continued)

2010-11-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

I just realized that I outdid myself with taking photos over the summer. I was incredibly busy all the time. While I spent my fair share of whining about never having any time to myself, I think I am an incredibly lucky person. I mean, I got to experience all of these wonderful things...

My cousin, Becca, had a wedding shower. I got an amazing video of her embarrassing herself at this party, but I promised I wouldn't post it. I'll just have to post this photo instead so you can see how beautiful her hair looked that day.

I moved. As part of the process, I ended up buying cheap furniture or things that I found at yard sales. In fact, I got a great kitchen table with four chairs at a yard sale. What's great about this picture is that we picked it up in Jeff's work van. We could literally go through a drive through and have a sit-down meal in this van. It was fabulous. (And I found this incredibly hilarious.)

Of course, I spent a lot of time relaxing and floating down the Little Miami River. One of my favorite things to do is just be outside. So peaceful.

Did I mention that I went to a lot of weddings this summer? These are my friends Ginger and B.J. It was an incredibly beautiful ceremony. The best part was how laid back they were about the whole thing. The groom even managed to lighten the serious mood in the church and crack a few jokes during the ceremony.

During all the weddings, I got to catch up with some of my closest gal-pals from college. Here are some of the wonderful women from my college Bible study. It was great to all be in the same place at the same time. I really miss these girls!

In July, Jeff and I celebrated our six-month anniversary. Now, I'm not usually one to celebrate things down to the month, but the weather was gorgeous and we just couldn't help ourselves. We decided to have a picnic dinner at Ault Park. I packed some great picnic foods, and I may have even snuck in a thermos of wine. The best part of the evening was that there was a live-music event going on in the park, so as the night wore on, we listened to some great music and went dancing.

I know I already talked about my vacation to Mackinac Island earlier this year, but I've been there twice now, and both times the place was absolutely breathtaking.

While I was up in Michigan, I spent the week with my Michigan Mom and her friend's son, RJ. Both of them like to take pictures even more than I do (which is really saying something). They are all the most caring, funny and interesting people I have ever met. I'm glad they let me hang out with them!

I also managed to let go of some work-related stress during the summer. Here's a photo of the view from our dock. Nothing beats Michigan in terms of beauty. Also, I love sitting down with a nice glass of coke. Some people unwind with an alcoholic beverage. I choose coke!

Here's the view from our dock at sunset. See why I'm in love with this place and always want to go back?

My Year in Photos (Part 3: Summer)

2010-11-13T09:51:00.000-05:00

This morning, I woke up early feeling utterly creative. Hallelujah! Maybe it's the morning. There's something magic about those hours before everyone else starts to stir. It's my time. I can enjoy it however I please. This morning I am choosing to take advantage of my momentary lapse in writer's block and share with you some photos from the summer.

My Uncle Steve retired at the beginning of the summer. He was so funny about it. At his party he wore a Hawaiian shirt, shorts and sandals. One day into retirement and he was already starting to act like Jimmy Buffett!

Jeff decided to take me golfing. I had never been to a driving range in my entire life. To be honest, the thought of playing 18 holes of golf is frightening. I have no idea what the rules are or how to even swing a club. Jeff played on his high school golf team, so he was able to teach me the basics. (Rule #1: Don't wear flip-flops to a driving range.)

I was able to hit the ball in a mainly forward motion, but I quickly found out that I just don't have what it takes to be a golfer. That's fine by me. I've got many other hobbies that I can do for fun. I'll let Jeff have golf.

On the 4th of July, we had a picnic at my dad's house. Here is a photo of my grandfather playing cornhole. The best thing about Grandpa Harry is that he constantly wears bib overalls. The only time I've seen him in something else is when he's in his church clothes. I love my grandpa!

I went to a lot of bridal showers this summer. One of them happened to be in Nelsonville, which is chose to Athens, Ohio where I went to school. My friend, Lauren, and I decided to take a little detour after the wedding shower and explore campus. Here we are in front of the E.W. Scripps school of Journalism, where I spent many, many days. The back of the building is an amphitheater, and on sunny days it was wonderful to sit in the grass, enjoy the scenery and get some homework done.

My Year in Photos (Part 2 Spring)

2010-10-23T08:39:00.000-04:00

Now I'd like to share with you some photos of my spring. This was such a fun season.

Jeff and I drove to Columbus so I could introduce him to my friends from college. While we were there, we stopped in some great antique/vintage shops.

My nephew had his first birthday party. He's growing up so fast. I can't believe how much I love the kid!

This is Jeff and I on Easter Sunday. We took this after church before we headed out to my grandparent's house.

The babysitter gave my nephew this awesome hairstyle. Let's just say it's one of Aunt Em's favorites.

I did a breast cancer walk in Columbus with my friend Lauren, her sister Amy and our friend Laura. "Big and small, save them all!"

My Year in Photos (Part 1: Winter)

2010-10-22T19:38:00.000-04:00

I realize I haven't done the best job keeping up with my blog. It has been an exciting, stressful, heartbreaking, exhilarating year. For those of you who have stuck around, thank you so much.

I love blogging and being creative. I have just been exhausted from burning the candle at both ends. When this happens, my creativity seems to disappear.

I figured the best way to get back in the swing of things wasn't to make a long apology and paragraphs of updates, which you'll likely skim through anyway. (Because, hey--I would!) Instead, I am going to share my year in photos.

My year started with New Year's in Lexington.

We drank a little champagne.

We also decided to take an impromptu Polar Plunge. (Check that one off my bucket list.)

In February I made amaretto truffles for my new boyfriend, Jeff.

In return, he sent me flowers to my work.

My sister and I also ran a Shamrock Shuffle.

My winter was such a happy time. New relationships, running and bonding with my sister. It was such a perfect, calm time of the year.

Stay tuned for more photos of my spring.

TV Free

2010-09-07T23:10:00.000-04:00

My apartment is my haven. It's cute, charming, and did I mention television-free?

In reality I do have a television, I just don't have cable. I made a decision that this is one bill I can do without. So my tv is there on its stand, waiting for me to pop in a DVD if I choose to do so. I don't really miss it. I'm too busy doing other things: canoeing, working, swimming and visiting with friends.

The best part is that I have a renewed love for reading. I wish I could say that I read a lot now, but the fact is that I read all day for work, so I still don't power through books like you would assume.

Not having tv does have its drawbacks. For instance, I didn't realize that Cincinnati was the bed bug capital of the U.S., and I didn't realize there was an egg recall going on. When people mention commercials, I feel so out of the loop.

This doesn't change my mind though. I'm glad for the peace and quiet. The ability to reflect and be creative without being hammed by ads and political messages is amazing. If you've never done this, I recommend that you unplug. See what you can really accomplish.

Tell me, would you ever go without tv?

(photo by kyokyoo)

The Sorting Hat

2010-08-18T19:16:00.000-04:00

Have you ever heard of someone sorting people based on their first impressions? On our intern's last day, she showed me a list she had made on her first day in the office. This list had every staff member sorted into the different Hogworts houses a la the sorting hat in the "Harry Potter" books.

I thought this was the greatest thing on earth. Paige, our intern, said that she does that any time she meets a large group of people--she sorts them into the different houses. In my opinion, she was pretty dead-on. My only problem with the list was that she categorized me as a Hufflepuff. Now I realize that everybody can't be a Gryffindor, but Hufflepuff is my least favorite house. It's the house that accepts the leftovers or anybody who doesn't have a strong affiliation to the other houses.

I suppose she might be right though. Hufflepuffs are just nice people. Maybe I should be glad she thought I was a Hufflepuff instead of a slimy Slytherin.

So tell me, do you ever sort people into the various Hogworts houses? If you do, what house do you think you should be in?

(photo by vonripper)

Writer's Block

2010-08-17T20:57:00.000-04:00

I have had the biggest case of writer's block lately. Can you tell?

What makes this case even more harrowing is that I am trying to come up with two to three good writing samples to try to land myself a freelance gig. This job would be a dream come true. Now, if I could just feel creative... What inspires you to write?

For now, I leave you with a haiku about writer's block. (Because this is what I'm working with right now!)

Creativity.
Why have you left me this way?
My head is empty.

Suggestions would be much appreciated! (And lame poetry makes me smile if you want to go that route.)

(Photo by nerdynotdirty)

Day Trip

2010-07-28T10:54:00.000-04:00

I am at my family's lake in Michigan for a much-needed vacation. I am having a wonderful time. Yesterday we took a trip to Mackinac Island in the Upper Peninsula.

The Chicago to Mackinac race had just ended the night before, so we saw a ton of sailboats and met even more sailors.

The water is something out of a movie. So beautiful. So many colors. Also, no cars are allowed on the island, so you get around on foot, bike or horses.

We stopped at the Hotel Iroquois for lunch. It's our favorite.

They have the best lemon meringue.

...and the prettiest ladies restroom stalls.

Then we took a bike ride around the island.

I guess stacked rocks aren't just an East Coast thing.

By the end of the day we were all exhausted.

Mackinac Island. One of my favorite vacation destinations.

Le Weekend

2010-07-24T07:38:00.000-04:00

This morning I am sitting down and enjoying a warm cup of coffee. I absolutely love it when I can sit and enjoy my coffee without being rushed one place or another. There's great freedom in sitting down, checking blogs, reading some news and starting your day on your own schedule. Sigh.

Later today I am driving to Chillicothe for my friend Jess' wedding shower. I haven't seen her since early spring, so it will be nice to reunite. Plus? The city is cute and quaint. What a great day ahead!

(Photo by ironica)

The Kindness of Strangers

2010-07-23T10:30:00.000-04:00

Last night I went to buy a salad for dinner. I'm usually not one of those people who just eat salad, but after peperoni pizza for breakfast and sushi for lunch, I thought I'd better eat something semi-decent.

Anyway, as I was walking up to the cashier, some guy whizzed past me and ended up finding an empty register. He only had one item to purchase: a pack of toilet paper. I wasn't irritated with him for running past me because I'm known to do the same thing when I'm in a hurry. Obviously if you're just buying toilet paper, you're in some kind of hurry/emergency!

The coolest thing happened at that point. He looked behind him and realized that he had run past me to get in line. He then said that he would feel guilty if he went first. After all, he wasn't really in that big of a hurry. I tried to protest, but he wouldn't hear it. I thanked him and went ahead.

I love it when people do selfless things for others. It just makes my day. I will have to find some way to pay this forward. The universe could use a little more people like Toilet Paper Guy.

(Photo by PlayCold)

Summer Reading

2010-07-22T10:30:00.002-04:00

One of the great things about house sitting is checking out other people's bookshelves. The book "Love & Respect" caught my eye this week. I am about a chapter into it and am finding it really interesting so far. Basically, it's a Christian-based take on what makes a marriage work. It delves into the fact that husbands are seeking respect (but not in a dominating, "I'm better than you" sort of way) and wives seek love.

Tell me, have you read this book? If so, what did you think? Is this book worth my time, or will I just get angry at the author's antiquated take on male-female relationships?

Lessons from my Apartment

2010-07-21T10:30:00.008-04:00

So I moved, and I am extremely busy at work and my refrigerator is empty.

I've been living in my apartment for about a month now, and it has definitely had its ups and downs. I figured I would be able to completely move in and unpack over the Fourth of July weekend. I have since learned that I sometimes set very unrealistic goals for myself.

