Time Out

Yesterday, I took a half day from work. I left at noon (which I can do if I get the all-clear and I work the Saturday before) and it was one of the best things I could’ve done for myself. Last week was extremely stressful…I can’t believe I even had a vacation. It’s been non-stop ever since and I feel like I need another already. I plan on scheduling some long weekends, but until then, this little gap in the week was just what the doctor ordered. I made a couple of necessary appointments, ate a sandwich from one of my favorite deli’s, painted my nails (though I ended up settling on much different, brighter colors) and watched some Netflix.

Time-out accomplished.

On Deck

It’s very rare to have a summery 80+ degree day that actually has a nice breeze. I took full advantage of the back porch/deck after work, reading a little, watching Cali explore, and snacking on olives and hummus. Not a bad way to wind down on a Monday evening.

Down Time

Considering the holidays were just upon us, you might be surprised to learn that I haven’t really spent as much time at home with my family as I would’ve liked. “Family” dinner with friends, enjoying the company of our long-distance friend Ed, cuddling with my boyfriend over the holidays, New Year’s Eve partying and recovering. I feel like I haven’t been at home at all. So I decided to spend the last couple of nights at home. Mostly doing laundry and organizing my room (remember, it’s one of my “resolutions” for the year…), but also enjoying beverages from the Keurig (like a hot apple cider I maybe spiked with some white wine), Chinese from my favorite takeout spot, dog-sitting Artie, and getting back into nail art (Huge thanks to Little Nails, a fairly new blog that is SO lovely and inspiring!).

Lazy Sunday

It is a gray, rainy day. I’ve mentioned many times how much I love those. Sometimes, I wish I had someone to spend it with. I miss college so much lately, but especially when I’d like to be lounging with my friends in one of our rooms, watching crappy movies, snacking, and typically nursing hangovers.

I had a good weekend. Maria came home Friday, and, after much debate, we decided to head up to Wilkes-Barre to look around at some of the stores, get a late dinner at Panera Bread, and read magazines (and craft books, in her case) at Barnes and Noble. No matter what, we always have a good time, laughing tons and basically acting ridiculous. 

Yesterday I woke up early to head to my hair appointment. The salon is 45 minutes away, but it’s worth it. I’ve loved Ashley since I first went to her back in 2008. She is worth the trek and the money. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my hair, but when I took it out of the ponytail, she gushed at the length. She’s only known me with hair no longer than chin-length, so she encouraged me to keep growing and gave me some shape and bangs ( I’ve missed bangs!). I was getting bored and insecure with my hair, but I forgot that I haven’t had a good haircut since I went to her last March. I’ve only gotten a trim since then and it was from an older woman and at a crappy place because I was desperate for a bang trim, which she didn’t actually give me anyway. Let that be a lesson…never stoop, just go for the goods.

I experience a new first in my life. SNOW TUBING. We listen to the radio at work all day long, and they’ve been advertising it like crazy so I randomly mentioned it to my friends. Next thing you know, we’re setting up a date on Facebook to go for it. I was super nervous, like when you go on a rollercoaster for the first time, but, like with the rollercoaster, I fell in love and kept going back for more. I will definitely try to go back and do it again before the winter season is over. But this time, I’ll make sure I don’t hurt my tailbone and I’ll load up on extra pairs of socks.

As for today, I’ll be lounging in my room, playing mellow music and looking at blogs and eventually going to Joe’s to watch Lost and finish up the 3rd season. I’ve given up on the prospect of us actually catching up in time for the new season (FEB 2nd!!!), but at least I’ve seen them all anyways. I just wanted a refresher. Man, I love that show.

Part of me is wishing I had my own place in a city somewhere. I’d love to bundle up and walk the streets, eventually stopping in some cafe to have a cup of coffee and read a book or something. One day.

It’s da freakin’ weekend.

Tomorrow promises to be good old-fashioned fun with a friend I hardly ever see anymore. Hopefully, the weekend as a whole will prove to be fun and relaxing at the same time.

So tonight, I’m staying in, watching a movie (or two), eating turkey leftovers, and relaxing. It’s been a strange and busy week.

Don’t of the Week –5/18

I wonder if I will always be starting with a don’t…

My don’t this week seems fairly simple but it’s easier said then done:
DO NOT STRESS OUT!

I am a huge worrywart and stresser-outter and I must say, it is not a good way to be. I mean, I am about to embark on the rest of my life, and it’s very exciting. However, I find myself stuck in more drama in the last two days than I have been in the last two months at school. Perhaps I am blowing things out of proportion considering I’m in this strange emotional/mental state. But…no matter what, I’m encouraging all of you to take a breather!

I don’t know about you, but I tend to carry the woes of others on my shoulder. I got it from my mom. We care about and love our friends and we don’t want anyone to be upset. But we tend to act like therapists when we aren’t strong enough ourselves and start carrying everyone else’s problems around on top of our own.

If you do this, or if you do anything that hinders you from having a wonderful time no matter what you are doing, then I am urging you to take a break. We will always find something to worry or stress about, and we will do so. It’s only natural. But if you can do anything for a little bit such as:

• Lay outside and soak in the sunshine with your headphones
• Cook or eat one of your favorite meals
• Hug your mom, dad, sister, boyfriend, puppy, stuffed animal, pillow…
• Watch a TV show on Hulu
• Take a nap
• Take a ride to a playground and sit on the swings for a bit
• Cry, Scream, Laugh

then please…do it! It is my birthday and I am overloaded with things to think about. But I’m going to get some Chinese, maybe a fruity drink or two, and relax with some great friends.

Remember to be a little selfish sometimes. Your good friends will still be there when you’re done. Your family will always be there. And there will be more worries another day that you’ll avoid as well.

Take it easy, folks :)

And in the words of Hot Chip: “Don't want all this cold cold shit,
throw off your shirt and let's get hot hot hot.”

Image from Flickr