These people. This place. This life. I’m a fan.
Ocean Beach
Big Sur
“No man should go through life without once experiencing healthy, even bored solitude in the wilderness, finding himself depending solely on himself and thereby learning his true and hidden strength.” -Jack Kerouac
Join me for tea?
It’s been a hot minute since you and I sat down for a bevvie together. Last time might’ve been this post two years back. We’re long overdue. My apologies, but soy milk is all I can offer you with this classy Folgers brew. Better yet, let’s just have tea. How cute is my teapot?
You might be wondering about my S mug. What does the S stand for, you ask? My initials are MMG, so your guess is as good as mine. I bought it from UO as a secret santa gift and it arrived a couple days before said party in about 768 pieces, so they sent me a new one for free but it was too late. So now I have an S mug. My roommates and I brainstormed some names for it. ‘Swag,’ ‘shwasted’ and ‘shit’ were all on the list. Should I paint on the rest of the letters or let it continue on ambiguously?
How’s 2015 treating you so far? I feel conflicted lately. I have so many ideas, plans, goals and projects and they all seem to contradict each other. I don’t want to sit still or settle. I have about five trips brewing in my brain for the upcoming months, and then there are the big, time-consuming projects I’d love to start–but that requires patience and concentration. I’d also love to start training for long distance races again after successfully finishing that 15k on Sunday, but that means carving out precious weekend time for running and skipping happy hour/spontaneous ramen excursions during the week. I’m pretty scattered– I started reading two books at the same time even though that never works out for me. Have you read any good books lately?
Are you shivering? I know my apartment is freezing. It’s approximately 22 degrees colder in here than it is outside. Ziggy scratches on the balcony door every morning so she can sunbathe out there. Don’t worry though, I just ordered a space heater. I think Ziggy’s happier than she’s ever been, despite the frigid temps in here. My roomies spoil her like crazy. Lately I’ve had more people than ever before demand to know her breed so they can get one just like her. Her birthday is coming up and so is my roommate’s. They’re having a joint birthday party–I told you she’s spoiled. Want to come? Should be a good time. My dog knows how to party.
How’s the job going? Do you see yourself there long term? Have you figured out your dream yet? It’s hard work dreaming big, especially when the dream is scattered in all directions. I admire those people who know right off the bat what they want and have plenty time to go after it. What about us late bloomers, eh? Really, though, this is a pretty exciting time. Finally having a little stability, a rewarding and, dare I say it, fun work environment to be a part of every day is a new and wonderful thing for me. Now that I don’t have to immediately start working a second job after the first one is over, I feel like taking on the world. Maybe this insatiable need to stay on the move is really my version of making up for lost time. I guess my main goal right now is to be content with where I am personally, professionally, geographically and to have a damn blast while I’m at it before I go stretching myself too thin reaching for that next step again.
Twenty-five is a tricky time because my friends are all divided. Some of them are married and getting knocked up, most of them are engaged or at least cohabiting with a sig-othe, some of them are worried about the fact that they’re not doing either of the previous things, and me? I’m just trying to make sure I can pay rent and afford concert tickets/bar tabs/accidental Target hauls. My love life? Yea, we could have a whole other coffee cocktail date dedicated just to that topic. Do tell me about yours instead.
Care for some more tea? No? Fine, but next time you’re helping me finish those bottles of champagne left over from New Year’s. Then we can get into all the juicy stuff. Thanks for catching up with me. Let’s do it again soon. xo
Read Lately
These are the books I managed to read in the last six months or so and just a few words on each. I personally love receiving book recommendations, so these kinds of posts make me happy to read but I find them rather difficult to write. Let me know if you have any must-reads I should add to my list, and see my last book roundup here if you are so inclined. Oh, and add me on Goodreads–I’ve actually been updating it lately.
“Cat’s Cradle” – My mom is a long time fan of Vonnegut and this is my girl Emma’s all-time favorite book, so it’s silly it took me so long to get to. I enjoyed it a lot and I see why it’s a classic, but I also kind of think I need to read it several more times before I fully grasp its significance. The drawings and humor were on point, as expected, and having recently wandered into a Scientology church just out of curiosity, many themes in this book made me giggle.
“East of Eden” – I was intimidated by this large book at first, but within a couple chapters I was entranced. There is so much happening in this story and Steinbeck’s ability to portray the good and evil all people/characters are capable of is truly impressive. I might also be in love with all the descriptions of Northern California over the span of many years (mostly the beginning of the twentieth century). It’s incredibly interesting, but be warned: it’s not the most uplifting story there ever was.