I also acquired a free washer and drier. It took two of my relatives to move them and two days of scrubbing with bleach to clean. I also had to purchase and replace the electrical chord. Then, it took two men to move them into place. Now, they are sticking half out into my kitchen because they don't fit. I flip between worry and anger about these two machines. I want to get new ones because I am afraid the drier smells like burning. My father convinced me to give it more than a two second chance to see if they work properly, that way I can save some money. From this, I have learned that nothing is truly free. I've also learned that I shouldn't be so quick to judge.

Moving itself was a very humbling experience. I learned that my body will never be able to lift heavy things, no matter how much I want it to. It is also very humbling to have to rely on other people. I had to rely on Jeff to help me move a lot of my furniture because he has muscles and a truck. I also had to rely on my family members to donate spare furniture and appliances "to the cause." My family also helped me pack up my belongings and move. I consider myself a pretty independent person. If I were capable, I would have moved in a day and dusted my hands of the entire experience. Because I had to rely on others though, the moving went slowly, and it had to be done on their time. This was a great lesson in patience and gratitude.

Other lessons include appreciation for what I have, for where I am now and for where I have come from.

(Photo by Singing-Mukug)

I Should Have Slept In

2010-07-20T19:33:00.000-04:00

Picture this: It's a nice, relaxing Sunday morning. It's 7 a.m. I roll over, turn off my alarm and think to myself, "I just need to feed the dog and let her outside, then I can snuggle back into bed for a little bit before church." Eyes closed, I stumble out to the kitchen and open the door for the dog.

ZOOM! There goes the cat.

Before I can even comprehend what just happened, I run down the stairs and into the yard trying to catch this cat. Everything moves in slow motion. I think, "I can't lose this cat. The people I am house sitting for will never trust me again!"

Now picture me in my full glory. Yes, that's right--jammies, my hair big and bed-head matted and my bum in the air as I crawl though the home owners' flower beds looking under the back deck for this cat. You've got it. I was quite the Sunday morning site to behold.

I then spend the next half hour cat calling, shaking a food dish and trying to chase the cat out from under the deck with a stick. In tears, I resort to calling the home owners. At 7 a.m. On their vacation.

Josh picks up the phone, and I apologize profusely for waking him up. After I explain the situation, he tells me what to do in a very zen-like manner. "Emily, go back inside. The cat will come back when he's ready."

You've got to be kidding me. The wet, grass covered jammies, the mosquito bites and the way-too-early alertness were all in vain.

Oh, and after 20 minutes, the cat came back.

Tell me, is it common knowledge that a cat will come back, or would you have tried to catch it too?

(Photo by Kevin Steele)

Nothing Special

2010-07-12T12:35:00.001-04:00

Have you ever had one of those days where you are just incredibly happy and at peace for no apparent reason? Today is one of those days for me. Maybe it's because I got to spend my entire weekend surrounded by family and friends? There's something special about connecting and keeping in touch with people.

(photo by DixieRoadRash)

Life Lessons from the Bride

2010-07-11T22:33:00.000-04:00

I went to my friend Ginger's wedding this weekend. I have to say, she is the most laid-back person I know. She got engaged in January and planned a wedding in six months. Six months! That's amazing in a bridal timeline. She did all this while working a full-time job and going back to school. Oh yes, and buying and finishing a newly built house with her finance. Because of her job, she could only get married this summer or else she would've had to wait an entire extra year to get married. So she pulled up her sleeves and went to work.

I have to say, the wedding was beautiful. Ginger and B.J. are and amazing couple and are so good with one another. I wish them the world of happiness. During the wedding I noticed some things that happened that would've made me cry. But Ginger just rolled with it.

Her dress was turn in a small spot during the reception.
The caterer didn't put the wine out before the wedding party arrived.
She let the cake maker have free reign over the cake and knew it would turn out great.
The wedding march song started to play BEFORE the bride and groom even got to kiss.

Ginger didn't let any of this stuff phase her. After all, it didn't matter in the long scheme of things. What mattered was that she was standing at the alter with her best friend, the guy she is going to spend the rest of her life with.

I think we can all take a lesson from Ginger, or at least I can. So what if things don't turn out exactly as planned, or on a certain timeline? Who cares that my apartment isn't completely finished? We need to just roll with it and know that everything is going to work out. In the long run, the small things don't really matter.

(Photo by HoKosTo)

Let me Entertain you

2010-07-10T09:02:00.001-04:00

Last night I had and impromptu double date with my friends Becca and Dan. This is the first time I've ever really entertained. It is so nice! Granted, all I have in my refrigerator is a choice of water or beer, so it's not like I put any effort into this night at all. They toured my apartment and helped me move my washer and drier out of the middle of my kitchen. (*Sigh* Now that is another story all together...) Anyway, then my friends, Jeff and I all sat down and played a card game called Crown Eight. It was such a fun, relaxing evening. I've forgotten how nice it is to just sit around and play cards for an evening.

Anyway, today I am going to spruce up my apartment a bit more and then head to Athens for a wedding. One of my friends is getting married today! I wish Ginger and B.J. all the love and happiness in the world for years to come.

Here's to a wonderful weekend!

(Photo by CCcarlstead)

Welcome to the Apartment

2010-07-08T20:52:00.001-04:00

It's probably fitting that my 100th post is being written from my new apartment. Let me explain: I started this blog as a way to grow. I wanted to grow in creativity and as a person. So what better way to show growth than to move out and become a little more independent?

Here's what my latest growth spurt has taught me:

No matter how old you get, you will always need your Momma.
Life never goes according to plan.
There is no such thing as "free."
The most organized/OCD person will never be completely organized during a move.
It is impossible to completely move and make an apartment "completely livable" in one weekend.
Tall shelves are a waste of space if you are a short person.

There's a ton more about this move that I want to share with you, but I ask that you please be patient in letting my story spill out. I am the kind of person who really cannot function when things are out of order. This move has really thrown my order for a loop! I promise to keep posting. But I pretty much guarantee that these next couple of posts will be scatter-brained and all over the place until I am completely nested in my new apartment.

Here's hoping it doesn't take too long, as I have already been here for a week!)

(Photo by Alastaire)

I Love that you "Get" Me

2010-06-26T11:01:00.000-04:00

Our work had a raffle to raise money for a scholarship fund. We raffled off employee talents. My talent was that I would offer my semi-professional organization services to help one of my coworkers organize his or her office, pantry or other small room.

I am very excited to offer this talent because I love organizing other people's stuff. I should also admit that I am extremely nosy--but not in a creepy way! Let me explain: I love looking through people's bookshelves to get book ideas. I love going through my sister's makeup to see what works best for me. I also like looking through pantries to see what kinds of new and great foods are available that I might be missing.

Anyway, I will be organizing my coworker's pantry and I am completely excited to help this coworker out (and maybe come up with a great new recipe or two while I am at it!)

Fast forward to Thursday. It had been a hectic morning at work. Some days are just like that and you have to roll with it. Knowing this, I sent a text to Jeff halfway through my morning that said: "I need a hug, so I am sending you one via text and maybe I will get one in return." A couple hours later, I got this reply: "Aww... I love you. One text hug has been returned! PS: You get to go through your coworker's stuff."

I love how much he "gets" me.

(photo by negativespace341)

Wheelin' and Dealin'

2010-06-23T18:31:00.000-04:00

I can't believe how much has been happening lately. I am now done house sitting, but I am busy packing up my current home because ... i signed my lease!

Even though I lived in a dorm three years in college and shared an apartment with three other roommates my senior year, it still feels like I haven't really ever moved out and lived on my own. This is such a cool experience. I'm also going to admit that it's a bit overwhelming.

Signing the lease was a nightmare: It took about a month for the complex to do maintenance on my apartment before they would even show it to me. Also, why is it so surprising that I would like to see my exact apartment before I sign my lease? Do other people really move into places sight unseen? Then there was the part where I had to watch the property manager's every move. She tried to change the rent price, the length of the lease and my move-in date. I suppose I should just look at this as an exercise in really paying attention to the details around me. Also, I should hold people accountable and not let them push me around. (I did manage to stand up to the scary property manager on several occasions. Maybe this is a sign that I am growing up?)

Despite all my frustrations/anxieties, several great things have happened. For starters, I got a free washer and drier out of the deal because someone left it behind in another apartment in the complex and the maintenance guy didn't want to deal with it. (ie: It's mine if I move it myself.) Now, the machines are absolutely disgusting. I will have to Clorox bleach the heck out of them several times, but they should work. Also, I managed to get a nice solid-wood dining room table with two extra leaves and four sturdy chairs for $25 at a garage sale. I feel like I am making deals right and left. It's kind of exciting finding great bargains on furniture. In fact, I am slightly addicted to Craig's List. I just know I will find the perfect coffee table and end tables on there.

Whew! Quite a lot. But I also want to talk about the photo at the top. You see, to pick up my new table, my boyfriend drove his new company van. It's basically a giant, creepy white van that looks a lot like an ice cream van. Anyway, you can fit a lot in the van. I looked back at one point and said: "Hey Jeff, if we go through a drive through, we can still have a sit-down dinner in here!"

I Feel Good!

2010-06-16T19:35:00.000-04:00

I am house sitting this week, so that means I am on my own as far as meals go. (Thank you momma for still cooking for me while I live at home!) Anyway, tonight I didn't have anything in the fridge so I ventured to this awesome store called Country Fresh Market. They have an amazing selection of produce, organic food and ethnic food. I figured I would just wander around until something struck my fancy.

Half an hour later I decided I would make pizza for dinner. This would be special pizza though. It would be healthy pizza. (Okay, so healthier pizza...) I picked up some whole wheat flat bread; tomato, basil and garlic pesto; mozzarella cheese; fresh mushrooms; red and green peppers; an onion; and a bottle of cooking wine (as in, wine to drink while I am cooking). I chopped up all the fresh ingredients and threw them into the oven for five minutes.

It turned out wonderful! This is the first time I have ever invented something on the spot and had it turn out. I am so pleased. Also, the meal was completely vegetarian. I'm a meat and potatoes kind of Midwestern girl, so I figured I would have to find something else to eat along with the pizza, but I didn't have to.

The best part is that I've got leftover ingredients bagged for my lunch at work tomorrow. All I have to do is pop it in the toaster over for five minutes. Yay for multitasking!

(photo by lingmeister)

Music for a Happy Day

2010-06-16T08:18:00.000-04:00

I don't know if you've heard this version of "Hit 'Em Up Style" from Carolina Chocolate Drops, but you should. It is amazing. I heard this in my car the other day and couldn't help dancing.

Pay it Forward

2010-06-15T18:22:00.001-04:00

Sometimes bad things happen so we can appreciate the good. Let me explain.

My coworker and his girlfriend own a house together near my work. One night last week, someone broke into the girlfriend's car. Understandably, she was very upset. The worst part was that this invasion happened in their very own driveway. I cannot imagine how sick they both felt, having just purchased a house in what was turning out to be a horrible neighborhood. She was frightened to go anywhere by herself, and she did not feel safe in her own house. Her purse with insurance cards, business cards, credit cards, etc. was stolen, along with an ipod and an expensive camera for work. Her life was essentially turned upside down.

When the world seemed to be at its worst, the tables began to turn. The their new community started to gather around this couple and support them. One neighbor came forward and reported a suspicious person that had been lurking around the neighborhood. Others called to let police know when this person was nearby.

The day after the break-in, somebody called saying that they had found a really nice camera in their front yard with the woman's business card attached to it. How great that this neighbor returned such a nice piece of equipment instead of playing by the "finder's keepers" motto.

Then, they received an e-mail from another community member. I think this is such a great story that I will share the e-mail below. (Some content has been changed for privacy.)

HI!

