Sunday, September 30, 2012

The Girl Comes Out.


I've been wanting to get more in touch with my creative side. To dig my imagination out and use it again. I've started spending time working on creative pieces. This is a piece I wrote a few months ago. I've reworked it and gotten it to a good place. There are no pictures. I want those to be in your mind, to be what you imagine them to be.

We’re always running, her and I, through the woods and the mud. It always seems like eternity, taking the biggest steps possibly in those heavy boots. Mud, grass and hay encrusted on the edges. She wears the same white, cracked straw hat with the bow, clutches the same pink notebook with the ballet slipper on it. The pages are twice their size, swollen with water, the ink running into each other like trickling streams to a river. A copy of Moby Dick tucked into the folds of her long skirt. It’s how she always travels, her hat, her books, her skirt and her friends. I just tag along, trying to keep up.
Down in the trees, the world slips away. Looking up, the blue-gray Oregon sky peeks through leaves that are clumped together with mosses and dead sticks. Our boots sink farther into the muddy banks of the creek as she navigates the waters with her memory. Up the creek to the left, we’d have to wind our way over the tree roots, through the brambles, to the waterfall, where the waters are brown and dangerous. Wandering straight ahead, we would maneuver over the log bridge that was once a tree hanging its head over the creek. After climbing the embankment, we could turn and survey the land below, being able to see almost everything we have. Our last option is following the creek towards to bark boat.
Picking our way down a small but steep path would bring us to the biggest piece of tree bark, so large she swore to me it was once a pirate boat. The far edge is still outlined with a bit of tree hanging onto its ship, not wanting to give it away. Old bottles, tins and wilting flowers sporadically dot the small crevices and natural shelves on the boat. Its here she’ll sit and pull out her journal, probably to complete a work of fiction or an illustration.
Her hours are spent in this valley, in this cool, dark valley, where the world outside flies by. She spends her time with the friends she creates there; the fairies that live in the knots in the trees, the pixies that reside up the slope in the thick part of the forest, somewhere she cannot go alone. Winds move branches, giving the brush around her so much life.
After tying up some lose end in her novel, she ventures off into the water, not afraid of a few inches of brown muddy water when her rubber boots will save her! We pick our way up the creek, ducking under overlying tree branches and cobwebs. The air cools dramatically once we are crouched over the water. Small water bugs skim the surface of pools gathering in tree roots and embankments. She trails her hands through the water, searching for any small treasure, an old, broken bottle, or an old tin can. Anything she finds can spur another day of adventure.
As time passes and the shadows rearrange themselves on the creek floor, the light starts to fade. I find myself back at the top of the embankment, the waterfall, the boat, the fairies all in the forest below. She’s a few steps down the way, right hand on a moss-covered tree looking back up at me. Her white hat in her hand, she waves. She’s weaved a few pretty leaves into the bow on her hat, a few fall out as her hat slaps her legs. She turns and, in a few fluid motions, she’s back down in the trees, only her faint outline in the darkening night air is left.
 I feel my heart beating as I come back to life, glass of wine in my hand, panting dogs to my side, a family waiting for me to finish walking the dogs before dinner. I find myself staring into the woods, a part of my heart longing to throw it all away and run back to the world among the trees. I blink hard and take one last look for her. But she is gone now, maybe to resurface at another time. She waits for me, you know, deep in the hidden places of my mind. She’ll always be ready to take me on an adventure, to pull me out of life and back into my mind. It’s easy to lose myself for a while, to lose my childlike inspiration for life, but I know she’ll find me and bring it all flooding back.

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Saturday Drink: Mint Blues

Back in June, Jake and I spent a super awesome weekend in New York. We first attented Governor's Ball, a weekend long music festival, where we spent way too much time in the sun and way too much time partying. 

