A Day In The Life... Mine That is!

I saw this over at Learning to be a Wife, and thought it was interesting, so I wanted to do the same! You may not notice a lot of "work" but that's because summer is our dead season. I work at a college. Everything picks up once school is back in session. 

6:45 a.m. My alarm goes off. it's already too late to snooze, so I get my butt up, grab a towel, and head to the shower.

7:10 a.m. Out of the shower, throw on the clothes I decided to wear while in the shower (the shower is for thinking, folks), grab coffee that I set timer for, and lunch that C lovingly packed for me :) Race out the door.

7:34 a.m. Start my commute (I take 2 trains and a bus)- time for coffee, ipod, and either catching up on Twitter or reading whatever book I brought.

9:30 a.m. Arrive at work. Check emails, make coffee, listen to voicemail... in other words, procrastinate doing actual work!

12:10 p.m. Coworker is nagging me to go eat lunch. (We eat together nearly everyday, though I'm almost never hungry right at 12.)

1:00 p.m. Check in with C, write this (shh!), figure out if anything personal is due soon such as bills. Scatter some work in as necessary.

3:00 p.m. Break time. Go outside for a few minutes, wander around, talk to people. If it's a rough day, find chocolate. 

3:30- 5:15 p.m. Music becomes necessary to accomplish anything. So pop on some upbeat tunes, and actually do work. Book meetings and locations, post job positions, answer calls/emails, order supplies, pay invoices, do whatever other stuff people put on my desk/ask me to do. (This week includes helping to clean out a former employee's office and plan a baby shower for Friday- fun!)

5:15 p.m. Done with work for the day. Putter around for 15 min until I can go home.

5:30 p.m. Time for 2 hour commute home. Please see above for details. I also have a snack, usually a Hostess cupcake and a Ssip. Some days, I indulge in a roadie!

7:30-ish p.m. C picks me up from the train station. I change directly into PJ's and he starts dinner (I'm a lucky girl! In my defense, he gets home from work around 4:30 and has already taken a nap, browsed the internets, and is in other words rested by this time.)

9:00 p.m. Eat dinner (at the table, supposedly like real people), while watching some show we don't really care about like Cake Boss, and talk about our day/upcoming plans.

10:00 p.m.  If C cooked, I clean the kitchen and put the dishes in the washer. Otherwise, Down time. Sometimes we sit in front of the TV to watch one of "our" shows, sometimes we're both reading, or C will go play video games and I'll watch one of my shows. 

11:30 p.m.  Start thinking about bed. Sometimes I'm already asleep on the couch, in which case C carries me to bed! Other times, I start prepping for the next day- set up the coffee maker, gets rolls for the next day's lunches, wash up (I get up to do that even if I'm brought to bed).

Well, there you have it. A day in my life. And hey look! I just found GIFS and they make my life happy :)

Porky Weekend

I was dead tired on Friday. I almost fell asleep on the commute home, which never happens. (Which is good because then I would miss my stop, and C would have to pick me up 20 minutes out of the way or I would have to take another train back to my stop, both of which would not be fun.) I came home, ate, and tried to watch the Olympic opening ceremonies but fell asleep somewhere between Djibouti and Finland, with a quick eye opening around Ghana.

I thought the giant baby was super creepy. And I didn't really understand the point of the teens with the cell phone, but I thought it was cute. And the dancing and music were fun.

On Saturday we headed to NYC for the 1st Annual BBQ and Beer Festival. I had a very cute, somewhat country-fied outfit picked out, but because it was rainy (and we thought it was outdoors), C insisted that I put on jeans, Timbs, and a shirt "I wouldn't mind getting sauce all over." Hmph.