I know this probably seems strange, but I found a whole bunch of what appears to be the contents of your wallet. I live in (a nearby city) and walk around it almost daily. When my husband and I were walking, I noticed something strange in a bush at the entrance of an apartment complex. At eye level stuck in a shrub I saw a store credit card. I brought it home but could not figure out how to find you.

Yesterday, at the same bush, I decided I should look again, and under the bush I found a whole bunch of your cards. Still I could not find enough information to find you.

Well, today was lucky! I decided to really rattle the bush and look at the vines on the ground just in case I could find a way to return your an email and see if you would like for me to return these cards to you.

I am sorry that your wallet was lost or stolen, and hope that if mine ever is, that someone will try to return any part of it to me.

Please enjoy your day knowing that there are still people out here trying to do what is right.

I love hearing stories like this. It really restores my faith in humanity, and makes me realize how important community is.

(photo by JacquiJax)

Can Bacon Grease Harm Dogs? and other Stories from Babysitting Land

2010-06-14T21:01:00.006-04:00

I am house sitting this week. My lovely sister, her husband and my nephew have all headed off for a relaxing vacation at Myrtle Beach. I have to admit, I'm a little jealous. Aside from the heat, it sounds like they are having a great time. Plus, I love getting updates from the East Coast:

Stef (my sister) via Facebook: "So, H (my 14-month-old nephew) is loving the beach. In fact, he wizzed on the driveway earlier today while we were trying to hose the beach sand off of him."

Ah little boys. They'll get you every time if you're not careful! I love hearing stories about what my sister's family is up to. In fact, it's kind of strange being in their house without them here. I see all the toys and binks around the house, and it just makes me realize how much I miss the little guy!

But I guess I shouldn't miss them too much. After all, Aunt Em gets to spend time with her other nephews and niece...the four-legged kinds. I am watching three cats and one dog this week.

As usual, there hasn't been a dull moment. The first day alone, the dog pookipsied in the house (Aunt Em should know better than to not let her stay outside longer), and the cats decided that they got close enough to their litter boxes. There's also been the sleeping issue. My fuzzy nephews love their Aunt Em so much that they feel the need to sleep with me. (My family is tight like that.) So imagine if you will, a black lab that likes to stretch out across the entire bed; one cat that likes to sleep under the covers with you; another that likes to wrap around your head like ear muffs; and the third that likes to cannonball off the dresser and onto the bed the second he catches you even thinking about getting some sleep. I haven't slept straight through the night for three days now. I think the natives are getting restless.

One final adventure in babysitting land: The dog licked a bit of bacon grease out of the pan that I was letting cool after supper. After a mild panic attack, and some serious Googling, I've decided that I will keep a close eye on her and make sure that mild indigestion is the worst side effect she gets from it. Luckily for me, I don't really see staying up all night to monitor the patient as being a problem. If I nod off, the cats will help wake me...

All in all, this is the fun part about being an aunt. I always have fun stories to tell other people. Plus, it's totally nice to have company in the house. Maybe I need a kitten in my new place?

(photo by SarahStorm)

Little Pieces

2010-06-13T15:44:00.007-04:00

I feel it's time for a much-needed update. It seems most of the blogging universe (or at least the blogs I read regularly) have been a little lackadaisical about posting on a regular basis. Myself included. Big time.

So what is my excuse? If I'm honest, I'll tell you that I have been spending as much time as possible with Jeff. There's something about being in the start of a relationship that just makes you forget about everything else. At five months in, I suppose I could use the phrase from "Bambi" and just tell you all that I am "twitterpated." I don't mean to not have time for much else, I just get caught up in the excitement of it all. It's crazy how I can spend an entire day with the guy and never run out of things to say. There's just that chemistry there. That complete happiness whenever we are together.

Aside from hanging out with Jeff, my mind has been on moving out. There have been little complications in signing my apartment lease. The apartment manager wanted me to sign it without seeing the actual apartment because she showed me one similar. I refuse to sign a lease until I see the actual place, which she assures me will happen some time next week. Keep your fingers crossed, and I will keep you posted on how that goes.

In the meantime, I have made my first apartment purchase: a sofa. (I'm such a big kid now!) I originally was going to use the futon I took to college with me, but I really couldn't see being comfortable on a black piece of metal with a bumpy little mattress over it. Plus, I am going to try my best to give my apartment a sophisticated, 20-something feel rather than a Ramen noodles and Natti Light feel.

So while my sofa is still pretty low-end, I am completely in love with it. I got it for quite a bargain at Furniture Fair. (The one in the photo above is similar, but not my exact sofa.) It's chocolate micro-fiber (so it feels like suede), and I feel like it's the perfect place to nestle in with a good book. I can't wait to find some colorful pillows for it. Maybe a trip to Ikea is in order?

Buying the sofa was such a fun experience, too. I took my momma with me because she's really good to bounce ideas off of. She was a great sport too, testing out all the different sofas with me and helping me get rid of over-enthusiastic salesmen. I think the hardest part was deciding on the color: chocolate or cream? In the end, I am very happy with my decision, and I'm glad I got to spend the day shopping with my mom. Plus, there's no way I could have made that big of a decision without her!

So now that I've got my sofa in layaway, I need to start thinking about other items of furniture I might need. I have been trying to con my family members out of any old furniture they want to give up. My apartment is going to be pretty eclectic, but I think it is going to suit me just fine.

Cheerio! Chip Chip! And other Rubbish

2010-05-26T22:05:00.005-04:00

How NOT to golf.

Last night I went golfing...and not just to Put 'N Fun. I know this sounds like a normal activity, but for anyone who knows me this is really unexpected. Perhaps I should clarify: I went to the driving range. I guess that's what you'd call it.

My golfing ability goes as far as getting six strokes on every hole at Put 'N Fun. I also took a gym class in high school called "Archery, Fencing and Golf" one year because I wanted to get outside and get a tan. I think I hit a golf ball one time in that class. So this experience last night was completely new to me.

I should also probably clarify that I am dating a graduate from Miami University in Oxford, and I think that your golfing ability is secretly factored into your application process there. (Sorry Miami grads. OU was much more laid back!)

Anyway, walking into the golf course I ended up getting extremely self conscience. This is usually what happens to me when I try something new and have a pretty good idea that I will fail. My palms started to sweat, my heart beat a little faster than normal and I could tell that the people there just knew I was a newbie. Panic. Ack!!!!

So, in true Emily fashion, I decided to overcompensate by talking in a fake British accent. It kind of eased my fears by saying phrases such as "cheerio" and "chip chip" to "Jeffery." I even went as far as to say "tally-ho!" which as it turns out, is not something they say on a golf course. (Oh but don't worry. It is when I play. The word "crap" is used a lot when I play, too, but that's another story.)

Anyway, it turns out that I was right, and I do stink at golf. However, I was wrong about one thing. Instead of being as boring as watching paint dry, it was actually really fun and relaxing. I think I will go back there and see if I can actually get better at it.

Decisions, Decisions

2010-05-25T18:23:00.004-04:00

On my way home from work I stopped and checked out an apartment. It was nice enough. I've already decided that I won't get the world's greatest apartment in my price range, and this one wasn't really anything to write home about. Except that it could be mine.

The landlord was very nice and showed me an apartment that was available immediately. She said the neighbors were quiet and older, which suits me just fine. Also, this apartment is definitely within my price range. As I see it, there are two negatives: it is close to the road (ie: lots of noise) and it is in my hometown. We're not talking Cincy hometown, but town of birth hometown.

Is it strange that I am so opposed to living in my hometown? Would you choose to live in your hometown or would you need to get a little more space between you and what was familiar?

Location-wise it just makes so much sense. It's close to my family and friends, and it's also very close to my work. I could choose another town, but it would mean excluding closeness to one of those very important factors.

I walked away feeling like maybe I could see myself living there. (How's that for non-commitment?) I am going to check out a few others this weekend, and then maybe I will be able to make a better decision from there. Who knows? Maybe within the next couple of weeks I'll be writing from my own little space! Stay tuned...

(photo by MininiaLua)

The Search Continues

2010-05-21T11:32:00.003-04:00

I am still in the process of looking for an apartment--I've been searching for more than a year if I am completely honest with myself. And while we are on the subject of honesty, I have to admit that my "search" has been browsing Craig's List and dreaming.

I think I am afraid.

The past two weeks I have actually driven around calling numbers and going into apartment offices. (Okay, more honesty: I've looked into four.) Yesterday, I got lost and I ended my search feeling very grumpy and exasperated.

But last night I had an epiphany of sorts. I have been looking for "the perfect" apartment, but I'm afraid that doesn't exist within my price range. I think I am just going to have to change my thought process to "this will work for a year or two." That new thought left me feeling more energized about my search than I have in a very long time.

So somebody please hold me accountable. Ask me how my search is going in a week or so. I mean, sometimes you've been standing on the high dive for long enough. It is time to jump, right?

(photo by belxphoto)

Duck, Duck, Goose!

2010-05-19T12:10:00.004-04:00

And I shall call you "Kramer."

I have never really been the type of girl who was into birds. I always thought it would be fun to go bird watching and know the names of everything that flew by, but let's be honest--I just don't have the patience for that kind of thing. Plus, I don't really want to put in the time and effort right now to learn it.

As far as pets are concerned, I am a dog and cat kind of girl. A family pet should be something you can cuddle and let roam around your house. They should have fun names and be considered a member of the family. Birds and outdoor animals just seem a little too distant to be considered a family member.

But the other day, Jeff (my boyfriend) got some ducks. You know what? I think I might be coming around to the idea of birds as pets. How could you not find Kramer adorable?

Jeff has had these ducks for about three weeks now, and they are growing up so fast. I have had a ball coming up with names for them (all 17 of them). Granted, I can't really tell that many apart, so I will randomly blurt out names like "Goose" and "Dewy." It has been a riot naming these ducks every time I see them.

So tell me: Have you ever gotten to hang around baby ducks? Do you think they would make great pets (if you lived on a farm)?

Happy Weekend!

2010-05-07T17:36:00.003-04:00

I sure am glad it's the weekend. This was a busy week at work, so I'm looking forward to spending a little time relaxing, taking a break from running and hanging out with my favorite people.

Tonight, my boyfriend I are going to the Appalachian Festival at Coney Island with my friend Amy and her fiance. This is the first time my friends will meet him. It should be a good time. (I hope it doesn't rain!)

I am also helping my sister with some yard work tomorrow, going to a cookout tomorrow night and helping my mother plant flowers on Sunday.

What are you up to this weekend?

(photo by Cheese-Angel)

Backpacking through Europe: I Need Advice

2010-05-05T12:13:00.003-04:00

I know this sounds extremely cliche, but I have always wanted to backpack through Europe. I have never been there before, and it just seems like the most exciting way to see the continent. Plus, I am on a serious budget, so I can romanticize the idea of staying in hostels with 12 of my newest friends. I also like to camp, hike, etc., so I figure backpacking would guarantee an adventure-filled vacation.

So while I am tossing around the idea of my grand European adventure (possibly sometime in November?), I would like to hear from you. What popular sites should I see to have a "proper" European experience? I want to see many of those, but I would also love to spend the majority of my time in out-of-the-way places (ie: not crowded and cheap). Do you know of any little-known spots I should visit? How do I even begin to plan for a trip like this?

Any help or advice would be much appreciated!

(Photo by beachbeats86)

Whaddya Know? Pigs Really DO Fly

2010-05-04T22:15:00.007-04:00

I cannot tell you how proud and accomplished I feel right now. Steffie, my boyfriend and I all finished the Flying Pig half marathon this past Sunday. Plus, my good friends Jess and Rachael also ran it and did fantastic. Well done crew.

