Confessions (Kinda) - In Headlines Form

I don't have a whole lot going on besides work and gearing up for finals, but I have seen a few things in the headlines lately that have made me question our world. Not big, Earth-shattering things (like the earthquake in Nepal or the riots in Baltimore), just little things that made me raise an eyebrow. And also, I like joining Melissa on Wednesdays, so here goes:

My mom was/is a terrible cook. I grew up eating a lot of Kraft mac n cheese (in the blue box) and now, that's pretty much the only mac n cheese I'll eat. None of that gouda, baked, or otherwise fancy crap for me. So you can imagine my horror at hearing that my favorite neon orange food might be "updated" to compete with those gluten-free, organic competitors.

I cannot believe that this decision was made in our country's capital. When is it going to be understood that the government does not own our bodies? And does this belief make me a feminist?

I'm not gonna lie, I'd be pissed too. I generally like Adam Sandler, and his movies, but if you have people from the group telling you that your jokes are racist, then maybe you should listen? Or don't invite them on set? Just an idea.

This is still one of the funniest movie scenes ever

Do people really do this? And what are the peak like hours for IG? Should I know this as a Millenial female? Actually, my friend really does send me text message drafts before sending them to guys... so maybe I just missed the memo that this is a thing??

I'm pretty sure I'm the only blogger underwhelmed by this Full House reunion/ spinoff.

What are you confessing today?

Weekend: Bruce Jenner and the Opening of Deck Beer Season

Friday I was planning on cleaning up quite a bit. That didn't really happen. I got home, did the dishes that were piling up, put out all of my recycling, and then headed to Chipotle. I had been craving a burrito for over 2 weeks. Unfortunately, it was kind of awful. Very soggy. Blergh. And then I watched the Bruce Jenner special.

Saturday morning I got a late start. I had breakfast in bed (the best kind of breakfast, imo), and watched some responses to the Bruce Jenner special. There was one other famous transgender person- the former helicopter pilot Bob Tur from the OJ Simpson trial, who captured the footage of the speeding Bronco- who basically said that Bruce's interview was lacking, specifically because he "dodged" questions regarding gender reassignment surgery and sexuality. She stated that the special was just another spark to fuel another reality show based on his transition. (I'm hoping this isn't true.**)

I don't agree. He answered the gender reassignment question- he says he really doesn't know if he'll do it, but is prepared because he has the necessary paperwork/recommendations from psychiatrists. As for sexuality, he stated that he just wants to be who he feels he is inside- it's not all about having sex with a specific gender, though he has always been interested in women, and never had ideas/thoughts regarding hooking up with other men.  The line that I thought was most poignant was from an endocrinologist who stated that "Sexual orientation is who you go to bed with,” Spack tells ABC News, “but gender identity is who you go to bed as.” Well said, Doc.

The rest of Saturday was spent running some errands, grabbing Five Guys, bowling, catching up on Game of Thrones, and finishing The Incredible Kimmy Schmidt. I really can't wait until it comes back. It took me a little while to get into it, but I kind of love her antics.

I lost. twice. 

Deck beer season has begun

GoT mega-beers!

Sunday I was up and out (fairly) early to meet a friend for brunch in Hoboken. I had this amazing champagne margarita and a delicious breakfast burrito at Cadillac Cantina. Then I headed to an absolute worthless meeting for class. Seriously, nothing got accomplished except deciding when we're next going to meet, and that took 2 hours. Lame. I cannot wait until this semester is over. 

**UPDATE: I heard after I wrote this that it IS true; there will be a docu-series on Jenner's transition. Le sigh.

Friday Favorites

Yayyyy Friday!! Did anyone else feel like this week dragged? Well, at least up until yesterday. 

PSA: Please don't invite me to your birthday party at a wine bar on a Thursday. Or if you do, don't make me do shots with you. Yeeesh. I definitely can't party like I used to. Anyway, the weekend is almost upon us, so it's time for some faves from the week!

Favorite Song: Estelle- Do My Thing (ft. Janelle Monae)



Favorite Quote:

Favorites Reads:

This is hilarious, especially if it fits the crime! It kind of reminds me of the time the girlfriend that a girl took a hammer to her (ex) bf's PS3.

Okay, I thought mosquitos liked a certain blood type more than others, but it seems that I wasn't too far off from reality.

CHIPOTLE IS DELIVERING! But is it worth the price? One New Yorker reported that the delivery was $20!

I love this list of dirty jokes we missed from movies from our youth, particularly the one from Mrs. Doubtfire (though I was old enough to TOTALLY catch it!)

