Friday Favorites

Is it just me or did this week seem super long? I thought it was Thursday from like, Tuesday. Honestly, vacation canNOT come fast enough. But at least it's Friday, so here are some faves from the week:

Favorite Song:  Clean Bandit - Real Love (ft. Jess Glynne)



Favorite Surprise:

new (ish) iPad!

Favorite Quote:

Favorite pic:

shadows

Favorite Reads:
Lauren Conrad lists 10 things women in their 30's should know
This woman is an inspiration.
A different take on Lent - taking something on instead of giving something up.
Remember when I said I went on a roadtrip just for food? Well the reason I went (the garbage plate) just made it into the Huffington Post!
I love speakeasies and "secret" bars. So far I've gone to two on this list. I definitely want to go to the others ASAP!

Favorite Funnies:

And can we just take a minute to give it up to our host?! CONGRATULATIONS Amanda on your wedding! You looked absolutely gorgeous and more importantly... happy! Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness girl!

Confessions

I don't see the appeal of Norman Reedus from The Walking Dead. I don't even watch the show (yet), but I've seen him and don't see anything even remotely attractive about him.

I think I want to do a photo shoot before 32. I had always imagined doing something like this for someone else, but now I just want to do it for myself.

Hopefully it won't turn out like this...

I would also like to get a tattoo. I've been thinking about this since my grandpa first got sick. Hell, I've been thinking about it since I was 18 but I'm glad I didn't get it then, because back then I just wanted a tat with my 2 best friends from high school, whom I barely talk to anymore. I have a pretty good idea of what I want now, and where, I just need to stop being so chickenshit and get it.

I've been over Bruno Mars' "Uptown Funk" since it came out. In other music news, even though I really don't like Kanye, I kinda love the Kanye/Rihanna/Paul McCartney song "Four Five Seconds."  

Having more than one book checked out from the library stresses me out. I've never been a quick reader.

I never want anything, especially meat, more than when I can't have it. Like every Friday between now and Easter.

I still have no idea what to give up, or do, for Lent. I gave up Coke one year, but that was terrible. I would give up coffee, but I like my coworkers and don't want to scare them completely away; we already have the "don't talk to me til 10am" rule. One person suggested "no cell phone/computer after dinner" which I like, though I may change to "no social media" after dinnertime.

Sometimes I use half my day planning on things to do when I get home, and then get home and get so overwhelmed that nothing gets done. And then I feel bad.

I don't want to go to my friends' wedding. I love them both, I really do. But it's so hard to physically get to the location, and now absolutely everyone there will be married, and most with kids. I will literally be the only/last man standing/single person there. In the past, this wouldn't have bothered me much. I've always been pretty independent. But this was not how I imagined it would be. This wedding includes all of my college friends. Though I generally like my life, it seems like a reminder of what coulda/woulda/shoulda been and just how "wrong" I went somewhere. 

Planning a spending freeze in February was a bad idea. Most people get the "January Blues," but for me, it comes later. Like, ya know, right now. Right now, I want to buy tickets to all the events in spring and summer. And a vacation in March since that's when I have spring break. This is no bueno. 

What are you confessing today? 

A Day in the Life:Tuesdays/Thursdays

I love reading these types of posts because I'm nosy, so I figured I'd share as well. My Tuesdays/Thursdays are different from M/W/F because I'm taking two grad classes this semester. This is how my day usually goes: 

7:30- alarm goes off. Snooze.

7:40- repeat.

7:50- turn alarm off, literally roll out if bed, cursing the world, and sunlight in spring/summer.

7:55- throw on clothes I picked out the night before, brush teeth, add blush and mascara, get lunch out of the fridge, pour coffee that I set the night before.

8:00- sit on patio drinking coffee, listening to radio w/ headphones for weather, traffic, and a call-in game on 103.5 where a man gets "girly" questions and a girl gets "guy" questions and winner after 3 rounds gets some prize. 

8:20- leave to walk to train station

8:32- train. If I'm lucky and get a seat, I'll read my book. If I get stuck standing, I'm probably zoning out to music.

8:55- arrive at train station. In winter, wait in train station for approx 5-7 min before making my way to shuttle stop, otherwise just walk over.

9:10- get on work shuttle. Either continue reading book, hop onto IG, Twitter, or just stare out the window at the NYC skyline

9:15- arrive at work. Check work email, personal email, FB. Then actually start work.

10:30- 11: mini break

12:15- lunch! Yay! If it's nice out, I sit outside. Otherwise, I find a quiet spot inside to eat the lunch I packed unless I checked the work cafeteria menu and realllllllly wanted it (about 3 times a month).

