I have a bad case of the winter blues (winter blahs?).
The weather outside is beyond frightful. It's dark and cold. And slipping on ice and falling repeatedly on your ass just makes a bad situation worse (and a lot more painful). All I want to do is sleep through January until April. I think my body is going into hibernation.
I can't concentrate. I'm blue (literally and figuratively...forget gloves in 10 degree weather and see what color your hands turn). I'm just not a happy camper. I especially dislike this because I am usually a pretty damn powerful ray of sunshine, which could be due to my sunny demeanor or the excessive amount of caffeine I drink in one day. In any case, it is not like me to feel out of it.
If anyone has any cures for the winter blues/blahs, please share. If I were in Philly, I would go to Max Brenner (look it up) and drown my sorrows in copious mugs of thick, rich hot cocoa and gorge myself on bon bons (seriously, they have them there).
However, I am not in Philly and a cup of Swiss Miss and a handful of Hershey Kisses just isn't cutting it for me. The moral of this story...send sunny weather...and Godiva...lots of Godiva.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Bad Boys
I have a lot of wonderful single guy friends. Last week, we got to talking about the saying, "nice guys finish last." The first thing I think when I hear about that statement is 'bullshit.' However, when I sat down and thought about, I realized there could be some logic to that statement.
I, and probably 99.9% of other women, have fallen prey to the 'bad boy.' The 'bad boy' comes in a few different forms.
a) The stereotypical bad boy: This is the guy with the badass attitude (he may or may night drive a motorcycle). He lives by his own rules. He says what he thinks. You find his honesty refreshing not to mention his disdain for the rules of society is kind of sexy. He plays hard, so you fall harder. SBB is fun...until he ultimately disappears. SBB can't be tamed. He loves 'em and leaves 'em. You swear you won't be one of 'em, however, you always get hurt in the end.
b) The nice guy with bad boy tendencies: This guy is a sweetheart on the outside. He is charming. He is flirty. He is seemingly everything you're looking for in a guy...that is, until he doesn't call...or text. NGWBBT plays games. He can always somehow always seem to slip back into the picture. Why? Because he has never really hurt you. Therefore, you continue to crush on him. Per usual, he continuously screws you over.
So why do we as women continue to gravitate towards men who we know are going to hurt us? This is especially confusing to all those nice guys out there (and they do exist, we just seem to overlook them). They watch us get taken advantage of time and time again. They sit there and listen to us bitch and moan about the shitty guys in our lives. Yet, they never get a chance. Ok, I get it nice guys. You do get the short end of the stick.
Yet, as I type this, I know that will probably pass over a potentially nice guy for a bad boy. Part of me understands this and part of me does not. I think bad boys have this aura of mystery that nice guys don't have. Women sense that. It attracts us. Though at the end of the day, we really don't want to be with an asshole...we want to be with you nice guy!
After all that typing, I still don't have a solid conclusion on this ongoing dating dilemma. Maybe someone needs to invent a bad boy antidote. Maybe the spell breaks with age. Maybe I need a good smack to the senses. While I ponder, listen to Carrie Underwood. She gets it.
I, and probably 99.9% of other women, have fallen prey to the 'bad boy.' The 'bad boy' comes in a few different forms.
a) The stereotypical bad boy: This is the guy with the badass attitude (he may or may night drive a motorcycle). He lives by his own rules. He says what he thinks. You find his honesty refreshing not to mention his disdain for the rules of society is kind of sexy. He plays hard, so you fall harder. SBB is fun...until he ultimately disappears. SBB can't be tamed. He loves 'em and leaves 'em. You swear you won't be one of 'em, however, you always get hurt in the end.
b) The nice guy with bad boy tendencies: This guy is a sweetheart on the outside. He is charming. He is flirty. He is seemingly everything you're looking for in a guy...that is, until he doesn't call...or text. NGWBBT plays games. He can always somehow always seem to slip back into the picture. Why? Because he has never really hurt you. Therefore, you continue to crush on him. Per usual, he continuously screws you over.