On that Sunday, we attended a brunch at Hotel ChantelleIt was a lovely brunch, with amazing cocktails, yummy food and a good atmosphere.
It was here that I had one amazing tasting summer beverage, that now I think of it, I could make it now! While it sounds simple, it tastes amazing. I'm sure your imagination could lead to a few different varieties too!

Mint Blues: Bacardi Light Rum, fresh mint and blueberries. Muddled and shaken with some ice.

Yes, that's it! Well, thinking back, I'm sure there was a splash of Sprite or soda water or something because it was bubbly. But the mint and the blueberries was just what I needed that day to sooth my summer sun burn.
Want to mix it up? Add raspberries, strawberries or peaches. Add a splash of champagne or a different flavor of rum. What about pineapple? 




Now, who could use one of these this afternoon?! 


Friday, September 28, 2012

Self Esteem Boost.

I started a new job this week that requires me to be around a lot of 13 year old girls who are as tall as me, the size of my calf and are 16 times as limber.

Ah it makes me miss dancing.

Beautiful.


Anyway, while I sit here on my second day, I started thinking....the bad thoughts. Why can't I be smaller or shorter or thinner or less curvy then I listened to the song they were dancing to, "If I Ain't Got You," by Alicia Keys and I realized something.

The people in my life will and have loved me for me. So why do I want to be different?
It's true I'm trying to lose some weight, I find nothing wrong with wanting to be the best person you can. But I constantly have to check myself and remember why I'm doing it. I have to check myself and remember that I am so loved and I am so lucky to be where I am and to be surrounded by those who love me (even if it is a sort of long distance surrounding....).

Will I ever wake up one day and love me for me? Will I ever wake up one day and think of myself as enough?

I sure hope so. I would really like that, to like myself. I think I'm getting there.
Right now, my biggest issue is my clothing. I've fluctuated drastic amounts in the past year. I was heavy then light now I'm "smoothing" out. But in that process, I got rid of a lot of my clothes. Now I have a very odd assortment of clothes, some are too small, some are too big and most are totally out of date or style.

Can material goods like clothing really affect the way you see yourself? I think yes.
Today, for example, I wore a cute shirt that is cut well for my body. But I had to pair it with some Capri's that are quite big (which I like deep down because when I bought them at the beginning of the summer, they were tight!). And my shoes...well lets not go there because my shoe situation is horrible. And I keep thinking, I just need a few pieces to make my wardrobe into what I want it to be, which is not this weird rejected look from the 90's.
So I'm going to try to keep my head up and eyes focused on the future. I'm going to try to keep my emotions sorted and my goals in mind. I'm going to stay rested and eat well and exercise when I can and not push myself too exhaustion.

This post was a random thought train that started pouring out. I have 22 minutes left of my super long day 2 of new schedule and I'm trying to keep my head up.

Do you have any pointers on how I can keep all these things in order or any style tips? E-mail me or leave a comment below!  


Blowing Your Mind.

Have you ever wondered how the Internet crosses the ocean and connects us here on America with those, say, in England? I have to say that I also assumed things but never really sought out the answer.

The other day, I was on the subway listening to TED talks. I chose one called What is the Internet, really? And in a matter of minutes, my mind was literally blown. Andrew Blum brought up such a great question: where does the Internet come from? Like physically. How is someone in Portland, Oregon connected to someone in Africa? I also assumed that, like with television, the Internet was beamed (like Scotty) up into space then shot back down onto Earth.

Boy, oh, boy, was I wrong!

The Internet is connected through cables. Cables that run through the ocean...
...the ocean, people. Please tell me I'm not the only person on the planet that didn't know this.
So how does all the information travel that far, and so darn fast? I'll tell you! It's legit a ton of cables....traveling thousands of miles...through the ocean...

See those yellow lines?
Those yellow lines are cables that connect the continents with Internet. How much cable does it take to connect the west of of the United States to Asia? 6,200 miles. And how does all that cable get to all those places? Manually. With ships, subamrines and people, thousands upon thousands of miles of cables are laid to connect the world today. Now who said the Internet wasn't a physical thing?!