1:15- work.

Somewhere between 3:00-3:30- another mini break. Usually involves chocolate and sometimes attaining another Coke.

5:00/5:15- finish up. Step outside for a few minutes

5:30- warm up and eat pre-packed dinner

6:15- 8:45- class. On Tuesdays, lots of note-taking. On Thursdays, a lot of conversation/group work. And we usually get out early- woot!

8:50- decide whether to wait for the shuttle back to train or walk. Either way, I'll have a long wait where I usually check allll the social media. Again.

9:45- train home. More of the above. Too tired to read my book.

10:00- home! I love the short commute. Set coffee, pick clothes and food for the next day, wash out travelers mug, shower. Depending on events and location of persons (west vs east coast), I may attempt a quick convo. Or catching up on TV shows.

11:00-ish- bed! 

What does your average day look like?

Weekend Updates

This weekend was great. I started it off on Friday night meeting a friend for drinks at Apotheke in Chinatown. This speakeasy cocktail bar was amazing. First of all, there was nothing but a small prescription sign marking the location. All of the bartenders wore white overcoats, and the place was small (cozy) with limited shared seating. I'm not a huge cocktail person- I usually like my drinks straight up or I'll just have beer. However, I do like whiskey, and seeing as it was absolutely freezing outside, I decided to start off with a Bourbon St. Blizzard. I wish I had taken a picture of the menu, but I didn't want to be "that" person in the place. Basically, it tasted like a bourbon hot chocolate and was absolutely delicious. For my second cocktail, I stuck to whiskey and got a Chai Whiskey Sour. I didn't love this one as much, but I will say that it was well-made.

Afterwards, we headed a few doors down to Vegetarian Dim Sum House. [Bet you can't guess what they served!] We must have had at least 5 different dishes, and it was tasty and dirt cheap.

Saturday I woke up late, cleaned up a bit, and then Blue came by with Pork Roll, Egg and Cheese sammies. [Yes, pork roll, NOT Taylor Ham.] The we headed out to see 50 Shades of Grey. Finally. Honestly, it was as bad as I thought it would be. Lots of Ana biting her lip, lots of "Laters, baby," and lots of "Ana..." "Christian..." I think I may throw a party when the DVD comes out and take a shot every time Ana bites her lip. If I can stand to watch it again.

Afterwards we headed to dinner at Mambo Tea House. (Thank you, Groupon!) We had a fabulous Cuban dinner at this great BYOB restaurant, and they even took our wine and made sangria with it. This place is always a good choice. 

Sunday was another late morning, followed by getting my taxes done, cleaning up a bit more, and drinks with my neighbor. I didn't watch the Oscars, but I think I'm going to go check out all the dresses now... 

How was your weekend? 

Friday Favorites

I know everyone in the Northeast is saying it, but dammit it's frickin freezing in these parts! I haven't left the house without 2 pairs of pants, 4 shirts, and wool socks on for about two weeks, because it's just too damn cold. And the lack of sunshine is seriously messing with my mood. The only thing that helps? Planning a vacation! My spring break is in mid-March, so I'm going to escape this crappy cold weather and head to Puerto Rico. I'm excited because 1) I get to see my Godson and bff, and 2) I get to give someone new a mini-tour of the island, and go to some of the tourist-y spots that I haven't been to in awhile. The countdown is on! Here's some other stuff I'm loving this week:

Favorite Song: Missy isn't fully back, but I'm loving this remix! Jack U- Take You There ft. Kiesza and Missy Elliott

Favorite Purchase: (Yes, I realize I'm on a spending freeze....shhhh)

Actually any whiskey makes me frisky, but this works too!

Favorite Pic:  This was taken from my office window. Icebergs in the Hudson River.

Favorite Quote: 

Favorite Reads:

15 Cures to the Winter Blues by Life of Bon
Youths today will never understand The Struggle 
40 Ideas of Things to Give Up for Lent
I really really like whiskey, and this whole article is so spot on!

Favorite Funnies:

#byefelicia

Life Update: Photo Dump Style

Last week I was pretty quiet in these parts. But I have my reasons.

On Saturday, my close friend's mom passed away. She had been very sick for about a month, but it still seemed sudden, at least to me. After talking to her, I called my mom to try to make a plan to see my 2 aunts (they live together) the next day. My one aunt had been very sick for a while with cancer, and more recently seemed to have developed dementia. The last time I saw her she didn't know who I was, though she seemed happy to see me. She would make sense for a few seconds, and then go off talking about houses she didn't own and people who didn't exist. It was kind of scary, and heartbreaking.

