I’ve been tinkering with my blog more than I’ve been writing in it (like my new super twee logo?! ) So, I figured I’d write something too. Since I don’t have any good stories or anything interesting to talk about, here’s some random stuff:
What I’m reading: John by Cynthia Lennon. (Thanks for the recommendation, Lor!) Fascinating stuff. I’m at the part where John leaves her for Yoko and I feel so awful for her. I hope she realizes her worth.
What I’m watching: I’m not a huge TV watcher; I usually can’t be bothered looking for things on Netflix or In Demand so I watch whatever is on live TV at the time, usually a cooking competition show, Shark Tank, Seinfeld or The Simpsons. We did stumble upon a new 10-episode series called Wayward Pines that’s pretty good, so I think we’ll keep watching that one. Others I like: Last Man on Earth, Portlandia, Amy Schumer.
What I’m checking: Ask a Manager. If you don’t read this blog, you must if you are a human who has a job or wants one. I’ve learned so much from it. People write in with workplace/job search/hiring/interviewing/weird work situation questions and Alison Green answers them, and she posts new content throughout the day, even on weekends. It also has a super active comment section.
What I’m looking forward to (short-term): Pizza Friday with Mike, the long Memorial Day weekend and my neighborhood’s craft beer festival next weekend.
What I’m looking forward to (long-term): Trip to Scotland in September. We need to start our planning ASAP.
One thing I don’t get that most people seem to enjoy: A lot of stuff. But right now I’d have to say Pinterest. I’ve looked at it a few times, but I don’t think it’s for me. Isn’t it just a big time suck?
One person who makes me proud: My niece Christina joined the Peace Corps and arrived in Senegal in Western Africa in February. She is going to be helping pregnant women and babies at a new clinic in a village called Thiawando. Isn’t that amazing? She has a blog, Tina in Senegal. I miss you, Tina!
One recent discovery: Time-release melatonin. If you have trouble sleeping, go on Amazon and buy this. I took it for the first time last night and slept extremely well and I feel so well-rested today. When I get less than five hours of sleep I feel like my life is falling apart. I don’t know how parents of little babies/kids do it.
One statement that annoys me: People who say they love animals, but they eat meat. Come on, now. You love pets, and that’s okay! Just be accurate.
One thing that makes me fume: The Wedding Industrial Complex. I have plenty of thoughts on this. Mainly, the eagerness to conform when it comes to weddings really baffles me. Do your own thing, girlfriend!
One thing I wish more people knew: Craft beer is better than mass market, macrobrew beer (Miller, Coors, Bud, Rolling Rock, Yuengling, Pabst Blue Ribbon, etc.) Craft beer has a more interesting and complex taste, it’s fun to try new releases and seasonal varieties so there’s always something new to discover, and the alcohol content of many craft beers is way higher than cheap macrobrewery beers, like double. Sure, they’re pricier too, but it’s worth it, all things considered. Hell or High Watermelon by 21st Amendment (pictured) is a great summer beer. I have a bunch of favorites, but off the top of my head, two reliable ones are Perpetual IPA by Troegs and Newbold by the good ol’ Philadelphia Brewing Company. If you’re a beer fan, add me on Untappd, an app where I track the beer I like. My username is J_Laww on there.
One song that won’t get out of my head: “Diet Mountain Dew” by Lana del Rey. It’s been playing in my head pretty much all week. I’ve tried chewing gum because I read that can help, but it didn’t. I don’t really mind that much because I like the song, but it is starting to wear on me. It’s much more awful when you get that annoying Ricky Martin song from the late ’90s or “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” by Wham in your head. I speak from experience.
Foods I’m always craving: Pizza, of course. Also, coconut cashews and honey roasted peanuts. I don’t buy the nuts often because they’re expensive and because they’re full of sugar. But when I get my hands on them, I can’t stop eating them til they’re all gone.
New fun activity I’ve discovered: Coloring books! My friend Paul gave me two coloring books (one is “Creative Cats” pictured above) and a set of colored pencils and I’ve really been enjoying it. It helps me relax and zone out. The coloring books are super detailed but I plan to do each one, then we’re going to hang them in our downstairs powder room. It might take me a year or two, but I love long-term projects.
What’s on your mind lately?
I want that coloring book, and I completely agree about craft beers!