Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Going Grocery Shopping

I journeyed to Trader Joe's today and stocked up on all the essentials. This is critical because I have been subsisting on granola, peanut butter,  and oranges for the past couple of days.

And it cheered me because I found out earlier in the day that I did not get an internship I had recently interviewed for. But these things happen! The beat goes on.

The grocery store is a magical place. Walking the asiles and looking at all of the fresh vegetables and ripe fruit is awe inspiring. I love the grocery store because it offers unbounded potential. That is - if you know how to cook.

I am still working on that part. I never learned to love cooking. My aunt adores cooking. For her, making a meal is a creative act that reflects who she is. I think a good cook is just as inventive as any visual or performing artist. They dazzle a different sense, that of taste and smell.

Living on my own has taught me the value of being able to make yourself a tasty, warm meal full of protein. I've gotten pretty good at making omelets, stir fry, pasta, pizza (real treat), salmon.

Though it is smaller than a Ralphs or Pavilions, Trader Joe's still offers a staggering amount of choices.

So many cereals. Such an array of cereal choices caused me to not pick any of them. Irony. Recommended book of the week - The Paradox of Choice: Why More is Less by Barry Schwartz.

Monday, January 30, 2012

Feeling Flu Symptoms Disappear


Since I spent last week wiping my nose and coughing up gunk, today felt amazing. I finally feel like this horrible flu is going away. You don't realize how much you appreciate your health until it is gone and you get it back.

I did not have to carry a roll of toilet paper (the cheap kind of tissue) with me to class.

I did not live my day at home in a robe.

My voice is sounding more normal.

Breathing is easier.

I have more energy!

I could do a dance if I wanted. I could run around in circles. I could play leap frog. You name the physical activity and I could do it! Badminton!? Sure!!

Let's party!

Today I'm thankful for my health.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Cuddling With My Roommate's Cat

Let me start by saying that I am a devout dog lover. Cats confuse me. But that doesn't mean I won't accept a cuddle when my roommates Siamese cat, Rocket, wants to spoon for a little.

I was laying on my back on the couch when the gray and white little creature jumped upon my chest and settled down for a nap. I continued typing on my laptop, working on my senior thesis.

Rocket dozed and I wrote. Sometimes, one of the best things in the world is an unexpected cuddle.  Animals want to feel loved too. They have their own set of feelings.

Rocket is a dashing little guy. He whines a lot. I heard that that is a typical Siamese characteristic. They talk to you.

Thank you, Rocket that that sweet little cuddle! You are such a dogcat.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Finding a Piece of Clothing You Forgot You Owned

Hello little wool sweater with the nice detailing! Where have you been hiding? At the bottom drawer of my bureau? Well, welcome back.

It's almost like Christmas/ Hanukkah come early. A few seconds before finding this nice sweater I effectively did not own it. If a piece of clothing remains unworn at the bottom of your chest, is it apart of your wardrobe?

Well, now it is. I immediately put it on and walked out the door. Almost instantly, I got that comment, "new sweater?"

Kind of...

I had never worn this piece before today. My Mom got it for me this past Christmas. I bet I thought it looked at little 'conservative.' A little too delicate.

But when I fished it out today I saw it with new eyes. I said, "I can work with this. Why not!" and threw it on.

Old, but new!

Friday, January 27, 2012

Watching "Jurassic Park"

There are some movies from my youth that still capture my heart.*** Among them is Steven Spielberg's "Jurassic Park." This is perhaps the best science fiction story ever told.

It is scary.

It is funny.

It is beautiful.

Those little raptors are so devious. How they so smart?!

I always die laughing when the long neck leaf eater blows snot on the nervous teenage girl.

Newman from Seinfeld is so gross and sad. You are selfish and try to steal dino DNA and then mess everything up and eventually die because a cute dino gets you. Classsssssic Newman.

Jeff Goldblum, you so funny. Too bad they changed your entire character for Jurassic Park II and took out all the funny. (P.S. so happy you have been cast as one of Rachel Berry's Dads on Glee)

The little boy is adorable. (He is old now and had a role in the Social Network -- whatwhat?)

Stay in the car, people!

If you don't move, a T-Rex can't see you.

*** I recently re-watched "Hook" featuring Robin Williams and was sorely disappointed. The only scene that stands the test of time is the imaginary feast. Delicious. Otherwise, rough justice.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Celebrating A Friend's 21st Birthday At an Age Inappropriate Destination

One should only turn 21 with a turkey leg in her hand and a field of men in armor on horses before her eyes. Lucky for my friend, that is exactly how she rang in the biggest birthday of them all. What a champ.

For my 21st, I threw a party at a friend's apartment. BORING***. But my buddy took the road less traveled and made everyone eat with their hands and wear paper crowns.  Though our Red Knight lost his battle against the Yellow Knight, everyone went home a winner. With bellies full of turkey leg and baked potatoes, we all crawled into the party bus and headed home, exhausted but giddy from our romp into MEDIEVAL TIMES.


*** Actually it was super fun. TAYDAY was a bit hit. Everyone is allowed to celebrate how they see fit. No judgement.