My mom had to work on Sunday, but we decided to go beforehand. My mom had tried calling the night before to let them know, but they didn't answer, so she figured they were probably already asleep. We called before we went, and no one answered then either, but they are hard of hearing so we thought maybe they just didn't hear it. So off we went. It was when we were at their door and they didn't answer that I started to freak out. It's not like they were out- they're both housebound. And they have an aid who comes daily, so even if they didn't hear the doorbell or incessant knocking, the aid would have answered. Maybe I already knew; maybe it was just a feeling that it really was the worst case scenario. Meanwhile my mom was cool as a cucumber, knocking on neighbor's doors, and when they didn't answer just telling me that it was fine, they probably had gone to the hospital because she had recently stopped eating, and likely needed a feeding tube. And that she was going to work and would call me later, and I should go about my day.

So I did. That night, Blue and I had tickets to see Fleetwood Mac at the Prudential Center in Newark. She's a HUGE fan. I thought I only knew about two songs. I'm happy to admit that I was wrong, and they were absolutely fantastic. Also, Christine was there!

We left right at the encore so we didn't hit the massive traffic getting out. My mom called, and said that my aunt was in the hospital and her niece and nephew were with her. She said not to worry; everything was fine. So I believed her, and went to sleep, and then went to work on Monday. And then Monday she called me at lunch time and told me that my Great Aunt had passed on Sunday. She didn't give any details. She just went straight into services/funeral information. Note: Do NOT do this when telling someone that a family member has passed away. I was still trying to process what she had just said, after running into the work bathroom for some privacy, and she was going into times and places I had to be in the next two days. I had to back her up just to be sure I heard what I heard, and then again to clarify what had actually happened. And she just kept going on with the arrangements... "So, I'm going to run up to this street to get flowers, and a card... OH we need to get as prayer card too...but don't you worry about any of that, I'll get it" and I'm just standing in a stall, trying not to bawl. Luckily, I held it together until I got home. 

I was out Tuesday and Wednesday to attend the services. The wake was Tuesday. Wakes are very weird. First of all, I never understood why they called it that. And second, after you pay your respects to the dearly departed, people just start talking about random stuff. I haven't seen most of the people there in about 10 years, yet they were talking like old friends. I was sitting between my mom and my "uncle," being all sad, and they went on and on and ON about a book he wrote, and life lately, Obama, Cuba, and politics in general for over an hour. I was like a ping pong ball looking between the two of them, both very enthusiastic about the conversation (which was in Spanish so I only understood about 3/4 of it), and completely confused. How can you talk about how you've been and politics when there is literally a deceased family member not 5 feet away??? I mean it's not the first time I've encountered this, but I'm just as confused every time it occurs. Maybe I'm missing something? 

Wednesday morning we went to the funeral. My other aunt was a wreck. Watching her reaction was so much worse than the actual ceremony and prayers (which were also in Spanish... so that was harder to follow). And I thought family members got to say a few words at the mass before the burial, but after talking to a few other people I heard that this wasn't customary anymore. When did that start? I didn't like that there was no eulogy. Either way, my mom and I both held ourselves together, at least until we got away from the group. 

Great Aunt Octulia and I about 2 years ago on her birthday

Thursday and Friday was back to work. Honestly my boss didn't even realize I was back on Thursday until about 3pm. But that was good since I was basically useless that day. Friday everyone and their moms brought treats in, which was pretty sweet. Nothing like 3 homemade cupcakes to start off the day! 

Friday night, I came home to this: a dozen roses, Blanco the gorilla, wine, and a specially ordered POUND of Snickers. Now that, my friends, is love lol!! 

I thought the gorilla looked like a White Walker minus the ice blue eyes... hence Blanco

Saturday was spent getting some ingredients for dinner, and some time at the mall getting a birthday present for my friend. And of course, some silly pics when we found Batman hats. :) Not pictured: Cinnabon and iced coffees, because they were devoured way too quickly. 

no makeup selfies is how I roll

I tried to make dessert for the Vday dinner, but it didn't work out too well. Guys, take note: canola oil canNOT be substituted for vegetable oil. Just sayin. But the dinner was delicious. Oh also, don't watch About Time. I thought it would be really cute (I mean, Rachel McAdams, how could you go wrong?)... NO. It was sooooo bad. Just stick to what you know if you can.

Thoughts on Stuff...and Things

This is just some of the things that have been on my mind lately, in no particular order. It's more like a brain dump. Hopefully typing it out will help get them out of my head!

