Sometimes, on the days when I decide I don’t like people, (hey, even your friendly neighborhood optimist gets grumpy sometimes) it is important to remember that interacting with random human beings can be the best.
I will admit that in the past, on more than one occasion, I have uttered the words “I’m not like a typical girl.” And I’m realizing that statement is a complete lie. With that in mind, I’m working on removing it from my vocabulary entirely. It’s reductive and demeaning and ridiculously trite. Plus straight-up not true. … More I AM like other girls.
When I tell people about my propensity for solo travel, something I’ve written about before (here and here and here to name a few), the most common reaction (well, the most common positive reaction at least) seems to be about how bold and brave this is. I think that perceived bravery stems from the fact … More Why Traveling Alone Isn’t Going it Alone
I should start this out by admitting that this particular “adventurous solo woman” habit of mine is highly disliked by all of my friends and family. It is ALWAYS safer to hike with a buddy. But I live for a quiet trail with my trekking poles as my only companions. It is one of my … More Things That Inevitably Happen When Hiking Solo
I’ve never read the book “Eat, Pray, Love” but my vague understanding of it is that the main character takes a year to do the aforementioned things to find herself or something like that. I’ve been going through some soul searching lately, feeling lost in work and life in general. While I’m all about the … More I went for a pseudo vision quest… and found Spring Break instead.
I’ve written about my random love of Lent before, I know. But that time of year has come around once again so you get to hear about it again! Synopsis: I do Lent every year, even as a non-active Lutheran, not for religious purposes but as an excuse to clean up something in my life… generally in … More Giving instead of Giving up.
**Note: I realize this post is approximately a month late, however these thoughts and concepts have been floating around and I simply haven’t had time to get them down til now. So please excuse the time-warp aspect of this and possibly a couple more posts as I get my blog caught up to my life. … More One Year. 12 Modes.
Yesterday, I had a first date. It has frankly been a quite while since I’ve played this game. And I was nervous. Dating is like flying. When I’m traveling often and racking up frequent flyer miles, being on an airplane doesn’t worry me at all. It’s just part of the routine, familiar and automatic. However when I … More James Bond, Cheese, and a Stolen Kiss.
Continue to be your amazing, wonderful self. Remember that you are not defined by your relationship status. (True every day of every month of every year, but worth a reminder.) Do everything like you normally would over the holidays. Protest the season or go all out… totally up to you, boss. Save money on presents. Spend it on … More Single Persons Guide to Surviving the Holidays.
I’ve been having a serious case of Boyfriend Redux for the past several years, revisiting past relationships with new people in almost creepy-deja vu ways. I think I’ve been cleaning out my relationship closet, on purpose or not. When I put them all together on paper, there is a certain pattern to it all. (I’m including Beyonce … More The Boyfriend Redux Sydrome
I just had this text conversation with my mom. Please recall, I’m a 32 year old woman with a professional job and a couple degrees and an awesome apartment I live in without roommates and a pet I haven’t killed and some plants that are alive still too. In all general aspects, I’m a grown-ass woman. … More Pie Hero
Still reeling a little from the Paris attacks and dealing with the hatred and violence that exists in this world, I thought we could all use something light and fluffy and fun this morning. So here it is…. some zebras escaped from the Philadelphia zoo on Sunday and ran around for a while. No one … More Monday Zebras
There are many gadgets and accessories and do-dads and whatnot’s that you can buy to make life easier/better/more awesome. These nine items are not those. These are not things you need in your life. Just say no.
There are a handful of aspects of my life that I use to check in on how I’m doing… so-called barometers for how well balanced all the elements of me are. Writing, this blog in particular, is one of the biggest reflectors on how I’m doing in my endless struggle with balancing work, friends and family. … More Hello writing, my old friend.
( I’m letting a guest-writer entertain you all with a fun little tale of karma and Kindles today. Enjoy. -M )
A couple years ago, I experienced one of the most traumatizing relationship moments in my life. I was out and about with a group of friends enjoying some adult beverages. A friend of mine admitted that while she loved her boyfriend, she wasn’t romantically attracted to him. At all. But that she wouldn’t break up with him … More What happens when you settle.
I’ve been a bridesmaid seven times. (And lost track of how many weddings I’ve attended.) Probably not that impressive of a number ever since hitting my 30’s, but it is enough times to make me feel like a smidgen of a pro with this whole wedding thing. I’ve stood up next to friends at formal … More Always a Bridesmaid, Never a Maid of Honor.