{Porky and I}

{love + BBQ}

{This was after it was full}

We were surprised by the venue and how empty it was when we arrived. The last time we went to something similar, there was a line 2 blocks long. Also, the venue was labeled as West Village Country Club, but you had to go through Bowlmor Lanes (a bowling alley) to get there. When you entered, there was a huge bar and seating area, and then behind it was a mini golf course. It was really weird. But we were able to get in, and get food and drinks quickly. Some of the treats we tried were:

Sausage Inc.: Chunky pork and chipotle sausage with homemade BBQ sauce and onions on a pretzel-dough bun-  My FAVE! {top left}
Southern Hospitality (Justin Timberlake's restaurant): pulled pork sliders
Little Town NYC: spare rib, and a choice of 2 between mac and cheese, cole slaw, or cornbread
Bacon Bites: chocolate covered bacon
Pit Master Michael Rodriguez: sliced smoked beef brisket sliders {bottom 2}- DELISH!
Harley's SmokeShack & BBQ- smoked BBQ meatballs

The food was all really good, and all small enough to fill you up for a little while without that dreaded bloated feeling. Afterwards, we took a walk around Union Square, and stopped by Lush for some yummy soap before heading back. I love Lush products, but the salespeople were quite pushy- didn't like that very much. But we walked away with some Natural Honey soap which we can't wait to try.

"Honey I Washed the Kids!" by Lush

Sunday was spent relaxing. We were supposed to have a beach day, but it was raining down the shore. So we took care of some paperwork in the morning, did a little bit of cleaning before C's parents stopped by (and they brought us dinner- homemade stuffed peppers... SO GOOD!) and then I read most of the afternoon while C played video games.

After dinner, we watched True Blood and Fargo. First off, Nora's crazy ass needs to go. She is obviously on some other level ish. And Alcide, though he is beautiful (did you guys see that booty?!), I don't rally see the purpose of the wolves at all anymore. That whole storyline is dead to me. And poor Lafayette! I'm so glad he smartened up and started charging people for his services. And I think Scott Foley's time is up, because I really don't want to see Terry go!! I've come to love his character, and his relationship with Arlene. She finally got a good guy!

I watched Fargo because C said I had to- "it's a classic! And it's so good!"
Me: Is it funny?
C: It's full of weird people. It's by the guy who did The Big Lebowski (love that movie). The woman won best actress. And yeah, it's funny. It's good.

I didn't like it. Maybe it's one of those movies I have to watch more than once to find the humor, but I just wasn't into it. Jerry Lundegaard was too much of a bumbling idiot. Plus, the repetitiveness of some of the lines and those ACCENTS drove me crazy...dontcha know?!

Book Club Friday: The Jungle Book

This week I'm sharing...

From GoodReads:

"Run with them. Or fear them--

Bagheera the Panther: A silken shadow of boldness and cunning.

Kaa the Python: A thirty foot battering ram driven by a cool, hungry mind.

Baloo the Bear: who keeps the lore and the Law, and teaches the Secret Words.

Rikki the Mongoose: The young protector who sings as he slays.

Akela and Raksha the Wolves: Demon warriors of the Free People.

Shere Khan the Tiger: The dreaded enemy of all.

And Mowgli the Man-cub: The orphan baby raised by the wolves, taught by Baloo, trained by Bagheera and Kaa. The sorcerer who knows the ways of the jungle and speaks the language of the wild..."

My Thoughts:

This classic is very different from the images I remember from the Disney version. Also, the version I read didn't have the animals' short stories, only the story of Mowgli. It was enthralling nonetheless. I read this in one sitting. I loved the portrayal of Mowgli, and how the others, particularly Bagheera and Baloo, looked after him even after the wolf pack turned on him. Their persistence to save him from the monkeys (and ask for help from those considered "lower" than themselves) was truly moving. The skills they taught him would have served him well if he were able to make it into the "human" world. I really liked how he was able to outsmart the lion with his herd and with the help of his wolf-brothers, who never turned on him, and continued to support him as he tried to enter society. I thought the characterization of each animal was well done, as it showed characteristics that were expected, as well as new ones. The underlying themes of love, family, and friendship carried through the story making it an instant, heartfelt classic.

What are you reading? 

Link up with Heather and Katie!

Oh, How Pinteresting!

