If you are a regular reader of my blog (which I know I have not really updated but life happens) you know I do this thing known as DaniMania where I make up a list of things that either I enjoy, want to see, want to get, want to do that add up to my age. This year I turn 42 years old. I have done this for the past 5 years. I would celebrate DaniMania all of March but something this year just did not feel right with that. At the beginning of March, it is Pisces season. Well it is Pisces season from February 21st all the way to March 21st. Well I do not have any Pisces in my astrological chart so I felt it was wrong for me to celebrate my birth during that time. So this year I decided to start DaniMania 42 on March 21st. I wrote out my list, actually shopped for some of the items before March 21st so I knew that they would arrive during Aries season. I was figuring out when to go to the places I put on my list...and then.....
PHYSICAL DISTANCING HAPPENED. QUARANTINE HAPPENED. COVID-19 HAPPENED. SCHOOLS ARE CLOSED NOW SO YOU WILL WORK FROM HOME HAPPENED.
So here I am, on day 15 of quarantine. I have not left my house except for a walk to my corner fruit stand. I have not seen Mike nor any of my friends physically. Texting/video chat has been my "social" as well as social media. And surprisingly enough, I am calm and cool and collected with this as well as accepted it and am making due.
Now I know what you are saying to yourself -- DANI YOU ARE AN EXTROVERT. YOU LIKE TO GO OUT. YOU LIKE TO EXPLORE. YOU LIKE BEING AROUND PEOPLE. WHAT THE HECK? But lets look at the grander picture -- I am writing again. I am being creative again. I am making connections that are filled with depth and meaning. I am truly appreciating and filled with gratitude of all of the things I have in my house. Thats like this one meme I have seen that said "Okay but honestly -- how privileged are we that during a global pandemic we can just stay warm at home reading, working, still being educated, creating, with little worries and a fridge stocked with food? Do remind yourself to be grateful today." That is the lesson I feel the Universe has bestowed upon me during DaniMania 42. Slow down. Have gratitude. Spend time with the things and activities that bring you joy. Become my own lover. Being my own creative muse. Realize that feeling good is the only goal. Yes it is good to desire what you want and to realize that you are worthy of it and so much more.
I have had friends surprise me with things on my Amazon wish list that I completely forgot about. I also have received some of the things on my list and yeah when we are told that it is safe to go out again, you damn skippy I am going to go to the places I put. It also has taught me a lesson in humility -- that the status quo is now over and I get to design the life of my dreams. What is stopping me from doing so? Certainly nothing now.
With that being said, I am going to go enjoy my birthday pineapple pizza and red velvet cookies I made for myself and smile. Happy Birthday to Me as I turned the age that is truly the meaning of life.
Showing posts with label radical self love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label radical self love. Show all posts
Sunday, March 29, 2020
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
39 Things to Do Before I turn 40
39 years of age.
Today, I am 39 years of age.
How in the heck did that happen? Just yesterday I was 5 years old, sitting in my living room, playing with my Masters of the Universe action figures. Now I am 39 years of age, with a real career, friends, love in my life, money in the bank, and now playing with my Masters of the Universe action figures in my bedroom. But as a woman, the cry of "Oh my Goodness I am turning 40!" is something to be afraid of and to not embrace. We, as a society, have been conditioned to be afraid of turning this number. That being 40 is a plague of some sort. Remember Sally’s meltdown in When Harry Met Sally?
Sally: [Crying hysterically] And I’m going to be 40!
Harry: When?
Sally: Someday!
Harry: In eight years!
Sally: But it’s there! It’s like a big dead end!
Only it is not the end for me. I’m not dreading turning 40. Not at all. I am running towards it at warp speed. I would be perfectly fine to fast-forward through my 30s because they have been a mess. I’d love to start fresh with this new decade. I’d really love to find some deep pockets of confidence and self-awareness. As today is my day of born (Thank you Matt Hardy), I thought to myself -- hey I like lists. Bucket lists in fact. I looked online for some ideas and immediately laughed. These goals are certainly not anything I could achieve with the time I have before I turn 40! For example: “compete in the Ironman Triathlon,” (yeah. You are talking to a person who dreads exercise, even though she loves to swim.) “travel across Europe by train on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express,” (Um, with the way trains have been derailing lately? Yeah no thank you. I want to live past 40 -- not die at 40) and “go yachting in Monaco or St-Tropez,” (With what boat?) Clearly I needed to create my OWN list, a practical list, a manageable list, a list just right for a geek bookworm teacher without an unlimited budget and private jet. After all, who wants to feel like a failure on the cusp of 40?! So here we go -- Here are my 39 Things to Do Before I Turn 40. I will update this as I do it throughout the year.
1: Watch the movie “This is 40”
2: Go to the Central Park Zoo.
3: Get my lion cub tattoo touched up/redone. (Can not do because of my rheumatoid arthritis. Would be too much of a health risk)
4: Get a new tattoo.(Can not do because of my rheumatoid arthritis. Would be too much of a health risk)
5: Have a romantic picnic and visit an art museum.
6: Do the MP3 Experiment or another flash mob experience through Improv Everywhere. Done on 6/21/2017
7: Have a spa day at Bliss with a girlfriend.
8: Get a professional makeup lesson.
9: Buy new bedsheets.
10: Submit one piece of poetry to a magazine.
11: Name a star.
12: Take a hip hop dance class. Done on January 17, 2018
13: Write more letters.
14: Read 5 books I don’t want to read. (Moby Dick, War and Peace, etc)
Here are the books I have chosen for this
1: Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
2: Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James
3. A Game of Thrones by George RR Martin
4. Finnegan’s Wake by James Joyce
5. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
15: Continue to accentuate the positive in life.
16: Write a sentence every day for a year (March 29, 2017 - March 29 2018) (I did not do this. Doing it now as part of my 2018 goals.)
17: Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. (Done on February 21, 2018)
18. See Hamilton on Broadway. (Done on March 10, 2018)
19. Try a lipstick color that is outside my comfort zone and wear it out for one full day. Done! Tried Colour Pop Cosmetics Ultra Satin Lip in Brooklyn. Wore it out to Pro Wrestling Magic on April 15, 2017
20. Spend an entire day offline. Done on May 20, 2017 and it will be become a weekly habit
21. Grow a plant from seed and watch it grow. Was not from seed but I have a succulent thriving in the window!
22. Forgive your frenemies and move on. I am only hurting myself by holding on to grudges. Stop letting them have power over me.
23. Go back into studying French.
24. Lose 39 pounds.
25. Learn how to embroider. (Done on September 21, 2017)
26. Take a fancy cooking class. (Done on December 2, 2017. Made some macarons!)
27. Complete an art class.
28. Break at least one bad habit. (Done. Have stopped biting my nails/cuticles. Yay for manicures!)
29. Go visit a psychic. Got a card reading at the Pagan Pride Festival on September 30, 2017
30. Write my will.
31. Hand out a $100 bill to a homeless person in need.
32. Get my upper right ear re-pierced properly.
33. Buy a Canon DSLR, read the manual, and set up some photo shoots.
34. Learn how to cross stitch.
35. Stop judging others, more importantly stop judging yourself.
36. Take a class in something weird Radical Self Love Coven, Tap That. I do not think it is weird but others do.
37. Fly in First Class. Not Business or Business/First, but a full-fledged First Class experience.
38. Think one positive thought every day before you get out of bed
39. Breathe this all in and realize I have lived and continue to live one badass fulfilling life. DONE.
Today, I am 39 years of age.
How in the heck did that happen? Just yesterday I was 5 years old, sitting in my living room, playing with my Masters of the Universe action figures. Now I am 39 years of age, with a real career, friends, love in my life, money in the bank, and now playing with my Masters of the Universe action figures in my bedroom. But as a woman, the cry of "Oh my Goodness I am turning 40!" is something to be afraid of and to not embrace. We, as a society, have been conditioned to be afraid of turning this number. That being 40 is a plague of some sort. Remember Sally’s meltdown in When Harry Met Sally?
Sally: [Crying hysterically] And I’m going to be 40!
Harry: When?
Sally: Someday!
Harry: In eight years!
Sally: But it’s there! It’s like a big dead end!
Only it is not the end for me. I’m not dreading turning 40. Not at all. I am running towards it at warp speed. I would be perfectly fine to fast-forward through my 30s because they have been a mess. I’d love to start fresh with this new decade. I’d really love to find some deep pockets of confidence and self-awareness. As today is my day of born (Thank you Matt Hardy), I thought to myself -- hey I like lists. Bucket lists in fact. I looked online for some ideas and immediately laughed. These goals are certainly not anything I could achieve with the time I have before I turn 40! For example: “compete in the Ironman Triathlon,” (yeah. You are talking to a person who dreads exercise, even though she loves to swim.) “travel across Europe by train on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express,” (Um, with the way trains have been derailing lately? Yeah no thank you. I want to live past 40 -- not die at 40) and “go yachting in Monaco or St-Tropez,” (With what boat?) Clearly I needed to create my OWN list, a practical list, a manageable list, a list just right for a geek bookworm teacher without an unlimited budget and private jet. After all, who wants to feel like a failure on the cusp of 40?! So here we go -- Here are my 39 Things to Do Before I Turn 40. I will update this as I do it throughout the year.
2: Go to the Central Park Zoo.
3: Get my lion cub tattoo touched up/redone. (Can not do because of my rheumatoid arthritis. Would be too much of a health risk)
4: Get a new tattoo.(Can not do because of my rheumatoid arthritis. Would be too much of a health risk)
5: Have a romantic picnic and visit an art museum.
7: Have a spa day at Bliss with a girlfriend.
8: Get a professional makeup lesson.
10: Submit one piece of poetry to a magazine.
11: Name a star.
13: Write more letters.
14: Read 5 books I don’t want to read. (Moby Dick, War and Peace, etc)
Here are the books I have chosen for this
1: Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
3. A Game of Thrones by George RR Martin
4. Finnegan’s Wake by James Joyce
5. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
15: Continue to accentuate the positive in life.
22. Forgive your frenemies and move on. I am only hurting myself by holding on to grudges. Stop letting them have power over me.
23. Go back into studying French.
24. Lose 39 pounds.
27. Complete an art class.
30. Write my will.
31. Hand out a $100 bill to a homeless person in need.
32. Get my upper right ear re-pierced properly.
33. Buy a Canon DSLR, read the manual, and set up some photo shoots.
34. Learn how to cross stitch.
35. Stop judging others, more importantly stop judging yourself.
37. Fly in First Class. Not Business or Business/First, but a full-fledged First Class experience.
38. Think one positive thought every day before you get out of bed
39. Breathe this all in and realize I have lived and continue to live one badass fulfilling life. DONE.
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Lets End 2016 On A High Note
Lets face it my dear readers -- 2016 sucked. It was stocked with many moments of dread, horror, and outrage that affected all of us as a collective. Most of us are in a daze, feeling completely overwhelmed, and for certain feel that 2016 was a travesty. I am so looking forward to throwing away my old calendars as soon as the clock and ball drop at midnight but before I do -- I read this great article from my radical self love guru Gala Darling which encouraged me to take a step back and look at the year for what it truly was. Nothing is wholly bad or perfect and therefore many bright spots in my year. In her article, she asked 10 questions and below are my answers for them. But first a quote from another inspiration of mine -- Sophia Loren: “It is a good reason to talk to yourself, to ask yourself what you have been doing, what you are doing and what you will do. Girls who can’t go off and talk to themselves stay girls and never become women. Women who can’t take stock turn to drink, take pills or worse, but I can take stock. I can send for the bill of life and add it up too. If I ever feel depressed I consider what I have done and what I have accomplished — starting from nothing and arriving now with so much happiness.”