As the cables reach the distant shores intended, a diver swims the cable to shore and walks it to land. Then, the cable is literally plugged into a building. And there you have it! Internet! Now who thinks that was feircly interesting? Because I do.

Diagram.



Cool.


Long day at the office.


Now I highly recommend going to TED talks and finding that talk. It's only like 15 minutes long and really interesting.


Did you know that the Internet was connected by cables? Do you know any other intersting facts that I should know about?








Friday Awkwards.

I have literally been up for only 2.5 hours, right? And I've already have 3 almost 4 awkward moments. And almost with the same 2 people...

In light of this whole week being awkward, I thought I'd post about it, hopefully making someone smile!

Chandler dancing is how I feel.

Awkward #1: When you get on the bus and see someone you work with...but you're not sure if he knows who you are...so you do that half wave, half brush your hair...Yup...

Awkward #2: When you stroll into work whistling Justin Bieber...and not even his cool new songs...it was "One Time." Then you pull your headphones out of your phone and, while expecting the embarrassing song playing to turn off like it usually does, it keeps playing...and it's Justin Bieber...aaaaaaawkward.....

Awkward #3: When someone says hi to you at work and you freeze, realized that you aren't invisible after all! But it's not the same person you awkwardly tried to wave to on the bus...

So far those are my awkward moments so far today.

Have you had a moment this week? Please share so I don't feel like such a loser.... 

Lastly, you know what's awkward? The way "awkward" is spelt...

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Weekly Weigh In: Is not having kids selfish??


Welcome back to the second installment of WEEKLY WEIGH IN where I share a variety of articles or blogs that I find interesting.

Let's start this Weigh In with an article that I've been brooding over for at least 5 days.

Joe O'Conner of the National Post says that married couples that don't have children are just plain selfish.

Summary: About 45% of married Canadian couples do not have children. That's in comparison to the 39% of Canadian couples that spend their time running kids to various sports practices, doing a multitude of dishes and packing lunches nonstop.

[That number sounds big, right? Well 'they' also counted couples who's children have moved out and moved on. So...I don't think the numbers are that impressive.]

O'Conner goes on to explain that the point of being in a pair, the point of searching for that other person, the point in finding love was to populate the world and give your parents come grandkids. But, that's not really the point anymore.

Married couples seem to have transformed into these independent people, trading toddlers and minivans for sports cars, fancy clothes and many exotic vacations. And O'Conner thinks this is selfish. Sure having kids is expensive and exhausting but it's a part of nature. More adults are spending their lives focusing on careers or haven't found the right person to have kids with. Eppie Lederer, aka Ann Landers of the advise column world, says that married couples with no children live basically in a lonely, empty world trying to fill the void with material things.

O'Conner ends the article quoting Lederer/Landers who says that a 'normal' adult does not appear rested, in shape and youthful. 'Normal' is tired, gray, haggard. O'Conner closes the article by asking, "and what will become of those trim, fit and fat-free-yogurt loving folks when decrepitude inevitably creeps in; when they age, as we all inevitably do, and the children they chose not to have aren't around to look after them?"

I say: who cares??

Now, I know we all want this, right?!


I think that if a couple together decides they don't want to have children, then who's to say they are selfish? Now I know that I want to have children some day and I understand the financial and emotional strains that will bring but that doesn't sway my feelings. But I have nothing against anyone who doesn't want children. I don't think you're selfish, I just think you have a different view on life then I do.

I want to address the section where O'Conner talks about the point of being in a couple. I completely agree that, in the past, the point of being in a couple was to produce a family and populate the world. But like most things (culture, society, rules, regulations, politics, views), things change. What once was a social norm, say, back in 1960 may not be the norm in 2012. Why? Because the world and the societies we reside in are ever changing.

The question I want to address isn't why married couples aren't having children, it's why are children having children? But that's a questions for another day I think...

