Trying to reach infinity

I’m bored. Nothing is happening; the most exciting thing about this week so far is the new Keurig we purchased at work. Seems like a good time for a little check-in on the 30 by 30, eh? Warning: I gotta tell ya, this is not a very interesting post. Unless you’re into beauty products, I guess.

I’ve progressed nicely on #2, getting into better shape. I lost something like 17 pounds, and some of my muscles are way more defined. I can see abs! Or one, at least. maybe two. Plus biceps and stuff. Cool.

#3 is skincare stuff. I found a face wash I lurve, so that’s nice. Honestly if I could afford to buy everything from Origins I would, because I’ve only ever loved their products, but most of them are out of my price range. Someday.

#4, take myself on a date… ideas are churning. I mentioned this in a previous post.

#10, lipstick. I’ve been wearing two colors from Revlon: Blushing Nude, which is not at all nude, it’s definitely more… burgundy? and Rose & Shine, which is pretty similar to my actual lip color but it makes them nice and shiny, which I suspect is the purpose. I like both of them quite a bit, but now I’ve got my eye on a couple coral options.

And that is all. Clearly I have some work to do– there are more interesting things on that list, I promise, and when I get to those I will see if I can’t make the posts about them super awesome.

Bonus cat photo (I need to get more dog pictures up in here). The only way to keep Winston out of my way in the morning is to turn on the bathtub faucet.

c’mon holy ghosts

The best thing that happened to me this week was not having to work today. I was supposed to (we were going to be closing early), but so many people were taking the day off or working from home that my boss told me to take the day. Unexpected three-day weekend? Yes please. I did a little cleaning today and the dog was kind of a pain, but mostly it was just delightful.

What else? Had some quality lady-bro time on Sunday, went on an excellent date Tuesday. Slept like shit most of the week which was unfortunate and entirely the fault of two pets who shall not be named.

**I started writing this Friday evening, saved a draft, and it is now in the wee hours of Sunday morning. Oops.

Chris Messina playing a kind-of-bad guy on The Newsroom is a little bit of a bummer. But dang, I do love him. Related: I have spent the last couple days finally watching The Newsroom. Aaron Sorkin for the win.

I went to the bar with Darren tonight, against my better judgement. Any time I go to a bar that’s not the Half Time Rec it’s against my better judgement, really. Terrible DJ, to start, and when I ordered a gin & tonic I’m pretty sure they gave me gin and 7-Up. I actually had to ask Darren to taste my drink because I wasn’t even entirely sure there was alcohol in it. He assured me there was. Lesson: if you go to a shitty bar, just get your gin with a slice of lime.

Well, it feels about time to leave it to the bullet points:

• Spending quality time with your lady-bros is the best
• as is Thai food on date night
• three day weekend
• The Newsroom is good shit
• I got a text from Kelsey that was just the best. I don’t have any actual sisters, but if I could I would chose those Wulf ladies.
• gin. Gin gin gin. Oh! Related: my friend Jon and a good friend of his are starting a gin distillery. Super awesome.
• Easter date in the morning. We’re going to Mickey’s. 

I wonder how soon Target will mark down their Easter candy…

as useless as searching for meaning in a Pauly Shore movie

Oh hey. Cat photo time?

Nice.

So that gratitude list thing? I decided it’s too restrictive, so I’m going to modify it. From now on it’s going to be a general list of things I’m happy about that week. Because sometimes life is less “I’m grateful that my cat stopped shitting all over himself” and more “I had the most delicious sandwich on Wednesday and it made my day.”

The cat thing is true, by the way. Darren cheaped out on cat food a couple weeks ago and WInston’s bowels were not appreciative. I got their usual food and the problem disappeared immediately. THANK GOD. And sorry for the details.

I also discovered a waterless cat shampoo that is life flesh-saving.

The sandwich thing is also true: the Italian sandwich from Which Which. Darren brought one home for me and it was so, so good. Although if I ever order it myself I’ll have to tell them to go lighter on the oil. But over all, amazing sandwich (as long as you enjoy meat).

More:

• We finally got our Girl Scout Cookie order on Monday. Delicious. 
• Danni won The Biggest Loser and I cried. It was awesome and she is awesome.
• I’ve been doing some thinking and reading about passion, and it’s been very interesting and introspective and also frustrating. Maybe a future post, if I can ever get my thoughts collected.
• I learned about (and subsequently joined) this website called Go Chic or Go Home. If you’ve ever seen Clueless,* it’s like Cher’s electronic closet. Well, that plus Pinterest. I’m obsessed.
• I discovered this Creme Caramel coffee at World Market. Now I want to try ALL the flavors.