The truth is -- most of 2016 I was either living in a circle of drama, walking on eggshells with a lot of people, or going on autopilot. I think is why I am in crisis mode a lot of the time nowadays -- I haven’t been continually assessing, planning, and course-correcting. However, I am trying to change that by looking at honestly at what’s going on and make adjustments, then making sure where I will end up and where I want to go. So with the being said...lets get on to the question and answer portion of this latest blog.
WHAT WERE YOUR TOP FIVE MOMENTS OF THE YEAR?
1. Definitely one of my top five moment of the year was finally being promoted to a full fledged teaching position. I do not have my own class per say but I am finally get paid the right salary for all of the hard work I have done and will continue to do for the future of America.
2. Creating a tighter and more close knit bond with Veronica. She is simply amazing. There are so many things I could say about her but she knows how I feel. Also getting to meet my new nephew was a big moment.
3. Getting into the band Postmodern Jukebox and seeing them live in Radio City Music Hall. It brought out the creative muses in me.
4. Getting back into what I enjoy, especially independent wrestling. I stopped going to independent shows in 2013 simply because no one wanted to go with me or no one had an interest. That should have never stopped me. I learned and experienced Pro Wrestling Magic and brought myself back to Ring of Honor and Jersey All Pro Wrestling and I was in my element and glory. I must never forsake myself again.
5. The announcement of Nerd Herders Radio returning to the air on Filling the Void network. I missed giving book recommendations and talking about books. I can not wait to get back to saying The Book is Better!
WHAT ARE YOU REALLY GLAD IS OVER?
--Even though it took a lot of waking up and a lot of getting my head out of my ass and realizing that I was, essentially, having battered woman syndrome without the visible bruises -- my relationship of 2 years with the man I thought was "the one". There were many red flags, many issues, many problems, and I tried my best to make it work but relationships are 50/50 and he wasn't putting his end of the bargain into it and I, in turn, became a paranoid codependent insecure person who again completely forgot herself. Now I am not going to say the demise of the relationship was all of his fault, I had my faults as well, but I was only reacting on how he was acting. I do wish that he is happy and that he has a good life.
HOW ARE YOU DIFFERENT TODAY THAN YOU WERE 365 DAYS AGO?
--Well physically, I cut my hair. That is something I did after my relationship was ended, sort of a cleansing in a way. Got that man out of my hair to be so cliche. Emotionally, well that is a different story. Most of 2016 I was a beat puppy who didn't stand up for herself, didn't stand up for what she believed in, forgot about my interests and hobbies, and overall was not glowing and was not the "Dani" that everyone I know grew to love. Now I am making sure to stick to my guns on certain things, being more open and spontaneous, and smiling.
IS THERE ANYTHING YOU ACHIEVED THAT YOU FORGOT TO CELEBRATE?
--I do not think so but will ask around to be sure.
WHAT HAVE YOU CHANGED YOUR PERSPECTIVE ON THIS YEAR?
--From talking with Veronica and other people I have changed my perspective on how to be with people. I must not try so hard. Also that relationships are 50/50 and I should have never lost the sense of who I am.
WHO ARE THE PEOPLE THAT REALLY CAME THROUGH FOR YOU THIS YEAR?
From nerdy bff's to people who bring the law when I need a heavy hit -- those are the people that really came through for me this year. Granted I bet that they all want to bash me upside my head for not thinking clearly and ignoring their advice or just plain ignoring all the red flags and signs. But for them, I am eternally grateful for bringing me back to ormal.
WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU TOLERATED FOR A LONG TIME, BUT NOW YOU WILL NOT?
--Heavy drinking that leads to alcoholism. I really should have stuck to my guns on how I will not date someone who is a heavy drinker. My family has a history of alcoholism and I have seen the unfortunate repercussions of it. Having one drink at dinner is fine, but visibly intoxicated to the point of being verbally abused in public, yeah, will not stand for that anymore. Also I will not put in all of the effort into something and get nothing in return. Whats the point?
WHAT OLD BELIEFS DID YOU LET GO OF?
--What old bullshit did I let go of: That in order for me to be in love and in a relationship, I must change to fit them. NO. A relationship should be the joining together of two souls; not the mishmash of two people to form one collective. We should be compliments of one another, make each other stronger and better and spread the love. Not beat each other down unto submission.
WHAT WAS ONE THING THAT YOU FOUND REALLY CHALLENGING, BUT CAN NOW SEE SUPPORTED YOUR GROWTH?
--It will sound weird, but my relationship that ended. It supported how strong I can be, how supportive I can be, how caring I can be. It also provided me the strength that I needed to walk away from toxicity.
IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOURSELF THIS TIME LAST YEAR?
--That he isn't worth it and that I deserve so much better in my life. That this isn't love -- this is abuse and narcissism. Get out and focus on yourself for a while.
The truth is -- most of 2016 I was either living in a circle of drama, walking on eggshells with a lot of people, or going on autopilot. I think is why I am in crisis mode a lot of the time nowadays -- I haven’t been continually assessing, planning, and course-correcting. However, I am trying to change that by looking at honestly at what’s going on and make adjustments, then making sure where I will end up and where I want to go. So with the being said...lets get on to the question and answer portion of this latest blog.
WHAT WERE YOUR TOP FIVE MOMENTS OF THE YEAR?
1. Definitely one of my top five moment of the year was finally being promoted to a full fledged teaching position. I do not have my own class per say but I am finally get paid the right salary for all of the hard work I have done and will continue to do for the future of America.
2. Creating a tighter and more close knit bond with Veronica. She is simply amazing. There are so many things I could say about her but she knows how I feel. Also getting to meet my new nephew was a big moment.
3. Getting into the band Postmodern Jukebox and seeing them live in Radio City Music Hall. It brought out the creative muses in me.
4. Getting back into what I enjoy, especially independent wrestling. I stopped going to independent shows in 2013 simply because no one wanted to go with me or no one had an interest. That should have never stopped me. I learned and experienced Pro Wrestling Magic and brought myself back to Ring of Honor and Jersey All Pro Wrestling and I was in my element and glory. I must never forsake myself again.
5. The announcement of Nerd Herders Radio returning to the air on Filling the Void network. I missed giving book recommendations and talking about books. I can not wait to get back to saying The Book is Better!
WHAT ARE YOU REALLY GLAD IS OVER?
--Even though it took a lot of waking up and a lot of getting my head out of my ass and realizing that I was, essentially, having battered woman syndrome without the visible bruises -- my relationship of 2 years with the man I thought was "the one". There were many red flags, many issues, many problems, and I tried my best to make it work but relationships are 50/50 and he wasn't putting his end of the bargain into it and I, in turn, became a paranoid codependent insecure person who again completely forgot herself. Now I am not going to say the demise of the relationship was all of his fault, I had my faults as well, but I was only reacting on how he was acting. I do wish that he is happy and that he has a good life.
HOW ARE YOU DIFFERENT TODAY THAN YOU WERE 365 DAYS AGO?
--Well physically, I cut my hair. That is something I did after my relationship was ended, sort of a cleansing in a way. Got that man out of my hair to be so cliche. Emotionally, well that is a different story. Most of 2016 I was a beat puppy who didn't stand up for herself, didn't stand up for what she believed in, forgot about my interests and hobbies, and overall was not glowing and was not the "Dani" that everyone I know grew to love. Now I am making sure to stick to my guns on certain things, being more open and spontaneous, and smiling.
IS THERE ANYTHING YOU ACHIEVED THAT YOU FORGOT TO CELEBRATE?
--I do not think so but will ask around to be sure.
WHAT HAVE YOU CHANGED YOUR PERSPECTIVE ON THIS YEAR?
--From talking with Veronica and other people I have changed my perspective on how to be with people. I must not try so hard. Also that relationships are 50/50 and I should have never lost the sense of who I am.
WHO ARE THE PEOPLE THAT REALLY CAME THROUGH FOR YOU THIS YEAR?
From nerdy bff's to people who bring the law when I need a heavy hit -- those are the people that really came through for me this year. Granted I bet that they all want to bash me upside my head for not thinking clearly and ignoring their advice or just plain ignoring all the red flags and signs. But for them, I am eternally grateful for bringing me back to ormal.
WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU TOLERATED FOR A LONG TIME, BUT NOW YOU WILL NOT?
--Heavy drinking that leads to alcoholism. I really should have stuck to my guns on how I will not date someone who is a heavy drinker. My family has a history of alcoholism and I have seen the unfortunate repercussions of it. Having one drink at dinner is fine, but visibly intoxicated to the point of being verbally abused in public, yeah, will not stand for that anymore. Also I will not put in all of the effort into something and get nothing in return. Whats the point?
WHAT OLD BELIEFS DID YOU LET GO OF?
--What old bullshit did I let go of: That in order for me to be in love and in a relationship, I must change to fit them. NO. A relationship should be the joining together of two souls; not the mishmash of two people to form one collective. We should be compliments of one another, make each other stronger and better and spread the love. Not beat each other down unto submission.
WHAT WAS ONE THING THAT YOU FOUND REALLY CHALLENGING, BUT CAN NOW SEE SUPPORTED YOUR GROWTH?
--It will sound weird, but my relationship that ended. It supported how strong I can be, how supportive I can be, how caring I can be. It also provided me the strength that I needed to walk away from toxicity.
IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOURSELF THIS TIME LAST YEAR?
--That he isn't worth it and that I deserve so much better in my life. That this isn't love -- this is abuse and narcissism. Get out and focus on yourself for a while.
Thursday, November 24, 2016
What I Want For Christmas This Year -- Nothing Physical But Love
This is the first time I have said this -- I truly do not want anything this year for Christmas. Yes I do have the Amazon wish lists and will tell people OH MY GOODNESS THIS NEEDS TO BE IN MY LIFE but to perfectly honest, the pressure of "having" to getting me something for Christmas or whatever holiday excuse they have for gift giving -- I’d simply prefer they not get me anything at all. When I mentioned this to my friend Veronica, she openly told me that if she sees something that I would like, she is getting it and I can not question it. With her, she gets a pass. But I do know that the reaction to this will often range from confusion (i.e., how can you not want gifts?) to exasperation that my insincere “no, no, you don’t have to get me anything…” ways just means they will have to be extra crafty in getting me a gift, since I’m not helping them by hinting at what I want; even if you look at my wish lists on a consistent basis.
So, honest and truly: If you’ve ever thought about getting me a Christmas/holiday gift, stop now. The best thing you can get me (with one small exception, to be detailed below) is nothing. And no, it’s not because I’m an agnostic and/or communist and/or have environmental concerns and/or had the “seasonal joy” sections of my brain removed as a child. The reasons are somewhat more mundane than that, and I’ll be happy to detail them to you now.