They say a picture says a thousand words. I don't know about all that, but I will admit to being a Pin-Aholic. I found a few this week that i just had to share, so I decided to join Michelle at The Vintage Apple for this week's Oh, How Pinteresting! (sorry, I didn't realize this was a Wednesday thing, so I'm a little late!)

Source: a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net via Shyla on Pinterest

 

Source: 25.media.tumblr.com via Shyla on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Shyla on Pinterest

Source: 9gag.com via Dani on Pinterest

Staycation, Part II

Happy Tuesdays loves! Hope you are all having a wonderful day!

Here's "Where I Be" Part II of my staycation...

Thursday: Back to work (boo). Went to NJ Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) afterwards and saw the Wailers for free! And had a bunch of beers. And sat on the lawn. And danced. I freakin love outdoor concerts! And knocked it off my Summer Bucket List!

Friday: More work, followed by drinks at C's coworker's place. Very chill night. 

Saturday: Back at the beach for my friend's "un-birthday." Dinner at Bum Rogers- deliciousness. 

I had the Shrimp Fra Diavolo. It was devine. C had that lobster. That was pretty bangin too. Everyone else got some version of crab legs, which I also ate, and was also amazeballs. 

Sunday: Was supposed to go to Governor's Island in NY with my mom, but she cancelled early morning due to reports of thunderstorms. Was sooooo happy to relax for the day! Cleaned up some, but mostly lazed around and watched Amish: Out of Order (DVR'ed). And of course True Blood.

Source: loltime.1000notes.com via Shelby on Pinterest

Monday: Happy hour at a rooftop bar and a Middle Eastern dinner and catching up with a friend I haven't seen since May! So glad we got to hang out- it had definitely been too long!

What have you lovelies been up to??

Back from Staycation!

So you may have noticed I've been a bit absent in these parts. Sorry about that. I was on "staycation" and thought I would update, but then... I didn't. I've never had a stacation before, so I thought I would be bored, but somehow I found a way to spend the time. It wasn't easy though! Here's some of the things I was up to while I was "away."

Wednesday: 4th of July lazing at friend's pool. Ate some homemade goodies, played volleyball, and lit some firecrackers.

This clam and mussel dish was phenomenal!

Unfortch, I didn't remember to take many pics.

Thursday: had my first go at learning how to drive stick shift. Wasn't terrible. I wasn't terrible! I only stalled about 3 times... not bad for a first timer!

Friday: Lounged by the pool at my apartment complex, which was surprisingly kid free!

[Beer, Ipod, and magazine not pictured]

Saturday: Went to C's parents for dinner. Saw Ted. It was REALLY funny. But I think it's one of those movies that gets funnier the more you watch it (I also felt this way about The Hangover). Fell inlove with Mila Kunis (again). 

Sunday: Beach day at Island Beach State Park (my fave!)! Followed by an hour of speed cleaning, True Blood, and a game night!

[My favorite game ever- Apples to Apples. If you don't know about it, the set you end up with is supposed to  describe you. I think mine was "Animated/Smart/Elitist/Lazy/Exciting." And if it wasn't, then it should have been!]

[My hair was a hot mess. Please excuse.]

Monday: Beach day at Pt. Pleasant Beach/Martell's Tiki Bar. My girlfriend had never been to the Jersey Shore, so we had to let her know what it was all about!

[No pics. What happens at the Jersey Shore, stays at the Jersey Shore, unless you're on the TV show!]

Source: someecards.com via Kristine on Pinterest

Tuesday: Headed down to Long Beach Island (LBI). My first time- liked it! Stayed with C's parents in his Aunt's beach house. Spilled dinner leftovers all over myself and had a mini tantrum. But then saw the Barnegat Lighthouse and ate some ice cream, and all was right with the world again.

Me @ the Lighthouse, post-tantrum.

Wednesday: More beach time with C's parents. Went to "The Original" Ron Jon Surf Shop. Wanted to buy allthethings, but left empty handed in the name of "saving." Promised to buy myself a sweatshirt when C finds a j-o-b. 

See that little head rest under C's dad's head? That thing is called "The Head Chair." It.Is.Awesome. It's also over 30 years old. I am making it my new mission to find one!