Do you think married couples that don't have children are selfish?


Wednesday, September 26, 2012

7 Questions: #13

I think I've posted this before but I just love it so.


1. Describe your perfect day:
My perfect day begins without an alarm clock. To begins with some fresh coffee and pancakes. Followed by from productive blogging then a nice long work out. After a refreshing shower, I put on something that makes me feel good and pretty. The afternoon is filled with bike riding and picture taking, maybe lunch at a cute cafe on the lake. The evening approaches, bringing a good meal and drinks with friends. Good food, good friends, good conversation and good music. The perfect ending to the perfect day.

Now all I need are the friends :-/

2. What was something you were afraid of as a child?
My fear has actually spilt over into adulthood, too. When I was a kid, my dad made my sister and I raised beds. They were three feet off the ground and had drawers under them. Great for storage. When I was a kid, however, I was always afraid of letting my feet or hands hang off the side of the bed. I always thought someone or something would grab them. That fear is something I still have!

3. What is something you are afraid of today?
While I am still afraid of the normal things for me, deep water, heights, falling etc. I have this one that has developed over the past year or so since I moved to a more metropolitan area. I occasionally get these day dreams that some crazy street person gets on the subway and holds it hostage. Basically, sometimes I get scared that I'm going to get killed. It's nothing that gives me social anxiety or prohibits me from taking the subway everyday, but something I think about it and it gives me chills. There are crazy people out there and I hope I can go my whole life without meeting one. (Sorry for being morbid...)

4. Would you rather be obsessed with yourself or someone else?
Both would make people not like you. While I wouldn't want to seem narcissistic, I would rather be obsessed with myself then someone else. You can't really get into trouble with the law for being obsessed with yourself after all...   

5. What is your favorite restaurant that you could visit over and over and never get sick of?
The first that came to mind was this little pizza place that opened back in my home town. Mi Famiglia. It's a family run little place that doesn't seat very many but my parents have gotten to know the owners and now going there is one of my favorite things to do when I go home. Everything is fresh and tastes like mom just made it. And I love their hand tossed pizza. It's just so delicious.

6. What is one food that you used to hate but now enjoy?
Man, I've had so many experiences where I used to hate something and now I love it. I used to hate mushrooms but I'm starting to love them. I still can't eat them raw or in big chunks (it's a texture thing) but I love putting them in everything.

7. Fill in the blank: Star (Struck) 


Tuesday, September 25, 2012

I Totally Forgot to Tell You....

This is going to be a busy week for me (starting a new job and thus four 12 hour days in a row, yikes!) so I have pre-planned posts all ready for me BUT I thought I'd pop in a tell you something really weird.

Is America subject to this weird-chip-flavor phenomenon? Lays and Doritos have been putting out strange flavors up here in Canada, like ketchup. I mean, really?? 

Now, if you know me you know just how much I love pickles. It's a lot. Well, over the weekend, Jake and I were at the store and while we were in line, he pointed to the chip display by the register. There, shining at me like a beacon of pure love, was a shimmering green Doritos bag. The flavor? Pickles.

Now I was a little appreensive at first, I mean I didn't want to ruin the whole pickle thing for myself, but of course I had to try them. 

<3.

But they were disgusting. So gross. I had one and made Jake try them too. It's like you just ate a dill plant. No bueno, Doritos. No bueno.

Ever try these bad boys??

These were bad too. So bad.

What are you thinking, Doritos?!

What has been you favorite flavor? Do you have a least favorite? 


Quote to Think About.


Monday, September 24, 2012

The Subway Dairies: Remember.


Most people look tired today. They pile on and disturb my silence in their business suits, school uniforms and t shirts. Nothing strikes me as interesting and I already have a headache. 

It's hot on this car today. Almost too hot Worse then muggy and it probably doesn't help that it's lovely and crisp outside. My hair is still wet and has become stiff in the morning air. Somewhere behind me I hear music, too loud for the train really.