“What It Is” – Lynda Barry is a boss. I picked up this book at a store in San Francisco and even after flipping through it, reading the front cover and staring at it, I had no idea what it was about or why, so naturally I bought it. It has writing prompts, comics and the coolest collages I’ve ever seen. All I knew was that it inspired me and I needed it. I now display it proudly and have already turned several people onto Barry’s work (she also wrote “100 Demons”).
“#GIRLBOSS” – I think everyone and their mom in Blogland has read/talked about/at least seen the cover of this one. I read it in, like, a day and it was pretty motivational. It’s the highly unusual and awesome success story of Nasty Gal’s Sophia Amoruso. I love a girl boss any day, so I ate it up. Grab it for a quick, inspiring story that might just give you lost 20-somethings hope.
“Looking for Alaska” – This is the author of “The Fault in Our Stars,” John Green’s first young adult novel and it’s pretty fantastic. It’s the story of a misfit high school boy who’s obsessed with famous last words and goes off to boarding school to “seek the Great Perhaps” and finds perhaps more than he bargained for. I’m still a huge fan of John Green and I will eventually read everything he has written. I definitely recommend this one.
“Belzhar” – This story is strangely similar to “Looking for Alaska,” — boarding school, troubled kids, self-actualization and suspense. The suspense part really drew me in, but I didn’t connect with (or believe in) the characters nearly as much. I have since read another Meg Wolitzer book in which the character development was phenomenal, but that’s for the next book review roundup. The title is a play on Plath’s “The Bell Jar” (which also happens to be one of the first books I ever wrote about on this blog) and it was a quick, young adult read.
“The Catcher In The Rye” – I was never required to read this back in high school, so when my mom sent it to me in a book-care-package, I read it immediately. My roommates can attest to the exponential rise in my usage of the word “phony” while reading it. I loved this conflicted and emotionally effed teenager’s observations of life. If you haven’t read it yet and have strong feelings about phoniness on a daily basis like myself, I strongly recommend you read this one.
“One Hundred Demons” – I mentioned Lynda Barry above, and this book just solidified her status as my idol. Her demons–the memories that plague her–are sad, disturbing and freakishly real while also hilarious, perfectly illustrated and worded in the most effective, wonderful way. This one is a lot easier to follow than the previously mentioned one, and I think you should go buy it. Now.
“The Vacationers” – I sort of hated every character in this novel, with one very specific exception, but I still enjoyed the book (and let’s be real, I loved the cover). This is the story of a family’s 2-week vacation to Spain and all of the drama playing out in each of the characters’ lives while they attempt to stay in the same house and not rip each other’s heads off. Perhaps I sense a theme here, but if you’re interested in the good, bad, selfish and all-around human things each person’s story entails, check this book out.
What have you been reading lately? Are you looking for a book club type situation to get involved with? If so, click here and let my plucky BFF know. I’m beyond stoked to connect with bloggers over good books and cheap wine.
Taking risks
Hat: Urban Outfitters / Top: Chaser / Dress: Three Thirty Couture / Tights: Urban Outfitters / Booties: Target
You might recognize this beauty of a head piece from this post, and if you must know, I now own several pairs of those socks and at least one pair of those booties, too. I guess when you drag cute little images around in Photoshop long enough it puts you into a less-than-budget-conscious trance. Despite my obsession with this hat, the idea of it and the real life version, I’m terrified to wear it. In fact, everything about this outfit scares me: hat (I never wear hats unless it’s like 2 degrees out and there’s a giant pom on top, of course), tight skirt (I generally try not to draw attention to the derriere), crop top (especially of the big armpit hole variety) and tights (they’re the softest, warmest, heavenliest tights I’ve ever owned.. might just be the game changer).
I’m not so sure what it is about clothing that scares me–maybe it’s another form of pigmalabiaphobia. Clothing can be a pretty powerful tool though. A kickass dress or perfectly fitting jeans can give me the biggest confidence boost, while the tiniest stain on a white shirt can turn me into a crumpled pile of embarrassment the moment someone dares to look my way. But why should something I constantly admire on other people, like hats, croptops or big donks in tight skirts, make me self conscious? It shouldn’t. Just like taking my car to the mechanic or asking a sales associate where the canned coconut milk is shouldn’t.
I’m not going to let it. I’ve taken more risks in the past two years than the 23 previous ones combined, and I’m not stopping now. No more doubting the bright red lips or the rad hat or my competency at the carwash. I’m capable. You’re capable. We got this.