Stay tuned for Part II of Staycation!

Sunday Funnies: Cruella De Vil and Cookie Monster

I'm not sure if I love this just because I'm a Jersey girl or not...

Cookie Monster Family Guy

Hope you are all having a fabulous weekend!

Book Club Friday: Pompeii

This week I'm sharing...

From Goodreads:

"...The young engineer Marcus Attilius Primus has just taken charge of the Aqua Augusta, the enormous aqueduct that brings fresh water to a quarter of a million people in nine towns around the Bay of Naples. His predecessor has disappeared. Springs are failing for the first time in generations. And now there is a crisis on the Augusta’s sixty-mile main line—somewhere to the north of Pompeii, on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius.

Attilius—decent, practical, and incorruptible—promises Pliny, the famous scholar who commands the navy, that he can repair the aqueduct before the reservoir runs dry. His plan is to travel to Pompeii and put together an expedition, then head out to the place where he believes the fault lies. But Pompeii proves to be a corrupt and violent town, and Attilius soon discovers that there are powerful forces at work—both natural and man-made—threatening to destroy him."

My thoughts:

This was the book chosen for our next book club. I had no idea what it would be about when I picked it up from the library, which is rare. From what I could tell, it was going to be about repairing an aqueduct. Boy, was I in for a surprise!

It starts out a little slow, explaining everything about the area, and more specifically, aqueducts. I know nothing about aqueducts, so it was kind of cool learning about them. All the names got confusing in the beginning, but slowly the key characters emerge. I loved how well their personalities came through in the writing. I always really enjoyed how well Harris explained the setting- the environment, the natural elements, and the city life versus countryside of the extremely wealthy. The story really picked up for me with the entrance of a girl (doesn't it always?!). One thing I was definitely NOT expecting in this historical fiction was a love story, which was a great addition! Then there was the story-line with the disappearance of the former aqueduct engineer which definitely held me in suspense through the entire book as the pieces started falling together. 

Though I wouldn't have picked this for myself, I really enjoyed this book. It had suspense and crime, love and lust, and all the while, a volcano about to erupt. I would definitely recommend this book!

I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars. 

Want to see what else I'm reading? Find me on GoodReads!

Is That Normal?

Hello lovies!

Today I found a fun link up from Allyce at "Chalk in the Rain" where C could help me answer the questions, in a Men vs. Female Perspective "Is It Normal?" I love this idea, especially since I got to bug C with answering them (though I think he thought these trough more than I did!). So without further ado........

1.  Is it normal for 2 men to hug? 

Me: Totally normal. Why not? 

C: Yes. Why not? Because of some silly idea relating to homophobia? I have always kissed my father when I see him. I don't necessarily hug my buddies all the time, but I certainly do if I haven't seen someone for a while. Or in a time of celebration. They are people you care about.

2.  Is it normal to gag on your toothbrush while brushing?

Me: Yes, when you're brushing your tongue. 

C: No. You have been brushing your teeth daily for years. Figure it out ya dope. And furthermore, you don't have to brush your teeth like you are sanding a piece of wood. Gently and thoroughly does the trick.

3. Is it normal wear the same bra daily?

Me: Usually I can't because it's a dark bra with a light shirt, or vice versa, or can't wear certain style with certain tops. So I'm going with no. 

C: I don't EVER wear my bra more than once. My titties get SO sweaty.

4. Is it normal for grown women to frequently use the words "like" or "um" while speaking?

Me: It IS normal, but it shouldn't be. Or rather, it shouldn't be used in excess... we're not, um, like, valley girls. 

C:  In this day and age, um, yeah, it's like totally normal, because people are dumb and they  don't know how to express themselves. Get a clue and think before you speak.

5.  Is it normal eat cake batter/dough?

Me: YES! Not to mention delicious and fun! 

C: Of course. Unless you're some kind of salmonella-phobe. It's good before it's a cookie and it's good after it's a cookie.