Dating makes me feel like Goldilocks, in search for that person who is just right. I was never a fan of Goldilocks… I always thought she was a fickle, annoying literary character. I fear becoming that way.
Seriously, what is the point of your life, single person?
Today is going to be a good day. First off, you’ll recall that you have a lot of great things happening today. And that you are capable of accomplishing anything. The radio is going to play that song you have been obsessed with. There’s a good chance that you are going to hit all the green lights.
(Though you probably already are, because you are cool like that.) I’m picky with my tv choices, well, until I’m not. Sometimes you are looking for a light and fluffy escape, sometimes you just want a nice, blow-em-up action sequence with some attractive characters. In case your Netflix que is empty and you are looking … More Seven shows you really should be watching.
(Yes, this will go beyond my normal blathering on about my love of kale and quinoa. Don’t worry though… our love remains strong. I still adore them.) I try to be healthy in moderation, as all good things are done. I have my good weeks and my bad weeks. I do have some terrible food habits, … More 5 Healthy Things I’m Into Right Now
Fashion is a funny thing, often skewing strongly to personal preferences. (Not to mention the particularities of body type, comfort, place in life, etc.) Some fashions are universal. Some are classic. Some are terrifying. However there are a handful of little fashion elements I have noticed myself gravitating towards in the last several years. Discussions with friends … More Ridiculously Specific Fashion Wants
I’m feeling a bit sappy today, due in part to the old “Woot, It’s Friday” bug, so bear with me… this post is practically sarcasm free and full of sunshine and rainbows. You’ve been warned. The funny thing is, I was thinking about writing this post before the Supreme Court decision on gay marriage came in today. … More Love is Love
Sometimes I feel like I am floating along in life. Not drifting and not aimless, though. No, I picked my river and hopped in my boat purposefully. But for now I am letting the current dictate my speed. I’m not paddling. I’m just here, watching the bank float by. I feel like I’m standing still … More Floating Along.
I like to understand things. I’m a logical creature, usually able to reason out someones’ intentions or motivation for an action, whether or not I agree with it or condone said action. But there are those little things in life, those moments that just completely boggle your brain because they don’t make sense. They do … More Guerrilla Compliments
I’m early, per usual. They make a big deal about limited parking and arriving with enough time to get through security and check in. It’s all a breeze and now I sit in a large room, chairs lined up like eager orderly cadets awaiting occupants and orders. I stare blankly at the art wall in … More Juror #4967
… I don’t think I would be a very nice person. Yes, I got back on Tinder for a hot second, not even to play my favorite Tinder game. I was technically on for about two months but only remembered to check it three times in that time. It was primarily for an ego boost … More If I was honest about your Tinder message…
… and I need to embrace that. I like helping people. I like being kind and warm. I like putting smiles on faces, making someones’ day just a little bit brighter. I do these things because they genuinely make me happy. I do these things because I really am sunshiny at my core. But by … More I like being nice…
Children are idiots, so adamantly against missing even a minute of the day with sleep. With age comes wisdom, as well as appreciation for the delicious luxury that is a good nap. I would just like to take a minute and send out a warm, cuddly thank you to some of my favorite types of … More An Ode To Naps
I feel like I’m getting off on a bad foot by even using the word Feminist. It seems to be a catalyst for dissent, a spark into the tinder that is the gender equality conversation on the table lately. So let me be clear… this isn’t intended to open up that discussion or get into that … More The Romantic Feminist
When you work in an office building sharing a floor with a security company, you are used to seeing men around. We share a back hallway with their main artery. For them it’s access to everything. For us, access to the restroom. Generally speaking though, the hallway isn’t much of a view corridor if you … More Teeth and Two Letters… a Love Story.
Today I’m writing a bit of a cop-out post. OR because it’s a beautiful, sunshiny Wednesday, I just wanted to leave you with five random news stories and/or videos that may make your life better. (Albeit in a totally inconsequential way.)
Enjoy and mwah! … More Happy Wednesday, here are 5 random things.
As someone who has lived in more than one part of the country in my 30ish years, it’s the question I hate answering the most. Be it in a professional, dating, or casual social setting, I am never quite sure how to respond to the “Where are you from?” inquiry. Do you mean where do I live … More You Are Where You’re From.