Now I just have to venture out beyond my balcony..
Linking up here.
Weekend Things
I survived my first 15K of 2015! I say that as a joke, but really I had no idea what was going to happen. I used to do crazy things like wake up before 10am on Saturdays to do ridiculously long (and often treacherous) runs for some “marathon” I was training for. Not only did those runs never add up to a real life marathon, but I also hadn’t woken up before 10am on a weekend for anything except mimosas and bacon bloody Marys in at least 6 months. Probably more. I have no concept of time anymore. The point is, it had been a long time and the only sort of training I bothered to do pretty much all took place last week. Due to these lazy circumstances, the following results were greeted with happy, encouraging disbelief.
I think we can safely say it was due to the fabulous (and fancy looking) pasta/chicken dinner my lady friends and I prepared Saturday night in preparation. We enjoyed hot chocolate and marshmallows at the finish line and I celebrated afterward with champagne and a doggie date. Now, despite severe lactic acid buildup, I’m ready to sign up for my next race. Who’s with me?
Napa
Just a few snapshots from my day and a half in Napa last weekend. I stayed on this gorgeous vineyard and played games with a bunch of rad people. I hope your weekend is going well. I’m going to need some good vibes to help me finish my 15K tomorrow. Wish me luck, friends!
New Year’s in Tahoe
I’m back! It’s 2015 and I finally stopped adventuring long enough to upload a bajillion photos and reflect on all the things that went down in the past few weeks. Let’s start with the view from the window in our Tahoe cabin, shall we?
I said “cabin,” but what I really meant was “70s-swinger-pad.” This three-story house had alpaca fur wall hangings depicting everything from llamas to cats riding bears. There were many a decorative cat painting, and ginormous rocks adorned the basement hallway. My favorite parts, however, were the sex mirrors at each room’s headboard and the secret passageway (slash peeping Tom door?) that swung open from the bathroom mirror to the laundry room.
Here’s the balcony from the third story (which you climbed a spiral staircase to get to) dusted with perfect powdery snow. After I got over the initial panic that comes along with being a Florida-born-and-raised person in an SUV driving on icy roads for the first time ever, I got all giddy and high-pitched about all the fluffy white stuff.
Here’s the view from the front door. It wasn’t long before Betty the Blazer was covered in frost/sand and the windshield was disgusting due to the windshield wiper fluid freezing.
You can’t tell, but there’s a big ole pom on the top of this hat. I think that’s why I bought it.
I set out to go snowboarding for the first time on New Year’s Eve. I had never been skiing or sledding or snowshoeing for that matter, but I had to start somewhere. I bought all these warm weather clothing pieces in the children’s section. That red Columbia number was $15, which means it was cheaper than my beloved pom hat. Priorities, my friends.
This photo was taken after my semi-successful run down the baby slope and before I destroyed my freakishly long tailbone. I’m sitting on a pillow right now, over a week later, and that bitch is still throbbing. Turns out snowboarding might not be the best sport for humans with tails.
But that view though!
Once I thawed out and was safely back at the swinger pad, I put on my sequin skirt and a skimpy shirt because who wears warm clothes on NYE when it’s 15 degrees out? Panzies, that’s who.
We pregamed with fireball shots, champagne Quarters and beer before taking a bus to a house party with an indoor pool, sauna and hot tub. The highlight had to be when I jumped in the ridiculously cold pool and had to walk about a quarter of a mile uphill with ice hair because the limo (yes, limo–who am I?) that took us back to the swinger pad was afraid to drive up the hills. Who else can say they started 2015 with icicles in their hair?
My first 2015 hangover was spent laughing a lot over a late breakfast, taking in this view, sitting by the fireplace and drinking hot apple cider.
I also built a tiny snowman.
Found a ginormous icicle.
Played on the beach.
Made some beautiful new friends.
Admired ice sculptures.
And slid around on the frozen sand. Basically it was a fantastic way to ring in the new year. Shortly after leaving Tahoe, I packed up and headed for Napa, but that’s a story for a different post.
How was your New Year?
2014
One of my favorite things about blogging is the ability to go back and see exactly what happened throughout the year. If nothing else, this strange hobby of mine makes for a great way to document all the big, small, sad and happy moments. I thought I’d keep the year recap tradition going and do a month-by-month summary. Check out 2012 and 2013. Cheers to 2015!