I wonder if people ever wondering what I'm writing about. I sit here, usually huddled against the window, feverishly scribbling my thoughts while occasionally looking around me. They probably make up stories about me, too. 

Sometime soon I want to ride the subway from one end to the other, or at least for a couple hours. I bet I would see a lot of interesting people.

I realize tomorrow is September 11th. A part of me gets sad that I'm not in my home country for this fateful day of remembrance. I feel a sort of pride on this day. After all, it's the first real historical event I was alive for. It's be a huge part of my life for a good long time. When will the negativity and aggression subside? Ever?

I've been having a rough time lately. Not seeing my family and friends is hard. I miss being somewhere familiar. But, thinking of it now, when will I switch my brain over? When will I become aware that once I got on that plane on August 15th last summer, I changed my life forever? I feel like it's time to let it go. It's time to just remember and try not to relive.




Sunday, September 23, 2012

Sunday Thoughts: Jake.

I want this month to be over because it would mean Jake's schedule changes. This month has been rough for me. Jake's my best friend, my partner and my room mate. In a city where the number of people I know can be counted on one hand, it's hard not seeing him every day.

He just left for work and this week will be harder then the others. As of Tuesday I start my new job, which means 9-9:30 Tuesday through Friday. It means that I completely miss the window where Jake is home. *sigh* Just get through the week, right? Just a few steps further, right?

I hate sounding like the girl who's dependent on her boyfriend, but I'm facing it, I am the girl who's dependent on her boyfriend. If we were home in Oregon, it would be a completely different story. But I think I'll be busy and it'll be good. I'm excited to have a job that pays money. It's been so long since I've worked and gotten paid for it. Jake has been my rock.

We spent the day being lazy. He made 8 pounds of ribs. I stayed mainly in a in pajamas and cuddled on the couch. Then, in a hung over hazy state, we pulled the couch bed out, piled all of our pillows and gathered all the blankets to huddle down and take a nap. Jake promptly fell asleep and I spent a few minutes just watching him.

I started thinking back to the beginning of our story and boy it's been a long and slightly movie like. I went through so much shit in the past. I made so many mistakes and hurt a few people along the way. But I like to think I've learned from them all. Life is about risks, right?


Saturday, September 22, 2012

Saturday Drink: Lavender Cosmo

This Saturday, I' focusing more on a cocktail that I don't normally order: Cosmopolitans. 

Cosmopolitan via Esquire.

While I do enjoy Cosmos, I think it's the stereotypes that makes me avoid ordering them in bars. Unless it's girls night. 

Sex and the City made Cosmos popular, as it was the drink of choice for Carrie and her gal pals. They look fancy but in reality, they're just glorified vodka and cranberry drinks put into fancy, but in my opinion impossible to hold without spilling, martini glasses. 

A typical Cosmo has vodka, cranberry juice, triple sec and lime juice. This basic recipe allows bartenders and self-proclaimed mixologists to remix the recipe as they see fit.

One girl's night back in Oregon, my best friend Joanna and I went for drinks and dinner on a lovely summer Friday night. We ended up at Manzana in Lake Oswego. As we sat at the bar waiting for our table on their awesome patio, we decided on our drink of choice: a Lavender Cosmopolitan. 


Lavender Cosmopolitan:
Absolut Manderin vodka, parfait amour, fresh lime sour, cranberry juice, lavender sugar rim

And it was incredible. I loved the use of parfait amour, it added just a hint of an exotic flavor. Parfait amour is a liqueur that has a rose petals, almonds and vanilla as it's flavor base, however it's used mostly for it's color.  
 
The stand out feature of this drink for me, besides being strong, was the lavender sugar rim. I love when drinks have a sugar or salt rim. I think it adds to the appeal and the flavor without chaging the drink recipe. And it looks pretty!!

I recommend getting one if you see it on the menu, or trying to make it yourself! It's a very simple, elegant, girly drink! 