1. When I really want something, I buy it. Because why wouldn’t I? I want it, and can generally afford to buy it, and I’m not patient enough to hint to other people that I want it and hope they get it for me. It helps that most things I want aren’t hugely expensive; even so. Everyone knows how much of a bookworm I am -- if I see a book I want, I get it. What this means for everyone else, however, is that all the really obvious stuff to get me is taken off the table, because I’ve already gone out and gotten it. Done and done. What’s left then is a whole bunch of stuff I don’t really want, and I don’t see why people should feel obliged to buy me something I don’t really want, just because it’s the holidays.
Well, you say, surely there are some things you want that you don’t have. The answer: No, not really. The things I want that I don’t have fall into two categories: Things that money can’t buy (happiness, love, romance, world peace, a hotel room romp with Nikki Sixx, Jared Padalecki, and Frank Bello, in which, you know, actually show up and are in a romptastic frame of mind), and things that are a multiple of my average monthly income, a category at the moment which currently has only one object of desire in it: Land. I want my own acre of land. Pretty much everything else that I want, I already own plus my basic needs are met (food, clothing, hygiene, roof over my head)
Now, to be clear, if you want to buy me the acre of land that I desire, I won’t stop you, although I’d probably ask you if you don’t have better things to do with that money, like your retirement account or your kids’ college fund (if you can arrange the hotel romp with Sixx, Padalecki and Bello, you are a master of time-space manipulation, not unlike Dr. Who, and you really shouldn’t be wasting your time with trivialities like my own perversions). But let’s just say I would be surprised if anyone actually likes me that much. Short of the acre of land, though, you can basically assume that if you think I would want it, I probably own it.
Which brings us rather handily to the second reason I don’t want holiday gifts:
2. I have too much crap already. Because, you know, even most of the stuff I want I don’t really need, and once I’m done playing with it, it just takes up space. Right now my bedroom looks like a bookstore exploded in it, and then an toy store was dropped on it to smother the flames. This is a good thing, in my opinion (my family are somewhat less enthusiastic about it), but it reinforces the point that I don’t really need more stuff, especially when, as noted above, it’s likely to be stuff I’m indifferent about in any event.
3. I don’t like people feeling obliged to get me stuff. This is actually a big one for me. One, of course, I don’t pick friends on the basis of who is liable to produce gifts on holidays and special occasions. Second, it’s money more profitably spent on people who want something in particular, or (if you’re in this frame of mind) to a charity (which I will be giving a list of in another blog post), or just kept in their own pocket. Third, well, you know. The holidays are stressful enough without me adding to the stress. Why would I want to stress out my friends and family? I’d like them to think “Oh, Dani. Don’t have to get her anything. Wow, that was simple.” See, a ray of sunshine in their lives, I’ll be.
Actually, in the real world, it doesn’t always work out that way; my mother and brother were stressed about getting me something every year, but they were even more stressed when I said I didn’t want anything to them this year — because it’s not natural to give people nothing, especially if they’re family. People like to give other people stuff. It doesn’t help that we buy gifts for friends and family — my not wanting to get gifts is not rooted in cheapness — so people feel like they should reciprocate. But eventually it gets sorted out.
But this does bring up a secondary point, which is that I sometimes will send gifts to people throughout the year, not just during the holidays, just because I feel like it. If you get one, don’t feel you have to reciprocate. I’m not sitting there with a clipboard, checking off the people who have hurriedly run out to Barnes and Noble or a department store to get me a bauble because I sent them something during the year. Relax, folks; it’s not the way I work.
4. Because I know some people won’t listen to or believe me: Now, after all of this, let’s say you still really feel like you want to/have to get me something for the holidays. Go right ahead. I don’t think anyone should feel obliged to get me anything, but I’m certainly not going to have the poor grace not to accept a gift and to appreciate the spirit of giving behind it. Because that would just make me an asshole and I am not one.
That said, here’s a suggestion: I’d rather have, say, a mix CD of your favorite songs, or a picture that you took that you think is especially artful, or a goofy drawing, or whatever, than just about anything you could buy in a store. Because I have enough stuff I can buy, and can get stuff I can buy easily enough; there’s an almost infinite number of ways to buy crap in our society. What I can’t get in any store — pretty much by definition — is something that’s personal. So that’s what I’d much rather prefer to get. A mix cd or a picture or whatever doesn’t cost much of anything — just the time to make and the cost of wrapping paper — but it’s worth rather more to me, because it’s not something I can buy, and because I know it’s not something that could come from anyone else.
If you haven’t the time to craft something, and decide to get something from a store, then have it be something you’d want to share: Music you really love, a book that spoke to you, a movie you can’t live without. You know what I’m talking about. Send it with a note telling me why that particular book, CD, or DVD matters to you. I love all those things, anyway, and knowing it’s one of your favorites will make it something I’ll pay extra attention to (if it’s a book/cd/movie you were involved in the production of in some way, that’s even better).
If you can’t do that, just get me something goofy. Something that you know will make it smile and laugh in some way. Like a bag of unicorn farts or unicorn meat. Seriously, they are a thing.
No matter what, if you’re spending more than $50 on a gift for me, you’re doing it wrong. Start over. Cheaper. Unless, of course, you’re getting me the acre of land that I want. In which case, spend all you like.
But when all is said and done, what’s important to me is not the gift, but the impulse behind it, the thought and effort you put into it, which is the true gift. I’m glad you’re thinking of me. I’d be glad of it even without the bauble. That’s a hint.
So, honest and truly: If you’ve ever thought about getting me a Christmas/holiday gift, stop now. The best thing you can get me (with one small exception, to be detailed below) is nothing. And no, it’s not because I’m an agnostic and/or communist and/or have environmental concerns and/or had the “seasonal joy” sections of my brain removed as a child. The reasons are somewhat more mundane than that, and I’ll be happy to detail them to you now.
1. When I really want something, I buy it. Because why wouldn’t I? I want it, and can generally afford to buy it, and I’m not patient enough to hint to other people that I want it and hope they get it for me. It helps that most things I want aren’t hugely expensive; even so. Everyone knows how much of a bookworm I am -- if I see a book I want, I get it. What this means for everyone else, however, is that all the really obvious stuff to get me is taken off the table, because I’ve already gone out and gotten it. Done and done. What’s left then is a whole bunch of stuff I don’t really want, and I don’t see why people should feel obliged to buy me something I don’t really want, just because it’s the holidays.
Well, you say, surely there are some things you want that you don’t have. The answer: No, not really. The things I want that I don’t have fall into two categories: Things that money can’t buy (happiness, love, romance, world peace, a hotel room romp with Nikki Sixx, Jared Padalecki, and Frank Bello, in which, you know, actually show up and are in a romptastic frame of mind), and things that are a multiple of my average monthly income, a category at the moment which currently has only one object of desire in it: Land. I want my own acre of land. Pretty much everything else that I want, I already own plus my basic needs are met (food, clothing, hygiene, roof over my head)
Now, to be clear, if you want to buy me the acre of land that I desire, I won’t stop you, although I’d probably ask you if you don’t have better things to do with that money, like your retirement account or your kids’ college fund (if you can arrange the hotel romp with Sixx, Padalecki and Bello, you are a master of time-space manipulation, not unlike Dr. Who, and you really shouldn’t be wasting your time with trivialities like my own perversions). But let’s just say I would be surprised if anyone actually likes me that much. Short of the acre of land, though, you can basically assume that if you think I would want it, I probably own it.
Which brings us rather handily to the second reason I don’t want holiday gifts:
2. I have too much crap already. Because, you know, even most of the stuff I want I don’t really need, and once I’m done playing with it, it just takes up space. Right now my bedroom looks like a bookstore exploded in it, and then an toy store was dropped on it to smother the flames. This is a good thing, in my opinion (my family are somewhat less enthusiastic about it), but it reinforces the point that I don’t really need more stuff, especially when, as noted above, it’s likely to be stuff I’m indifferent about in any event.
3. I don’t like people feeling obliged to get me stuff. This is actually a big one for me. One, of course, I don’t pick friends on the basis of who is liable to produce gifts on holidays and special occasions. Second, it’s money more profitably spent on people who want something in particular, or (if you’re in this frame of mind) to a charity (which I will be giving a list of in another blog post), or just kept in their own pocket. Third, well, you know. The holidays are stressful enough without me adding to the stress. Why would I want to stress out my friends and family? I’d like them to think “Oh, Dani. Don’t have to get her anything. Wow, that was simple.” See, a ray of sunshine in their lives, I’ll be.
Actually, in the real world, it doesn’t always work out that way; my mother and brother were stressed about getting me something every year, but they were even more stressed when I said I didn’t want anything to them this year — because it’s not natural to give people nothing, especially if they’re family. People like to give other people stuff. It doesn’t help that we buy gifts for friends and family — my not wanting to get gifts is not rooted in cheapness — so people feel like they should reciprocate. But eventually it gets sorted out.
But this does bring up a secondary point, which is that I sometimes will send gifts to people throughout the year, not just during the holidays, just because I feel like it. If you get one, don’t feel you have to reciprocate. I’m not sitting there with a clipboard, checking off the people who have hurriedly run out to Barnes and Noble or a department store to get me a bauble because I sent them something during the year. Relax, folks; it’s not the way I work.
4. Because I know some people won’t listen to or believe me: Now, after all of this, let’s say you still really feel like you want to/have to get me something for the holidays. Go right ahead. I don’t think anyone should feel obliged to get me anything, but I’m certainly not going to have the poor grace not to accept a gift and to appreciate the spirit of giving behind it. Because that would just make me an asshole and I am not one.
That said, here’s a suggestion: I’d rather have, say, a mix CD of your favorite songs, or a picture that you took that you think is especially artful, or a goofy drawing, or whatever, than just about anything you could buy in a store. Because I have enough stuff I can buy, and can get stuff I can buy easily enough; there’s an almost infinite number of ways to buy crap in our society. What I can’t get in any store — pretty much by definition — is something that’s personal. So that’s what I’d much rather prefer to get. A mix cd or a picture or whatever doesn’t cost much of anything — just the time to make and the cost of wrapping paper — but it’s worth rather more to me, because it’s not something I can buy, and because I know it’s not something that could come from anyone else.
If you haven’t the time to craft something, and decide to get something from a store, then have it be something you’d want to share: Music you really love, a book that spoke to you, a movie you can’t live without. You know what I’m talking about. Send it with a note telling me why that particular book, CD, or DVD matters to you. I love all those things, anyway, and knowing it’s one of your favorites will make it something I’ll pay extra attention to (if it’s a book/cd/movie you were involved in the production of in some way, that’s even better).
If you can’t do that, just get me something goofy. Something that you know will make it smile and laugh in some way. Like a bag of unicorn farts or unicorn meat. Seriously, they are a thing.
No matter what, if you’re spending more than $50 on a gift for me, you’re doing it wrong. Start over. Cheaper. Unless, of course, you’re getting me the acre of land that I want. In which case, spend all you like.
But when all is said and done, what’s important to me is not the gift, but the impulse behind it, the thought and effort you put into it, which is the true gift. I’m glad you’re thinking of me. I’d be glad of it even without the bauble. That’s a hint.
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Time to Be UnCool -- I Actually Love Valentines Day
I know..I know...it is all cool and hip to bash Hallmark holidays, like Valentine’s Day for example. You know, the whole they’re “cheesy, contrived, made-up occasions” routine. Or if not bash, at a minimum ignore them and flaunt your ignoring of them as much as possible.
