Readers Are Leaders?

The other day, I came to a sad, scary realization.

I don't read much any more.  I'm not sure when, exactly, this happened.  Back when I was a child, I loved to read.  At one point, I read around a book a day (granted, junior high reading level books, but still).  I think it might have initially dropped off back in high school, or maybe college (because I had a lot of required reading then, so I wouldn't pick up a book for fun, because I would think of what I should be reading instead).

However, in the early days of adulthood, I picked it back up a little, where I probably got in one book a month.  I used to read pretty regularly on the train at one point.  However, as of lately, I've been (shamefully) playing on my smartphone and working from home a lot, so my train reading time has been cut down.  Right now I'd pull out the excuse of 'I've been so busy', but a) I really hate it when people say that, b) ultimately, we always make time for our priorities, and c) in spite of my busyness, there's probably plenty of random crap I waste my time on.

Anyhow, as I sat down with a good magazine about a week ago, I came to another scary realization.  I'm out of 'reading shape'.  Now, don't get me wrong - it's not as if I COULDN'T read, it's that I had trouble getting into it, my mind quickly wandered, etc.  I figured this was kind of like running - people who do it regularly enjoy it, but people who do not struggle with it because they're not conditioned for it, if you will.  This could partially be why, when I have downtime, I don't typically reach for a book or magazine.

I could throw in the towel here and accept being a non-reader, but a) I have a lot of good books left on my shelf that need to be read and b) I don't like that idea.  So, I'm making a conscious effort to get back into reading.  I've made a goal to read for half an hour every day.  The first couple times were a little awkward (like the first couple training runs I went on), but I think I've found my groove and I'm generally enjoying it once again.  This makes me think of the potential comparison of how, over time, we can fall out of love with things for which we once cared deeply.  Reading and I have, metaphorically speaking, grown apart.  However, I'm honestly surprised at how quickly my love for it is coming back.

Does anyone else out there notice he or she has 'grown apart' from reading (especially with the presence of things like smartphones/ipads/facebook/etc.)?  Is anyone else perturbed and trying to make a conscious effort to 'get it back'?

It's Coming....

So, I am knocking on the door of 30.

Now, last year, I made an executive decision to not make a big deal of my birthday.  I had a nice dinner with two girlfriends, but otherwise, there was no major celebration.

Anyhow.  This year I'm going to do something big.  I want it to be casual and comfortable.  I want it to be easy for people to come and go as they please.  I want it to be inexpensive and chill.  I can't quite have people over, because my apartment is too small.  So I'm thinking of doing a local bar or restaurant.     Any suggestions?  What did you all do for your 30th?  Are there any cheap yet-still-decent bar rentals in Chicago?  What do you think I should do?

A Picture's Worth a 1000 Words

This is the caricaturist's interpretation of me.

He nailed the bangs, forehead, fingernails, and earrings.  Oh, and glass of wine.

Time for a Seinfeld Quote

According to most studies, people's number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you're better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.”

This weekend, there will be some Jaime public speaking.  If there's public documentation and it's not too horrible, I'll provide it afterward.  When I was younger, I would have TOTALLY freaked out about something like this.  Now, at this older, wiser, more confident place - I'm only quasi-freaking out.

Shoe Time!

Hello, lover!

I got these shoes at Zigi in New York.  Well, I'm saying 'these shoes', but there's only one in the picture.  You can safely assume he has a counterpart.  They are oxford style shoes, which are apparently big for fall.

This brings me to a point, which I'll get more into later - everything old is new again.  Isn't it crazy how fashion cycles like the seasons?  Oxford shoes are popular, flare jeans seem to have gone out of style, again, and skinny jeans are the thing now, like they were around a decade or so ago?  It makes me think I should never give anything away.  It'll just come back in style and have that extra 'vintage' glow.

I am also looking for a version of this baby in black & white.  Please advise if you know where I can find this future friend.

Struggling Blogger

So, as my (now few) loyal readers might have noticed, this blog is struggling.  Or perhaps, this blogger is struggling.  There has not been much posting lately.  This problem has been a bit consistent over time.

I'd like to blame life having gotten busy (which is true), but a) I have always been somewhat busy and b) we always cover our priorities.

Another issue that comes to mind is that I've been struggling to find material.  Some topics I used to write about I've lost interest in (politics), others I feel I've exhausted (dating).

It's not that this blog isn't a priority to me, and it's not that I don't care about it any more.  The best thing I can say to explain this situation is it's as if my blog and I are an old married couple that have hit a rough patch.  I still love my blog.  I still want it to continue.  But for some reason, the feeling I once had for it - the excitement - seems to be lost.

I would like to continue my relationship with my blog.  I hope to get it back.  An honest question, other bloggers - have you struggled in such a way?  What did you do to combat it?  Did you abandon ship/blogging?  I am not sure the average shelf-life of a blog, but I know it is probably shorter than this blog has lasted. Did you come back from a rough patch?  Your thoughts?

Shopping in the Juniors' Section

I just had a 'huh?' moment.