So why do we as women continue to gravitate towards men who we know are going to hurt us? This is especially confusing to all those nice guys out there (and they do exist, we just seem to overlook them). They watch us get taken advantage of time and time again. They sit there and listen to us bitch and moan about the shitty guys in our lives. Yet, they never get a chance. Ok, I get it nice guys. You do get the short end of the stick.
Yet, as I type this, I know that will probably pass over a potentially nice guy for a bad boy. Part of me understands this and part of me does not. I think bad boys have this aura of mystery that nice guys don't have. Women sense that. It attracts us. Though at the end of the day, we really don't want to be with an asshole...we want to be with you nice guy!
After all that typing, I still don't have a solid conclusion on this ongoing dating dilemma. Maybe someone needs to invent a bad boy antidote. Maybe the spell breaks with age. Maybe I need a good smack to the senses. While I ponder, listen to Carrie Underwood. She gets it.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
I Need a Hobby
Now that my life is absent of internships, papers, and coursework, I have time to actually focus on something. And that "something" cannot be the gym, watching three back-to-back episodes of Two and a Half Men, or reading.
I always fumbled on the "what are your hobbies?" question on job interviews. Because, honestly, I don't have one set thing I like to do (and napping is not an appropriate hobby). In the past, I've tried many different activities. For instance, I was really into making jewelry for awhile. However, I've since forgotten everything I learned in the summer class I look three years ago.
I enjoy interior design. I thought perhaps I could get into refinishing furniture. I started to refinish a cabinet in October. It's January, and I'm still not finished. Of course there was baking at one point, though that went by the way-side. I attempted painting, but when you suck, it just isn't fun.
My problem is that I am incredibly impatient, and I have the attention span of a two year old. I get bored easily of things, and I can't sit still and focus for long amounts of time. (Ask anyone who has ever tried to watch a movie with me. Unless I'm riveted to the screen, I'm up walking around after 20 minutes.)
I think I'd like redecorating an apartment...but I don't have one. My mother suggested I redo my room at home. I told her that was not happening because I plan on moving out...in the next year (or decade).
Therefore, if you have any suggestions...please share.
I always fumbled on the "what are your hobbies?" question on job interviews. Because, honestly, I don't have one set thing I like to do (and napping is not an appropriate hobby). In the past, I've tried many different activities. For instance, I was really into making jewelry for awhile. However, I've since forgotten everything I learned in the summer class I look three years ago.
I enjoy interior design. I thought perhaps I could get into refinishing furniture. I started to refinish a cabinet in October. It's January, and I'm still not finished. Of course there was baking at one point, though that went by the way-side. I attempted painting, but when you suck, it just isn't fun.
My problem is that I am incredibly impatient, and I have the attention span of a two year old. I get bored easily of things, and I can't sit still and focus for long amounts of time. (Ask anyone who has ever tried to watch a movie with me. Unless I'm riveted to the screen, I'm up walking around after 20 minutes.)
I think I'd like redecorating an apartment...but I don't have one. My mother suggested I redo my room at home. I told her that was not happening because I plan on moving out...in the next year (or decade).
Therefore, if you have any suggestions...please share.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Oh Hayyyy, 2011
Gawd. Another year has come and gone. It sounds cliche, but where did the time go? Honestly. At this time last year, I was waiting to return to college after Christmas break. I had no stable means of income. I had never worn jeggings.
2010 will always be a special year for me because I graduated college. When you're in the thick of academia, graduating doesn't seem like such a big deal. However, now that I am not spending my time in school and can look back, man, I'm pretty damn proud of myself. Additionally, I landed my first job. It still baffles me sometimes that I have clients...that companies pay me to do public relations work for them...whoa. I'm a big girl?