6. Is it normal to go "commando" in public/at work?

Me: No. I don't think that's normal for anyone, and even less so for women. In fact, I think it's kinda gross. 

C: Sure, why not? As long as your not wearing something that people are gonna be able to see your cooter  or your bulge. In the words of william wallace..."...you can never take our freeeeedom!"

7.  Is it normal to have long toenails?

Me: No. Ew. Get a pedicure or take care of it yourself! Especially in summer- no one wants to see your gross long toenails!

C: No. Trim your dirty dogs. That's not cleanly, attractive, or purposeful. Unless you want holes in your socks. 

8.  Is it normal to try on an article of clothing in the middle of the store? 

Me:  Depends what it is. A jacket, yes, it can go over your normal clothes. A bathing suit, no. Basically if you gotta get down to undergarments, it's not normal.

C: Yes, as long as you dont have to take of your original clothing down to bare skin in order to do so. 

9. Is it normal to tell someone to be quiet or "shhhh" someone in a quiet setting?  ie. church, movie theater, meeting, etc.

Me: I have never done it as I prefer to complain quietly to whoever I'm with about "that loudmouth over there,"  but yes I think it's completely normal. Some places you just need to shaddup!

C: Yes, you are in public. Think before you act and respect others around you. Simple. Treat others how you would like to be treated. You aren't doing anything that serious that if you needed to talk about something you couldnt just step outside for a moment.

10.  It it normal to change clothes multiple times before leaving the house? 

Me: Yes. Though I usually only do this when I'm going "out", not as much for work. But still, totally normal. Sometimes you just don't like certain outfits on certain days!

C: In my book it is. I dress for the occasion, for the weather, and for my mood. I have a ton of clothes. I like to look how I want to look. If I want to be bummy, I have bummy clothes. If I want to look sharp, I have nice stuff. If I want to look sexy, I do. And sometimes those ideas change before I leave. More people should do the same. I swear people don't even own mirrors. 

There you have it, our answers! Do you agree? Disagree? 

Wanna play? Click on the link above!

Summer Tuneage

Hello lovelies!
Sorry I've been a bit MIA. I promise to have some real updates soon, but today has been busy busy and yet dragging at the same time. You know what I mean? Days like this I need music. Here are some that are getting me through this afternoon... enjoy!


"I wish I was strong enough to lift not one, but both of us"



"Sometimes I get so fazed
But just know that ill always stayCause your my light through the haze"

This last one is so happy, you can't help but bop along a little!

"I wanna be your favorite song, LA LA LA LA LA, LA LA LA LA!"

Sunday Funnies: Pheromones, Indian Kid, and Bed Intruders

I think this is the weirdest (and grossest) thing I've recently heard of. I mean seriously, smelling someone else's sweaty shirt that they slept in for 3 days? No thank you!! I get the idea behind it, but I really don't think I would have the stomach for it. 

This kid is just freakin hysterical. Love his accent, and his moves. Especially at 0:23- 0:36 and his rapping at 0:46... he's so focused!! 

This is probably old but I just saw it... HIDE YO KIDS, HIDE YO WIFE!

See other Funnies at All in a Rowe!

That Time I Felt Like An A-Hole

Last night, I was sitting on my patio in our apartment complex, just drinking a beer, minding my own business. As usual, I could hear the chatter coming from 2 floors up. My neighbors, a couple a little older than me and C, are usually sitting outside on their patio smoking cigs and drinking, and more often than not also fighting. So nothing unusual there. We're all cordial, saying a greeting or exchanging a few words when we see each other. During the day, I had said hello to the girl, and saw she had a friend over. All good.

So again, I'm just sitting on my patio, and I hear the chatter. I call up my girlfriend and talked for a bit about upcoming plans. I hang up, and was checking out Twitter, when I see the guy standing almost in front of me (my patio faces the parking lot where his car was parked). He's carrying two pillows, and looking from the car, to the upstairs apartment where he just came from, and back again. Like I said, we're all friendly, so I say, jokingly, "What happened? They kicked you out of the house?!"