Stef and I both crossed the finish line at 2:22:23. Even though this was my fourth half marathon, my goal was just to finish it. I am a slow runner, so I don't really ever set time goals for myself. I am completely happy with this time. My boyfriend finished in 1:55:31. Talk about flying!

Even though it monsooned (and there was lightning flashing up until a couple of minutes before the race started), I had a ball. It left me refreshed and it reminded me why I run:

I run because have a big ego.
I run because there are so many who can't.
I run in memory of Kate.
I run to stay fit.
I run for bragging rights.
I run because I am half crazy.
I run because I like to be outside and active.
I run because....well, why not?

I also like the running community. Where else do you see people helping each other up when they trip, cheering each other on and having conversations with complete strangers while competing? A highlight of the race was when a woman ran up to my sister and I and thanked us for cheering her and her friend on. You see, Stef and I had written "Big Em" and "Go Stef" on our calves. Well, the woman and her friend were named Stef and Em, as well.

I really could go on forever about the magic of race day and why I run. So what about you? Why do you run? If you don't run, what hobby or skill do you like to do, and what keeps you going?

Dear Steffie

2010-04-29T19:10:00.004-04:00

This is a letter to my sister, who is about to attempt her first half marathon Tomorrow.

Dear Steffie,

I just wanted to take the time to tell you how proud I am of you! Tomorrow is your first half marathon. Woot woot! It is so amazing that you are attempting 13.1 miles just over a year since you had Hunter. What an accomplishment! You should feel so proud of yourself. Not many women have the strength and determination that you do.

I am also completely thrilled that I've gotten to train with you every step of the way. Remember when your goal was to run for 10 minutes straight without a break? Think of how far you've come since then! It's been great being able to train with you this year. I'm so glad that I have to opportunity to talk with you about how things are going in my life and hear about yours...I mean, what else are you going to talk about for ten miles?

Anyway, I know you're pretty nervous about tomorrow, so here is some last-minute advice. It's a combination of what my coach told me before my first half marathon and the things I've learned since then.

This is your race. Don't waste your time trying to pass everyone around you or keep pace with that 7-foot glamazon in front of you. Take the time to enjoy the sights and sounds around you. The only person you are competing against is yourself. Your goal should be to finish. Don't set time goals for this first race. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Enjoy every minute of it!
Hydrate. I know there's a huge chance that we will be running in a monsoon tomorrow, but it is in your benefit to hydrate today. Also, never pass up a water stop along the race.
Get your things ready the night before. Have your outfit set out so all you have to do is jump into it in the morning. Don't forget to pin your bib number on the night before, secure your timing chip to your shoe, dump out "Freddie" the annoying pebble that is in your shoe, pin your Runner's Gu to your pants, get your garbage bag ready and make sure you have your "throw away" shirt.
No matter what happens, be proud of yourself. We have been training since January 2. As my coach told me: "Training for a long-distance event is not for the weak-willed or the wimps." Even though it doesn't seem like it, there has been so much sacrifice that has gone into this training. This includes:

Rolling out of bed and hitting the bike trail at 6 a.m. on your day off when you would rather catch up on your sleep.
Singing the song "Jenny...867-5309" nonstop.
Rushing around to eat dinner and put Hunter to bed so you could put in a couple of miles before bed.
Having more meetings in one day than you ever thought was humanly possible.
Skipping out on fun-filled evenings because you knew you had to run in the morning.
Rushing around to fit every possible event into one day, while still finding time to run

Steffie, running with you has been a ton of fun. Not it's time to GET PUMPED! Go ahead, sing the "Rocky" theme song at work. This is our race tomorrow. Let's do this!

Love ya!

With Gratitude: Happy Award

2010-04-23T12:15:00.008-04:00

I am completely thrilled to announce that I have been given my first blogging award: Happiness 101. Amy at Marginalia by Amy gave me this award a couple of weeks ago, and I have put off announcing it until I could properly convey my gratitude.

To accept this award, I am to list 10 things that make me happy and pass the award on to five blogs that also make me happy. I think composing this list is the perfect way to ignore the rain that is falling in Cincy today. After all, I think happiness (and your general attitude) is a choice. Today, I choose to be happy!

Sleeping in--during a morning rain shower. Okay, so I don't really sleep in. Late for me is around 9 or 9:30 tops. But I can always squeeze in an extra couple of minutes if it's still dark outside, and I can relax to the soothing sound of rain falling on a roof. On those particular mornings, I smile and snuggle deeper under my covers.
Sneaking a quick kiss. I am not the type of girl who is okay with openly sharing my affection for someone. Sometimes I even cringe at the thought of holding a guy's hand in public. However, when nobody is looking, it's fun to go in for a quick peck to let someone know I still care.
The smell of a bookstore. There's something completely comfortable about walking into a bookstore and just smelling the books. It's a combination of coffee and new paper and it makes me giddy just thinking about it. I will say that I am a bit of a book snob--my favorite-smelling bookstores are new ones. Used bookstores have their own smell, but it's never as good as the new ones.
Coke. I gave up pop for Lent and the first week was pretty rough. It's not like I'm terribly addicted with the maybe one coke I have a day. I just find it a comforting way to relax. Hey, some people drink a beer or a glass of wine at the end of the day. I choose to let the carbonation of a nice, cold coke relax me.
Flip Flops. I was struggling to come up with the name for my blog last year and rested my head against my desk in frustration. Looking down at my feet, I was suddenly inspired by my flip flops. I wear them all summer, and they just remind me of sunshine and good times.
"Just Because." This is probably an odd way to announce this, but I have been dating someone for the past three months. I have kept this under wraps because I haven't decided if I want to give him a bloggy name or use his real one. Anyway, he does extremely sweet things for me...just because. I find this incredibly endearing. For instance, I've had flowers delivered to my work and home and there was also one morning when he drove over to deliver some plastic spoons because I had mentioned that we ran out at my work. Little gestures mean the world. I love it when people do things for me "just because," and I love returning the favor.
Sneaking out of work early. I have many great superiors at my work. Sometimes I am told to leave because the weather is nice. Other times, I am told that "nobody is watching, so nobody would notice if you slipped out a little early." (hint, hint) I work for a great company. So lucky!
Hanging out with my nephew. The little guy is just a little more than one year old, and he's pretty much the coolest kid I know. It's great to see him develop and grow. He's such a laid-back kid, and I'm so glad he is part of my life.
Running. Though my relationship with running is more like a love/hate relationship sometimes, I normally feel really good after I do it. I'm also glad that I have gotten a chance to spend more time with my sister this year as we've trained for the Flying Pig together. I'm also happy to announce that my boyfriend likes to run, too. It's great to spend time with the people you care about while doing something you love.
Office supplies. I am going to admit that I am pretty much the biggest dork ever and that going into an Office Max is pretty much like Christmas for me. I love looking at all the pretty stationary, Post-its, paperclips, pens and pencils. I've got quite the stock-pile of office supplies, but I just can't resist!

And now, to pass on some of my favorites, these blogs also deserve the Happiness 101 award:

Jen Lancaster at Jensylvania. This was the first blog I read regularly. She is an author who started out blogging. If you want to read something hilarious, check out her work. (Oh and buy her books because with titles like "Bitter is the new Black" and "Bright Lights, Big Ass" you know her work is hilarious.
Nina at Naturally Nina. This blog has been such an inspiration to me. I started reading it a little more than a year ago, and I literally went back and read every single post. Nina doesn't realize it, but that blog has been a constant comfort through all the twists and turns in my life over the past year or so. It's been great seeing how Nina has developed her blog into something so "naturally" hers.
Rachael at One UNBELIEVABLE (20-Something) Adventure. Rach is my adventure buddy. She's one of my blog friends who is actually a "real life" friend. She has an "I'll try anything" outlook on life, which leads her into great adventures (like moving to Cambodia for a year, growing her own blueberries and making Norwegian desserts).
Laura at Tenacious Lee. Laura offers helpful and practical posts about achieving your goals. She doesn't sugar coat things, and she is great at giving you the kick in the butt you need to actually DO something. She's also great because she leaves really thoughtful and insightful comments.
Boho Girl. This is a new read for me. I love the honesty in this blog, and the photos are fabulous. If I could describe this blog in one word, it would be "refreshing."

So those are my lists. Thanks again to Amy for this award. (You should check out her blog, too, because it is on my list of good reads.) Now, go spread some happiness!

Inspiration

2010-04-15T08:33:00.003-04:00

This morning the sun is shining, the grass is green and I am well rested. Sometimes you can just feel a good day starting.

Also, I read this great post from Meg's Musings. Talk about inspiration.

Hope you are having a good morning, too!

(photo by Zofia-Klukowski)

Update: More inspiration from Marganila by Amy. Hello perfect timing!

Music for a Happy Day

2010-04-09T12:15:00.003-04:00

On my lunch break today, I was listening to 89.7 wnku. I am a new listener to this station, but they have the best, most-random music. I love how it's not the same stuff you hear on every other station (ahem, thank you Clear Channel).

Anyway, here's a song that I heard on wnku today that just made me happy. I thought I'd pass it along. Happy Friday!

(I should probably mention that this is "Angel from Montgomery" written by John Prine and performed by Bonnie Raitt.)

Jammie Day

2010-04-02T09:33:00.004-04:00

My life has a horrible habit of getting a little out of control at times. I am an overachiever, I take on way too much and I just never seem to be able to tell people "no." I will run myself ragged trying to do it all.

Why do I do this? Well, I know part of it is that I am a people pleaser. I really can't stand it when people don't like me. I also think the biggest part is that I have a "live life to the fullest" motto. Essentially, I just don't want to miss a thing. What's that saying? Something about not spending all your time sleeping, but crossing the finish line a little battered and bruised yelling, "Wow! What a ride!" Yeah, that's me.

Anyway, today I am taking what my family refers to as an "Emily Day." I find I do a lot better when I have a little "me time." I am currently blogging from my room, still in my jammies. I plan on staying in them until well after lunch. My afternoon plans include cuddling up on the sofa and reading "Three Cups of Tea" while sipping a big cup of black coffee. I also think I will putter around and clean the house that I've let go for about three weeks now. (eep.) Basically, I am going to do whatever I feel like, and nobody is going to stop me. Plus, it's getting up to about 80 today and the sun is shining. Maybe I'll even start working on my tan.

This is going to be a great day!

(Photo by Dragsis)

I'm Out of Here

2010-03-26T12:32:00.003-04:00

Hello everybody. What are you up to this weekend? My plans include driving to Chillicothe to visit with one of my old college friends. I am going to be in her wedding this fall, so the trip will include a stop by a local dress shop to get fitted for a beautiful bridesmaid's dress. I'm also planning on getting in an eight mile run with my sister and father.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

(photo by dcamacho)

My Room Smells Like Onions

2010-03-25T21:45:00.005-04:00

After my whirlwind weekend of going to a bonfire, visiting friends in Columbus and training for my race, I was completely wiped out. My body just quit functioning by the end. (Did I mention I stayed out every night until at least 2:30 a.m. and got up early the following day?) Anyway, by Monday morning I had a cold. I always get a cold when I try to do too much. I should try to be better to my body and follow some of Laura's suggestions at Tenacious Lee.

Time for Operation Get Better ASAP. I don't have time to get sick. It's not in my training schedule. Here's what I did to get over my cold in two days:

I took a multi-vitamin.
I kept extremely hydrated: I drank a cup of coffee, a cup of tea and three 16 oz. glasses of water while at work.
I ordered chicken noodle soup for lunch.
I went to bed at 9 p.m. two nights in a row.
I made sure to use a neti pot twice a day.
I drank some Naked Juice.
I slept with a chopped onion on my nightstand.