Friday, September 21, 2012

Good News!

It's Friday! It's the end of the work week and for me the internship work week. I'm excited to share this morning that yesterday, I got a job!! 

Source.

If you are unfamiliar with moving to Canada, but you need a job to stay in the country. When I crossed the boarder back in July, they gave me till December in the country. If I didn't find a job before then, I would have to leave. So talk about pressure. I was also putting personal pressure on myself because I wanted to be able to contribute to my relationship and take some stress away from Jacob, who's been supporting me for a few months.

You can imagine my excitement when I got the e-mail yesterday that I start on Tuesday! I am the new receptionist at the Annex Dance Studio in Toronto. I have a background in dance and love everything that comes with it. I mostly excited because it'll be good hours for me and it'll help me break from the endless waitressing cycle. 

But there is one potential problem. My internship is potentially in danger. Potentially. 

As of right now, I work Monday through Friday 9-5 at my internship. With this new job, I'll need to leave my internship at 2:30 in order to arrive on time for my 3:30 start time. I talked with my assistant editor yesterday about it, mostly because I wasn't too sure how to approach the subject being still really new at the office. 

Of course, I'm really nervous going to work this morning because we're suppose to all talk about what's going to happen. So I'm in this weird mood this morning; excited because I finally have a job and worried because something that I really love is about to be in jeopardy. 

I just hope I can work something out with them. Maybe extending my internship past three months to make up the time, working on side projects, staying late on the days I don't work or coming in early. 

So keep me in your thoughts this morning as I head into work. Ah! I'm so nervous!

::THIS JUST IN: I talked with my editors and they are totally okay with the job. I just have to take a shorter lunch. WEE!:: 

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Weekly Weigh In: Ecstasy.

I spend a lot of time in my day reading. Reading and searching. My escapades through the world of news usually brings me some strange, funny, interesting, noteworthy or important information. Starting this week, I will share my favorite weekly findings. 

I call this my Weekly Weigh In. Every Thursday. Enjoy.

On September 26th, the popular street drug, ecstasy (MDMA) will undergo a televised trial in the UK. Many scientists stress that ecstasy's Class A drug warning "overstates the danger" of the drug and that the effects of MDMA would be able to help many people with depression and PTSD. 

Ecstasy, if you didn't know, makes you feel really good. Things feel great, you smile a lot, most everything is funny and you feel really happy. Doesn't sound too dangerous, right? Understandably, in increased amounts, anything can be dangerous. The truly scary part is what each pill is 'cut' (mixed) with. MDMA in it's pure form is also called 'molly' and mostly comes in a powder form.

Ecstasy.


This test would be very interesting to watch. Part of the volunteer group is given MDMA while the other part is given a sugar pill. I think it would be interesting to see how people react to just the thought of having taken ecstasy. 

This study is similar to that conducted in the United States called Your Body On Drugs. Hosted by Robin Williams, this study focuses on how the human body reacts to an array of drugs (weed, heroine, meth, cocaine etc). While I personally haven't seen it, I know it's now on my to watch list. Along with this new study airing this month.

I know the drug subject is a sensitive one but what are your thoughts about MDMA? Do you think, if harnessed properly, it should be able to help people with emotional disorders like depression or PTSD?

7 Questions: #12

It's Wednesday again! That means it's time to link up with Gentri Lee for 7 Questions! Go check out her answer too!


I'm addicted to The Newsroom. Kelen Coleman was doing a live chat online and I got to ask her a question! I think we're friends now :)
1. Do you ever have reoccurring dreams?
Funny you ask! When I was a little girl, I had this reoccurring nightmare all the time. I lived in this tree fort city somewhere in the amazon (this was around the time when I was addicted to playing Riven, the computer game that was the sequel to Myst. Please tell me someone knows what I'm talking about...) Every night there was this TRex that would attack the city and chase me around. The only way to get away from the dino was to give it a can of beets. See, I hate beets and my mom used to (and still does) make beets all the time.


