Firsts

Posted on by
Reply

I have been experiencing a lot of firsts lately, as well as a lot of lasts.  Because the later is a bit scary and sad, I am focusing on the new and exciting.

This is the first time in my life where I do not have an assignment looming in the future.  As of now, I will never have another paper to write, another test to take, another timed essay to dedicate my time to.  I am full-fledged in the workforce.

This is the first time where I am making huge future plans without something else going on. When I applied to graduate school, I was still in undergrad.  When I applied to college, I was still in high school.  As I am applying for jobs, I have my part-time job and that is it!

This is the first time I am actively applying for jobs outside the librarianship profession.

This is the first time that I am spending substantial time alone.  I spend most days writing and blogging as well as job hunting.  The times I see others are at work or when I am running errands.  I, however, am loving the time for introspection.

This is the first time that I am letting myself free from what everyone else thinks.  So what if I don’t have a full time job.  So what if my dreams have shifted.  I am happy.  Beyond happy.  For the first time, I know, no matter what, I am going to be okay.

Summer Reading Problems

Posted on by
Reply

At the beginning of the month, I stated how I was reading Bringing up Bebe as my book of the month.  I started reading it right away, bringing it along with me on the bus, sitting outside of Starbucks reading with an afternoon latte, and was getting into it.  I got about a quarter of the way through, then I stopped.

Why?  Well, it seems that being a quarter of the way through books is the new “thing” going on in my life.  I am currently one-fourth through five different books.  Yes, five.  And I have started them all within the past month.

Part of the reason for not finishing books has been the fact that I have been pretty busy.  You know, that whole graduating thing threw a wrench in my plans.  However, I have just been excited about so many new books, that I start them thinking I’ll breeze through it, then get caught up in a new title.  So, this weekend, I am going to stick to my guns and read through the five books I have started to try and complete them all.  Part of the reason is that I have blog post ideas about two of the books I am reading, another part is that I have the book for June picked out and have to start on that one right away!  My goodness, who would’ve thought one of my favorite activities would become quite stressful!

A Must Read

Posted on by
Reply

I found this article linked via College Prep yesterday and felt the need to also share.

Marina Keegan wrote her farewell piece for the Yale Daily News prior to her graduation.  She discusses the comfort that the Yale campus held, her awareness of the campus’ beauty and grace, and the feeling of never being alone while on campus.  She describes the college situation for anyone who attends a liberal arts college or university where you live on campus, and even though my college graduation was two years ago, her message is still striking to my own life at this point.

Sadly, Keegan was killed in a car accident this past Saturday.  Her prose is what remains from her life, but I know the words she wrote will remain in your life long after you’ve read them.

The Smell of Summer

Posted on by
Reply

I am all about having a “signature” scent.   I switch between a few different perfumes, depending on my mood.  While I have been in love with some for years, I am switching it up this summer.  I am not wearing perfumes or body spray during the summer months.

What’s the reason for this change?  There are a few, really.  I’m finding it unnecessary to spray on perfume when I’ll be putting on sunscreen before going to the pool or running errands to Target.  Instead, I am opting for a signature scent from my new favorite lotion.

Thanks to Sarah from Belle on Heels and my good friend Paris, I am in LOVE with Bodycology‘s White Gardenia scent.  I’ve been applying the body lotion to my arms and pulse points for a light and summer scent.  Plus, it is much more inexpensive than a bottle of perfume from the department store.  I spent a whopping $2 each on the smaller bottles of lotion and body spray in the travel section of Target.  I figured that should get me through summer, but there are larger sizes available as well.

Do you have a favorite scent that you swear by or do you mix it up?

In Love With Rob Delany

Posted on by
Reply

I just recently started following Rob Delany on Twitter.  Obviously, I should have been following him much earlier.

I’m sharing two of my favorite things about Rob.  First, he is a feminist.  Hey,  it’s true.  Men can be feminists AND feminists can be funny.  What?  Really?  Yes, it is true.  Second, he is living with a mental illness, and he speaks out about the issues that face people with mental issues.

Thank goodness that he is hilarious and can say the most perfect things.

Below, see his appearance on the Mental Illness Happy Hour podcast!

Memorial Day Weekend

Posted on by
Reply

Samuel and I had an absolutely lovely Memorial Day weekend full of beer, sunshine, and happy memories.

Friday, Sam got into town and we grabbed a beer, watched last week’s SNL and laughed until our stomachs hurt.  I never realized how hilarious Mick Jagger is nor did I realize how sad I would be when Kristen Wiig would leave the show.

Saturday, we skipped our proposed plans to go to the farmer’s market and see the capitol to laze around in the morning.  We had breakfast, watched crappy Saturday morning television, and decided what our day would be.  Sam and I grabbed lunch at Laredo’s then hopped over to Middleton to embark on the Capital Brewery tour.

For five dollars, you get three different three ounce pours of the beer along with a collectable glass AND the tour.  Isn’t that a great deal?

Sam and I started our adventure by tasting three of the beers.  I had the Capital Radler, Supper Club, and the Wisconsin Amber.  I ended up getting a mug of the Island Wheat to take along on the tour as well.

The tour was informational about the beer making process, of course, but I thought the history of the brewery itself was more entertaining.  I loved hearing about the partnership between Capital and Point Brewery, as well as the story behind the brewery’s beginning.

Of course, the best parts were enjoying the beer and spending some quality time with Sam.  We’re going to have to start our own brewing process quickly.

We were even allowed behind the bar to get a photo.  Such a wonderful activity for a sunny summer day!  Even though it started to sprinkle at the end of our time in Middleton, it was an enjoyable day.

Later that evening, after dinner at the apartment and an epic nap, we went to Orange Leaf for some delicious frozen yogurt.  Sam was not sold until we got to the store and he realized what a selection of flavors and toppings there were.  I think I converted him into a lover.

Sunday, we opted out of Brat Fest to head to Monona (yes, we spent a lot of time in the ‘burbs) to the only public pool open for Memorial Day weekend.  With temperatures breaking ninety degrees, it was an easy choice to head to the pool for some sun and cold water.  Although the place was packed, it was enjoyable.  I got some sun and reading in, while Sam caught up on Twitter on his iPhone.  We did have some crazy fun in the water and I went down the waterslide.  Such a good day.

Beyond the pool, we came home, invited friends over, and grilled out some brats.  Such an enjoyable ending to a fantastic weekend.

Even though I had time off, I did remember all of the veterans and soldiers currently fighting for my freedom.  I hope you all did the same.