So I’m going to fully own my uncoolness here by declaring that I love Valentines Day.
I embrace and hold onto this holiday fully. Why do you ask? Because life is too full of things to not celebrate, like sickness, natural disasters, career disappointments, overwhelming to-do lists, horrid traffic and people who cut you off in traffic. So when there is a chance to celebrate something, anything, I’m there. I don’t care how made up it is. And if that makes me appear all puppy dogs tails and rainbows and unicorns (Its a New Day...yes it is!) so be it.
So maybe giving someone a little white teddy bear with a red shiny heart chocolate box attached to it is not the truest expression of genuine love. I get that.
But you know what is? Not-hate.
In this tumultuous world of constant negativity -- we need so much more not-hate. If we could all take a day and give each other little teddy bears with chocolate-filled hearts, we would spread so much not-hate.
And you know what people do when they feel not-hate?
They express not-hate towards others. They help each other. They empower each other. They solve problems, fix up schools, invent cures for diseases, discover new planets, and a way to get there without traffic. People who feel not-hate also don’t cut you off in traffic; they’re the ones waving you through as you cut them off. They don’t mind because they feel not-hate, because someone, I hope, probably gave them a little teddy bear for Valentine’s Day and therefore had a smile on their face.
A few weeks ago, as I am sure yours was too -- my various social media feeds were filled with Powerball stories. They all said the same thing: Some people might win a ton of money, but don’t be jealous, they won’t be happy anyway because money doesn’t make you happy. Truth, right there, money doesn’t make you happy. Neither does reading endless articles about how money won’t make you happy.
Instead, I want more articles in my feed about a woman who races across town to get her friend’s favorite flowers for Valentine’s Day, gets to the flower shop as it’s closing, but the owner lets her buy a bunch anyway.
I want scientific studies about the average size of smiles people experience when given a teddy bear with a chocolate-filled heart attached. I want my various social feeds to be filled with photos of 95 year-olds having romantic dinners and 5 year-olds exchanging Valentine’s. I seriously can not wait to see this in the classroom that I work in; even though there is a lot of hostility at this present moment.
Give me more Instagram or YouTube videos where the husband attempts to make scallops for the first time because they are his wife’s favorite.
I say lean into Valentine’s Day. Really go for it.
Text your friends an overwhelming number of heart emoji.
Write a card to someone you like or love -- and there are plenty of hip Valentine’s cards to be had, so you can keep your coolness and spread non-hate, bonus! The one I love the most is getting an extra special card but due to circumstances beyond our control, it will be a while before he will receive it. That is alright though. It does not matter the time when you give your loved ones a gift as long as you do it with the right intention!
Send a box of books and literary trinkets that you know will make your nerdy BFF swoon.
Buy someone a teddy bear with a heart-full of chocolates.
Because you never know when your cheesy “Hey, happy Valentine’s Day, haha!” text is the very thing your friend needs, the very thing that helps them feel less lonely on a day when the world seems cruel and hope is hard to find. Or if your card makes someone smile, or gives them a break from feeling pain, sadness, boredom, or worry.
Thing is, it’s all just about love. Isn't that what it is all about?
This whole thing, our whole crazy world, with our overwhelming to-do lists and worries, our fears, and our achievements, it’s really all just about the love. All love, not just romantic love, although that one is nice too.
And the best way to get it is to give it. To be reminded that you’re not alone, that there is someone in your life to whom you’d like to send a heart emoji, or a “Let’s Ignore Valentine’s Day Together” card, or a $5.95 small teddy bear with a red heart full of chocolates attached to it.
I know I want one :)
Happy Love Day everyone. Here is a teddy bear with a red heart just for you -- my faithful readers.
So I’m going to fully own my uncoolness here by declaring that I love Valentines Day.
I embrace and hold onto this holiday fully. Why do you ask? Because life is too full of things to not celebrate, like sickness, natural disasters, career disappointments, overwhelming to-do lists, horrid traffic and people who cut you off in traffic. So when there is a chance to celebrate something, anything, I’m there. I don’t care how made up it is. And if that makes me appear all puppy dogs tails and rainbows and unicorns (Its a New Day...yes it is!) so be it.
So maybe giving someone a little white teddy bear with a red shiny heart chocolate box attached to it is not the truest expression of genuine love. I get that.
But you know what is? Not-hate.
In this tumultuous world of constant negativity -- we need so much more not-hate. If we could all take a day and give each other little teddy bears with chocolate-filled hearts, we would spread so much not-hate.
And you know what people do when they feel not-hate?
They express not-hate towards others. They help each other. They empower each other. They solve problems, fix up schools, invent cures for diseases, discover new planets, and a way to get there without traffic. People who feel not-hate also don’t cut you off in traffic; they’re the ones waving you through as you cut them off. They don’t mind because they feel not-hate, because someone, I hope, probably gave them a little teddy bear for Valentine’s Day and therefore had a smile on their face.
A few weeks ago, as I am sure yours was too -- my various social media feeds were filled with Powerball stories. They all said the same thing: Some people might win a ton of money, but don’t be jealous, they won’t be happy anyway because money doesn’t make you happy. Truth, right there, money doesn’t make you happy. Neither does reading endless articles about how money won’t make you happy.
Instead, I want more articles in my feed about a woman who races across town to get her friend’s favorite flowers for Valentine’s Day, gets to the flower shop as it’s closing, but the owner lets her buy a bunch anyway.
I want scientific studies about the average size of smiles people experience when given a teddy bear with a chocolate-filled heart attached. I want my various social feeds to be filled with photos of 95 year-olds having romantic dinners and 5 year-olds exchanging Valentine’s. I seriously can not wait to see this in the classroom that I work in; even though there is a lot of hostility at this present moment.
Give me more Instagram or YouTube videos where the husband attempts to make scallops for the first time because they are his wife’s favorite.
I say lean into Valentine’s Day. Really go for it.
Text your friends an overwhelming number of heart emoji.
Write a card to someone you like or love -- and there are plenty of hip Valentine’s cards to be had, so you can keep your coolness and spread non-hate, bonus! The one I love the most is getting an extra special card but due to circumstances beyond our control, it will be a while before he will receive it. That is alright though. It does not matter the time when you give your loved ones a gift as long as you do it with the right intention!
Send a box of books and literary trinkets that you know will make your nerdy BFF swoon.
Buy someone a teddy bear with a heart-full of chocolates.
Because you never know when your cheesy “Hey, happy Valentine’s Day, haha!” text is the very thing your friend needs, the very thing that helps them feel less lonely on a day when the world seems cruel and hope is hard to find. Or if your card makes someone smile, or gives them a break from feeling pain, sadness, boredom, or worry.
Thing is, it’s all just about love. Isn't that what it is all about?
This whole thing, our whole crazy world, with our overwhelming to-do lists and worries, our fears, and our achievements, it’s really all just about the love. All love, not just romantic love, although that one is nice too.
And the best way to get it is to give it. To be reminded that you’re not alone, that there is someone in your life to whom you’d like to send a heart emoji, or a “Let’s Ignore Valentine’s Day Together” card, or a $5.95 small teddy bear with a red heart full of chocolates attached to it.
I know I want one :)
Happy Love Day everyone. Here is a teddy bear with a red heart just for you -- my faithful readers.
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Things I Love -- November 2014 Edition
Oh my gosh...is it the end of November already? Before I know it, I will have to do my 2014 Pop Culture Favorites blog and Best of 2014 blog! But with that being said....lets do this months THINGS I LOVE.
Here is what I love for the month of November:
--This video from Nerdist:
--Enjoying some vintage pinball games with the one I love.
--Using lines from Spaceballs in comments for pictures on my Facebook.
--Cinnamon bun candles that make my room smell like fall as finally arrived.
--This video:
--Knowing that karma will strike at any moment and that I can not wait for it.
--After work gossip with co-workers I do not get to see all that often.
--Trying to instill that THANKSGIVING must come so that we can have Christmas to my students. I love the holidays as much as the next person but I really do not like this whole "Black Thursday" thing or Summer than Christmas. Its Halloween, then Thanksgiving, then Christmas!
--Listening to my love snore.
--Heated blankets that keep me snuggly and warm.
--Knowing that my love has my back period. I got into a huge fight with my family and he listened, tried to console, tried to cheer me up, and was just overall awesome.
--Allenberry Murder Mystery weekends. It was my third time going and I won again this year! I am a detective...I know this.
--Being thankful for what I have and not participating in any Black Thursday/Black Friday/Cyber Monday stuff. There is nothing I need that badly.
What are you in love with this month?
Here is what I love for the month of November:
--This video from Nerdist:
--Enjoying some vintage pinball games with the one I love.
--Using lines from Spaceballs in comments for pictures on my Facebook.
--Cinnamon bun candles that make my room smell like fall as finally arrived.
--This video:
Post by Psychostick.
--Knowing that karma will strike at any moment and that I can not wait for it.
--After work gossip with co-workers I do not get to see all that often.
--Trying to instill that THANKSGIVING must come so that we can have Christmas to my students. I love the holidays as much as the next person but I really do not like this whole "Black Thursday" thing or Summer than Christmas. Its Halloween, then Thanksgiving, then Christmas!
--Listening to my love snore.
--Heated blankets that keep me snuggly and warm.
--Knowing that my love has my back period. I got into a huge fight with my family and he listened, tried to console, tried to cheer me up, and was just overall awesome.
--Allenberry Murder Mystery weekends. It was my third time going and I won again this year! I am a detective...I know this.
--Being thankful for what I have and not participating in any Black Thursday/Black Friday/Cyber Monday stuff. There is nothing I need that badly.
What are you in love with this month?
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Things I Love -- September 2014 Edition
Okay.
Is it seriously the end of September?
WHERE DID SUMMER GO? Didn't I just pack up my stuff in my classroom? Well..I guess time goes by when you are having fun. With that said, here is what I am in love with for the month of September.
--Not wearing a watch. I know, this is weird but my battery in my fleur de lis watch from New Orleans died and I just haven't gone to replace it. I wanted to see how it would feel to not wear a watch; considering my cell phone has a clock and I wanted to live like Carrie Bradshaw when she told her Russian lover why she doesn't wear a watch -- if she asks someone, they will tell her.
--The official start of football season which means Fall is upon us, even though the official date of Fall is September 23rd.
--Planning birthdays in my fair city. I tend to go overboard about birthdays. Hope it is appreciated.
--A far fetched plan of mine actually followed through. Lets just say I hold my title of #QueenOfSmallTalk very proudly.
--Birthdays in NYC with the man I love. I have never been this much in love before...it is a great feeling.
--Actually finding out who is loyal and loves me through the power of getting injured at work. I slipped in some water in the cafeteria of my school building and had my bell rung/bashed the back of my head. Of course I took pictures of myself in the ambulance and in the hospital and sent them out/posted on Facebook. It goes to show that the cliche' is true -- in times of trouble/struggle, you will learn who loves you. I sure did.
--Having someone in my life who is just as much of a bookworm as I am.
--Receiving texts and messages from people who I haven't heard from in a while.
--Planning out Octoberween!
--That I can read 5 books at a time and not get all of the plots mixed up.
--Gluten Free Rice Krispies cereal. So good!