So, the chopped onion is perhaps the strangest thing I did to get better, but I feel that's what really helped. Have you heard of this trick before? You literally chop up some fresh onion and place it in a bowl on your nightstand. Yes, my room smells like onions now, and yes, I did cry when I chopped it. Maybe something about the scent kept my airways open? Something along the lines of a natural Vicks Vapor Rub? I don't know what the reasoning behind it was. All I know is that it worked. And through this whole cold, I didn't pop a single OTC cold pill.

What about you? What cures/home remedies do you have to fight colds?

(photo by Frogger313)

WTF?

2010-03-24T20:14:00.005-04:00

First off, let me tell you that I think the phrase "WTF" is perhaps the worst acronym on the face of the planet and I never use it. So why did I title this post "WTF?" Read on...

Last week I realized that I still needed to get my taxes done. Rather than figure them out myself, I find the 15 minutes I spend at the tax place and the peace of mind well worth the $80 I spend every year. Could I figure out Turbo Tax myself? Yes. Would it take two days and at least three breakdowns, complete with sobbing? You bet. See? $80 is nothing.

Anyway, let's call my tax place Wixler Tax Service. Here's what happened:

Ring, Ring!!!

Receptionist: "WTS?"

Me: *mental pause while I shake my head and wonder if she just abbreviated the company name into something that sounded like "WTF" or "why the eff" are you calling?*

Let's just say I proceeded to stammer and snicker until I scheduled an appointment.

And for the record, when I actually went in to get my taxes done this week, I couldn't look the receptionist in the eye.

(photo by Turkeza)

Steffie, Slow the F@$# Down!

2010-03-23T12:16:00.004-04:00

As my half marathon approaches, all I seem to be doing is working, running and sleeping. (Actually, that's a lie. I've also been hanging out with friends and generally burning the candle at both ends. This is why I've developed a wonderful little cold. grr...)

Anyway, this weekend's run was a seven miler with my sister, Stef. I was a little tired to begin with, but I felt confident in my ability to set an easy 10-minute-mile pace. My sister had other plans.

She TOOK OFF during the first mile. When we got to the first half-mile marker, we looked at each other and commented how quickly that went. We decided that the mile markers must be off. At the first mile, I noticed we had a 9:25 pace going. No wonder the mile markers were so close together! About halfway through the run I got exasperated. I'd asked her several times to quit being so speedy. Finally I screamed out, "STEFFIE, SLOW THE F@#& DOWN!!!"

Needless to say, the laughing caused her to to hold back from there on out.

(photo by norefjell)

Aunt Em, I Run Too!

2010-03-22T17:23:00.004-04:00

I am going to have to preface this post by saying that I break out into baby talk a lot when I talk about my nephew. He will be one year old on April 1, and I am absolutely smitten with the little guy. At less than a year old he already has a distinct personality, a cutie-patootie smile and a definite opinion on what he likes and what he doesn't like.

This past weekend he took his first steps. Amazing. Of course, we had to get him some shoes for his birthday. He'll be running with me in no time.

Shamrock Shuffle

2010-03-13T15:21:00.006-05:00

Today, I got up at 6 a.m. on a Saturday to run. In the rain. Again, I begin to wonder if this is dedication or insanity.

My sister, Stef, and I met up with a group of fun-loving Marriott employees to run the Union Centre Shamrock Shuffle. (Much thanks goes out to the Cincinnati Marriott North for supporting a team of runners and its local community. What an amazing group of people!)

So, how does a typical race morning start? Coffeeeeeee. By the time Stef and I met up, we were talking a mile a minute. And singing. My sister and I pretty much turn into rock stars the second we're in a car together. Move over Brittany Spears, let me and Stef show you how "Womanizer" sounds at 7:30 a.m. hyped up on caffeine!

Not only were we pumped, but we were dressed in green from head to toe. Shirts, leggings, St. Patrick's Day socks and bobble headbands completed our outfits. If you ever get a chance to dress up for a run, you should take it. It really makes for a fun race.

Oh, and let's not forget the garbage bags we wore to keep the rain off. Runner's Tip: If it's cold and rainy, cut a hole in the bottom of a trash bag, stick your head through it and wear the bag with pride. Yes, you look a little silly (because the green leggings aren't ridiculous enough...), but it's worth staying warm and dry. The bonus is that you can toss the bag aside when you get hot.

Anyway, Stef and I completed our race in record time: somewhere between 56 and 58 minutes. The great part about race day is the support. Strangers clap for you, and other runners cheer you on. (Okay, so generally the worse you look, the more people clap. But I will take it as a compliment!)

So here's to completing a 10K in under an hour, and here's to some great training for the Flying Pig Half Marathon!

Crazy? Perhaps.

2010-03-05T16:38:00.005-05:00

I have just read about the best race idea ever, and I am actually considering competing in it. The Warrior Dash is a 3.17-mile race with 12 different obstacles ranging from slithering under barbed wire in the mud to jumping over a fire pit.

The ad in my April issue of Runner's World claims that it will be the "craziest frickin' day of my life." Now, who wouldn't want to compete in a race like that?

I'll admit, I laughed and turned the page when I saw the ad, but something about the warrior helmets and the muddy shorts appealed to me. I went back, looked it up online and considered it. Plus, I made a New Year's goal to do something crazy at least once a month. I believe this will fit the bill.

Have you heard of the Warrior Dash before? If so, I'd love to hear about your experiences. (I'm not going to lie, jumping over fire and walking a plank kind of make me nervous to compete.) Would you consider competing?

(The photo above isn't mine. It is from the Warrior Dash Web site. Please feel free to e-mail me if you want photo credit!)

Good Day, Sunshine

2010-03-04T08:34:00.003-05:00

Just so you know, the sun is shining this morning for the first time in more than a month.

Life is good today.

(photo by GreenBoogie)

Cabin Fever

2010-03-03T20:04:00.004-05:00

I have cabin fever. Big time. This winter has been especially long here in Cincinnati. We've had snow on the ground all month, I've forgotten what sunshine looks like and my flannel sheets aren't coming off my bed anytime soon.

The most frustrating part about the snow is that it is interfering with my training. All the bike/running trails near my house are so snow covered I can't attempt to run on them. I would love to put in a six-mile run somewhere other than a neighborhood, where I have to dodge cars. (Oh, and I'm too cheap to actually join a gym where I might have access to a treadmill.)

I also have about zero energy lately. The other night I went to bed at 8:45 p.m....and I was still tired when my alarm went off at 7 a.m. Maybe that's the worst part about winter. I just feel lazy.

Anyway, I know all it will take is a sunny day and a nice melt for my spirits to lift, but until then I am a tad on the grumpy side.

Tell me, how do you beat cabin fever?

(photo by Moviefreak)

While you were Sleeping

2010-03-01T22:15:00.005-05:00

I am a morning person, and I am kind of obnoxious about it. I get great joy out of being the chipper person in the office who calls out "Good morning!" to those trying to get their morning cup of coffee. I make a big joke out of the fact that I can accomplish more before 9 a.m. than most people accomplish all day.

Remember in college when everyone stayed out until the sun came up? Yeah, I was "that girl" who got up early and ran past those stumbling home. Even now, I will set my alarm on the weekends to make sure I get up at a reasonable hour. I hate the idea of sleeping my day away.

There's just something about mornings. Maybe it's the peaceful quiet of it. Maybe it's excitement of all the possibilities the new day will bring. Night just doesn't have the same effect on me. Yeah, you can stay up and try to enjoy the quiet, but it's a lonely, tired quiet. It's unsettling to me. I really do prefer mornings.

So, for all you night people out there, here are a couple of photos of morning. Enjoy!

Facing Disappointment

2010-02-24T12:18:00.005-05:00

I am the type of person who normally gets what she wants. I'm of the firm belief that if I try hard and do my best, the outcome will be positive. This was not so much the case this past week.

I had a lead on a really great apartment. I saw the posting for it, but I didn't do anything about it for two weeks because I didn't believe I could make this dream a reality. Finally, my wonderful sister made me sit down and crunch some numbers. It turns out that not only could I afford this apartment, but I also could save money each month.

I was completely excited after that. Let's face it: I had mentally decorated my apartment and planted flowers out front. It was actually going to feel like a home.

Unfortunately, the apartment was rented before I could get my act together, and I'm pretty much heartbroken about this.

I suppose I should chalk this up to "lesson learned." Instead of waiting, I need to jump on The Great Apartment I find next. I am also a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. Maybe this particular apartment just wasn't meant to be. Perhaps I will find an even better one soon?

Another positive thing about this whole experience is that I now know exactly what I can afford and what kinds of questions I need to ask when I look for an apartment. I found this Web site extremely helpful, too. For instance, it gave me a great starting place for budgeting. The site says my apartment should cost somewhere in the range of 25-30% of my salary. (This number is a rude awakening, by the way.) I'm not going to go off of that number alone, but it was a nice starting line.

So here's to the apartment search. I know I will find the perfect one soon.

(photo by jerkyYoung)

Irises and Lillies

2010-02-16T12:08:00.026-05:00

I can't wait for spring. I know that every season has its place and purpose, and I am a big fan of all the seasons (especially when they start to change). But it's time. Come on spring!

Cincinnati has had record snowfall this month. I have never seen so much snow in my yard. I've given up taking a ruler outside to measure because it won't stop snowing. Hey Vancouver, you can have this back!

Yesterday, I spent my day cleaning. We're not talking just straightening up stuff and/or hiding things in the back of the closet. Instead, I took a gigantic step in my never-ending goal of organization. I went through my bathroom cabinets and cleaned out old lotions and trial samples. I found a home for lost bobby pins. I even dusted the shelves inside the cabinets.

From there I went on to organize my closet. I tossed stuff I have been holding onto for years: My old set books from marching band, old programs from recitals and even old boyfriend memorabilia. I was anti-hoarder. I showed no mercy. It felt great.

Tonight, my goal is to continue on with tossing the clutter. (Before you yell at me, I have a huge garage sale pile, so I'm not being too wasteful.)

Here's to brighter days filled with sunshine and flowers (like the boquet that was delivered to me at work the other day...)

Choose Your Own Ending

2010-02-11T18:46:00.005-05:00

Remember those "choose your own ending" books? I used to read those all the time in elementary school, except I was a little different: I could never choose just one ending. Instead, I used to go through and mark every page where I had to make a decision. That way if the ending wasn't so great, I could always go back and change my decision to get a better ending.

I think I take the same approach to life sometimes. I stink at decisions. I worry that if I don't make the right decision here, it will screw up my chances for a happy ending somewhere further down the line. Therefore, I freeze. I refuse to make a decision because it might not be the best one. How will I know if it's the right decision? You can't just go back to the bookmark and start over with a new decision.

So I need your advice. How do you make a decision and stick to it without being all wishy-washy about the whole thing?

(Photo by Heavenation05)

Free and Easy

2010-02-09T21:36:00.007-05:00

On my long drive home from West Virginia this weekend, I started thinking about my life and what is is that I'm doing with it exactly. Maybe you get this way too during long road trips...or maybe it's just me. Anyway, I love being a journalist. I mean, I've wanted to write since I was in the fourth grade. I even started writing a novel at the age of nine. I also love Cincinnati. It really is home to me, and I don't think any other city could feel that way.