Neighbor: You heard that?
Me (completely taken back): What? No! I was just joking!
Neighbor: You didn't hear that?
Me: No really!
Neighbor: You didn't hear what just happened?
Me: No! I mean, I can hear chatter, but I wasn't listening! (Truth...when I did listen it was so lame and dumb that I decided to stop because it got boring. Now I just tune them out.)
Neighbor: Yeah. Well, at least I have an SUV. I can put down the seats in the back...
Me: Aww man, I'm sorry.

He threw his pillows into the passenger seat and sped off. Talk about putting your foot in your mouth! I feel like such a giant A-Hole! Had I heard, I definitely wouldn't have said anything at all. I probably should have mentioned that I was on the phone too, but I was so surprised by the response that I wasn't thinking properly. I don't know who was more embarrassed, me or him! Needless to say, I won't be the first one to open my mouth next... I'll be too busy still chewing on my foot.

Summer Bucket List

As The Fourth of July approaches, I feel like the summer is half over, and there are so many thing sI still want to do! So I decided to create a Summer Bucket List~!

Source: rainbowrivercanoeandkayak.com via Michelle on Pinterest

This has been on my Summer Bucket List since last year! I really just want to spend a day lazing down the river with my friends!

Source: weheartit.com via Savannah on Pinterest

I would love to go to a concert this summer, preferably outdoors. We were supposed to go to see Tenacious D on Saturday, but C wasn't feeling well. Hopefully we can find another fun concert to attend.

Source: thekitchn.com via Meagan on Pinterestt

Not sure why exactly, but I really want to make banana bread some time soon!

Source: google.ca via Sally on Pinterest

Still on the food theme, I would love to go on a romantic picnic with C. This spread looks delicious!

Source: Uploaded by user via Marian on Pinterest

My friend lives really close to an Amish area in Pennsylvania, and I think it would be fun and interesting to check it out. Could also be because I've been slightly addicted to the TV show "Amish: Out of Order."

Source: uk.images.search.yahoo.com via Laura on Pinterest

Go to a Phillies Game! We've already gone once this year, but i would really like to go again,... and properly tail gate!

Source: 41secondstolp.tumblr.com via Jena on Pinterest

I've never been to a drive-in movie, and I just heard of one that opened not too far from me. I think it'd be really fun!

Source: communityconnectnj.com via Anthony on Pinterest

Go to the Meadowlands Fair! I was supposed to go on Monday with a friend, but she hurt her leg/hip over the weekend and didn't want to further hurt it walking around at the fair. But it closes July 8 so time is running out!

Source: renfair.com via Rosina on Pinterest

This won't be until late August or early September because that's when it opens, but I really want to go to the one in New York. C *promised* he would take me, even though he thinks I'm a complete nerd for wanting to go, and constantly makes fun of me for it!

Source: Uploaded by user via Trinity on Pinterest

With someone I love!

What are you looking forward to doing this summer?

To my fellow 'Mericans, Have a very Happy Fourth of July!

June Goals Recap/ July Goals

JUNE GOALS: 

1. Read 20 pages a day/ 1 book per month: read The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. It was our book club choice. You can see my review here. Success!

2. Save/make $300: Saved $200, and started selling on Poshmark, but haven't sold $100 worth.  Semi-success.

3. Weekly spending reports:  Does anyone else find it hard to keep track of your spending in the summer months? I feel like every weekend there is some kind of event which involves spending. No, just me?! Oh well... FAIL!

4. Fix/sell clothes: Took clothes to the cleaners, the rest are for sale. Success!

5. 4 new meals and continued meal planning: Yeaaahhh, about that. I think there were only 2 new meals, but I haven't been keeping track like I've wanted to. Semi-success?!

6. Apply for 10 career-oriented positions: Fail, fail, EPIC FAIL! In my defense, I've been helping C find jobs, as his school recently closed (he's a teacher). So I've been looking, just not for myself. 


2 success, 2 semis, and 2 fails... gotta try harder next month!
My goals for July are the same, with the exception of #6 to "Find C a job". 

How are you doing with your goals?