*If you haven’t seen Clueless, I don’t know how we can be friends.

Now I’m a believer

First, this link is worth a read. Tina Roth Eisenberg’s 11 Rules for Life & Work.

Nothing particularly exciting to report. I spent most of the weekend in various states of sitting, with two brief exceptions which involved vacuuming and baking cookies. Not at the same time. At one point I sat in a booth at Pizza Luce with Kate, which was a highlight.

Darren and I made a swift trip to IKEA on Thursday to exchange a faulty chair, and to get some new ones to go with the table I purchased a couple weeks ago. We left immediately after I got home from work, which meant that by the time we got out of the store we were starving. As we walked out to the parking ramp we were bitching about our hunger, and suddenly a package of Knackebrod fell from… I don’t know where. Perhaps the sky. Or the rafters, as there was still a roof over our heads. We picked it up, because it was clearly a sign from above and now obviously I believe in all things holy.

Obviously.

Twenty bucks for a package of big, dry crackers? Geez.

Right. So I didn’t do my little gratitude list thing last week because I am not very good at sticking to goals. Real talk, y’all. But here it is! It exists!

• I had a $25 Michael’s gift card left over from Christmas, and I used it to buy a giant frame for the Doctor Who exploding TARDIS poster I’ve had sitting in the closet for like a year. Thanks to my cousin for the GC, and grateful for my addled mind finally realizing the perfect thing to spend it on.
• I am grateful that at least one of our cats is not completely ridiculous (Lucy. Winston is psychotic).
• Related: I’m so glad Enli has been aging so well. She’s not old yet, I just mean she’s a nicer dog now. 
• I’m grateful for Lena Dunham’s Twitter feed, which I spent the better part of yesterday afternoon reading because work was so, so dead.
• Not that I’m complaining about a slow day. Those are nice on occasion.
• Quitting Macy’s was one of the smartest things I’ve done in terms of my own sanity.
• Two words: Justin. Timberlake.

Gratitude

I was listening to this week’s episode of the Jillian Michaels podcast, and Janice was trying to make Jillian feel better about some stuff. She told Jillian to make a list of things she’s grateful for, to remind her that things aren’t all bad.

I was feeling a little stressed today, which is not uncommon, and I thought maybe Janice didn’t have a bad idea. Maybe once a week or so, I should sit down and list some things I’m grateful for. Perhaps Fridays would be a good day to do that. Maybe I can even blog it, and come up with some kind of snappy name. Maybe.

Well, it’s not Friday, but I can still start today. I do what I want.

So without further adieu, I bring you my to-be-named list of things I’m grateful for this week (so far).

• I have new things that make me happy: a kitchen table and the laptop I’m typing on right now. New keyboard! Such an adjustment.
• Work related: I finished all eleven contracts for our next Broadway season, so that’s off my desk.And that;s just nice.
• Easter candy is here and it is delicious.
• There are some moments when all of our pets are behaving. They are few and far between, but they happen.
• Having my nights and weekends back.
• As always, my family and my lovely friends. This is always true, regardless of whether or not I put it on any list. I have some awesome people in my life and will, of course, be forever grateful for them.

Will this be something I keep up? Who knows. But I like it for today.

My End-of-Year Meme

Guys, I’m sick again. I had two colds within a month (November-December) and I don’t know what’s going on with me today, but it sucks. I called in sick to my wussy little four-hour shift tonight, and didn’t get out of bed until 4 except to take the dog out. I need to get my shit together. I have things to do tomorrow.

Anyway! Every year I do this little survey thing. 2012 was an okay year I suppose. I did some fun things, some terrible things happened, and I survived it all. Good enough!

Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I don’t think I made any last year. So I suppose that means I succeeded.

Did anyone close to you give birth?

One of my coworkers had a little boy in October.

Did anyone close to you die?

Buckley, and other wonderful cats. And of course Darren’s grandpa. I wasn’t very close to him, but Darren sure was.

What countries did you visit?

I don’t suppose Wisconsin counts.

What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012?

Always more money. More time. More sleep. More warm weather!

What was your biggest achievement of the year?

No babies in 2012! Also, my family loves our dog. LOVES her. Raising a good pup is an achievement to me. To be fair, Darren did most of the work.

What was your biggest failure?

Didn’t pay off the debt I was hoping to. But thanks to the ol’ second job, and Darren’s new higher-paying one, we’re on the way now.