2. It's the first day of Fall (or Spring for you southern hemispherers) in a few days, what are you looking forward to most?
Boots. I'm wearing them today actually. It's raining. I'm happy. And pumpkins. I like pumpkins.


3. Because a lack of coordination, would you rather not be able to tie your shoes or cut your own food?
Tie my shoes. I don't remember the last time I had shoes that tied...except my running shoes but I still just slip those on.


4. Would you rather live in a house made entirely of glass or a house with no windows?
Glass. I love the dark, true, but I could NOT live without light.


5. Would you rather walk on you toes or heels forever?
Toes. I'm used to that!


6. What's your favorite sense? (you have 5 btw)
Taste. Wait...hearing. Wait...taste. Wait.....sight. Crap.


7. What's your favorite movie quote of all time?
Oh my god you cannot simply ask me to narrow it down to one. You are talking to the girl who has memorized at least every rom com in the book.


And here's a cute movie for your troubles :)




Monday, September 17, 2012

The Subway Diaries: West Side.

I have to go up the west side this morning.


I enjoy the west side more. The trains are less packed, the people are more calm. Most of the folks around me have their eyes closed. The woman across the isle looks like a statue. 

She's in all beige, looking soft in the subway lights. Her short hair is highlighted and matches her suit. At first glace, she seems peaceful. But a look closer and her expression is twisted. She looks like she's in pain, not physical but emotional.

I wonder what is in her life. She looks as though she could be devorced, maybe with a son of college are. Perhaps loans trouble her, or, if I'm correct about the divorce, it's that which occupies her mind. She has slender fingers wrapped around a tote bag from Sobey's. Her lunch perhaps. 

I'm staring at her from the corner of my eye and feel as though she could be an aunt or maybe a stepmom. As we stop at Museum Station, her eyes flash open, staring back at me. She glides through the open subway doors before I can even realize it. Traces of her pained look linger where she sat, then they are gone.

I feel slightly haunted. 

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Sunday Thoughts: Real Pain.

Sometimes I wonder whether I'll ever feel real pain. Like the real aching, mind altering, deep, whole pain. I know I've felt pain before, both physical and emotional, but it's never been real pain.

I've gotten dumped before, but I've never lost someone I love.
I've hurt myself physically but have never been hurt so badly my life is threatened. 

I wonder if I ever will feel that. I wonder if I ever want to feel that. I think I want to feel that. I think I won't know what it's like to be alive until I feel a pain like that.

Source.

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Saturday Drink: Bloody Mary Part 2

Happy Saturday, everyone! I'm glad we made it. This week was ridic. (Side note, did you check out yesterday's post from my September Sponsor?! You should probably do that :) )

Anyway, last Saturday I shared with you my favorite drink pretty much ever. E.V.E.R. It was the Bloody Mary! If you didn't catch it, check it out here. I mentioned in the post that I think Bloody Mary's on the east coast suck. And I stand by that! But I'll get to it after I show you another great BM!


I had this beauty last December at the Mcmenamins in Clackamas, Oregon. Jake and I had flown the red eye from New York to Portland for Christmas. We went Christmas shopping that day and I was super sick. So I thought I'd drink my blues away. While it didn't exactly work out (I was sick for at least two more days) I felt good for the few moments I had this beverage in front of me!

Is it weird that I can remember almost every Bloody Mary I've had? I'm okay with that.

The BM last weekend was amazing, not only because of flavor, but because it was garnished (what I consider) to be properly. This drink had all the flavor, plus some pretty cool garnish. And look at all that salt! Totally an A in my book. No doubt.

Now, I mentioned why I hate east coast BM's and it's because there's no garnish. Obvio, I can only talk from my personal experiences but I tried at least 7 different BM's at 7 different bars from New Haven, CT to New York City. Mostly what I encountered was a thin mix that was too Tobasco spicy and not enough pepper spice. 