I was anticipating the Nordstrom anniversary sale (can you blame me), when I came to a crazy realization.  I shop in the juniors' section.

Not that there's anything wrong with this, necessarily, but I'm 29 years old.  When will I, you know, shop in the women's section?  I should think that, in theory, I'm there.... When is one too old for the juniors' section?

Do any of my dear readers also shop in the juniors' section?  Is this slang for something dirty that I don't know about?  Do you fellow twenty-something women shop in the juniors' section?  Should I graduate and move on? 

My Personality, Per OKCupid

According to OKCupid and, well, the questions I answered - here is my personality:



Less geeky?

Other than that - your thoughts?  Accurate?  Not so much? 

Yes, jury, I answered a ridiculous amount of questions.

Coffee Withdrawals

So, for reasons, ahem, better left unsaid, a doctor told me recently to cut back on my coffee intake.

I was in his office discussing, ahem, personal concerns.

"Let me ask you this," he said.  "How much caffeine do you drink?"

"Umm.  A lot.  Probably more than I should."

"How much is a lot?"

"Umm, around 4-5 cups of coffee a day."  (Approximately two pops a day omitted - I was going to mention them, but his eyes already got huge with shock.)

"That amount of caffeine wouldn't be good for anyone," he said very seriously.

He wants me to cut back to 1-2 cups a day.  I am right now working down to 3.  Baby steps.

I rand this by a facebook audience.  Some were equally appalled by my intake.  Others said 'pssh, I drink that much, screw the doc.'

I am in the process of trying to listen to my doctor.  What are your thoughts?  Do any of my fellow readers drink this much Joe?  Anyone have any good tips on getting off the caffeine addiction?  Every day I'm dragging by 9pm and falling asleep on the couch.  I don't have to wake up early for work, so I don't, in general.  So I am very well-rested and exhausted and dragging, all at the same time.

Anyone else struggle with vices?

Spelling Bees & Childhood Trauma

So the other day, I was talking to someone about another person who is going through a rough time, but he is a quiet person who is not overly emotional, so it is getting forgotten.  Now, I immediately feel for this person because I am not necessarily vocal about my emotions.

This reminded me of a personal experience.  I was in the fourth grade.  I was one of two representatives for my class for the spelling bee.  I will protect the not-so-innocent and not mention anyone in this story by name, despite the fact that I really, really want to.  I can only imagine this other individual doing a quick google search of himself and seeing himself exposed for this not-so-shining moment.... Anyhow.

In short, both the other representative and I got eliminated and did not go on to win the bee.  I held it together like the mature composed serious young woman that I was.  This other individual did not.  I remember lots of crying (we're talking hysterical sobs) and the rest of the afternoon was dedicated to making this individual feel better.  We all got homework (myself included) to do something to make him feel better the next day (make a poster, bring in a snack, etc.).

The next day we had a huge party for him.  There were banners, there were balloons, there cookies galore!  I remember there was one tiny sign that said 'Good work, Jaime!' - I guess someone remembered I'd participated in the bee as well.  I remember thinking this was largely unfair.  It wasn't that I wanted this big fest for my own swing-and-a-miss, or even that I was upset about not winning.  And, what about all the other students in the class (who didn't even qualify for the spelling bee in the first place)?  Weren't we all equally failures?  How come the one person who was being all loud and emotional was getting all the attention and celebration?

I know they say 'the squeaky wheel gets the oil', but is that really fair in life?  I can't help but think that sometimes people like me, who aren't overtly emotional, at times have their feelings forgotten.  Is anyone else out there like me and feel this way?  Has anyone else had a similar experience of being forgotten because he or she was not throwing a hissy fit? I know I've had some friends say to be more vocal about my emotions at times, but it's just not my nature.  Your thoughts?  

Officially An Adult?

I remember seeing a facebook friend post something about officially feeling like an adult on the day she received a poinsettia as a gift from a student.  It wasn't when she graduated college, got engaged, got a job, bought a house, moved in with her significant other, got married, or got pregnant, but rather, the moment when she received this gift that she officially felt like an adult. 

I had a similar moment when I voluntarily prepared brussels sprouts as part of a meal.  At the time I was 28, had been living alone for several years and was financially independent.  But yet, this random moment hit me.  

How about you?  What was your 'holy shit, I'm an adult' moment?  I firmly believe this is something that sneaks up on you - it's not in one profound moment (a college graduation, a first day of work, etc.), but rather, etched into the details of daily life.   What was your moment?

Quite The Award

And I will wear this with pride.

Putting A Goal Down In Writing

So, the other day, I was having a conversation with someone where it was addressed that it helps to publicly tell people about a goal as a means of a) being more committed to it and b) having others help keep one in check and lend support.

Anyhow.  With no further ado.

One of my goals is to have a good side tilt.  It's a dance move.  It's pictured above.  Mine right now is REALLY not good.  Especially for my flexibility.  I know this is something that is going to take time, training, and patience.  The main reason I don't have it is I haven't put the time into training it yet.  And, as an adult, sometimes it's easy to just let these things go and accept defeat on some things.