What was the best thing you bought?

All of it. I am fond of all of this year’s purchases.

Whose behavior merited celebration?

Everyone who voted No.

Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Everyone who voted Yes.

Where did most of your money go?

Bills, presents for myself (oops), the car, the pets…

What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Fitting into single-digit-sized pants for the first time since high school. Like a boss.

What song will always remind you of 2012?

“Some Nights” – fun.

Compared to this time last year, are you:
Happier or Sadder?

Happier.

Thinner or fatter?

Thinner.

Richer or poorer?

Richer.

What do you wish you’d done more of?

Cooking things.

What do you wish you’d done less of?

Spending money, as always. And worrying. I worry a lot.

How will you be spending Christmas?

Spent Christmas Eve with my family. Christmas day was spent at home with my furry family watching movies.

Did you fall in love in 2012?

Only with things like my new purse.

How many one-night stands?

None for meeee.

What was your favorite TV program?

Happy Endings, New Girl, and the usuals.

Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

Hate is a strong word… but yeah, I just might. Some people are terrible.

What was the best book you read?

I think it was this year that I finally read the Hunger Games books.

What was your greatest musical discovery?

This was the year I discovered Fun. Still not sick of them. Suck it, haters!

What did you want and get?

A raise. Holla!

What did you want and not get?

A new car. Not that I expected that one to happen, but still.

What were your favorite films of this year?

Well assuming I stop feeling like shit, I’m seeing Les Mis tomorrow- so I might have to get back to you on this one.

What did you do on your birthday?

I can never remember, but I’m pretty sure we went to the bar. As usual.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012?

Comfortable. Suitable. Always evolving.

What kept you sane?

Darren, usually. Kate. Other awesome friends. And gin.

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Our president.

What political issue stirred you the most?

OMG. I think you know the answer to this one.

Who did you miss?

My mom.

Who was the best new person you met?

Beth! Even though we’ve only met once so far. She seems awesome.

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012:

See below…

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

Like starlight crashing through the room we’ll lose our feathers. Yes I know it hurts at first, but it gets better.

of Instagram and bullet points

• A lot of people in the last week have been finding this blog with search terms related to “ugly couch.” What? We used to have an ugly couch, but I think it’s been like a year.

• Kate and I took a random adventure to Wisconsin a few weeks ago. It mostly involved bars.

• I have twice attempted to get a tattoo. I was thwarted both times. Next time I’m making an appointment like a normal person.

• Everyone’s cats are dying. First Jack, then our Buck, then Grendel, and now Bella. It’s breaking my heart. Stop the madness!

• It was our second wedding anniversary on Tuesday. We celebrated by spending a lot of money. Also, eating amazing sushi. And Darren bought a shitload of tea.

• Kate and I went to a St. Paul Saints game tonight. They lost, but it was amazing.

Tomorrow is Irish Fair. Yay!

now there is time and time is young

One of my Facebook friends posted a link to this article from the Huffington Post. The original Glamour article was written in 1997 so it may be old news to some. But in 1997, I was twelve, and didn’t give a shit about adulthood.

Now I am an adult, and I really like this list. So, in honor of my 30 by 30 list (for which I need four more items), I’m posting it here.

By 30, you should have …

1. One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to and one who reminds you of how far you’ve come.

2. A decent piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family.

3. Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour.

4. A purse, a suitcase, and an umbrella you’re not ashamed to be seen carrying.

5. A youth you’re content to move beyond.

6. A past juicy enough that you’re looking forward to retelling it in your old age.

7. The realization that you are actually going to have an old age — and some money set aside to help fund it.

8. An email address, a voice mailbox, and a bank account — all of which nobody has access to but you.

9. A résumé that is not even the slightest bit padded.

10. One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry.

11. A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra.

12. Something ridiculously expensive that you bought for yourself, just because you deserve it.

13. The belief that you deserve it.

14. A skin-care regimen, an exercise routine, and a plan for dealing with those few other facets of life that don’t get better after 30.

15. A solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship, and all those other facets of life that do get better.