Normally, I don't make resolutions because I have never in my life kept them. Last year, I vowed to write in a journal, swim laps, and practice meditation...about that... I am attempting to banish my self doubt in 2011 and actually accomplish my resolutions. Below, are my goals for the new year.
1) Take care of my body. Everyone and their mom makes this kind of resolution, but I vow to stick to it this year. My hopes are to find an exercise program I really love and workout at least 3 times per week. In addition, I shall attempt to eat more whole grains instead of white, processed flour. I will replace soda with water (though I am will not give up coffee, never). Also, I need to learn to relax, so add that to the list too. My past massage - which left me with broken blood vessels in my neck and shoulders, as a result of insane tension - made me realize that I have to find a way to chill out.
2) Become more confident at work. As I said earlier, it is still insane to me that people pay for my advice. At times, I feel overwhelmed and unsure of my abilities. I have to remember that I possess the skills to succeed. As one of my professors said, "Allison, you have all the tools you need...you just have to believe in yourself."
3) Manage my finances. I'm the butt of all jokes when it comes to managing money. Blame it on my grandmother's genes or the fact that I would rather light my hair on fire than sit and do math. In any case, I suck at money management. This must change. I am on the road to becoming a big girl, and big girls balance their checkbooks, efficiently pay off their college loans, and save to move out of their parents' home. Which brings me to my next resolution...
4) Move out! I love my parents dearly, but it's time to peace out. I lived on my own for 4 years in college and managed to feed and clothe myself, get to class/learn/etc, and manage to return home alive and well. However, my mother does not seem to understand that. Also, my own space means lots of awesome things like picking out furniture at Ikea. Mmmm affordable, Swedish furniture. Therefore, assuming my money situation is under control, I hope to change addresses in 2011.
So, if you're reading this and need a workout buddy/conduct personal finance classes/or have a spare couch lying around, please, let me know.
2010 will always be a special year for me because I graduated college. When you're in the thick of academia, graduating doesn't seem like such a big deal. However, now that I am not spending my time in school and can look back, man, I'm pretty damn proud of myself. Additionally, I landed my first job. It still baffles me sometimes that I have clients...that companies pay me to do public relations work for them...whoa. I'm a big girl?
Normally, I don't make resolutions because I have never in my life kept them. Last year, I vowed to write in a journal, swim laps, and practice meditation...about that... I am attempting to banish my self doubt in 2011 and actually accomplish my resolutions. Below, are my goals for the new year.
1) Take care of my body. Everyone and their mom makes this kind of resolution, but I vow to stick to it this year. My hopes are to find an exercise program I really love and workout at least 3 times per week. In addition, I shall attempt to eat more whole grains instead of white, processed flour. I will replace soda with water (though I am will not give up coffee, never). Also, I need to learn to relax, so add that to the list too. My past massage - which left me with broken blood vessels in my neck and shoulders, as a result of insane tension - made me realize that I have to find a way to chill out.
2) Become more confident at work. As I said earlier, it is still insane to me that people pay for my advice. At times, I feel overwhelmed and unsure of my abilities. I have to remember that I possess the skills to succeed. As one of my professors said, "Allison, you have all the tools you need...you just have to believe in yourself."
3) Manage my finances. I'm the butt of all jokes when it comes to managing money. Blame it on my grandmother's genes or the fact that I would rather light my hair on fire than sit and do math. In any case, I suck at money management. This must change. I am on the road to becoming a big girl, and big girls balance their checkbooks, efficiently pay off their college loans, and save to move out of their parents' home. Which brings me to my next resolution...
4) Move out! I love my parents dearly, but it's time to peace out. I lived on my own for 4 years in college and managed to feed and clothe myself, get to class/learn/etc, and manage to return home alive and well. However, my mother does not seem to understand that. Also, my own space means lots of awesome things like picking out furniture at Ikea. Mmmm affordable, Swedish furniture. Therefore, assuming my money situation is under control, I hope to change addresses in 2011.