If I may add that Canada has it all wrong when it comes to my fave tomato red drink. While getting a yummy hung over lunch with Jake, I ordered what seemed to be a good second choice: a Ceasar. It may look like a BM but it is not. Instead of a spicy tomato mix, the Ceasar is a mix of tomato juice and clam broth. I know, clam broth. I thought it sounded...interesting. But I am just not convinced. I may try it again to score you guys a picture but it will not be pleasurable. 

Which BM do you like the look of: This week or last week? Have you tried a Ceasar??

Thursday, September 13, 2012

A Special Present For You.

Alright, ya'll. I have something crazy, awesome, cool, new for you today. Something...I've...n e v e r...done...(insert dramatic, movie-phone like voice here). 

Today is my first sponsor post!! I know, I feel like I'm growing up! If you're ready, I'd like to introduce you to a really cool chick:



Alright, so this is Kirsten over at My Life Tinted Pink! I've really enjoyed following her blog because she speaks to a side of me not a lot of people know! I, too, have a love for beautifully bound books, Cary Grant, Europe and, especially, An Affair To Remember. Take is away, Kirsten!

How Adorable is She?!


Dear Everyone,
I’m Kirsten (pronounced Kersten).  Yes, like the American Girl Doll.  I entered the blogging world two and a half years ago and love it!  My corner is titled mylifetintedpink.  The name came about because my mom always said I see the world through pink-tinted glasses (as opposed to rose-colored glasses). And, despite my desire to deny how much I like the color, I find myself frequently attracted to it in different styles and accessories. 

Thanks to Freya for asking me to guest post.  I was thrilled when she asked, so here I am.
I am a dual citizen of the United States and the United Kingdom.  As a result of my English father (and my American mother who has English inclinations), I love tea with milk, but no sugar, and marmite on my toast with eggs. 

Old movies are my favourite, especially Casablanca and White Christmas.  Cary Grant and Humphrey Bogart are two of the best actors, ever.  I own all the seasons of I Love Lucy (can you tell I like old things?).  I have a thing for books, especially beautifully bound ones.  England is full of old books shops and charity shops.  I had to order myself to not purchase any when I returned to England from Germany (I wouldn’t have had any room for them).  Louisa May Alcott was a brilliant writer.  I recommend reading some of her short stories.  They touch on topics that are hot even today. Jane Austen is amazing.  Unfortunately, I’ve only read one of her books (but, I’ve seen several of the movies…which cause me to realize how important it is to read and then watch).  I am passionate about tennis (watching tennis grand slam tournaments with me is like a football fan watching the superbowl---I do like football, though).

Strawberries at Wimbledon 2010.

          Have any of you seen Downton Abbey?  If not, make it a priority to see the first two seasons in preparation for the third season premiering in the US in January!

          If you haven’t caught on yet, I love Europe.  In fact, my plan is to move there in the spring (hopefully!).  But, for the time being , I am living in Virginia.  Graduating from college with a degree in Humanities is not the same as graduating with a teaching degree, meaning, it is difficult to find a job.  So, England, Germany, France, who knows!  Well, I know God knows.  I keep wanting to know the next step, but I am there, the place where He wants me.  When it is time for me to know where I am going next, He will show me.  For now, I will keep knocking on doors and see what opens!

The Wye Valley in Wales.

          All of these things and more are what I discuss on my blog.  So, I hope you will come over and become regular visitors!  Also, for those interested in sponsorships, I currently do button swaps.  Feel free to email me if you are interested! mylifetintedpink@gmail.com

Most Sincerely,
Kirsten

P.S.  I love pink champagne.  Ever since I saw An Affair to Remember when I was…oh 14 or so, I have loved the idea of it.  This summer, after I turned 21, I finally tasted it!

My first bottle of pink champagne, courtesy of my aunt.


Thank you Kirsten for stopping by!