Mrs. Doubtfire: "Oh, dear, now I'm sorry, am I being a little graphic? I'm sorry. Well, I hope you're up for a little competition. She's got a power tool in the bedroom, dear. It's her own personal jackhammer. She could break sidewalk with that thing. She uses it and the lights dim, it's like a prison movie. Amazed she hasn't chipped her teeth...I hope you bring cocktail sauce. She's got the crabs, dear, and I don't mean Dungeness."

Favorite Video: Walk the Moon's "Shut Up and Dance" with dance scenes from your favorite movies. The only one missing imo is the one with Ben Stiller from Along Came Polly!

Favorite Funnies:

80 last Saturday, 39 today. Srsly.

Shopping "Haul" // Colored Pants

I have a hard time choosing between buying things for myself and saving money. However, sometimes, you just need to replace some of your essentials. That's what this last shopping "spree" was for me. My short sleeve shirts needed some replacing, and what better time to invest than when there's a sale? I got the two fitted tees below at Old Navy for $5 each ($7 saved). The gray tank (pictured further down) was full price ($13...hmph), but it's so, so soft, I couldn't resist and also I didn't realize it wasn't on sale.

I don't have much of an excuse for the Bath and Body Works purchases, other than again there was a sale, I had run out of candles, and I absolutely love how long these last and how awesome they smell. The candles, in "Fresh Bamboo" and "Bow Ties and Bourbon" were 2/ $24 (originally $22.50 ea), and the body spray was thrown in just so I could cash in on the free shipping with a $30 purchase. It's a new scent ("Sheer Cotton Lemonade"), so it was on sale for $6 instead of $14 . I was a little weary because I'm not a huge fan of overly sweet fragrances, but this one is very light and fresh. I would definitely get it again. And BOOM! I stayed at strictly $30!

Both of my sneakers needed replacing. I've had them for over two years, so they were way overdue and both had huge holes in them making them unwearable, especially in rain. I always like having (at least) one pair of white sneakers and one pair of black sneakers. I really, really love how comfortable the Puma Soleil II are so I just got them again, though now they look slightly different.

You should not be able to fit your fingers through your shoes

I'm always slightly appalled at how much sneakers cost these days. The last time I bought sneakers, I had hit up the outlet mall around Labor Day. This time I could either wait for the Memorial Day sales, or shop around. I can't say I used any special app for this. I checked 4 sites- Puma.com (full price- $62) , 6pm.com because I had a coupon code ($45) , Famous Footwear because I saw that I could get 4% cash back on E-Bates AND free shipping over $50 ($40), and DSW because I had a gift card there ($55). So obviously, I went with Famous Footwear, and the socks were B1G1 1/2 price, and I needed socks and wanted the free shipping, so I got those too.

I've been wanting Converse Allstars for a few years now, so I finally bought them with my DSW gift card. 

12 socks for $12 and my new sneaks

If you're in the Northeast, you may have noticed the near-summer temps last Saturday. We hit 80! I'm so tired of cold and rain, that it was a welcome surprise. It felt like Spring had finally sprung, and therefore the spring wardrobe, including my colored pants, started making an appearance. 

My ex was very, very much against colored pants. Or more specifically, he was against me wearing colored pants. He claimed that the only reason why women wore colored pants was "to call attention to their asses," and "why would you want other guys looking at your ass if you're in a committed relationship?" Therefore, I've had these for two years and only wore them twice ever... last Saturday being the second time. Honestly, I don't agree with him (especially since as you can partially see here, my arse is mostly covered) but alas, that's just another reason we broke up. I wasn't much into colored jeans because 1) I don't normally follow trends and 2) I don't love calling attention to myself with bright, bold colors in general. However, I thought I'd give these a try, and I have to admit that they are quite comfortable, and really brighten up my wardrobe overall. These are the Old Navy Rockstar Skinny jeans, which I also own in black and cobalt blue. I wore the black ones the most, and they've seemed to lost their shape, so I'm hoping the same doesn't happen with these now that I'm actually allowing myself to wear them again!

Old Navy head to toe-wishing I had wore sandals

What are your thoughts on colored jeans/pants? Do you/would you wear them? Do you have any tips or tricks for keeping them in shape? 

Confessions

It's been a while since I've made some confessions, so I'm joining Melissa to get some things off my chest...

FB posts like this make me ragey:

"Having two very senior execs fight over having me as their employee should be a good thing... Right? Ughhhh I hate being an adult ::decisions decisions::"

Of course it's a good thing. It's also (according to your post) not your decision. If this thought was posed as straight bragging vs. whatever you call this, I would have been more celebratory/supportive.

