Getting the GiST of things

Posted on March 11, 2009 by Nora

Since Saturday, ironically after I decided I needed a break from blogging, it seems that every time I turned around, the universe was flipping me off as if to say, “not so fast, little lady, you’ve got to deal with this. And this. And this. AND THIS!” **None of which were things I wanted to deal with, and so today, I need to post about the GiST in my day. Clearly I can’t be the only person in the entire world having a rough day… I know this! And so, I just gotta GiST, as usual in no particular order!

1. Winning the Blogger Friend Award from Mandy at Knowing the Difference. Seriously, Mandy, you made my day. I was fortunate enough to be given Mandy as my Blog Valentine for the secret project back in February and I’m glad that I did! Her blog cracks me up, makes think, inspires me and she’s become another great friend.

2. Along the same lines, I won the 20 Something Biggest Loser Challenge Week! I rarely win anything in a random drawing type contest, so that’s pretty awesome. Thanks to Sarah & Rachel for putting 20 Something Biggest Loser together. It’s pushed me more than I thought it would which is sometimes all we need to keep our momentum going, right?

3. Getting my house spic-and-span clean last night. Rather than spend my night in front of the computer reading, I took the time to get in all the nooks, crannies and crevices. It’s a pretty awesome feeling.

4. Having to up my weight resistance at the gym. Subsequently realizing my workouts are going to take longer now since I’m no longer sore after my regular routine.

5. Irish coming over to see me after a long day at work, an even longer night at a networking event, making me smile and hugging me after my rough couple of days.

6. Darling, for being the best mother in the world. Her birthday is coming soon so I’m feeling a nostalgic post on the horizon.

7. Waking up to a cold yet sunny Wednesday morning… a sign that the week is half over.

8. Receiving tremendous support from all of my blog friends during my “break time,” and teaching myself that I can be more casual about posting.

9. Watching Step Up 2: The Streets. I love cheesy, teen-dancing type movies.

10. My younger brother stopped by on Sunday evening to drop off a present for me. He hugged me and kissed my forehead when he left, which is a rarity.

11. Having a super-awesome blog friend-turned-real life-friend who you can find here.

12. Taking the plunge (no, not that one!) and signing up for several grad school classes this summer. I think a countdown to graduation is in order.

**(Since I’ve had a few days to internalize, digest and deal with the ridiculous events of the last few days, I’m sure I’ll put together a funny post about all of it).

Break Time

Posted on March 6, 2009 by Nora

After Kyla Bea took her blog down for many valid, excellent reasons and after g-chatting with her about it, it got me thinking: how much time do I spend on the internet? How much time do I really need to spend on the internet? Answer #1: TOO MUCH. Answer #2: Maybe an hour a day?

Between my Blackberry which is chock full of constantly-keep-in-touch-with-people applications, my full Google Reader, Twitter, GMail and the fact that my fabulous boyfriend is a bit of a geek and is on his computer, well, 90% of the time, I have a hard time disconnecting. I know several of my other blog friends have posted about this phenomenon in the last few weeks all of us realizing we need to live our “Real Lives,” just as much as virtual ones.

I find myself reading blogs and commenting before I go to sleep because I want to continue to be a good blog friend, a good commenter and keep the networking going. I find that if my Google Reader is full I get stressed out. Marking “all as read,” makes me feel awful, so I tend to tackle my reader in groups of 10 blogs at a time.

I started disconnecting myself in giving up Facebook for Lent. Let me tell you this: withdrawal is a bitch. Yeah, I was a Facebook Addict and I’m not afraid to say it. I’m at my computer at least 75% of every workday so checking Facebook was as habitual to me as it is for me to drink insane amounts of water each day. Not good.

The first three days? I was itching to check Facebook. But I didn’t. I made it through the first five days and I didn’t even check it last Sunday even though I told myself I could. It feels damn good to not be addicted to status updates, who is dating (or not dating) who, and feeling upset or annoyed if people don’t comment back after I leave them my usual perky, upbeat comments. If I’m meant to know something, I’ll find out somehow, maybe by (gasp!) people taking the time to call me or email me. And as for my communication with my friends? I’ve been a better at making phone calls, sending them greeting cards and etc, just to reach out. I can be so old-fashioned sometimes.