I love traveling, any kind of travel. Hanging with the fam, girls weekends, camping excursions with a group of buddies… I love it all. But I do have a particular soft spot in my heart for solo adventures. Not sure if it’s for you? Let me throw out some of my experiences, suggestions and thoughts at … More Honestly, on Traveling Solo
Along with many of you (I’m looking at you, Boston) I have fully sprung Spring-Fever. The snow in the mountains is crappy so I’m ready to work on my freckles instead of my turns. Staring out the windows at a cold drizzle after one or two sporadic days with temps above 65 starts a longing … More I Want To Go To There: Snorkeling Edition
The other night I got some rather strongly worded and completely unsolicited dating advice from a male acquaintance. It was less than appreciated, for the record. And pretty much boiled down to me having to alter some core things about myself in order to “find and keep a man”. No thanks, I would rather be single … More The Dating Advice You Actually Want
I woke up the other morning, walked into my living room, and decided that I didn’t like the framed posters I’ve had hanging above my couch for three years. (As well as in my possession for much, much longer than that.) Suddenly they seemed too basic, too pedestrian. Here I am, a self-proclaimed die-hard diy … More One day it was simply wrong.
I’ve come to the conclusion in the last several weeks that I am apparently impossible to read, particularly when it comes to romantic intentions with guys. I flirt like a ninja, so subtle that no one has any idea that I was ever there or that anything ever happened. My signals and signs must not … More Flirting like a Ninja
“So what do you do for work?” Such a common, natural, getting to know you kind of question, right? But seriously, when did this become the driving definition of who we are? When did the source of your paycheck become your definition as a human being? When did we stop being able to see beyond … More You Are What You Do (for a living)
Press Publish put out a conversation starter this week about the pros, cons and reasons for writing your blog anonymously. Consider it a complete success, because it certainly got me thinking… Writing has always been one of the ways I most effectively process things. My sporadically utilized diary from elementary school can attest to that … More Censoring Myself
I learned how platonic relationships work mainly through friendships with guys. Perhaps that is why I sometimes struggle so much with female friendships. – – – – –
I’m actually serious. I want to talk about the weather. For realsies. This past week in Colorado, we were repeatedly warned about this epic snowstorm coming our way (Thanks for FINALLY sharing the snow, Boston, you greedy minx.) It was the conversation that dominated office water coolers sessions, Facebook, and the local news.
I noticed you right away, your hipster glasses calling to the Brooklyn girl in me. And here I was, dolled up to the nines, looking all punk-rock glam city girl at a house party. It was a themed party, after all. I blame my intense eye-makeup (and my friends) for giving me the boldness to approach … More Trouble, Trouble, Trouble
Gymnasics; you know that sport which combines flexibility, strength and balance? Never my strong suit. That week in elementary school when they pulled out all the big mats and trampolines in gym always filled me with trepidation. I was a big fan of the sawhorse thingy we got to jump over, but everything else was … More Gymnastics never were my forte.
As a fun game today, I decide to make myself a checklist… specifically an ideal-person-to-date checklist. A totally shallow, one-dimensional list of requirements, nay a custom order of what I would like to find in a romantic partner. Is this realistic or even vaguely healthy? Nope. But I’m feeling like if I ask for Mary … More Dating by Checklist
We all have them, those seemingly left-over items still in our possession once a relationship has run it’s course. You give back (or throw out, depending on the level of civility in the breakup I suppose) the big things, clothing, books, the toothbrush you kept at their house. The major items which trigger intense feelings … More Romantic Remnants
I am inherently judgmental. (Hey, I’m human.) And there is no aspect of my life that I am more judgmental in than in texting grammar. Yes, I believe the English language is a flexible magical thing with room for expansion, interpretation and creativity. Yes, I myself am guilty of certain abbreviations or text speak from time … More Literate is the new Sexy
Guys, I’m officially in a rut. No, that isn’t truly accurate. I don’t feel like I’m repeating the same activities all the time. I do feel like I am falling into a box though, a box with raising walls and lessening views of the horizon. And I want out. – – – – –
Girl Thing #12 That I Don’t Understand: I don’t believe in calling dibs on men. I just don’t. It doesn’t make sense and I cannot respect it. You can’t do that.
Expert Hiking Tip: If you want a trail to yourself, go hiking on football Sunday, especially when it is a home game for your local team that you don’t happen to care about. I had to sweet talk myself into getting this morning. Though my designation was planned out the night before, mapped in the … More They Look Like Horses From Afar
30 IS THE NEW... Oh Never Mind. 