So, if you're reading this and need a workout buddy/conduct personal finance classes/or have a spare couch lying around, please, let me know.
Monday, December 27, 2010
The Relaxation Station
Today hit me like a ton of bricks. The late night Santa sightings, early morning present unwrapping, and overabundance of sugary treats had finally caught up with me. By 3 pm on Monday afternoon, I began to feel the ill effects of the whirlwind holiday weekend. Naturally, the holidays are a time of stress, so read the following tips and begin to unwind.
1) Take a long, hot shower. Water has always been a source of comfort and relaxation for me. Something about a steamy shower is enough to turn me to mush. Plus, the hot water is awesome for soothing tight, sore muscles. An extra tip: try showering in the dark. It sounds silly but is surprisingly super relaxing. Suds up in there using Stress Relief - Eucalyptus Spearmint shower gel from Bath and Body Works. The scent is said to "clear the mind, uplift the spirits, improve concentration, and help the mind to focus."
2) Give yourself a massage. I like to use a muscle rub like Icy Hot to really penetrate and relax my muscles. You can use a tennis ball to de-stress the back and feet. Put the tennis ball in between your back and the wall and move around, allowing the tennis ball to get into your shoulder blades and loosen kinks. Place the tennis ball on the floor and place your foot over the ball, rolling as you go. Instant foot massage.
3) Embrace the power of aromatherapy. I use to think aromatherapy was crap. However, after spending over a year with constant tension headaches, I was willing to try whatever was on the market for relief. Insert Origins Peace of Mind, On-the-spot relief. This stuff is a god send! This elixir, formulated with natural ingredients, helps zap headaches and tension instantly. Apply two dabs to the temples, back of the head, and ear lops and tension and pressure begin to melt away. The tingling sensation lets you know this stuff is working. Amazing, Period.
4) Breathe. It sounds so simple but deep breathing can go a long way. When I feel tense, I close my eyes and take a deep breath in, hold it for a few seconds, then slowly let the air out through my nose.
5) Invest in a good nature CD. When I was in college my roommate, bless her soul, allowed me to listen to the sounds of rainwater all night long. Something about the pitter patter of rain - even from computer speakers - was enough to quiet my racing mind and relax my body. Maybe rain doesn't do it for you? If not, there are plenty of options, including: ocean waves, forest sounds, babbling brooks, and jungle noises.
1) Take a long, hot shower. Water has always been a source of comfort and relaxation for me. Something about a steamy shower is enough to turn me to mush. Plus, the hot water is awesome for soothing tight, sore muscles. An extra tip: try showering in the dark. It sounds silly but is surprisingly super relaxing. Suds up in there using Stress Relief - Eucalyptus Spearmint shower gel from Bath and Body Works. The scent is said to "clear the mind, uplift the spirits, improve concentration, and help the mind to focus."
2) Give yourself a massage. I like to use a muscle rub like Icy Hot to really penetrate and relax my muscles. You can use a tennis ball to de-stress the back and feet. Put the tennis ball in between your back and the wall and move around, allowing the tennis ball to get into your shoulder blades and loosen kinks. Place the tennis ball on the floor and place your foot over the ball, rolling as you go. Instant foot massage.
3) Embrace the power of aromatherapy. I use to think aromatherapy was crap. However, after spending over a year with constant tension headaches, I was willing to try whatever was on the market for relief. Insert Origins Peace of Mind, On-the-spot relief. This stuff is a god send! This elixir, formulated with natural ingredients, helps zap headaches and tension instantly. Apply two dabs to the temples, back of the head, and ear lops and tension and pressure begin to melt away. The tingling sensation lets you know this stuff is working. Amazing, Period.
4) Breathe. It sounds so simple but deep breathing can go a long way. When I feel tense, I close my eyes and take a deep breath in, hold it for a few seconds, then slowly let the air out through my nose.