JANUARY
January of 2014 was a totally new beginning for me as I went from a normal 40-hour-a-week office job to nannying (kind of) full time. I had never even changed a baby’s diaper, so I was a little terrified but some how I managed to keep the tiniest, cutest little Dude Baby in the universe happy for the majority of the year. Also this month Ziggy ate a bacon chocolate bar and I took shots out of a gold dinosaur. Oh, and I made the world’s most random vlog.
FEBRUARY
February saw sort of a breakup situation, a little deep thinking and the start of the #100happydays project. Oh, also I professed my love for eggs and Ziggy turned four!
MARCH
In March I reflected on my dating dealbreakers, got weird about the Bachelor and discussed the pros and cons of looking like a child. I also decided to have a dance party of one in my room after taste-testing this recipe a little too much.
APRIL
In April I flew to Florida for Easter family time where I got glasses for the first time, then I flew to LA with my girl Emma shortly after. I reflected on things I think we as a people should stop doing, really thought about the plot line of Beauty and the Beast and saw Dan Croll in concert.
MAY
As the end of my 12-month lease quickly approached, I started freaking out about my next move. I thought about why I don’t miss Florida, I speculated the true meanings of popular hashtags, dressed up as a dinosaur for Bay to Breakers and then freaked out some more.
JUNE
In June I went on my first camping trip where I summited Mt. Whitney and felt like a total and complete badass. See part I here and part II here. I did some visualization and lol’d over the awful songs in my iTunes library.
JULY
One of my oldest and best friends came to visit for the Fourth and we hiked Muir Woods, drank wine by Lake Merrit, had a near death experience thanks to Hinge and stand up paddleboarded at Lake Tahoe. Then I spent a truly ridiculous weekend on a houseboat and rounded out an awesome summer with some torturous apartment hunting.
AUGUST
August was nuts. My parents spent their anniversary and my dad’s birthday (which also happens to be the Dude Baby’s birthday) in California with me and totally saved me as they helped move me out of my apartment and celebrate my 25th birthday all while nannying, apartment-hunting and interviewing for jobs. It was a busy, exciting, stressful couple weeks there. I ended up moving in with my nanny family for a few weeks while I waited to hear back from jobs. I attended Outside Lands and landed a part-time job as a stylist for Stitch Fix, and then decided to take my sausage dog for a road trip to play with Jessi and Brooke in Portland (be sure to click “in Portland” for fun stories of accidental strip clubs and epic Portland hangovers). Then, at the end of the month, I found my apartment and moved in with my wonderful roommates. Whew. I’m tired just thinking about it.
SEPTEMBER
Soon after moving into the new place, we had a house warming party and I got offered a dreamy new job! I continued working both jobs for the next three-ish months (which limited my blogging and social-life time, but I enjoy a good challenge).
OCTOBER
I spent October getting to know my new home in Oakland on the weekends and bonding with my roomies. We checked out Oaktober fest, made lots of new friends and spent Halloween drinking greyhounds in less-than-thought-out costumes.
NOVEMBER
This month I went apple picking for the first time and even made my first apple pie with the apples I collected. I got to celebrate Friendsgiving as well as Thanksgiving with lovely friends. I even sat down long enough to rant about my series of unfortunate events on a random Thursday.
DECEMBER
December has been packed with hikes, a Smashing Pumpkins concert, the first rain storm I’ve experience in California, a trip home for Christmas and I’m about to go ring in the new year skiing (for the first time) in Tahoe — last year I spent New Year’s eating froyo and watching Grown Ups 2 with Ziggy.. I’d say it’s been a pretty damn good year.
Happy New Year, my friends! Be safe!
New Year’s Eve Jell-o Shots
My DIY rockstar of a sister outdid herself again (click here if you missed last time), except this time she did it with two of my favorite things: champagne and Jell-o. She agreed to share this encharming recipe with all of you.
Here’s what you need:
a bottle of champagne, a bottle of Sprite, a box of unflavored gelatin and plastic mini champagne glasses (the new year’s hats, headbands and beads are not necessary but highly recommended)
First heat 1 3/4 cups champagne and 1 1/4 cups Sprite on the stove bringing it to a boil. While it’s heating up, add one box (four packets) of unflavored gelatin to one cup of cold champagne and let sit for one minute. Add the boiling bubbly goodness to the cold gelatin goodness and stir until it dissolves (add three tablespoons of sugar if you’re in the habit of only buying diet sodas like we are). Pour the mixture evenly into the plastic martini glasses and store in the fridge for several hours. When the shots are jelly-fied, you’re ready to get ghost-faced wasted in honor of the new year.
Who’s making these tonight? Happy New Year, friends!