What are you in love with for the month of September? What are your favorites?
Is it seriously the end of September?
WHERE DID SUMMER GO? Didn't I just pack up my stuff in my classroom? Well..I guess time goes by when you are having fun. With that said, here is what I am in love with for the month of September.
--Not wearing a watch. I know, this is weird but my battery in my fleur de lis watch from New Orleans died and I just haven't gone to replace it. I wanted to see how it would feel to not wear a watch; considering my cell phone has a clock and I wanted to live like Carrie Bradshaw when she told her Russian lover why she doesn't wear a watch -- if she asks someone, they will tell her.
--The official start of football season which means Fall is upon us, even though the official date of Fall is September 23rd.
--Planning birthdays in my fair city. I tend to go overboard about birthdays. Hope it is appreciated.
--A far fetched plan of mine actually followed through. Lets just say I hold my title of #QueenOfSmallTalk very proudly.
--Birthdays in NYC with the man I love. I have never been this much in love before...it is a great feeling.
--Actually finding out who is loyal and loves me through the power of getting injured at work. I slipped in some water in the cafeteria of my school building and had my bell rung/bashed the back of my head. Of course I took pictures of myself in the ambulance and in the hospital and sent them out/posted on Facebook. It goes to show that the cliche' is true -- in times of trouble/struggle, you will learn who loves you. I sure did.
--Having someone in my life who is just as much of a bookworm as I am.
--Receiving texts and messages from people who I haven't heard from in a while.
--Planning out Octoberween!
--That I can read 5 books at a time and not get all of the plots mixed up.
--Gluten Free Rice Krispies cereal. So good!
What are you in love with for the month of September? What are your favorites?
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Things I Love -- July 2014 Edition
HOW IN THE BLOODY BLUE HELL IS IT THE END OF JULY ALREADY??? TIME! CALENDAR! SLOW DOWN PLEASE.
Okay...enough of my demands. Here is what I love for the month of July
--Getting a reply tweet from Felicia Day that then became a favorite tweet from Joe Eisma, artist and co-creator of one of my favorite graphic novel series Morning Glories.
--Bridges. Yes, bridges. Not explaining. Just take it for what it is worth. This particular bridge, I am going to try my best not to burn.
--Good morning texts from 7 DIFFERENT PEOPLE. Feeling the love.
--That Weird Al, without knowing me, wrote me a theme song using the beat from Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke: Word Crimes by Weird Al Yankovic
--The pre-made playlists on Spotify. I enjoy "Beat Up Your Morning" "Have a Great Day!" and "Mood Booster".
--This cartoon featuring my two current favorites in WWE, Dean Ambrose and Wade Barrett
--Knowing that the feeling in my gut is usually always right.
--Volunteering for the Learning Ally which is a non-for-profit organization thats produces digital books/audiobooks for the blind and dyslexic.
--Losing weight even though I am not trying.
--Constantly being called gorgeous. I, hardly, hear that word and to hear it on a constant basis has me swooning.
--Stacks of magazines, a cup of tea, and solitude.
--Having a smile on my face ALL THE TIME.
--Believing the urban legend that if you have trouble sleeping, it is because you are awake in someone else's dream.
--Trivia nights with my brother in Hoboken. Lots of fun.
--This 10 year old girl playing War Ensemble by Slayer on ROCKSMITH2014 and simply killing it! Her little sister with the screams was an added addition of badassery.
--This is downright adorable.
--This article about how a different password for 30 days changed things in life. How a Password Changed My Life
--This parody video of CM Punk never ever getting back with WWE:
What are you in love with for the month of July?
Okay...enough of my demands. Here is what I love for the month of July
--Getting a reply tweet from Felicia Day that then became a favorite tweet from Joe Eisma, artist and co-creator of one of my favorite graphic novel series Morning Glories.
--Bridges. Yes, bridges. Not explaining. Just take it for what it is worth. This particular bridge, I am going to try my best not to burn.
--Good morning texts from 7 DIFFERENT PEOPLE. Feeling the love.
--That Weird Al, without knowing me, wrote me a theme song using the beat from Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke: Word Crimes by Weird Al Yankovic
--The pre-made playlists on Spotify. I enjoy "Beat Up Your Morning" "Have a Great Day!" and "Mood Booster".
--This cartoon featuring my two current favorites in WWE, Dean Ambrose and Wade Barrett
--Knowing that the feeling in my gut is usually always right.
--Volunteering for the Learning Ally which is a non-for-profit organization thats produces digital books/audiobooks for the blind and dyslexic.
--Losing weight even though I am not trying.
--Constantly being called gorgeous. I, hardly, hear that word and to hear it on a constant basis has me swooning.
--Stacks of magazines, a cup of tea, and solitude.
--Having a smile on my face ALL THE TIME.
--Believing the urban legend that if you have trouble sleeping, it is because you are awake in someone else's dream.
--Trivia nights with my brother in Hoboken. Lots of fun.
--This 10 year old girl playing War Ensemble by Slayer on ROCKSMITH2014 and simply killing it! Her little sister with the screams was an added addition of badassery.
--This is downright adorable.
--This article about how a different password for 30 days changed things in life. How a Password Changed My Life
--This parody video of CM Punk never ever getting back with WWE:
What are you in love with for the month of July?
Monday, June 30, 2014
Things I Love -- June 2014 Edition
How can it be June already? It has hit the half way mark of 2014 and it is the end of the month...so you know what that means??
IT IS TIME FOR THINGS I LOVE!
Here is what I love for the month of June.
--Sir Mix A Lot performing "Baby Got Back" with the Seattle Symphony. If you have not seen it, well watch it now:
--The Paris Daydream candle from Bath and Body Works. It has this fresh moss/mandarin orange scent that makes me daydream about living in the City of Light. Retourne visite a Paris en mon future? DEFINITE!
--That I am officially on summer vacation.
--Sudden bursts of creativity at weird hours of the day and night.
--Spreading radical self love to some new friends I met through the fandom known as professional wrestling.
--Seeing Lindsey Stirling in concert. She is amazing and inspiring.
--Taking Dan to his first ever TNA Wrestling event. He was beyond happy. It was nice seeing that.
--Rediscovering and learning more about myself each and every day.
--Strong arms that hold you to make sure you do not fall while standing on a train.
--Being told that I am a lucky charm.
What have you loved in the month of June?
IT IS TIME FOR THINGS I LOVE!
Here is what I love for the month of June.
--Sir Mix A Lot performing "Baby Got Back" with the Seattle Symphony. If you have not seen it, well watch it now:
--The Paris Daydream candle from Bath and Body Works. It has this fresh moss/mandarin orange scent that makes me daydream about living in the City of Light. Retourne visite a Paris en mon future? DEFINITE!
--That I am officially on summer vacation.
--Sudden bursts of creativity at weird hours of the day and night.
--Spreading radical self love to some new friends I met through the fandom known as professional wrestling.
--Seeing Lindsey Stirling in concert. She is amazing and inspiring.
--Taking Dan to his first ever TNA Wrestling event. He was beyond happy. It was nice seeing that.
--Rediscovering and learning more about myself each and every day.
--Strong arms that hold you to make sure you do not fall while standing on a train.
--Being told that I am a lucky charm.
What have you loved in the month of June?
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Things I Love -- May 2014 Edition
The sun is finally shining...the air is such a cool breeze. Flowers are finally blooming and coats/jackets/tights are finally packed away. Spring has FINALLY sprung in the month of May and since it is also the end of the month it is now time for a...
THINGS I LOVE!
Here are the things that I love for the month of May.
--Being part of the 8th Annual NYC Zombie Crawl. This is my 8th one and it is a glorious time. Apparently I was featured on Channel 5 Fox News here in New York City as well as on their website. 8th Annual NYC Zombie Bar Crawl
--That the flower that my student gave me for Teacher Appreciation Week bloomed another flower.
--That there is a convention FINALLY just for bookworms! Book Expo America, an industry only event for book publishers, opened to the public for the first time this year with a one day event called The Book Con. Originally it was called Power Reader Day but I do not think it got as much press as it did until the name was changed. Mind you, I have stacks upon stacks of books to read but who can say no to BOOKS???
--Walking through a sun shower on a nice Friday night with lots of smiles.
--Walking to the Javits Center.
--Having an official countdown to the end of work. 19 More Days!
--Impromptu fireworks shows that you did not know was happening while out with your dark angel.
--Proving a theory wrong.
--My class having one of the highest reading averages in the entire school. Lets go Kindergarten!
--Sex and the City marathons. They always bring a smile to my face.
--Finding inspiration in the weirdest of places.
--Air popped popcorn with cinnamon sugar on it. Want to try it with cayenne powder for a little metabolism boost!
What are you in love with this month?
THINGS I LOVE!
Here are the things that I love for the month of May.
--Being part of the 8th Annual NYC Zombie Crawl. This is my 8th one and it is a glorious time. Apparently I was featured on Channel 5 Fox News here in New York City as well as on their website. 8th Annual NYC Zombie Bar Crawl
--That the flower that my student gave me for Teacher Appreciation Week bloomed another flower.
--That there is a convention FINALLY just for bookworms! Book Expo America, an industry only event for book publishers, opened to the public for the first time this year with a one day event called The Book Con. Originally it was called Power Reader Day but I do not think it got as much press as it did until the name was changed. Mind you, I have stacks upon stacks of books to read but who can say no to BOOKS???
--Walking through a sun shower on a nice Friday night with lots of smiles.
--Walking to the Javits Center.
--Having an official countdown to the end of work. 19 More Days!
--Impromptu fireworks shows that you did not know was happening while out with your dark angel.
--Proving a theory wrong.
--My class having one of the highest reading averages in the entire school. Lets go Kindergarten!
--Sex and the City marathons. They always bring a smile to my face.
--Finding inspiration in the weirdest of places.
--Air popped popcorn with cinnamon sugar on it. Want to try it with cayenne powder for a little metabolism boost!
What are you in love with this month?
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Things I Love -- April 2014 Edition
Well...end of April....this year is just going too fast again. SLOW DOWN TIME! Before I know it, I will be getting ready for the holidays again!
Besides all of that, here is what I have enjoyed and loved in the month of April.
--The fun little quizzes on Buzzfeed.com or Zimbio. It is amazing how the descriptions of various characters mimic my personality.
--The new design on Gala Darling's website. So pretty and bright and shiny!
--Cultivating and bringing to life 4 butterflies in my classroom. Yay Science!
--Ghost stories and walking tours in New Orleans. It reignited my love of all things paranormal.
--The way my students say goodbye when they leave for the day. Love their sparkle in their eyes and warm smiles.
--Getting wanderlust feelings and feeling inspiration at every turn.
--Noticing signs concerning a certain man in my life that make me smile.
--Inspirational quotes that make you go A-HA! and smile.
--Learning and investigating my past life.
--This is pretty cool. Do you need a hug but no one is around? GO HERE -- Need a Hug?
--Rekindling my love affair with my boyfriend that is NYC by watching this video --
What were in love with in the month of April?
Besides all of that, here is what I have enjoyed and loved in the month of April.
--The fun little quizzes on Buzzfeed.com or Zimbio. It is amazing how the descriptions of various characters mimic my personality.
--The new design on Gala Darling's website. So pretty and bright and shiny!