5) Invest in a good nature CD. When I was in college my roommate, bless her soul, allowed me to listen to the sounds of rainwater all night long. Something about the pitter patter of rain - even from computer speakers - was enough to quiet my racing mind and relax my body. Maybe rain doesn't do it for you? If not, there are plenty of options, including: ocean waves, forest sounds, babbling brooks, and jungle noises.
Monday, November 29, 2010
A Grammar PSA
It's the holiday season. A time when old friends come together and Christmas cards flood the mailbox. It is during this season that many gather together. It also means that you're probably getting a crap ton of emails, texts, and Facebook messages beckoning you to bars, holiday parties, and other festive gatherings. The Christmas season is also the time when many old flames decide to creep back into your life - for better or worse.
Recently, I was propositioned for the latter. It's not that the individual is a bad person...they just have bad grammar. And when I say "bad," I mean horrible-atrocious-i-don't-think-i-can-even-speak-to-you-because-I'm-so-embarrased-for-you bad.
I understand people make typing mistakes or forget to proof their words but some errors are just unforgivable (see above). Additionally, propositioning me while using the wrong form of "their," "there," "they're" and "your" or "you're" also crushes your chances substantially. I don't expect everyone to be a spelling Nazi, and I certainly am not a grammar whiz by any means of the imagination...but there are some you should just know...period.
Therefore, I urge you guys and gals to reread your texts, emails, and messages before clicking "send." Your English teacher and the general public thanks you in advance.
Monday, November 8, 2010
The First Move
Men. They are a topic talked about quite often on this blog. Obviously, I enjoy the male species. They come in handy most of the time. They do great things for us women-folk like grilling slaps of meat or changing the oil in our car or stalking out and killing whatever rodent, insect, or small animal has inhabited our living quarters.
Men have many good qualities. But there is one man issue I would like to address: the issue of approaching women.
Last Saturday night my friend Emily and I met a man who served in the military. The man has been in Iraq and might be deployed to Afghanistan. The man drove large equipment through areas peppered with land mines. To say this guy is brave is beyond an understatement, however, after flirting with Emily all evening, he couldn't grow a pair and ask her out?
He was very obviously interested. He gave her his number. Spent the evening chatting with her in a very nice, non creepy way and even invited her out for breakfast at a 24 hour diner. They exchanged text messages. Still, it took her bluntly asking him to dinner. What the hell, guys?
I understand women can be intimidating but why not take the bait and make the first move? News flash, you men can be pretty intimidating too. Yet, we women manage to muster up the courage and make a move...shouldn't you?
Many of my guy friends admit to being lax when it comes to making the first move. So much so, that in such situations I assume I'll have to "man up" and take the initiative. I know this is the 21st century and everything but sometimes a lady likes to be chased.
Men, start a revolution. Vow to make a move. We aren't as scary as we seem, I promise.
Men have many good qualities. But there is one man issue I would like to address: the issue of approaching women.
Last Saturday night my friend Emily and I met a man who served in the military. The man has been in Iraq and might be deployed to Afghanistan. The man drove large equipment through areas peppered with land mines. To say this guy is brave is beyond an understatement, however, after flirting with Emily all evening, he couldn't grow a pair and ask her out?
He was very obviously interested. He gave her his number. Spent the evening chatting with her in a very nice, non creepy way and even invited her out for breakfast at a 24 hour diner. They exchanged text messages. Still, it took her bluntly asking him to dinner. What the hell, guys?
I understand women can be intimidating but why not take the bait and make the first move? News flash, you men can be pretty intimidating too. Yet, we women manage to muster up the courage and make a move...shouldn't you?
Many of my guy friends admit to being lax when it comes to making the first move. So much so, that in such situations I assume I'll have to "man up" and take the initiative. I know this is the 21st century and everything but sometimes a lady likes to be chased.
Men, start a revolution. Vow to make a move. We aren't as scary as we seem, I promise.
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