LIBERATING.

The last two nights, I’ve ignored my Google Reader. Oh, I’m sure the posts are piling up with people needing advice, encouragement, support, laughter, etc etc. And I promise I’m there for you! But I can’t explain how great it is to not fall asleep with my laptop on my lap while trying to catch up, how nice it is to convince Irish to put down his laptop and talk to me about his day or simply cuddle while reading.

So, while I’m not giving up my blog, my blog friends (I’d be insane to do that!) and my reading/commenting time, I’ll be on hiatus for a few days. I need to disconnect from the computer and reconnect with the outdoors, my apartment, my camera, and the tangible things in my life.

I also plan to have at least one night a week where I turn my Crackberry completely off. I know, it sounds crazy, but the quiet and not being easily accessible is important.

I’ll be back in full force in no time.

And while I’m on a blogger vacay, feel free to leave me a a burning question you want me to answer about anything and everything. I promise I’ll answer when I return.

Hugs, Happy Friday, and Blog Love to all of you,

~ Nora

GiST, 19/365: Flowers

Posted on March 5, 2009 by Nora

1. Coming home from the gym and grocery store to find these waiting for me, from Irish (he bought the various colors and arranged them himself):

Flowers by Irish

2. Walking Jack, while wearing shorts in 50 something degree weather… in MARCH.

3. Having a clean kitchen.

4. Exciting weekend to look forward to.

5. Flowers, again, just because they are so beautiful

View from the top

GiST, 18/365 & Irish Saves the Day

Posted on March 4, 2009 by Nora

1. 60 degree weather.

2. Irish, who knows how to do handyman stuff I’ve never had to deal with.

3. A shower that has a clean drain and no longer backs up thanks to #2.

4. The smell of fresh baked cookies.

5. A phone call from a friend of Darling’s, calling to say hi and catch-up “because it’s been awhile.”

********************
Irish Saves the Day

Post-workout, post-dinner and clean-up, I decided it was finally time to wash the gym off my body. As of late my shower has been a tad slow to drain despite a whole bottle of Drain-O so I thought perhaps that the either a) this is an old apartment building so maybe the plumbing needs some work, b) the tub stopper appears to be stuck halfway closed at all times even though I tried to pull it off or c) there was a huge, huge clog that needed something more than Drain-O.

Warning, this section is kind of disgusting. Irish screwed the tub-stopper (is there a technical word for this?) off in less than 30 seconds and then he proceeded to pull out mass amounts of gunky, gunky hair, soap scum and etc. (Not all of the hair was mine. It’s safe to say it was probably the hair of the last two residents that lived here. Gross, I know.) He ran the water and even still the tub started to fill at an alarmingly rapid rate.

Next step: Irish goes to Home Depot for a plunger and super-duper drain unclogger gel. He came back with drain unclogger that is so toxic it comes in its own sealed plastic bag. It warns not to get any of the liquid gel on you as it could dissolve your skin. The purpose of this stuff? Hair and Grease remover, essentially burning the tissue it comes into contact with.

Irish plunges, pours the gel down the drain and 20 minutes later, voila! A brand new shower/bath and bathroom sink that allows water to flow freely without standing water.

I suppose I could have done all of that myself but the thing that’s awesome about Irish is he knew exactly what he needed to get the job done, went and grabbed it and then miraculously the problem was solved.

If I had done this myself it would have involved two phone calls to The Boss, consulting a member of the Home Depot team and potentially calling my brother or someone else, just to make sure I was doing everything correctly.

Irish is my knight in shining armor in so many ways, plumber included.

This Is… my turn to choose the theme!

Posted on March 4, 2009 by Nora

Carina over at A Blogette asked me to choose the theme for next week’s “This Is…” (which now has it’s very own website. Check it out. Join if you want.)

In keeping with the fun themes we have had the last few weeks, let’s go with “This is…the strangest dream I’ve ever had.” (Can be a “real,” one, one that occurred while you were sleeping, etc etc.)