But somewhere on the West Virginia Turnpike, I felt this urge to throw all that away. I had this urge to live a more bohemian lifestyle. If I didn't have things like money or a future to tie me down, I think I would just go for living the quintessential hippie lifestyle.

I would live in an abandoned bus during the summer or a rundown cabin in the wintertime. I could be a river guide or a ski instructor. I would save up just enough money to move to a new adventure. Doesn't that sound like an amazing life?

Maybe it was just one of those fleeting "I want to live my life as a permanent vacation" thoughts. Maybe it means I need to be a little more adventurous with my life--not just on vacations.

Or maybe I'm just a hippie at heart.

(Photo by hellodearr)

Ironic?

2010-02-05T12:06:00.003-05:00

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather warning for the Cincinnati area. We are supposed to get somewhere between 4-6 inches of snow tonight.

In other news, I am leaving around 4:30 for a ski trip somewhere in West Virginia.

Wouldn't it be horrible if I can't ski because it snows?

(Photo by hello-big-fish)

There's Gum Stuck to That Wall

2010-02-03T21:51:00.004-05:00

Earlier this week I went indoor rock climbing, and I am completely jazzed about the entire experience. I have only dabbled in rock climbing: a little here and there for the dreaded "team building" exercises I am sometimes forced to do. I have never attempted anything as ambitious as actually going to an indoor climbing area solely dedicated to the sport. I mean, there are people in there who actually know what they are doing!

Imagine how great it felt to go to a relaxed place like Climb Time and realize that nobody was there to judge me. They wanted to help me, and they wanted me to walk away loving rock climbing. You know what? That's exactly what I did.

I spent three hours scaling walls with "rocks" that looked like colorful pieces of bubble gum stuck to random places. I wore my harness with pride even though as far as I can tell, nobody looks good in one. The best part was going home and passing out. Rock climbing is some of the best exercise ever, and it's a great way to make it through a long winter day.

I think I have found a new favorite hobby!

(photo by weWereFalling)

Books Can Dry, Kindles Fry

2010-02-02T21:19:00.004-05:00

So here it is. My gut reaction to the Kindle and Apple's new Tablet is "NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Admittedly, I am somewhat of a dinosaur when it comes to technology. (I think that is fairly obvious.) However, I think that people are going to miss out on half of the fun of reading books if they do it off of a handheld computer. Where's the aesthetics of holding a nice book in your lap and silently turning a page? You can't easily gage how much further you have to read just by looking at your bookmark. You can't even give an "Oh heck no!" to a thick book. Instead, you are stuck staring at a computer screen....just like you do every day at work....and when you get home and watch television. We as a nation are getting to the point where we are just too plugged in for our own good.

I personally like to read books as a way to relax in the evening and do something that doesn't require a computer. There's just something about the simple act of holding a book in your hand and making progress by physically turning pages. Let's not forget the fact that books have a distinct smell that a Kindle cannot replicate. A coffee-like smell to the new ones, and a musty smell to library books.

Maybe I'm just out of the loop. I have a friend who loves her new Kindle. She reads all the time and thinks it's the best thing ever. I think she'd choose the Kindle over her phone if she had to.

But tell me this: How many of you read books at the beach or in the bathtub? Yeah, we've all been unfortunate enough to dunk a corner or drop the bloody thing completely into the tub at one time or the other. So while books can dry, Kindles fry.

(Photo by geminae)

Technology is not for Me: Part II

2010-01-31T20:31:00.005-05:00

In my world, technology always seems to malfunction at the most inopportune moment. If I am exhausted after a long day at work and just ready to relax for the evening, my computer will find a way to send me through the roof. Perhaps this is because any small error notice will usually take an hour or more to fix. Instead of knuckling down and fixing the problem, I transform into a three-year old throwing a temper tantrum. My mind immediately screams "I don't wanna!" and asks "Why does this always flippin' happen to me?" Sometimes I can fix a problem quickly and I feel a little sheepish for all the theatrics, but for the most part I still maintain that any computer malfunction is bull.

My love/hate relationship with computers has lead me to dig my heels when it comes to online banking. Today though, I took a leap of faith. I paid my bills online. ONLINE! The best part was that it was not this big, scary thing that I had made it out to be. It was easy. It was convenient. I realize I am light years behind the rest of the world, but it was a big step for me.

(photo by marksda1)

My Future Life

2010-01-26T12:17:00.004-05:00

When I think about my apartment (forget the fact that I don't actually rent one yet), I try to imagine how I will decorate this space that is completely my own. The thought of stark white walls freaks me out a bit. However, I just don't know if I want to put the time/energy into painting walls in a home that I will only be living in for a short period of time.

My solution? Wall decals! I plan to buy some vinyl wall decals to add a little color and life to my future apartment. The best part? They peel right off when I want to leave, and they can be reused. I'm currently eyeing this one by janeymacpress.

Deal Breaker

2010-01-25T21:47:00.004-05:00

Wow. Not even a complete month into the new year and I've already broken my goal of blogging twice a week. I knew going into this that I wouldn't be able to keep that goal for an entire year, but I never believed I would break it so fast! Oh well, the good thing about goals is that you can move on and keep pressing toward your goal with no harm done.

How about you? Have you stayed the course with your New Year's goals/resolutions, or did you blow them day one?

(Photo by ncisgeek)

The Game Plan

2010-01-17T17:10:00.003-05:00

I am currently training to run my fourth Flying Pig half marathon. Every year I start training on January 2. This typically gives me enough time to build up a base mileage before I start Hal Higdon's training schedule. I have used this schedule for all of my half marathons and have found it extremely helpful.

If you are considering a half, give Hal's plan a try. It's also really flexible. As long as you get your long run in on the weekends, you can mix up the running, cross-training and rest days throughout the week to accommodate your schedule.

Good luck!

(Photo credit? I used the marathon's logo from amybsell's blog, but I'm sure I could just credit the Flying Pig Marathon...)

Trash Talking

2010-01-14T22:13:00.005-05:00

Just so you know, I am on a team in my work's bowling league. My team is called "The Trash Talkers." We may not be able to bowl well, but we talk a good game anyway.

So why did I join this league? I don't have a passion for bowling: I don't own my own ball. I don't own my own shoes. So why would I join such a group? Well, I've got to be honest here and say it's more of a chance to get together outside of work, grab a beer and have a little fun. I joined on a whim three years ago and have loved it ever since.

Tonight I bowled my best game ever. I bowled a 148. I ROCK! I even got four strikes in a row. Now, while most people would cry over such a score, I have to be honest and tell you that I consider a good game breaking 100. You also have to understand that I'm 5'3", less than 120 pounds and I bowl with a bubble-gum pink, 8-pound ball...with the extra small grip. (Last year one of the bowling alley employees would set the ball aside for me because I had a hard time stealing it away from all the elementary school kids bowling at the alley.)

So no, I'm not a professional bowler. I'm kind of a sissy bowler. But I'm a trash talker, darn it, and your team is going down!

(Photo by barrel-maker)

The Art of Balance

2010-01-13T22:31:00.004-05:00

Have you ever noticed that life seems to be one big balancing act? The past two weeks, I have been going into work early because I am in danger of not meeting a particular deadline. So how did I get behind? A major contributor was the week I took off between Christmas and New Year's. I don't regret my week of R&R, because that too was all part of the greater balance I need in my life.

Lately, I've also realized that I am HORRIBLE with returning messages. I will listen to a voicemail and forget to call the person back later. I will also read e-mails, text messages, postings, etc. thinking that I will return the message when I can sit down and write a proper response. Well guess what? Nine times out of ten I forget. Anyway, earlier this week I sent out messages to several people and was almost offended when I didn't get a response right away. Hello there karma!

I've also began the long process of training for my fourth Flying Pig half marathon in May, I'm pretending to look for an apartment and I do enjoy hanging out with my friends and having a bit of a social life. Now if I could just figure out how to balance everything I want to do...

So how do you balance your life? Sometimes it can be tough. Can you ever really have a completely balanced life, or do you always feel like you're dropping the ball on something?

(Photo by PatriciaD)

Because I Want To

2010-01-10T21:05:00.006-05:00

Okay, so I didn't exactly get my hermit day today. I got up early to go to my nephew's baptism (I'm the Godmother. eee!!!), went to a lunch afterwards, caught up on some e-mails, went for a run with my sister and cleaned a bit. But you know what? It was all stuff that I wanted to do and I was happy I got to do it all.

Maybe it's the 20-minute run I took with my sister. Maybe it's the fact that I've sat bundled on the couch for the last couple of hours reading for fun. Either way, I feel completely recharged and ready to take on the world. This hermit is leaving her shell....for now, anyway.

(Photo by Panter)

I am the Hermit

2010-01-09T21:50:00.003-05:00

Let me start off by saying that I love to be around people. I've been known to follow my family members around the house talking to them about nothing in particular just because I feel like talking and having company.

I've also been known to make daily "itineraries" because my days are chock full of people to visit and things to do. Today, for instance, I visited my grandmother in a nursing home, went shopping with my mother, visited with my brother and sister-in-law to hear about their recent vacation and went out to dinner with a good friend from high school. This is a typical weekend day for me.

Sometimes though, I just want some "me time." Lately, I've found that I am craving more and more of it. I just want to sit in my jammies all day, read a book and not really do much of anything. Wouldn't that be great?

I have always needed a lot of "me time." I think some people are just wired that way. If I don't get this precious time, I begin to feel stressed over little things. Let's be honest here. I can pretty much work myself into a fit of tears because I feel like I've been burning the candle at both ends and I JUST WANT TO BE LEFT ALONE!!!

I take this time to do many things: I clean, I organize, I catch up on reading blogs. I also take this time to think things over and sort things out in my head. I come up with blog ideas, and I come up with answers to problems that have been bugging me. I really just use that time for personal reflection. It's not that I don't want to be around other people, but sometimes I just need to check out for awhile and do my own thing.

Tell me, do you ever get like this? Do you ever just need to take time for yourself? Is this a selfish thing to do? What do you do during your "me time?"

(Photo by Andythesith)

The First BIG Snow of the Year

2010-01-07T21:10:00.004-05:00

In Cincinnati people don't really deal with the snow very well. I don't know what it is about our area. If they are predicting a dusting, people will drive out and buy up all sorts of supplies in the grocery stores: milk, bread and salt for their driveway. The news channels start the storm forecast and won't let up until the last car is safely tucked in its garage for the night.

I try to take the news of the impending white stress in stride, but I have to admit that snowy commutes put me on edge. To deal with my white-knuckled drive home today (because driving in the snow DOES freak me out a bit), I decided to go sled riding. Our family owns an old-school wooden sled with metal runners. We found it at a flea market. If you ever come across one, you have to buy it. It is the fastest sled out there and it will "go" on any type of snow, even the stuff that the little plastic ones get stuck on.

Technology is not for Me

2010-01-06T20:09:00.005-05:00

I got a 12 mega pixel Kodak Easy Share for Christmas (in red!) and I have been sitting here for the last 30 minutes trying to figure out how to transfer the photos to my Mac. With my old Kodak, I just connected it, turned on the camera and voila! the pictures magically appeared in my iPhoto library. New Camera is not so cooperative. I gave up and decided to plug it in to recharge it. (We'll see if that works. I've never had a rechargeable camera. Old Camera ate batteries like a champ, so I'm hoping this one will be a little more eco friendly.)

In the meantime, I am trying not to dropkick my Mac in an attempt to install new software. What is it about computers and technology in general that makes me light up (and not in a good way)? It takes all of two seconds of trying to deal with something technology-related before I lose it?