Work

I think I've mentioned this before, but I work as a "Campus Support Specialist" at a college. Basically that just means I'm the one you call when you can't record your time off or input your hours worked, or if you're having issues with the financial system. Lately, work has been a major pain in my ass. I keep having to clean up after my coworker which is really making coming to work unenjoyable. I usually like my job, but this is some BS. I feel bad for her because we got this new ticketing system and now have to record every problem call/email we get and she's slow and keeps messing up, but I'm also tired of trying to point it out to her before she gets in trouble from our boss or just cleaning it up myself. I feel like I'm her boss and I don't like it. Also, yesterday someone called me HER assistant, and I almost lost my shit. I'm doing double the work (especially since she's been out a lot recently due to a broken foot) and it just kind of sucks.  I need a vacation.

Blogging

I've been a bit of a slacker on the blogging front this year. I just don't feel like I have a whole lot to say, nor do I find the time to actually sit down and type it out when I do have stuff to say. When I get home, I just want to flop out on my couch under a gazillion blankets and tune the world out. I have a bunch of drafts started though, so maybe I'll get better at posting them soon. Maybe.

Running into an Ex

I realized not that long ago that I'm on the same train line as two of my (very long ago) exes. It's oddly uncomfortable, even though we ended years ago and everyone has since moved on. Like, Do we say hi every time? Try to start an awkward "catching up" conversation? My new strategy has been to find a new car to sit in when I get on so I don't bump into them. This has become easier as well because we're not on the same train home on Tues/Thurs when I have my night classes.

The other one is a bit tougher. I was with this ex the longest and in deep. And then we broke up and have since both moved on. However, we have a group of mutual friends, and have been trying to work around when we see them, like "Hey, you go to this party, I'll go to the next one" arrangement.  I don't think either one of us want to meet the other's new beau. But there is a birthday/housewarming coming up for one of them, and the date and time are set. Trying to work around this one is going to be especially hard, which is why I haven't even reached out yet. Might just have to bite the bullet. I mean, we're all grown ups right? Right.

Returning Phone Calls

About two weeks ago I decided to try to reach out to a bunch of friends who I haven't spoken to in awhile, besides sending a "Merry Christmas!" or "Happy New Year!" text. I'm not that great at keeping in touch, but I'm trying to make more of an effort, especially since I really do care and want to know how they're doing. Now, I understand in this technology based world of ours, phone calls have become a scarcity, unless you're trying to book an appointment or calling customer service when you have an issue. I understand that you can't always answer because you're busy. And I get that some people just hate talking on the phone. But not ONE of them called back. One texted back 3 days later, saying that she couldn't make plans to hang out because she was "going away soon." When I asked where/when/etc, she never responded. Two others emailed back a few days ago, one saying that she thought something was wrong when I called because no one ever calls anymore. But I never heard back from the others, and that makes me super sad.

Are You Listening?

I get really mad when people ask what's up or how am I, and I try to tell them and they interrupt me or respond with something either about themselves or completely unrelated. If they have something on their mind or want to talk, that's fine, but then I'd rather they just not ask about me then. I have no problem just listening, but if you ask me about me and I try to tell you, I'd like to at least feel like you're paying attention to what I'm saying.

Entertainment Costs

I know that as cost of living goes up, entertainment costs must rise to the occasion as well, but it's annoying. First there was cable, which I just recently cut off. And then Netflix changed their plans and rates, and since then I've dropped the plan that allows me to get DVDs, because hello, streaming. But now it's getting in the way of my reading. I've always liked reading physical books as opposed to e-books; something about the smell and the feel of the pages, and being able to ear-mark whenever I want to. I know I can still get books free at the library, but I can't ear-mark those, and I also like having a modest personal collection of books for my bookshelf. Enter Paperback Swap. I've been a member of this free online book swapping website called Paperback Swap since 2011. Yesterday I got an email saying that it will no longer be free starting Feb. 15; a standard membership will be $20, limited membership $12, and an "a la carte" option. I had 5 credits (which means I could request 5 books for free, until Feb. 15) so I ordered my free books because I refuse to pay for them later. I guess I'll be sticking to the library.

Spending Freeze

After the black hole of spending that was December AND January, I've decided to put the brakes on spending for February. Basically, no purchases other than necessities. I almost crash and burned yesterday because there was this crossbody bag on sale at Nomorerack for only $20, but I stayed strong. I already got Vday stuff and presents for my mom's birthday, so I should be good for the rest of the month. I'm really happy it's a short month though, I already started a wishlist for March 1st!