I really like Young and Hungry. I know it's on ABC Family. But it's cute. They need to redo their intro though.

I just found out yesterday that the airline forgot to charge me for cocktails on my return flight home from a trip over a month ago. #winning

I do not understand the purple hair trend.

I also do not understand the Lilly Pulitzer for Target obsession nor did I partake in any part of it.

I rarely get on a soapbox about anything, but I just saw this and it re-sparked my disgruntled-ness. On bindis:

"They’ve become just another accessory for people to toss on to add to whatever aesthetic is in style right now, and I’m sorry, but last I checked, my culture was not an accessory, and it sure as hell isn’t a trend."

Yes, I'm (half) Indian-American, and yes, this bothers me. And every time I see someone wearing a bindi as an accessory I am tempted to approach them and try to explain the significance of what they're wearing, but then I remember that they probably do't care and, like most trends, it will probably go away soon.

I completely agree with this post about being busy. Everyone is busy. Your busy isn't any more or less important than my busy, it just means that you're less willing to make time for certain things. I know a girl who is what I would call the epitome of busy- she's a wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, full time scientist, and part time PhD biochemistry student. And yet she makes time to see everyone. I have no idea how she does it, but she does. And if she can't physically see you, she makes time for phone calls or send emails to stay in touch.

I did TERRIBLE on the midterm for one of my grad classes. In my defense, my aunt passed away two days before, and I should have told my professor and rescheduled it but I tried to take it anyway. I spoke with my professor today, and it's going to take a LOT to get back up to where I want to be. 

I daydreamed about chili cheese dogs for my entire 2 1/2 hr class last night. And then I visited Grays Papaya #cravingsatisfied

Last night I realized I really am my mother's daughter. Walking toward the train station in heels and a long black raincoat, stopping for dirty water dogs, grabbing a cold one before taking the train home. The only differences were the dog toppings (sauerkraut/mustard vs. chili cheese), beer choice (Coors Lite vs. Bud Lite), and the fact that she was married already.

Weekend Update

Friday didn't feel like Friday at all. I had a meeting for my grad class after work. WHO has a meeting on a gorgeous Friday evening?! We worked out details for our project, and indulged in two of my favorite things- Taco Bell and wine- before an early bedtime. I was so over the week.

Saturday was much better. I ran some errands and did some laundry, had some great TexMex and margaritas at Jose Tejas, and enjoyed some gorgeous weather outside playing mini golf. I don't remember the last time I played, but I won! Aftwerwards, Blue and I pre-gamed with some G+T's on the deck before the Rangers game. Then we played this hockey-inspired drinking game. And then I crashed sometime during the game, though I think I made it to the 3rd period? Clearly I can't hang like I used to.

Sunday was a day of rest, and by rest I mean the only movement was from the bed, to the kitchen, to the couch, and back. We ordered Chinese food in and finished The L Word and watched some more of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. That show is absolutely ridiculous but great for a few laughs. Also, regarding The L Word, I dislike shows that do not give a clear ending. But that's all I'm going to say about that, especially since the show ended in 2009. I so wish they had continued it, or done a spinoff, but alas, it doesn't seem likely. Oh wells. 

How was your weekend? 

Friday Favorites

Favorite Song: Walking the Moon - Avalanche

Favorite Read: Olivia Joules and the Overactive Imagination by Helen Fielding

From Goodreads: "Move over 007, a stunning, sexy-and decidedly female-new player has entered the world of international espionage. Her name is Olivia Joules... and she's ready to take America by storm with charm, style, and her infamous Overactive Imagination.How could a girl not be drawn to the alluring, powerful Pierre Ferramo-he of the hooded eyes, impeccable taste, unimaginable wealth, exotic international homes, and dubious French accent? Could Ferramo really be a major terrorist bent on the Western world’s destruction, hiding behind a smokescreen of fine wines, yachts, and actresses slash models? Or is it all just a product of Olivia Joules’s overactive imagination?"

My Thoughts: This was the book chosen for book club. I had a hard time getting into it, because I thought that Olivia was just some lowly news reporter who really did just have an overactive imagination. However it definitely picked up about halfway through, and I liked the bit of romance thrown in as well. Definitely a light, but fun read.


Favorite Gift: my new diamond nose stud!

Favorite Moment: Getting a free whiskey ginger after the waitress gave me the wrong drink- a whiskey coke- the first time around

Favorite Quote: 

Favorite Links: 

Ben and Jerry's is offering ice cream burritos on 4/20 (Monday). Can't wait to try it!