Tell me, are you like this? What areas in your life do you admit to a complete lack of patience? Mine are definitely technology, but also driving. Yikes.

(Photo by Jaymee4)

The List, The Plunge and the Beginning of Something Great

2010-01-04T20:08:00.006-05:00

Hello friends. Welcome to 2010. This year (all four days of it) has already had its fair share of ups and downs, but isn't that the natural order of life? We wouldn't know how good things are unless we've experienced how bad things can get. I expect this year to be no exception.

Anyway, I promised you a list of my New Years goals. I've put off writing about them because they tend to change daily for me. "I will list out everything I want to accomplish this year" turns into "I need to think of a smaller list" very quickly. You see, I've gone back and forth about the whole New Year's goals vs. New Year's Resolutions thing. Is it better to come up with a laundry list of things I want to improve about myself or is it better to come up with one to three concrete things I WILL change/improve upon in my life? I don't have the answer to this, so I pretty much did both. (I know, it's a cop out.)

Goals for 2010:
1. Blog at least twice a week. (I feel that by being on blogger, I am pretty much obligated to say this one.)

2. Do something crazy at least once a month a la Not That Kind of Girl. I had January covered within the first half hour. I decided to do an impromptu polar plunge in an undrained apartment swimming pool. (More on that later when I upload photos.)

3. Make "to do" lists that I can keep. I am the queen of making really long lists. I might cross off one or two things at best, so the next day I make a new list and carry over my unaccomplished tasks. It never ends. This year I want to know how good it feels to finish a list.

4. Be more optimistic. It's easy to fall in the "why isn't my life going exactly as planned" trap. I really need to work on just going with the flow.

5. Get organized. Remember that mountain of paperwork that I complained about back in September? Yeah, still not organized. On the positive side, I have made strides towards balancing my accounts. I've got notebooks to keep track of everything now!

Resolutions for 2010:
1. Move into an apartment. I have such mixed feelings about this. I love living at home. It's safe, it's comfortable and I'm always welcomed and loved there. At the same time, I want to spread my wings and give life a go on my own. It's a terrifying, exciting, nauseating thought. Will I be able to afford it? Will I get lonely? What if I can't stand where I live? Am I throwing my money away by renting instead of buying? Ahhh!!! So many questions, but I am confident that sometime in the next year I will figure out the answers.

2. Be in a stable relationship. Being single sucks. Short-term dating sucks. I've done it, and I'm over it. Time for some stability.

3. Get something published. No, I'm not going to write the next great American novel this year, but I would like to get something published either online or in a magazine.

I have the feeling that this year is going to be the beginning of something great. Let me know if there's anything you think I am missing and I'll be glad to consider it. Also, feel free to share your goals or the links to the goals you already wrote about because (unlike me) you've already written about them.

(photo by Hearing-Sounds)

Happy New Year

2009-12-31T09:35:00.003-05:00

Hello friends. I know I have been pretty lazy about blogging for awhile, but I was soaking in the last bit of sloth that I could before I write about my oh-so-productive New Year's goals. (Like, oh I don't know, blogging a little more often. Isn't that everybody's goal?)

Anyway, I am off to Lexington, KY later today. I'm bringing a bottle of wine and some Shit on a Shingle. It sounds like it will be a good evening.

Here's to a safe and happy new year to all of you. May you reach your goals!

(Photo by horeb)

She's Making a List...

2009-12-21T19:02:00.005-05:00

Cue Dolly Parton's "A Smokey Mountain Christmas" on DVD and let the wrapping begin! (Actually, as you can tell from this dark picture, I am officially done with all my wrapping.) I LOVE wrapping Christmas gifts!

Reusing Gift Wrap: Green or Tacky?

2009-12-17T12:08:00.005-05:00

A post from Condo Blues called 33 Realistic Ways to Green Your Gift Wrap made me consider my own family Christmas. First off, let me tell you that I LOVE wrapping Christmas gifts. I'm kinda nutty about it, actually. I go out on Black Friday to pick out my own special wrapping paper, bows, curly ties and tags. I probably spend more time picking out wrapping paper than I do actually picking out peoples' gifts. Anyway, my wrapping jobs always turn out beautiful. They take a lot of hard work...and paper.

This year, I've been wondering if my excessive need to make things pretty isn't a bit of overkill when you consider that the paper ends up crumpled up in the trash (that is, after the family dog has shredded it like a gerbil chewing on cardboard). So how does one balance the need to "make pretty" with the need to be green?

Well for starters, I discovered that I'm actually a little more green than I thought. With the exception of the wrapping paper, most of the wrapping supplies I use are, in fact, reused. Our attic is full of old gift bags, boxes and bows that have all been used as gifts before. Here I was thinking my family was tacky for "re-gifting" old bags and tissue paper, when we were actually ahead of our time in being green! It's so bad that we actually have an old McAlpin's box that tends to recirculate every Christmas. (FYI: McAlpin's was a Cincinnati-based department store that was purchased by Dillard's in 1998.) Needless to say, that box has been recirculating for 11+ years.

So what do you think? Is it okay to reuse bags, tissue paper, etc? Is there some sort of stigma that asks, "If the paper is crumpled, do I look cheap?" What are the rules of re-gifting anyway?

(photo by roughhand)

Only a Southern Woman Could Tell it Like This

2009-12-12T19:25:00.004-05:00

Have you ever noticed that southern women have a way of telling stories that just leaves you rolling? I don't know if it's the accent, the dramatic pauses or just the way they describe things, but it is some of the best humor out there. Cheers to my new favorite comedian.

Reading Tea Leaves

2009-12-09T21:18:00.007-05:00

Let me start off this post by saying that I am not superstitious in the least bit. I don't throw salt over my shoulder, think black cats are bad luck or see the likeness of Jesus in my mashed potatoes. I DO, however, believe in something similar to Karma inasmuch as I believe you get a return on whatever energy you project into the universe. (I promise this rant has a point.)

Anyway, today I was sitting at my desk thinking I could really go for another cup of tea. I grabbed my cup from this morning and noticed that the tea remains had formed a fun pattern in the bottom of my cup. In fact, it kind of looked like a heart. I found that pretty cool because I've never noticed fun tea leaf patterns before. I've only ever noticed the typical brown ring around the edge of the mug. Also, the heart itself was in the middle of my cup, and the tea remains were red in that area. The circle around the edge was a darker tea soot. The fact that the tea leaves seemed to be two different colors really amazed me because I hadn't put any sugar or honey into my tea, and I hadn't worn any sort of lipstick that morning.

Anyway, after admiring the heart, I started to go back to work when I came to the realization that it was a shape in my tea leaves, and some people believe in reading those things. With this in mind, I started to Google what hearts meant. The general consensus seemed to think that heart shapes mean "pleasure to come. If accompanied by a ring, then it will come through marriage," (Reading Tea Leaves). Okay, most of them were love/marriage-types of readings. (Hello obvious?)

I have to admit, even if it was a silly little thing, it did lift my spirits for the rest of the day and give me hope. I don't necessarily believe in fortune telling or palm reading, but I do believe in signs. I think this may have been one.

So what do you think? (Look at the photo I took of my mug above.) Did I just see the Virgin Mary in some tree bark or did I have a cool (real) life experience? What about you? Do you believe in signs?

(EDIT 12-10-09. After my initial post, I felt the need to edit: I'm not some hopeless romantic who thinks the tea leaves mean I'll get married and/or be in a stable relationship, or anytime soon for that matter. I took it as a sign of "love will come SOMEDAY.")

In This Week's Edition of "It Could Only Happen to Emily"

2009-12-08T22:00:00.005-05:00

Sooo....I lied.

I am going to talk about dating again. I might even make a "dating" tag for some of my blog posts. (Heaven help us all.) But I do feel the need to write about a recent experience, because really? It could only happen to me. Here's what happened:

I was supposed to meet a guy for a blind date at a coffee shop in a popular section of town. I made my way there, which was no small feat because I am completely unfamiliar with the area. I had to parallel park (thank you Ohio for not making that skill a requirement for my driver's license because I stink at it), and I was walking around on foot trying to find the place in the dark. (I ended up walking into a Subway so I wouldn't walk around by myself lost.) Anyway, I found the place, walked in and waited...and waited, and waited. I didn't even have a book to read, so everyone in the place pretty much knew what happened to me.

The guy never showed! I gave him 25 minutes. In the meantime, some guy walked up to me and said he had noticed my nice profile. He is a sculptor and he gave me a card in case I ever wanted to work with him. (PS: Got home and looked him up: Justin Poole. The guy was featured on "Dirty Jobs", so he might be legit.)

Anyway, I began to get a bit freaked out at this point. I had called said date, but it was the wrong number. (Did he purposely give me the wrong number?) I was wondering if the whole thing was a setup? That I would be walking out to my car and people would jump out of nowhere and "get" me. Anyway, I ordered my coffee and practically RAN to my car and locked myself inside.

To top off my evening, my left turn signal went out on the way home. After someone almost crashed into me and honked at me, I decided I'd better find a way to signal. So, I spent the rest of the ride with my arm hanging out the window using hand signals to let people know where I was going. (Did I mention that it snowed this morning and it was FREEZING with my window down?) Yeah, it was a great day.

On the positive side, I didn't get stood up: There was a miscommunication on which coffee house we were to meet at. I was at one and he was at the other...AND? I had copied his phone number wrong. God bless America, it's been quite a night.

(photo by =yabbles)

Dating

2009-12-03T20:18:00.005-05:00

Dating. Yikes. How do I even begin to tackle a topic like this in a dignified way? I admit it: I am a twenty-something who is still dating. And you know what? I still don't have it all figured out. That's for sure!

My point of this post isn't to spill my guts and to name names. Nor is it a place where I will vent about all my problems and frustrations on the subject. I also won't sit here and lord my successes over the blogosphere claiming that my life is perfect and that you should all try to be like me.

Dating can be extremely awkward. No matter how old you are, sometimes you can get caught in those situations where it feels like you are transported back to Junior High. You know what I am talking about--the spending too much time getting ready (because guys notice when your eye shadow perfectly matches your shirt?), the awkward silences that you feel the need to fill with whatever pops into your head (this can also be known as verbal diarrhea)...

Dating can also be extremely fun. It's great to get out there and meet wonderful new people who have interesting lives. It's wonderful to click with someone and be able to talk for hours like old friends. It feels so nice to meet someone who shares your opinions and likes to spend their leisure time doing the things you like to do, too.

Dating can be tricky. Dating can be exciting. Dating can hurt. Dating can lead to head-over-heels love. Dating can be just about anything depending on the day or the person.

With all this said, please go into the holiday season with a kind heart.

Do not ask the single girl why she is not dating. That question gets old. If she knew the answer, she probably wouldn't be single anyway.
Do not ask the couple who have been dating for a long time why they are not yet married. This question gets annoying. Do not pressure them to do anything before they are both ready for such a committment.

So here's to all of you out there who are currently dating and to those of you who remember what it was like. The holidays seem to up the ante when it comes to having a date for a Christmas party or bringing your new beau to a family gathering. Let's all just agree to have a great holiday season and enjoy it.

(photo credit kristabel_316)

It's the Little Things

2009-11-28T21:04:00.003-05:00

I have had the most relaxing couple of days off. I love Thanksgiving holiday! My holiday weekend kicked off at a nice Italian restaurant called Palomino overlooking Fountain Square. The square was decorated for Christmas, so we got to watch ice skaters making their way around a frozen loop. It gave the evening an extra sense of holiday cheer.