--Cultivating and bringing to life 4 butterflies in my classroom. Yay Science!
--Ghost stories and walking tours in New Orleans. It reignited my love of all things paranormal.
--The way my students say goodbye when they leave for the day. Love their sparkle in their eyes and warm smiles.
--Getting wanderlust feelings and feeling inspiration at every turn.
--Noticing signs concerning a certain man in my life that make me smile.
--Inspirational quotes that make you go A-HA! and smile.
--Learning and investigating my past life.
--This is pretty cool. Do you need a hug but no one is around? GO HERE -- Need a Hug?
--Rekindling my love affair with my boyfriend that is NYC by watching this video --
What were in love with in the month of April?
Monday, March 31, 2014
Things I Love -- March 2014 Edition
Wow is it the end of March already? 2014 has been going fairly well for me, even though right now I am in the middle of a retrograde but dealing with it well. Well enough of that negativity, lets get on with the louvre at hand!
Here is what I love for the month of March --
--The song "Work B*tch" by Britney Spears. Yes I know it was out in 2013 but I am always late to the party. Listen to the song here:
--Finally realizing the reason of my dating/single slump and that is being afraid of falling in love again. I do not want a repeat of 2005-2013 so I have put up this massive wall around my heart. It is time to start tearing that wall down brick by brick and open my heart back up to receiving and giving love.
--The teaser trailer for Sin City: A Dame to Kill For. Oh my goodness is it filled with loads of sexy -- check it out here:
--Having movie dates with my father. We went to see Mr Peabody and Sherman and it was great!
--Getting addicted to the show Sons of Anarchy. Did not think I would but damn is it a great show. I know most women lust after Jax Teller, and do not get me wrong he is fine but my cleanup on Sons of Anarchy would have to be Juice.
--Watching a very lovey dovey couple sitting in Argo Tea Cafe and smiling over it.
--Eavesdropping on a French conversation and understanding all of it.
--That one of my favorite cartoons, Peanuts, will have a movie coming soon! Watch the teaser trailer here:
--Having one of my students ask me if I was allergic to boys. It was cute…especially at that age.
--Starting a new morning and night routine with The Five Minute Journal. It makes a difference.
--My friend Daniel telling me about this great violinist named Lindsey Stirling. This is my favorite by her:
--Having great discussions over books at Argo Tea Cafe with my Geek Girl Adventure Group. It is inspiring to actually talk to women with similar interests and ideas and that it is not all about shopping and the latest material items.
--This article. Yes What To Do If You Are Falling Out of Love with NYC
What are you in love with for the month of March?
--Spending the birthday with my mom at The Sands in PA!
--Receiving surprise birthday flowers from Daniel when I returned home from The Sands in PA with my mom.
~~Chocolate almond cookies…soooo yummy!
What are you in love with this month?
Here is what I love for the month of March --
--The song "Work B*tch" by Britney Spears. Yes I know it was out in 2013 but I am always late to the party. Listen to the song here:
--Finally realizing the reason of my dating/single slump and that is being afraid of falling in love again. I do not want a repeat of 2005-2013 so I have put up this massive wall around my heart. It is time to start tearing that wall down brick by brick and open my heart back up to receiving and giving love.
--The teaser trailer for Sin City: A Dame to Kill For. Oh my goodness is it filled with loads of sexy -- check it out here:
--Having movie dates with my father. We went to see Mr Peabody and Sherman and it was great!
--Getting addicted to the show Sons of Anarchy. Did not think I would but damn is it a great show. I know most women lust after Jax Teller, and do not get me wrong he is fine but my cleanup on Sons of Anarchy would have to be Juice.
--Watching a very lovey dovey couple sitting in Argo Tea Cafe and smiling over it.
--Eavesdropping on a French conversation and understanding all of it.
--That one of my favorite cartoons, Peanuts, will have a movie coming soon! Watch the teaser trailer here:
--Having one of my students ask me if I was allergic to boys. It was cute…especially at that age.
--Starting a new morning and night routine with The Five Minute Journal. It makes a difference.
--My friend Daniel telling me about this great violinist named Lindsey Stirling. This is my favorite by her:
--Having great discussions over books at Argo Tea Cafe with my Geek Girl Adventure Group. It is inspiring to actually talk to women with similar interests and ideas and that it is not all about shopping and the latest material items.
--This article. Yes What To Do If You Are Falling Out of Love with NYC
What are you in love with for the month of March?
--Spending the birthday with my mom at The Sands in PA!
--Receiving surprise birthday flowers from Daniel when I returned home from The Sands in PA with my mom.
~~Chocolate almond cookies…soooo yummy!
What are you in love with this month?
Friday, February 28, 2014
Things I Love -- February 2014 Edition
Well hello there my lovely readers! It is that time of the month again….wait…that does not sound right. No I do not mean it is time for a ladies gimmick, I mean it is time for….
THINGS I LOVE!!!
So here you go ladies and gents, here is what I louvre for the month of February.
--This link: 13 Dogs That Are Having The Best Day Ever!
--A daily love tarot card on February 10th that rang so true I have to post it:
The Four of Chalices card suggests that a gift of love and support may be offered to you by a compassionate, committed or reliable source willing to go out on a limb just when you feel like no one cares. If you are too wrapped up in your perceived problems, you might not recognize the attempt at outreach and miss the opportunity that could lead to romantic renewal. Don't focus too much on what you don't have, or you could become resentful or condescending of the happiness and passion of others.
--Having two book clubs with some lively conversation.
--Grateful to Revolver Magazine foe exposing me to bands I have never heard of.
--Thankful for random surprise gifts from my Funshine Buddy at work that make me smile.
--Having lazy days due to Snomaggedon 2014.
--Being selected as a 2014 Book Giver for World Book Night! Go here to find out more info -- www.worldbooknight.org
--Having marking out/fangirling moments over the Westminster Dog Show.
--Reconnecting with former college friends via Facebook.
--My infected zombie mug from my friend Joe.
--Warm cozy socks when it is below zero with the wind chill.
--The ice skating genius that is Evgeni Plushenko. It is a shame he had to retire due to medical reasons but this man on the ice is flawless. Watch this fan montage :
What are you in love with for February?
THINGS I LOVE!!!
So here you go ladies and gents, here is what I louvre for the month of February.
--This link: 13 Dogs That Are Having The Best Day Ever!
--A daily love tarot card on February 10th that rang so true I have to post it:
The Four of Chalices card suggests that a gift of love and support may be offered to you by a compassionate, committed or reliable source willing to go out on a limb just when you feel like no one cares. If you are too wrapped up in your perceived problems, you might not recognize the attempt at outreach and miss the opportunity that could lead to romantic renewal. Don't focus too much on what you don't have, or you could become resentful or condescending of the happiness and passion of others.
--Having two book clubs with some lively conversation.
--Grateful to Revolver Magazine foe exposing me to bands I have never heard of.
--Thankful for random surprise gifts from my Funshine Buddy at work that make me smile.
--Having lazy days due to Snomaggedon 2014.
--Being selected as a 2014 Book Giver for World Book Night! Go here to find out more info -- www.worldbooknight.org
--Having marking out/fangirling moments over the Westminster Dog Show.
--Reconnecting with former college friends via Facebook.
--My infected zombie mug from my friend Joe.
--Warm cozy socks when it is below zero with the wind chill.
--The ice skating genius that is Evgeni Plushenko. It is a shame he had to retire due to medical reasons but this man on the ice is flawless. Watch this fan montage :
What are you in love with for February?
Friday, January 31, 2014
Things I Love -- January 2014 Edition
Why hello there faithful reader! In case you do not know what this series is about -- this blog is where I tell you all of the things have made me swoon with love for the month. I still keep a daily gratitude/love list but instead of writing that every day, or every week, I decided to keep it to once a month. It helps me keep the positive and the smile on my face that I love. It is a great habit to get into when you are feeling blue. Something about writing down the positives in your life is just so uplifting! Try it sometime and tell me if I am wrong that your mood does not change.
With that said, here is what I love for the month of January!
--That this is my first blog post for the year 2014.
--That I do not let little things get to me/stress me out.
--That most of my students grasped the concept of counting by 2s with a trick I shown.
--Nice conversations throughout my workday that make me smile.
--For people willing to watch me inject myself with Humira so the pain is not as bad.
--Heated blankets during this polar vortex.
--Air popped popcorn with a mixture of cinnamon sugar and sea salt. Nom and yum!
--Getting used to methotrexate (one of the drugs I have to take for RA) not wiping me out/making me tired.
--Comfy warm sweaters with hearts on them.
--My unicorn slippers when my feet are worn and tired.
--Warm chocolate almond milk on a snowy night.
--Receiving "good morning beautiful" messages before I go to work.
--Egg white sandwiches on panini bread.
--Watching Jeopardy! and getting an entire category correct.
--Blueberries on anything.
--Using Nair for the first time on my nether regions and having it worked and not being sensitive afterward.
--Finally getting my foster cat, Domino, adopted!
--Chicken wings, fresh herb crackers, and Argo Tea on Fridays after work for relaxation.
--Comfy trapeze style dresses that do not make me look pregnant.
--Losing a whole person without the aid of gastric bypass or some other kind of stomach stapling surgery.
--Being part of a wrestling podcast again.
--Sending my friends surprises just because.
--The return of Sherlock!
--Having a "lets turn my phone off for the night and see if anyone will text/voicemail me without me doing it first" experiment fail as I received a phone call from a long lost friend from ISCA BBS.
--Smelling like a marshmallow gingerbread cupcake.
--Walking in the snow with a huge smile on my face.
--Having songs by Frank Sinatra dedicated to me.
--Getting a crystal clear stream of WWE Royal Rumble on my computer. Thanks Joe!
--The talk show Bethenny. Did not think I would like it as much as I do.
So my faithful, what are you in love with for the month of January?
With that said, here is what I love for the month of January!
--That this is my first blog post for the year 2014.
--That I do not let little things get to me/stress me out.
--That most of my students grasped the concept of counting by 2s with a trick I shown.
--Nice conversations throughout my workday that make me smile.
--For people willing to watch me inject myself with Humira so the pain is not as bad.
--Heated blankets during this polar vortex.
--Air popped popcorn with a mixture of cinnamon sugar and sea salt. Nom and yum!
--Getting used to methotrexate (one of the drugs I have to take for RA) not wiping me out/making me tired.
--Comfy warm sweaters with hearts on them.
--My unicorn slippers when my feet are worn and tired.
--Warm chocolate almond milk on a snowy night.
--Receiving "good morning beautiful" messages before I go to work.
--Egg white sandwiches on panini bread.
--Watching Jeopardy! and getting an entire category correct.
--Blueberries on anything.
--Using Nair for the first time on my nether regions and having it worked and not being sensitive afterward.
--Finally getting my foster cat, Domino, adopted!
--Chicken wings, fresh herb crackers, and Argo Tea on Fridays after work for relaxation.
--Comfy trapeze style dresses that do not make me look pregnant.
--Losing a whole person without the aid of gastric bypass or some other kind of stomach stapling surgery.
--Being part of a wrestling podcast again.
--Sending my friends surprises just because.
--The return of Sherlock!
--Having a "lets turn my phone off for the night and see if anyone will text/voicemail me without me doing it first" experiment fail as I received a phone call from a long lost friend from ISCA BBS.