Scheduling

The only thing I might break the freeze for is a planner. It's taken me literally two months, but I finally found one I like, and I'm going to need it especially to keep track of assignments for the grad classes I'm taking. I also want to start meal planning again, because this whole Mac n Cheese To Go cups every Tues/Thurs kinda sucks. Having a calendar and planner has always kept me in check, and now that I feel like I have zero time to do anything, hopefully it will help.

I don't like ending on an odd number, but that's all I got today. Linking up with Joey and Vanessa.

Girl Things I Don't Understand

There are many things that girls/women do that I just cannot get on board with. I don't mean personality traits (though I could probably write a whole list on some of those too); I mean trends and fads that I'm hearing or seeing everywhere. Here are the first few that come to mind.

Bubble baths, or baths in general:
I don't understand them. And I tried (see below). Candles, wine, bubbles, no bubbles, bath bombs, etc... I can't get into it. First of all, maybe I need to get one of those bath neck pillow things, because the edge of the tub is COLD. And hard. And generally uncomfortable. Secondly, you know how some people swear by reading in the tub? How do you do that? Your hands are wet. You either have to keep drying them, or just not put them in the water at all, which is also uncomfortable. And thirdly, I just can't really get past the fact that you are stewing in a tub of your own germs. It's pretty gross if you think about it.

Also, I am uninterested in your Instagrammed photo of you in the bath. Just sayin.

I tried guys

Monogram everything: 
Unless you're headed into a group trip or vacation and need it for an actual purpose, like identifying your stuff, I don't see the point. Not to mention that half the time I can't tell what the initials are because of that fancy pants script you chose.

High-waisted pants:
I understand this is a returning fad, but really? Maybe some things shouldn't make a comeback. Yes, they hide your muffin-top, but they look hideous. Try Spanx or normal clothes that fit instead if you're really that concerned. Or ya know, just own it.

Midi/ stacking rings:
Why? Why do we need rings in the middle of our fingers? Maybe I'm just jealous because I can hardly find rings to fit the normal part of my finger, or maybe because I don't wear much jewelry to begin with, but I just find this unnecessary.

V Steaming: 
Have you heard about this? Of course it's a Gwyneth Paltrow thing. Apparently you can "steam-clean" your privates now. Although she swears by it, according to scientists it's unnecessary and not healthy. One even warned against it: "try to avoid thermal burning from the steam." Your V is not a rug- it does not need to be steam cleaned. Just stop it, Gwynnie,

Are there any girly fads/trends that you just don't get?

Weekend Updates

Friday:

I had planned to come home and take care of some bidness. Instead, Blue and I decided to grab a Crave Case from White Castle and some beers, and watch Divergent. Best. Decision. Ever. I really don't remember the last time I had White Castle, and the movie stayed pretty true to the book. (Though honestly, I wouldn't have known about Christina/Will without reading it- that part fell short. And I had pictured a totally different looking Four- he was much cuter in my head. But I digress.)

Crave cases + beer

Saturday:

Grocery shopping for Superbowl treats, cleaning, more White Castle followed directly by pancakes (#fatassstatus), a 3 hour blackout, and meeting Blue's bff, Mark. He was really cool- and we bonded over pizza, bourbons, and (then watched) The Big Lebowski, which Blue had never seen. I don't even know how that's possible, but at least she liked it.

Sunday:

Headed to Elysian Cafe in Hoboken with my girl Chiquita. We finally got to catch up on all the life updates before she heads down to VA this weekend. It's weird that when people are close byand you have the ability to see them, you don't, but as soon as the threat of them moving arises, you make a conscience effort. But I'm glad we finally got to hang out just us. 

After brunch, we headed to Farside. I love bars that have outdoor fireplaces. It was completely empty, which meant great service, full control over the music, and quiet enough where we could continue to get our drink on and chat. 

fireside dranks

After a few hours there, she offered to drop me home, but since I was going to a Superbowl party by Blue, we just went there. We watched Law and Order SVU, and Blue taught Chiquita how to play guitar. The outtakes are absolutely hysterical. And I was really happy that they got along so well!

Chiqui learning guitar

Obviously we also watched the Superbowl. What the hell was with all those depressing commercials? And why is everyone all over the Left Shark? Other than the fact that I thought he was doing the Macarena instead of the routine, I don't really get all the hype. Also... HOW DO PEOPLE NOT KNOW WHO MISSY ELLIOTT IS???!!! That was by far my favorite part of the Superbowl. Well that, and that ridiculous catch by Jermaine Kearse. And don't get me started on those last two minutes. It was actually painful to watch. Le sigh.

How was your weekend?