I also went to a Cyclones game later that night. The hockey and the $1 PBRs reminded me of college and my old favorite bar, Tony's Tavern. What can be more relaxing than a trip down memory lane?

I also got to spend a lot of time with my family this weekend. I am really close to my family, so this is always my favorite part about any holiday. My mom showed me how to make a turkey, which is much more complicated than it looks. I think there's something odd about buying a bird with its organs bundled in a plastic bag, and then shoved back inside. Why not just sell those separately so I don't accidentally forget and cook the bag?

The only non-relaxing part about this weekend was Black Friday. For all you sports fans out there, Black Friday is the Opening Day of the shopping sporting season. I wasn't too crazy about it though. I waited until 6 a.m. before I went to the malls! Almost all of my shopping is done, too, so that's something to be thankful about.

Now, as I sit in front of the fireplace, I realize I have so much to be thankful for: I've got a caring family, wonderful friends and great opportunities to do many things in my life. So here's to a great Thanksgiving weekend. Count your blessings!

(photo by ~crunchy-leaf91)

Holy Hives

2009-11-23T21:41:00.004-05:00

After two weeks of being a head-to-toe rash, I finally made it to the doctor's office today. The verdict? I have a bad case of hives that just won't go away. Yuck. Any clue what happened to make me get this particular brand of medical fun? No clue. At first I thought it might be poison ivy or an allergic reaction to a shampoo or laundry detergent, but neither were the case. My doctor thinks I may have come into contact with something when I was doing yard work two weeks ago...but basically it boiled down to it could've been caused by just about anything. Super. I don't know what caused it and I don't know how to prevent it from happening again.

Going to the doctor is never a fun experience for me. Today, for example, I had to wait an hour in the waiting room before I even made it back to an examination room. Two hours later, I finally left the place (to wait another half hour at the pharmacy for my prescriptions to be filled). Needless to say, I will do just about anything to avoid a doctor's visit. Including the following list.

FYI: The following items do not get rid of hives. (They do, however, work great for their marketed/intended uses. I am not product bashing here.) I am obviously not a doctor, just someone desperate enough to try any home remedy so I don't have to see an actual doctor.

Rubbing alcohol
Ivy Dry
Domeboro
Gold Bond Anti-Itch Lotion
Pink Calamine lotion
Generic athlete's foot spray (Yes, I was this desperate.)

(photo by Adriana790)

When I Get Where I'm Going

2009-11-17T21:45:00.005-05:00

I lost a very dear friend today. She was an amazing, brave woman and nothing I can say in a silly blog post will ever convey how much this woman meant to me and my family or how much she will be missed.

Personally, she instilled in me my love for running and pushing myself to do my best. She was also a great listener, taking on a mother-like role in my life.

My head is muddled and I am a ball of raw emotion right now. In times like these, I have to fall back on my faith and believe that God put her in my life for a reason. I also believe He has a reason for taking her home at this particular moment. I just don't know what that reason is yet.

Kate: We love you and we miss you. Thank you for being a part of our lives.

This Time, The Joke is on Me

2009-11-12T21:21:00.006-05:00

I had the perfect prank planned. For months, I have been waiting for the exact moment to pull this off.

You see, two of my friends are work are die-hard smokers. They will not quit because they truly enjoy their habit. (Trust me, I've tried to get them to quit.) With that said, sometimes I go on "non-smoke breaks" with them because I need an excuse to leave my desk for a bit. I enjoy the company, but I hate choking on the smoke (I always stand upwind) and having my hair stink afterward.

Anyway, earlier this week I saw my window of opportunity to play a prank on these two men, and I took it. I ran outside with my package of candy cigarettes (yes, they still sell them) and very nonchalantly opened my package and pretended to light up. Let's just say my friends' jaws hit the ground.

Then I took a bite of my cigarette.

My friends got a good laugh out of it. (They were shocked at first that I would pick up such a "disgusting" habit.) In fact, word spread through my department about the joke and everybody had a good chuckle about my prank. It's probably because I'm a "pink lung health nut" as my smoker friends like to call me.

Fast forward to the following day. I'm walking through the mail room and a different friend stopped me. "Um...Emily?" he asked. "Did you start smoking?" Come to find out, a couple of people who weren't in on the joke were very concerned and disappointed with me for starting to smoke. Needless to say, I spent part of my day tracking people down to show them my "Round Up" brand of candy cigarettes.

(photo by hollyjools)

Unplugged

2009-11-10T22:03:00.005-05:00

Every once in awhile I find it is good to take a step back from my computer, tv, radio, etc. Lately, I have been spending waaaaay too much time sitting in front of a computer. I need to unplug. You see, I spend most of my day in front of a computer at work. Then, I find myself going home and catching up on blogs, social sites, news and more...all in front of a computer screen. Hello bad habit. What about you? What bad habits are you currently trying to break?

(photo by halidtone)

Because I Can

2009-11-06T15:48:00.004-05:00

Have I told you all that I am semi-unemployed? Well, I am. I work for a great company, but unfortunately this economic downturn has forced it to take extreme measures and cut our workweek down to a four-day week. Since the beginning of my semi-unemployment, I have been lucky enough to be able to pick up some work on my family's farm. Now, the farm work is done for the season, and I've got a bit of free time on my hands.

So how does a semi-unemployed 20-something spend her first day of freedom?

I slept in.
I played around on the computer checking e-mail, reading blogs and going on Facebook.
I got a hair cut.
I got some coffee.
I got a massage.

The massage was on a whim. I found the place charming and it's pretty local, too. (I love to support the local business owner versus the corporate chain.) Anyway, the place is called Rejuvenate Massage Therapy. I got a 1-hour relaxation massage and it was AMAZING. I would highly recommend it. I also ended up talking to the owner for awhile, too. She's a really nice woman who told me how the business started. (Bonus: It just opened early this year, so it's a hidden gem. I got an appointment the day I called.)

So, while this probably wasn't the BEST way to save money until my job allows me to work full time, I felt that every single part of my day was worth it, and it was money well spent.

So how about you? What would you do with your time if you were semi-unemployed?

(photo by alisharaf)

Fall on the Farm

2009-10-30T20:49:00.016-04:00

I was finally able to get out today and take some fall pictures around my family's farm. Here are some of my favorites. Enjoy!

The Juggler

2009-10-28T19:11:00.003-04:00

In elementary school, part of our gym requirement was to be able to juggle. I could juggle scarves like a champ. I never was able to juggle tennis balls. This guy though...amazing.

Fall Colors

2009-10-28T12:23:00.004-04:00

Fall has been absolutely beautiful this year. You know how some years the leaves just turn brown and fall off the trees? Not this year! We've got color out the wazoo baby! Unfortunately, I haven't been able to get out with my camera to take pictures.

Here's my goal: This Thursday it is supposed to be nice and sunny. If it is, I will try to take as many fall pictures as possible to share.

Keep your fingers crossed!!

(Photo by Fuhnora)

Rock On!

2009-10-27T21:31:00.008-04:00

Hello all. Sorry for not posting for awhile. That cold/flu/whatever really got the best of me. Good news though, I'm much better now. (whew!)

Anyway, after work tonight, I went out shopping with my cousin B. for Halloween costumes. After much debate B. decided she would be a bachelorette because she recently got engaged. She's going to have a terrific costume.

So what am I going to be? I'll give you some hints...I love trashy reality tv, I've seen his band in concert two years in a row and the man wears more eyeliner than any woman I know. Still don't know? Bret Michaels!

What about you? What are you going to be this year?

(photo from whyfame.com)

Greetings From the Couch Colony

2009-10-21T19:23:00.003-04:00

When I was a little girl, any time a family member got sick, my momma would make up a bed for us on the couch. She'd put a nice, comfy bed sheet down to protect the couch and then she'd get our bed pillow for us. We'd also have a cold glass of coke by our side in case we got thirsty. There was just something about the couch bed that always made you feel better.

For the past two days I've been hanging out on the couch bed. I'm starting to feel a bit better tonight, but Doc says I have to stay home from work tomorrow. He says I don't have swine flu, but I'm guessing I'm going to come down with a major case of cabin fever by tomorrow!

So what about you? What rituals do you have for getting better? Are you a member of the couch colony, too?

(photo by *TakeCare665)

Cold and Flu Season

2009-10-20T17:10:00.004-04:00

I have been extremely worried about catching a cold/getting the flu this year. Whether you believe all the Swine Flu hype or not, it doesn't hurt to be extra cautious. I've been taking vitamins like crazy, using a neti pot and washing my hands like crazy.

Turns out that despite all my best efforts I seem to be feeling a bit under the weather today. I even went home from work early. (Just in case I am sick. I didn't want to spread it.) Now I'm camped out on the couch watching some tv. Isn't that what you always do when you aren't feeling so well?

Anyway, looks like for all my precautions I missed the most important thing. I have been working nonstop and haven't been getting enough sleep. For all the health advice out there, something as simple as getting enough sleep can be the best advice of all.

(photo by Cizie)

Dear WalMart Truck Driver

2009-10-14T21:43:00.003-04:00

Here is an excerpt from a Facebook status update I posted earlier this week:

Dear WalMart truck driver: If you feel the need to enter the lefthand lane before turning right, perhaps you should LOOK into the lane to make sure there's not a car right beside you. At the very least, you could signal to let me know you were going to take up the whole road. You're lucky my brakes are awesome, but my tires still squealed and I fishtailed. Now my nerves are shot for the day.

To make me feel better, my friends found this great blog: peopleofwalmart.com. Some of it I don't agree with (and some of it is just plain mean), but there are a few gems in the mix. Whatever your opinions of this blog are, you've got to admit, it's an interesting idea.

Another point of clarification: I display a "nice" badge on my blog. This badge is instantly removed the second I get behind the wheel of a car.

(photo by flip6-3hole)

A Book a Day

2009-10-13T18:52:00.009-04:00

I was reading this interesting article on the New York Times about a woman who has spent the past year reading a new book every day. How does she do it? I would love to be able to spend most of my leisure time reading, or at least I think I would. Let me put it this way: I should probably spend more time reading than I do on Facebook. While I would never commit to something as tedious as a book a day, I would like to commit to a book a month and work from there.

(Photo by boulevard-layo)

How to Catch a Chicken

2009-10-11T21:15:00.003-04:00

Here's some good farm girl advice: When a chicken gets out of its coop, you shouldn't try to chase it or grab it. Instead, walk behind it. The chicken will naturally walk away from you. You just herd it until it decides to walk back to where it needs to go.

Now, I realize 99 percent of you think you will never need to know this information, but I swear it's useful. It's like knowing what to do during a bear attack. Now, how many of you have ever been attacked by a bear? I'm guessing not many, but I bet you still have an answer to that question.

Guess what? You now know how to catch a chicken, too!

photo by ouylle

Reality TV

2009-10-07T21:53:00.004-04:00

I am a HUGE fan of reality tv. If it rots my brain and is completely pointless, I am pretty much guaranteed to watch it. My only saving grace is that there are currently no programs that I watch on a regular basis. (Though I've been known to watch entire seasons of "Rock of Love" and "The Hills" and "The Bachelor" in the past, but I don't anymore. I swear!)

Lately, I rarely watch tv, so I just watch whatever is on. Tonight, I was over at my sister's house watching "So You Think You Can Dance." I love the auditions for these. Unlike "American Idol" where people try out regardless of talent, these people truly want to compete and show off their gifts. And they are amazing to watch. They are toned athletes who can tell amazing stories just through movement.

Steffie (my sister) told me about the dance in the clip below. While it may not be the best technical performance, these two are extremely talented contemporary dancers who tell one heck of a story.