Goals in Blogging

I'm just starting to tell people that I blog, and I know that for most people it's kind of something you raise your eyebrows at.

They might think:
Blog? I haven't written in it since 2007 but I have a blog too. Why does she bring it up?

Then they ask what is it for, at which point I explain that right now it's more of an online journal, with the aim of gaining a foothold online. Eyebrows go up even more.

Which basically tells me that I need a way to describe blogging without sounding crazy or undervaluing what it is.

Farina

When Tom and I were dating for about 2 months, he asked his parents if his girlfriend from Pennsylvania could come for a visit and stay over the New Years 2010 weekend.

Up to that point heard about a girl who their son met online. But never caught her name every-time it was mentioned. So they asked, "what's her name?" and Tom said "Farin". And then they said this gem "Oh, like Farina?"

Yup, just like the cereal. And they said I could visit for New Years.

Entertaining Guests

I have always admired people who throw extravagant dinner parties. Creating a beautiful menu, with the plates matching the tablecloth, and everyone having a grand old time.

Not always reality, am I right?

Image courtesy of marin / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

More often than not, good intentions fly out the window when the main dish burns, the guests arrive early or the babysitter cancels. We always have such lofty expectations, yet they always seem to fall short. 

Can we please be done with the Pinterest-pressure? It's just not practical, and leaves the host disappointed in that they couldn't make a simple hot chocolate bar or host an epic game night.

Dream Vacation

Recently, my co-workers created one of their office lottery pools. They were having a conversion about what they would do if they won the lottery, and although I never opt in with them, someone asked me what I would do. While that question is actually my letter L entry later this month, taking a vacation obviously came up.

Image courtesy of Grant Cochrane / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I would probably choose Greece, or a (long) Mediterranean cruise. Which works out perfect, considering Tom would most likely answer by saying he would visit Israel and Turkey. See some of the places mentioned in the Bible. So this trip would make the most sense.

But, I also dream about going somewhere that makes no sense at all.

Ireland.

Image courtesy of Tom Curtis / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Candid Camera- NYC Subway

Some people travel to and from work and never look up from their iPhone. Today I'm posting all the photos I've taken on the NYC Subway, that you might've missed otherwise.

I have a long commute, so grab a coffee and get comfy.
Also, Tom kind of photobombed one of the below photos. Do you see him?

Bad Habits

The way I see it, everyone has something they'd like to be rid of. For me, I have a few.

Image courtesy of Gualberto107 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I have an unconscious habit of biting my lip, which Tom hates. When nervous, I pick at my cuticles. When falling asleep, I tend to fidget and move around (which Tom also hates, not surprisingly). I play with my face- hence my inability to leave pimples alone- but also just resting my chin on my hand. Which is a really bad thing to do if your trying to get rid of breakouts.

Some habits, like the above, can be unlearned. I can give myself a manicure to remind me to leave my cuticles alone. To wear lip gloss/lipstick to keep me from messing with my lips. I am constantly putting lotion or sanitizer on my hands, since the smell when brought to my chin snaps me out of the mindlessness. And I now drunk sleepytime tea (try Celestial Vanilla) to combat restlessness.

April Fools

Growing up, I was basically an only child. My parents were both married before each other, and had kids with their first spouses. When they got married and had me, I was the only kid I knew for a large chunk of my childhood.

My brothers and sisters came to visit and all lived with us at one point it another, but they were at least 8 years older. I was the annoying little kid. I was the kid who played Mario and Duck Hunt with you but only for 10 seconds. Then I ran into a turtle or flying hammer and got to watch my sister or brothers play forever. They were just so cool and awesome. And never died while playing Mario.

As a result, especially when I didn't have an cool older sibling to follow around, I learned how to entertain myself. And that sometime involved pranks.

Image courtesy of Pixomar / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

High-Five for Friday!

So it's the weekend. And, it seems that we're getting warmer again!

And soggier. But I'll take it.

Five things on Friday- GO!

2 Big Solutions for Vertical Indoor Gardening

I need to make some vertical space for my (hopefully) abundant garden. Indoors. This is in the off chance that my landlords decide to say no to my request- using the backyard for my garden.

This is a photo I took, creeping on my latest obsession. So much potential!

Yes, that is a tree growing in the center there. 

In case of emergency, break glass. Or.... in case they say no, devise an alternative way to gardens inside apartment.

Option 1- Hook up some windowboxes on my wall. I have this obnoxious plate-rail that I haven't found a way to hide. This could be a help in supporting them!

High-Five for Friday!

This week has been somewhat un-monumental. With the exception on 5 things. Which I guess makes it moderately monumental. I think I'm just ready to be finished working for the week, which has dramatically reduced the monumental feelings that I should be feeling towards this last week. So that's that.

If you were wondering....

Monumental Moment #1

     I got a sprout! Romaine popped through the soil only 5 days after planting! And today (1 day later) I saw a squash sprout! Good little over-achievers! I really need to figure out a planting system where I can get these guys living long term in my tiny apartment (sans outdoor space). hmm...