Hence, me creating this blog post.  My goal is to, by the end of October/early November, have a side tilt much like this dude in this picture.   I will post an 'after' photo.  The before picture is too embarrassing.

Please help keep me in check, dear readers.

New Workspace

So as quite a few of my readers know, I now have a job that allows me to work from home at times.  Well, I can't go back to the farm after having been to Paris, let me tell you.  This is the best thing ever.

Anyhow.  Most of my work has happened from bed on these days, let me tell you.  It made me realize something important.  I need an actual workspace in my apt.  I mean, I have one right now, but it's not, well, serious.   It's kind of like the 'fireplace' in my apt.  For display, but can't actually be used.

Anyhow.  I decided to create a new workspace within my confines.

Here is the before (of both parts of my apartment):

And the after:

When I first set up my apartment, I displayed my diploma over my desk.  It seemed like the thing to do.  Like, the appropriate setting for it.  As I moved my desk over, I thought about moving my diploma with to give the area the right 'feng shui' if you will.  However, I kind of felt like, inadvertently, my desk ended up having the perfect picture framing the area to begin with.  I think we all know this pic says 'I am read for the workday'.

Your thoughts?

File That Under....

This e-card was picked because I often times say 'file that under'.  And get mocked for it.  I am not alone.  There is at least one other person who employs this expression.  And he or she does work for someecards.

Birthdays, etc.

So, as my most loyal followers know, I have a birthday coming up.  Every year, I end up doing something big for it (and by something big, I mean dinner and drinks with friends).

I love seeing all my friends, and I especially love the fact that they made the time to come out and celebrate my birthday with me.  I know some of my friends who lead busy lives (and that busyness does not involve hitting up the bar scene) have commented that they like having a reason to have a night out on the town.

However, there are a couple caveats:

1)  I have several different groups of friends (work friends, chicago friends, high school friends, college friends, etc.).  I'm not trying to sound popular, I swear.  But, the issue at hand is moreso that I need to make sure everyone has someone to talk to or is seated by someone he or she knows.  What if only one person shows up from one group of friends, and I'm way at the other end of the table?  Is he or she not going to have anyone to talk to?  The night is going to suck for him/her if that's the case!  Stressful.

2)  I need to make a point of making sure I make the rounds and talk to everyone.  These people made a point to come out and see me for my birthday.  However, this can be difficult and stressful - weaving in and out of conversations at the right time, splitting time evenly with people, etc.  Stressful!

3) Aside from all this, there's the whole 'picking a place that's easy for people to get to/not too expensive/still nice', making sure to invite everyone, making sure no one is accidentally not invited/consequently offended, yadda yadda yadda....

Anyhow - on one hand, a small part of me feels a little bit silly throwing myself a birthday party as an adult.  However, another part of me doesn't care because it's fun for me, and I know most of my friends have said that they like having an excuse to get out and that they have fun at my birthday celebration (so pssshhh to any judgers).   It seems as though, these days, one needs an excuse to get out and party.

So what should I do this year?  Should I plan a dinner/night at a bar like I have the past?   I've thought it would be easier/less stressful to have people over and make some appetizers, but my little chicago apartment is very small.    What is the best plan for my birthday this year?   Your thoughts?  Dear readers - anyone who plans on coming out to celebrate - what do you want to do?  What's a good/lowkey/inexpensive/low pressure/fun plan?!

Sad Times

File this one under 'things change'.  Rough.  I will miss your blue awnings.  You are, in my heart, a permanent fixture of wrigleyville, Tropico.

A Whitney Houston Tribute

Whitney will always hold a special place in my heart as a child of the '80s who grew up a dancer.  I learned choreography to many of her songs.  Senior year of high school I choreographed a dance to 'One Moment In Time'.  She's part of childhood memories for me.  I'll miss you, Whitney.  You're yet another example of how, on many occasions, bad things get the better of good people.

This is my favorite Whitney song.  It perfectly embodies the time that it is from.  :-)  And, as an angsty teeny-bopper girl, I could totally relate to this song.

Nail Art

What is that on my hands, you ask?  Too much time, perhaps?

Oh no - it's nail art.  I think I spoke on this matter before - back in high school - I did ladybugs, butterflies, etc.  I need to get back into practice (back into shape, if you will).  This is a good starting point.

What are your thoughts on nail art?  Like?  Dislike?  Am I outside the age limit?  Do I care?

Nail Preferences

I have to admit, I'm becoming more conservative in my 'advancing age', if you will.  In my nail polish color choices, that is.  I used to be all about the red and pink when I was really young.  Then I got into the blues and greens (hey, it was the late '90s).  I also stopped by nail art.  I might revisit that again soon.

Anyhow.  Right now, my two favorite colors are right here.

Beige and gray.  Well.  According to OPI, I believe they are 'Don't Feed the Hand Models' and 'Break a Leg Warmer'.  Anyhow.  What I know is I love them both.  A ton.  I'm really getting into the gray and beige families these days.  But don't worry.  It's not a permanent change.  Next week I'm (hopefully) planning for some nail art to mix things up a bit.  Variety is the spice of life.