In other Ben and Jerry's news, they are teaming up with New Belgium Brewing and bringing us a salted caramel brownie brown beer due out this fall! 

I love any article that promotes my cheese-loving habits. 

I want to go on every.single. one. of these. 

This woman is sick. (If you are an animal lover, you probably don't want to click that link.) Almost as sick as that Texas cheerleader/huntress from a few years ago, who appears to have gotten her TV show. I'm glad someone brought this to our attention. The benefits of social media. 

My dork-o-meter went off the charts when I saw the new Star Wars trailer. No Shame. 

Favorite Funnies: 

Rewind:: Weekend

I'd like to rewind to Friday around 7pm. 

I'd like to rewind to the most perfect Manhattan ever made, at some hole in the wall lounge I stumbled upon in the Lower East Side, that was mostly empty, and had awesome decor. 

I'd like to rewind to The Nuyorican Poets Cafe, with its graffiti-filled bathroom stalls, muraled walls, pre-slam reggae jam session, and soulful characters pouring out their words over a mic.

I'd like to rewind to a (mostly) lazy Saturday and Sunday, filled with good food, good drinks, lots of Netflix, driving around with the windows down (finally!), and ending with the Game of Thrones season premiere. 

I'd like to rewind. Can we go back?

Friday Favorites

Favorite Song: Laura Reed - Wake Up

Favorite Reads:
Being Short is not always easy- almost all of these have happened to me!
I knew it was true- there's actually a science behind why spending money on experiences rather than physical things
I just really love this list of cute things to do with/for your s/o
Rules for Sunday Night: Game of Thrones: The Drinking Game


Favorite Video:
Check this out:

Funnies:
How I felt after Eat-ster:

I call mine Thumper:

Who's excited for Sunday night?! This had me laughing out loud!

Currently: April

Reading
This Side of Paradise - F. Scott Fitzgerald
This is a recommendation from a friend. I haven't actually started it yet, but it's in my bag to start over lunch!


Writing
papers for classes.

Listening to
Satellite - Rise Against

Watching
The L Word re-runs. I want to watch Going Clear, this HBO documentary about Scientology I've been hearing so much about, and impatiently waiting for the return of Game of Thrones on Sunday!

Thinking
That I really, really have no clue what I'm supposed to be doing at work. We're going through a transition period, and recently acquired a new technical system which I'm supposed to be supporting, but haven't been given the tools necessary to do so because of some interoffice political BS. I just want to do my job, people! Figure your sh!t out! 

Loving
That I pulled such a good prank on my friends! Want to try? If you and they have an iPhone, text them: "You know the camera button next to where you type? Hold it down and slide your finger up to the other camera button that pops up, then release it, a bunch of new emojis come up. You can thank me later" and see what happens!


Wanting
New sneakers. I burnt a hole through my old ones, and spring seems to be quickly approaching!

I've actually never owned a pair of Converse- loving these classics!

Wishing
That I had tickets to see the Phillies/Mets play next week. Or really, anytime this season. 

Anticipating

A stress-free weekend, going to my first poetry slam and a new BYOB Italian restaurant on Friday night!

Confessions: Circle Separation and Other Thoughts

I always keep my social circles separate. Work, hs/home, college friends- they all stay separate. I don't intermingle my circles, except on my birthday. Basically I have friends that I've met at different points in my life, where I was slightly different, but I prefer to keep them sep-a-rat-ed.

I had to look up the name of that song, but always sing it in my head whenever I have to spell "separated."

I have nicknames for almost every coworker, and some friends. Some of them know their nickname, but for the most part they don't. I mean, I wouldn't want my friend "Sadface" to know that's what I call her. (Sidenote: I call her that because almost every single time we go out drinking, she winds up crying in her beer.)

I won't add or accept coworkers on any social media. When I see a request, I tell them that I just don't do that. However if we're actually friends, I will gladly add or accept once they no longer work with me.

I almost always think of confessions when I'm either on the go, or drinking. If I'm not near my comp, I'll make a note in my phone.

Several of my closest friends are former coworkers.

I just got "poked" by two people in the last week. Is "poking" on FB still a thing? I didn't even know the ability to poke still existed.

I had to look up the word "thot" "grundle" and "fleek" today. #old

I just got overly excited by a post and added vacuum food containers to my wishlist.

Why do they keep remaking Cinderella? I feel like there are like, 8 remakes already, and I just saw a preview of yet another one. WHY??? Be original, Hollywood/Disney.