Thanks for asking me to be “the hostess,” this week, Carina.

"I like my money right where I can see it: hanging in my closet…"

Posted on March 4, 2009 by Nora

Borrowed this from Fab Brunette.

Name the item of clothing that has been with you the longest:
An olive green pair of pants that I’ve had for five or six years. Purchased at the Gap. I feel super skinny when I wear them. I also have a pair of jeans that I’ve owned since sophomore year in high school. They are way too big on me now which is a great feeling. I wear them when I’m moving/painting/doing chores that are dirty.

Other than jeans, what’s an article of clothing that you can’t live without?
An endless supply of tank tops. All colors. I know, super boring.

What was the last item of clothing you bought?
A few awesome tops from Banana Republic; flowy, chic, sexy and professional all at the same time.

Describe your perfect winter & summer footwear:
In winter I love knee-high boots allowing me to wear my skirts year-round.
Summer time I’m a classic flip-flop girl or strappy sandals with a slight heel.

And what’s a brand you wouldn’t recommend?
Most brands from Kohl’s. They are good for a few wears but after you wash them they lose their shape, color and are generally dull.

What’s the ugliest trend of all time?
Tight-rolled jeans.

And the best?
Little Black Dress.

What was your biggest fashion faux-pas?
Oh, I’m sure there have been many. Big, baggy clothes in middle school. Hipster jeans with midriff tops; even though I have the midriff for that style it’s just totally not classy.

What colors predominate in your wardrobe?
Black. Blue. Dark purple.

What are your vintage shopping strategies?
I don’t even bother. I try and get fed up, can’t find a thing and leave the store frustrated.

What’s the most insane piece of clothing that you have ever owned?
Several of my tops are a little random and not my normal style, but I love them. I also have this great top that has Jean Harlow’s silohuette on it. It gets lots of compliments, looks great and now that I thinkn about it, I’ve had it since high school so by far the oldest piece of clothing in my wardrobe.

If you could describe the majority of the clothes you own in one word, what would it be?
Professional chic. I also dabble in the sexy for date nights, the practical for gym, and random for bachelorette parties, bridal showers and girls’ nights out.

What’s one piece of clothing you can’t live without?

GiST, 17/365

Posted on March 3, 2009 by Nora

1. Several cute text messages from Irish.

2. Receiving a phone call from a friend I haven’t seen in awhile.

3. Hanging out with aforementioned friend for two hours after work.

4. Biggest Loser on TV to push me through a vigorous workout.

5. Setting up Boss (my dad) with TwitterBerry on his phone since he’s new to Twitter.

This is… My Home

Posted on March 3, 2009 by Nora

As I mentioned last week, I joined Carina’s Tuesday Meme which will always start off with “This is…”.

This is my home

I live in the StL which is more or less smackdab in the middle of the States.

StL is known for: toasted ravioli, Ted Drewe’s Frozen Custard, St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Rams who had a really terrible season, St.Louis Blues who have their fair share of ups and downs, The Arch: Gateway to the MidWest, Mississippi River which enjoys flooding on occasion, the nation’s highest crime rate, a town full of good food, former home of Anheuser-Busch headquarters, friendly faces, one of the best zoos in the nation and Forest Park which is bigger than Central Park in New York City (true story!).

Anyone who is new to StL needs to know that the most popular question is “Where did you go to high school?” Don’t ask me why but everyone here likes to make judgments about you depending on where you went to high school, as if that can tell so much about a person.

StL has been my home since 1993; I’ve lived in my parents house and I’m currently on my third apartment. In the spirit of the theme this week, here are some of my favorite parts of my home:

My red couch, where I spend the bulk of my time when I’m home, if I’m not in the kitchen. The only frustrating part about this room is that two of the walls are straight concrete so hanging pictures is not an option. Fortunately there are stained glass windows above the couch that add some zest and of course I have lots of paintings on the other walls.