--Smelling like a marshmallow gingerbread cupcake.
--Walking in the snow with a huge smile on my face.
--Having songs by Frank Sinatra dedicated to me.
--Getting a crystal clear stream of WWE Royal Rumble on my computer. Thanks Joe!
--The talk show Bethenny. Did not think I would like it as much as I do.
So my faithful, what are you in love with for the month of January?
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Things I Love Thursday -- November 2013 Edition
Can you believe it is the end of November already? Where did the time go? Also if you are reading this that means it is time for another…
THINGS I LOVE THURSDAY!
Here is what I am in love with for the month of November.
--Em Cosmetics Shade Play concealer palette. It came with my main concealer shade, a lighter concealer shade, a deeper concealer shade, a highlighter, a peach neutralizer to hide dark circles and a yellow corrector for the nasty red spots. My skin tone varies throughout the year so for Michelle Phan to come up with this was brilliant!
--This video, which I might re-create. Very cute idea.
--This video of Crossbow Training with Norman Reedus on Conan O'Brien. Downright hilarious!
--Healing Home Foods Raw Flax Crackers in Fresh Herb Pizza. They are delicious and gives me my pizza fix, since I can not have pizza anymore.
--Veronica Varlow having a Truck Stop Spa as she is chasing her dream. Love it!
--This commercial featuring my gay husband Zachary Quinto:
--This cover of "Run to the Hills" by In This Moment:
--Speaking of In This Moment, seeing them in concert as a headliner with my nerdy bff Veronica.
--Having the ability to smooth talk anyone to get what I want -- standing room only at a concert? I find a seat and get my own section all to myself. Friend not on the guest list for a meet and greet with her favorite band? I talk to everyone on the line and find a girl who had an extra pass. I get shizz done!
--Being part of Learn the Address where I recited the Gettysburg Address to celebrate its 150th Anniversary
--Sitting in my French school killing some time before my class led to tutoring a child with his math which then followed with him playing chess on the computer and the child yelling out loud "Man that was a horrible move! What was I doing???" It was so cute and made me smile.
--Getting some notoriety for my recitation of the Gettysburg Address for the 150th Anniversary. Read the article and view my video here: Learn the Address, Asbury Park!
--Obtaining an "Doctorate of Gishology" from Misha Collins
--Learning and becoming inspired by Made You Look by Lex, a self-taught makeup artist from Chicago. Check out her YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/madeyewlook
--Competing in my second murder mystery weekend in Allenberry, PA/Boiling Springs, PA during Thanksgiving weekend.
What are you in love with for the month of November?
THINGS I LOVE THURSDAY!
Here is what I am in love with for the month of November.
--Em Cosmetics Shade Play concealer palette. It came with my main concealer shade, a lighter concealer shade, a deeper concealer shade, a highlighter, a peach neutralizer to hide dark circles and a yellow corrector for the nasty red spots. My skin tone varies throughout the year so for Michelle Phan to come up with this was brilliant!
--This video, which I might re-create. Very cute idea.
--This video of Crossbow Training with Norman Reedus on Conan O'Brien. Downright hilarious!
--Healing Home Foods Raw Flax Crackers in Fresh Herb Pizza. They are delicious and gives me my pizza fix, since I can not have pizza anymore.
--Veronica Varlow having a Truck Stop Spa as she is chasing her dream. Love it!
--This commercial featuring my gay husband Zachary Quinto:
--This cover of "Run to the Hills" by In This Moment:
--Speaking of In This Moment, seeing them in concert as a headliner with my nerdy bff Veronica.
--Having the ability to smooth talk anyone to get what I want -- standing room only at a concert? I find a seat and get my own section all to myself. Friend not on the guest list for a meet and greet with her favorite band? I talk to everyone on the line and find a girl who had an extra pass. I get shizz done!
--Being part of Learn the Address where I recited the Gettysburg Address to celebrate its 150th Anniversary
--Sitting in my French school killing some time before my class led to tutoring a child with his math which then followed with him playing chess on the computer and the child yelling out loud "Man that was a horrible move! What was I doing???" It was so cute and made me smile.
--Getting some notoriety for my recitation of the Gettysburg Address for the 150th Anniversary. Read the article and view my video here: Learn the Address, Asbury Park!
--Obtaining an "Doctorate of Gishology" from Misha Collins
--Learning and becoming inspired by Made You Look by Lex, a self-taught makeup artist from Chicago. Check out her YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/madeyewlook
--Competing in my second murder mystery weekend in Allenberry, PA/Boiling Springs, PA during Thanksgiving weekend.
What are you in love with for the month of November?
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Things I Love Thursday -- October 2013 Edition
Two great things are happening today.
One it is HALLOWEEN!
Two it is time for THINGS I LOVE THURSDAY the monthly edition!
Here is what I am in love with for the month of October.
--The first episode of Cooking Hostile featuring Phil Anselmo:
--The Village Halloween Parade happening and that I could be a part of it.
--The makeup jobs I did for NYC Zombie Crawl. I am getting better and better at it every time I try. Thanks Doug Sakmann for the opportunity!
--Getting to do all of my activities on my Countdown to Halloween blog. It really put me in the spirit.
--My name in lights…sort of…for being a Kickstarter backer for the NYC Village Halloween Parade
--That my legs have kept on with my antics this month. From Blood Manor to NYC Zombie Crawl to NYC Village Halloween Parade, I am glad to say that I am feeling good.
--My students faces after they saw me all made in as a cat.
--My students appreciation for the goodie bags I gave them for Halloween. Sometimes stickers, games, and flashing necklaces go a long way.
--Keeping up with my Countdown to Halloween blog; even if I did not do everything on it. Perhaps a Countdown to Thanksgiving blog?
What are you in love with this month? I hope everyone had a great Halloween month like I did.
One it is HALLOWEEN!
Two it is time for THINGS I LOVE THURSDAY the monthly edition!
Here is what I am in love with for the month of October.
--The first episode of Cooking Hostile featuring Phil Anselmo:
--The Village Halloween Parade happening and that I could be a part of it.
--The makeup jobs I did for NYC Zombie Crawl. I am getting better and better at it every time I try. Thanks Doug Sakmann for the opportunity!
--Getting to do all of my activities on my Countdown to Halloween blog. It really put me in the spirit.
--My name in lights…sort of…for being a Kickstarter backer for the NYC Village Halloween Parade
--That my legs have kept on with my antics this month. From Blood Manor to NYC Zombie Crawl to NYC Village Halloween Parade, I am glad to say that I am feeling good.
--My students faces after they saw me all made in as a cat.
--My students appreciation for the goodie bags I gave them for Halloween. Sometimes stickers, games, and flashing necklaces go a long way.
--Keeping up with my Countdown to Halloween blog; even if I did not do everything on it. Perhaps a Countdown to Thanksgiving blog?
What are you in love with this month? I hope everyone had a great Halloween month like I did.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Things I Love -- September Edition
This month has had its ups and downs. Returning back to work, dealing with the anniversaries of the death of my dog Sweetums and my first cousin Sweetums, and still trying to get my RA into remission. But there were some happy moments this month and with that lets get this party started!
Here is what I loved for the month of September:
--A random stranger on 14th Street shouting at me "Work that strut girl!" Made me feel powerful and in charge.
--Someone took sidewalk chalk and drew an arrow and underneath it wrote TO HAPPINESS. Nice to see some P.M.A. in the hard knocked life city known as New York.
--The return of football! I am not the biggest fan but it is a fun sport to watch.
--This video has a great message. LIVE IN THE MOMENT people!
--This video is ME to a big ole capital T:
--Seeing a young cute couple holding hands when exiting the turnstiles and going up the stairs at the PATH station. I remember those young love kind of days. Brought a big smile to my face.
--Declaring my school year NO STRESS NO BULLSHIT. My health is much more important than stress and bullshit. I want to be healthy. End of story.
--This cover of Empire State of Mind by Halestorm. Thanks to Rich Concannon for sharing it:
--Going to The Sands hotel and casino in Bethelehem, PA and getting carded as I entered the casino. I must look that young or when in doubt...
--Taking care of the outdoor cats around my house by leaving out food and water in my backyard. Unfornuately due to allergies and my little old man dog Hudson the cats can not come inside but it is nice to take care of them.
--Having a friend of mine call out an African money scammer and posting it on YouTube. Watch it:
--That the chicken wings at Hu Kitchen have returned to the menu!
--The new song "Going to Hell" by The Pretty Reckless. Check it out:
--The cider doughnut scented candle from Bath and Body Works. Smells so good and is putting me in an Autumn state of mind...
--My nerdy bff Veronica and her husband/my fellow Nerd Herder Damian are in the midst of making a full length feature zombie film and I could not be any prouder that they are achieving their dreams. They released a short teaser. Go check it out:
--SWEATER WEATHER RETURNING! Love the brisk Autumn air and cozying it up under a soft cable knit sweater. So glad Summer is over.
--Getting excited for all things October! I have not been this excited in a long long time. I think it is due to my health/RA finally getting under control and I can start to be Dani again with some new twists.
--Changing bad habits when I had a rough week/hard week at work or in life. The old me would sit on her bed and gorge herself full of sweets and bad food. Now when I had a rough week I go swimming, do some laundry, light some candles, read, watch some television with a big mug of green tea. I felt so much better too.
What made you swoon and double over in love this month?
Here is what I loved for the month of September:
--A random stranger on 14th Street shouting at me "Work that strut girl!" Made me feel powerful and in charge.
--Someone took sidewalk chalk and drew an arrow and underneath it wrote TO HAPPINESS. Nice to see some P.M.A. in the hard knocked life city known as New York.
--The return of football! I am not the biggest fan but it is a fun sport to watch.
--This video has a great message. LIVE IN THE MOMENT people!
--This video is ME to a big ole capital T:
--Seeing a young cute couple holding hands when exiting the turnstiles and going up the stairs at the PATH station. I remember those young love kind of days. Brought a big smile to my face.
--Declaring my school year NO STRESS NO BULLSHIT. My health is much more important than stress and bullshit. I want to be healthy. End of story.
--This cover of Empire State of Mind by Halestorm. Thanks to Rich Concannon for sharing it:
--Going to The Sands hotel and casino in Bethelehem, PA and getting carded as I entered the casino. I must look that young or when in doubt...
--Taking care of the outdoor cats around my house by leaving out food and water in my backyard. Unfornuately due to allergies and my little old man dog Hudson the cats can not come inside but it is nice to take care of them.
--Having a friend of mine call out an African money scammer and posting it on YouTube. Watch it:
--That the chicken wings at Hu Kitchen have returned to the menu!
--The new song "Going to Hell" by The Pretty Reckless. Check it out:
--The cider doughnut scented candle from Bath and Body Works. Smells so good and is putting me in an Autumn state of mind...
--My nerdy bff Veronica and her husband/my fellow Nerd Herder Damian are in the midst of making a full length feature zombie film and I could not be any prouder that they are achieving their dreams. They released a short teaser. Go check it out:
--SWEATER WEATHER RETURNING! Love the brisk Autumn air and cozying it up under a soft cable knit sweater. So glad Summer is over.
--Getting excited for all things October! I have not been this excited in a long long time. I think it is due to my health/RA finally getting under control and I can start to be Dani again with some new twists.