By 30, you should know …

1. How to fall in love without losing yourself.

2. How you feel about having kids.

3. How to quit a job, break up with a man, and confront a friend without ruining the friendship.

4. When to try harder and when to walk away.

5. How to kiss in a way that communicates perfectly what you would and wouldn’t like to happen next.

6. The names of the secretary of state, your great-grandmothers, and the best tailor in town.

7. How to live alone, even if you don’t like to.

8. Where to go — be it your best friend’s kitchen table or a yoga mat — when your soul needs soothing.

9. That you can’t change the length of your legs, the width of your hips, or the nature of your parents.

10. That your childhood may not have been perfect, but it’s over.

11. What you would and wouldn’t do for money or love.

12. That nobody gets away with smoking, drinking, doing drugs, or not flossing for very long.

13. Who you can trust, who you can’t, and why you shouldn’t take it personally.

14. Not to apologize for something that isn’t your fault.

15. Why they say life begins at 30.

Unrelated: I feel the need to apologize for the absurd photo of myself to the right. I wanted a new picture, and it was the best shot I managed to get at the time. It’s going to be replaced in the near future. I have a hard time looking at myself like that when most of the time I look more like this:

Baxter out.

Le 30 by 30

I’m embarking on a new project.

As you probably know, I’m a few years away from turning thirty. In honor of that, as well as the general idea of having goals, I’ve decided to jump on board the thirty-before-thirty bandwagon.

My own 30 by 30 list is being created. It’s not complete yet, but since I’ve already started working on it I figured I’d go ahead and post what I had.

I’ve started the skincare stuff. Plus the exercising, of course.

This might actually be a thing I write about, as opposed to just quietly checking things off a list like I have been with the 101 project. Won’t that be fun? It could be.

So there you have it. I’m doing another thing. Also, taking suggestions for list ideas.

UNRELATED:

I have all these GIFs saved for appropriate tumblr posts (shuddup) and I really like this one. That is all.

2011 Year in Review

This little survey seems to have become my end-of-year blogging tradition. Here goes!

Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I think last New Year’s Eve I drunkenly resolved to spend more time naked. I may or may not have succeeded.

Did anyone close to you give birth?

Marsha!

Did anyone close to you die?

A coworker died very suddenly in April.

What countries did you visit?

None, unlike some of you lucky folk. Someday…

What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?

Always more money. More time would be nice, too.

What was your biggest achievement of the year?

No pregnancies in 2011! Bahahaha.

What was your biggest failure?

Too much liquor on New Year’s. Drinking too much is never a good idea, but it’s the worst way to usher in a new year.

What was the best thing you bought?

Possibly the sewing machine. Or the new furniture.

Whose behavior merited celebration?

Kate’s for following her heart, Marsha’s for planning a wedding and getting ready for a baby at the same time,  Steph & Andy for continuing their work…

Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Our state government. And mine a little, because compared to my friends I haven’t done a damn thing this year. But mostly my neighbors because they are assholes.

Where did most of your money go?

Bills, as usual. Some went into savings which was good. Too much went toward presents for myself and our apartment.

What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Marsha’s wedding and baby. Also, the TWINE BALL.

What song will always remind you of 2011?

Toto’s “Africa.”

Compared to this time last year, are you:
Happier or Sadder?

I think happier, although I was pretty happy last year too.

Thinner or fatter?

The same, I think. Unfortunately.

Richer or poorer?

Richer.

What do you wish you’d done more of?

Taking the dog to the park. Relaxing.

What do you wish you’d done less of?

Spending money, obvs.

How will you be spending Christmas?

With my family, as usual, on Christmas Eve. No plans for Christmas Day though, which is awesome.

Did you fall in love in 2011?

With my furry little family. And also with Doctor Who.

How many one-night stands?

I have a nightstand.

What was your favorite TV program?

Doctor Who, How I Met Your Mother, Bones, and many fine offerings from Netflix.

Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

The aforementioned dick neighbors. Well, I don’t think I liked them last year either.

What was the best book you read?

It’s a toss-up: Jane Eyre, My Life in France (Julia Child), and The Commitment (Dan Savage) are all contenders. Little Women is really good so far, too.

What was your greatest musical discovery?

You mean besides realizing how amazing Toto was?

What did you want and get?

A new couch.

What did you want and not get?

A better place to live.

What were your favorite films of this year?

Harry Potter (haters to the left). Cedar Rapids and Horrible Bosses are highly ranked too.

What did you do on your birthday?

Did we go to the bar?

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?

Evolving.

What kept you sane?

Crocheting. Also, Kate and Darren. And Netflix.

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Well, that would have to be David Tennant I believe.

What political issue stirred you the most?

The same ones that always do: marriage and choice.

Who did you miss?

Kate. Brenna.

Who was the best new person you met?

The Doctor. Wait…

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011:

Okay, I’m going to be That Guy and send you somewhere else for an answer.

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

I’m going to take it a step further and post a whole song.