The dining area of my kitchen, the heart of any house I suppose. I love, love, love the fact that my kitchen is red, my dining room table courtesy of Darling and the Boss, and the amount of space I have. (Not pictured: fancy old stove/oven, fridge which doubles as my liquor cabinet, my expansive countertops and lots of cabinet/storage space.)

Salt & Pepper Shakers. The Boss gave them to me for Christmas and they are a permanent fixture on my dining room table. From the Museum of Modern Art, these shakers hug each other when they aren’t in use. Irish laughs at me because they don’t have any salt or pepper in them at this time. (Okay, so I admit it’s rather silly, but I don’t want to ruin them and get them all gunky.)

My ever-growing stack of books that I must read/want to read/should read. I need an additional bookshelf as the one I currently have is completely packed.

And no home would be complete without a super relaxing, constantly inviting bed.

Other things in my bedroom which for whatever reason don’t picture super-well: lots of black and white photos of New York City, photos of love from Darling, my overflowing bookshelf, Jack’s dog toy basket, mahogany dresser, my Steven-Tyler inspired lamp (it has several feather boas and scarves draped over it) and the entrance to my sunroom.

I can’t forget other great parts of my home: Jack, Irish, who are both very permanent fixtures in my home, my fridge which is always stocked with organic milk, SlimFast, cheese, bread and a variety of other quick-fix meals, my pantry which is ready to with a variety of baking needs and utensils, my closet which is full of clothes though lately I feel like there aren’t any good ones to pick from, my scrapbooks, my bookshelf full of movies and lots of warm, cozy places to curl up, watch a movie, sip some wine, and read books/blogs.

What’s the favorite part of your home?

GiST, 16/365 and Randomness

Posted on March 2, 2009 by Nora

First, for the GiST

1. A huge work problem throwing a wrench into my day and making the time fly by.

2. Trader Joe’s.

3. Awesome, all-natural, organic shave cream.

4. Grilled chicken and broccoli for dinner.

*********************

It occurs to me that as of late I’ve lacked original, creative ideas for posts. The reason for this: I’ve been bored by my own thoughts. My mind races through the following throughout the day:

Is it really time to get up? What am I going to wear today? Must walk and feed Jack before I leave. CRAP! Running late for work. Need breakfast, lunch and healthy afternoon snack to take to work. Traffic on my seven minute commute is worse, how is this possible? What’s going on in Twitter-Land today? Okay, at work, now do I need to make the coffee or is it already done? What’s on my to-do list today and how long will it take me? What surprises will be thrown my way? WORK WORK WORK.What’s Irish up to? How’s Jack doing? Will I have enough time after work to get in a kick-ass workout? What new blogs can I read later? What should I make for dinner? Who is next on my list of friends to email/call? Do I have any social plans tonight? Work, work, work. Men can be really stupid sometimes. Wow, this facebook give-up is much easier than I thought. I miss fried food. I would kill for a soda right now. DO NOT eat the chocolate in the breakroom. DO NOT EAT IT!! Work. Work. Work. Man, work sucks. What can I do that’s fun and different for Irish this week? I hope I get a new Netflix movie soon. What in the world will I bake for Thursday night dinner? How’s my Gram? How’s my brother? I’m so proud of him. Okay, work is over, time to hit the gym. Kick my own ass at the gym. Push yourself. Ignore the sweat. Ignore the huge guys in the weight room that stare at me funny. Work a little harder. Blast the music. YOU CAN DO IT! Only five pounds away from goal weight. What will be my healthy dinner? Is it FRIDAY YET? Will I get to bed at a reasonable hour? What needs to be cleaned now? Pay bills. Irish. Irish. Irish. Jack. Dinner. Clean-up. Shower. Be social, smile, love your friends/family. Blog reading. Watch a movie. Read a book. Sleep. Repeat.

Of course there are thoughts pertaining to all of the above (work, Irish, Jack, friends, family, gym, and etc) that I could blog about but as of late they seem to personal to share and yes, I’m shocked I said that. And no, none of it is cause for worry.

Hopefully sooner than later I have some unique blog-worthy experiences and get my thoughts sorted out well enough to post them!