--Changing bad habits when I had a rough week/hard week at work or in life. The old me would sit on her bed and gorge herself full of sweets and bad food. Now when I had a rough week I go swimming, do some laundry, light some candles, read, watch some television with a big mug of green tea. I felt so much better too.
What made you swoon and double over in love this month?
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Things I Love -- August Edition
Wow is it the end of August already? Shoot does time fly. Granted August did move slower than usual which I like because of what the next month is but we will not talk about that month. End of the month means it is time for another...
THINGS I LOVE THURSDAY!!! Which is really Things I Love Sunday since this is published on a Sunday...I think I should just change the title to Things I Love.
Here are the things, videos, songs, whathaveyous, that I have loved this month:
--My face decided to go back to its teenage roots and break out like crazy this summer. I quickly learned that drugstore products are so much better than the brand name products at Sephora. I will still use makeup from Sephora but when it comes to facial cleaner and moisturizer, give me some Yes to Tomatoes Daily Pore Scrub, Formula 10.0.06 Best Face Forward daily facial cleanser, some aloe vera gel, Noxzema triple acne treatment pads (that sting like a bitch but work!)and Glysomed daily moisturizer. My face cleared up in a matter of two days. Thank you Duane Reade!
--Getting into a morning and evening facial washing routine to keep my acne from coming back like I mentioned above.
--Drinking 64oz of water a day. It really helped flush out my system of bad things and cleared up my skin.
--Becoming addicted to the blog Fashion of Fandoms and using it as inspiration for future cosplays.
--CM Punk's Grammar Slam on the Nerdist channel during You Tube Geek Week. If you have not seen it, look it up now!
--The television show The Exes on TVLand.
--This video. Damn girl work that twerk:
--I love Food Network and the television competition show Chopped. When Felicia Day made this for You Tube Geek Week, I squeeded like the little fangirl I am:
--Having another wrestling meme photo made for something I suggest my friends play with me during Monday Night Raw:
--This song:
--The spicy pecan seasoning my mom bought recently. I have put it on my eggs in the morning as well as sandwiches and salads and it is nummy!
--Green tea and thunderstorms after two brutal days of humidity.
--This photo. Look at the couple that is circled:
--This video was part of the Confidence Vitamins article by Alexandra Frazen, which all of you should read by the way, and it is truly brilliant:
--Walking into Bath and Body Works and smelling all of the fall candles. My favorite right now is the cider doughnut. Love me some fall inspiration items!
What are you so in love with for the month of August?
THINGS I LOVE THURSDAY!!! Which is really Things I Love Sunday since this is published on a Sunday...I think I should just change the title to Things I Love.
Here are the things, videos, songs, whathaveyous, that I have loved this month:
--My face decided to go back to its teenage roots and break out like crazy this summer. I quickly learned that drugstore products are so much better than the brand name products at Sephora. I will still use makeup from Sephora but when it comes to facial cleaner and moisturizer, give me some Yes to Tomatoes Daily Pore Scrub, Formula 10.0.06 Best Face Forward daily facial cleanser, some aloe vera gel, Noxzema triple acne treatment pads (that sting like a bitch but work!)and Glysomed daily moisturizer. My face cleared up in a matter of two days. Thank you Duane Reade!
--Getting into a morning and evening facial washing routine to keep my acne from coming back like I mentioned above.
--Drinking 64oz of water a day. It really helped flush out my system of bad things and cleared up my skin.
--Becoming addicted to the blog Fashion of Fandoms and using it as inspiration for future cosplays.
--CM Punk's Grammar Slam on the Nerdist channel during You Tube Geek Week. If you have not seen it, look it up now!
--The television show The Exes on TVLand.
--This video. Damn girl work that twerk:
--I love Food Network and the television competition show Chopped. When Felicia Day made this for You Tube Geek Week, I squeeded like the little fangirl I am:
--Having another wrestling meme photo made for something I suggest my friends play with me during Monday Night Raw:
--This song:
--The spicy pecan seasoning my mom bought recently. I have put it on my eggs in the morning as well as sandwiches and salads and it is nummy!
--Green tea and thunderstorms after two brutal days of humidity.
--This photo. Look at the couple that is circled:
Post by Sheldon Cooper.
--This video was part of the Confidence Vitamins article by Alexandra Frazen, which all of you should read by the way, and it is truly brilliant:
--Walking into Bath and Body Works and smelling all of the fall candles. My favorite right now is the cider doughnut. Love me some fall inspiration items!
What are you so in love with for the month of August?
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Things I Love Thursday -- July 2013 Edition
Summer is in full swing and you know that means....
IT IS TIME FOR ANOTHER THINGS I LOVE THURSDAY!
Here is what I have been in love with for the month of July.
--Setting a reading goal for the month of July.
--Being a volunteer for Major League Baseball All Star Summer.
--Despicable Me 2! Love me some minions! I need to get one of my own.
**This is not me guys. This is the awesome Meghan also known as Strawburry17. She is AMAZING and a total inspiration.***
--The fact that I can in a chair, bend forward, and kiss my knees. Thats right KISS MY KNEES. Have not had that ability in a long long time.
--This article from Veronica Varlow which rings very true: 3 Ways to Know if Someone is Great in Bed All Before the Dessert Arrives
--All of the support from my family and friends that I have received lately due to something that I should have done a long long time ago. You ladies and gents are the best!
--Receiving the New Beauty Test Tube for Summer and loving all of the products.
--That my favorite comic strip, Calvin and Hobbes, will have its own documentary!:
--Having a friend of mine make this for me when the royal baby was born:
--Is it November yet?:
--Having the ability to still work a room even though I have not attended a mixer/mingling thing in a long long time.
--Feeling amazing and walking without my cane for the first time in MONTHS.
--This sandwich: Nine flavour combinations in one sandwich! Well I would have to change the strawberry jam to grape but still...awesome!
--The Netflix show Orange is the New Black. Truly amazing!
--Still enjoying dark brooding AJ Styles on TNA Wrestling.
What have you been in love with for the month of July?
IT IS TIME FOR ANOTHER THINGS I LOVE THURSDAY!
Here is what I have been in love with for the month of July.
--Setting a reading goal for the month of July.
--Being a volunteer for Major League Baseball All Star Summer.
--Despicable Me 2! Love me some minions! I need to get one of my own.
**This is not me guys. This is the awesome Meghan also known as Strawburry17. She is AMAZING and a total inspiration.***
--The fact that I can in a chair, bend forward, and kiss my knees. Thats right KISS MY KNEES. Have not had that ability in a long long time.
--This article from Veronica Varlow which rings very true: 3 Ways to Know if Someone is Great in Bed All Before the Dessert Arrives
--All of the support from my family and friends that I have received lately due to something that I should have done a long long time ago. You ladies and gents are the best!
--Receiving the New Beauty Test Tube for Summer and loving all of the products.
--That my favorite comic strip, Calvin and Hobbes, will have its own documentary!:
--Having a friend of mine make this for me when the royal baby was born:
--Is it November yet?:
--Having the ability to still work a room even though I have not attended a mixer/mingling thing in a long long time.
--Feeling amazing and walking without my cane for the first time in MONTHS.
--This sandwich: Nine flavour combinations in one sandwich! Well I would have to change the strawberry jam to grape but still...awesome!
--The Netflix show Orange is the New Black. Truly amazing!
--Still enjoying dark brooding AJ Styles on TNA Wrestling.
What have you been in love with for the month of July?
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Things I Love Thursday -- June 2013 Edition
6 months into 2013 and we have successfully survived the Rapture and the Apocalypze and all of the other urban legend type of things. It it is also the end of the month and you know what that means...
IT IS TIME FOR THINGS I LOVE THURSDAY!!!
Here is what I am in love with for the month of June
--This article: 17 Ways to Tell You Have Been in Your Relationship Forever Some points are just very very true and on point.
--To officially be on summer vacation. This school/work year has been hell. It is nice to have a break.
--Pacifica Coconut Water cleansing wipes. Wow are these things good when you are in the heat and can't get your butt to the shower. Helped a lot this month and a great investment.
--Journey savory nutrition bars. Such a great snack.
--BeneFit Bo-ing! concealer. It helps cover up the dark puffy circleness under my eyeballs as well as the redness on my forehead quite well as most concealers I have tried do not.
--The book Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell. It was so good I read it twice in one month and I do not do that. This book was paid it forward to a friend of mine.
--The Tangle Teezer Salon Elite detangling hairbrush. With having long mermaid hair I get lots of tangles and knots and this brush did the trick of getting them out. Plus it did not hurt!
--Excited for this video game to be released:
--Becoming a Sephora Very Important Beauty Insider. Going to reap those benefits!
--Becoming an Offical Sponsor plus a Prize Sponsor for Sugar Slam IV. Read all of the details here: Sugar Slam IV: Ready To Crumble
--This song:
--This video:
--The combination of aloe vera gel and moringa olefera oil (Thanks Natalie Slater from Bake and Destroy!) to clear up the red bumps and patchy,scaly, snakeskin like skin on my forehead.
--Being a guest on two wrestling radio podcasts on the same night. Thanks Angry Marks Network and Kayfabe Wrestling Radio!
--My favorite band Queensryche came out with a new album called Frequency Unknown and it is EXCELLENT. If you look at the album cover, Geoff Tate has a nice message to the band who tried to take Queensryche away from him. Listen to the first single on this new EP and tell me that Geoff isn't making a point:
What are you in love with this month?
IT IS TIME FOR THINGS I LOVE THURSDAY!!!
Here is what I am in love with for the month of June
--This article: 17 Ways to Tell You Have Been in Your Relationship Forever Some points are just very very true and on point.
--To officially be on summer vacation. This school/work year has been hell. It is nice to have a break.
--Pacifica Coconut Water cleansing wipes. Wow are these things good when you are in the heat and can't get your butt to the shower. Helped a lot this month and a great investment.
--Journey savory nutrition bars. Such a great snack.
--BeneFit Bo-ing! concealer. It helps cover up the dark puffy circleness under my eyeballs as well as the redness on my forehead quite well as most concealers I have tried do not.
--The book Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell. It was so good I read it twice in one month and I do not do that. This book was paid it forward to a friend of mine.
--The Tangle Teezer Salon Elite detangling hairbrush. With having long mermaid hair I get lots of tangles and knots and this brush did the trick of getting them out. Plus it did not hurt!
--Excited for this video game to be released:
--Becoming a Sephora Very Important Beauty Insider. Going to reap those benefits!
--Becoming an Offical Sponsor plus a Prize Sponsor for Sugar Slam IV. Read all of the details here: Sugar Slam IV: Ready To Crumble
--This song:
--This video:
--The combination of aloe vera gel and moringa olefera oil (Thanks Natalie Slater from Bake and Destroy!) to clear up the red bumps and patchy,scaly, snakeskin like skin on my forehead.
--Being a guest on two wrestling radio podcasts on the same night. Thanks Angry Marks Network and Kayfabe Wrestling Radio!
--My favorite band Queensryche came out with a new album called Frequency Unknown and it is EXCELLENT. If you look at the album cover, Geoff Tate has a nice message to the band who tried to take Queensryche away from him. Listen to the first single on this new EP and tell me that Geoff isn't making a point:
What are you in love with this month?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)