coffee – ThirtySomething Shenanigans

October 24, 2017October 24, 2017

Enjoy the little things…

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This weather today and yesterday, yuck.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s better than snow in my opinion any day, but still, it just makes it a drag to get out of bed for work? Am I right?

So, I’ve decided to compile a list of things you can do after the work day while it’s still drizzly and gloomy outside…

Light a candle, plop on the couch or a comfy chair and read a book. Maybe it’s a book that’s been collecting dust on your shelf (er, maybe that’s just me) or one you just bought but you’ve been so bogged down with work you haven’t had time to crack it open yet.
Journal/blog. Nothing releases pent up emotions or just random thoughts in your head like letting it all out on paper. Grab a pen or pencil and get to writing (or typing if you’re blogging.) I did this last night on my phone instead of texting people and let me tell you, I felt much better about it this morning.
Create a dream board. Or in my case, a dream journal. It’s been a little bit since I’ve worked on it but when I started it I had a lot of fun. I have a bunch of old magazines that I just cut words and pictures from and pasted them in my journal. They serve as a reminder to not dwell on the little things and always keep reaching for your dreams, no matter how big or small.
Watch a TV series or movie. Same as reading s book, maybe it’s one you haven’t watched or ever seen.
Sit with a cup of coffee or tea and just listen to the rain. Open the windows and just listen. And/or think. Just let whatever comes to come mind come, and then let it go, especially if it’s a negative thought.
Call a friend. Think of how often you only text with a friend. Or, write a letter. Who wouldn’t love getting an old-fashioned snail mail letter? Dial that number or grab that pen and write a “just because” letter to your friend. Or perhaps even to your future self about goals you hope you accomplish.
Draw, color, paint. Nothing gets the juices flowing quite like that.
Do some season cleaning. It’s the fall now, so perhaps you still have a plethora of spring and summer clothes lingering in your closet or dresser and you don’t wear much of now or probably won’t ever again, so clean them out and donate them.
Listen to music. Simple as that. A day without music is a day wasted, in my opinion.
Take a nap. This is always number one for me on days like today but, I thought I would have a greater chance of people not reading this list until the end if I put napping as No. 1. 😉

Whatever you chose to do, make sure it’s a fun activity.

Until next time…

XO,

Anamaria

March 10, 2016March 10, 2016

Invest in people who invest in you…

investment

Walking into my house with the smell of Kipper lingering in the air isn’t exactly the welcome home I envisioned upon returning from being gone all day.

Thankfully I work at Bath and Body Works and am obsessed with our candles and have countless of them that I lit one right away in hopes of the smell fading. So far, the Kipper is still winning. -_-

And I’m thinking about how I need to allow 12 hours to fast before tomorrow morning since I have to get blood work, etc. done. Because you know, nothing says “Happy Friday” more than that. Ah… Good times. Thankfully I’m heading to visit my best friend after that for the night. Haven’t seen her new place since she’s moved.

Speaking of friends… I got to thinking today how friendship should always be a two-way street. If it’s not then is it really a friendship to begin with?

I tell ya, friendship is something I hold dear to my heart. I consider myself an extremely blessed person for having the friends I do in my life. My closest friendships, especially, have endured some tough times. Sure, we’ve had countless fun times with endless laughter, but, the true test of friendship comes, in my opinion, when you can endure hardships together.

And, I have more than one best friend.

Now, if you ask my brother Tom, he’ll say you can have only one best friend but, I disagree. I consider my group of “best” friends the best for a reason. Some I’ve known since kindergarten, others middle school, junior high, college. While I’ve known some longer than others, to me it isn’t about who I’ve known the longest but, who’s been by my side from the beginning and never left–even when times got tough.

Now I know that’s a cliche, but, it’s a cliche I find to be very applicable to my life. And in recent years, months, I’ve come to realize that while I consider myself to have a decent amount of friends in general, not everyone may consider me one back.

I’ll be the first to admit I am not the perfect friend. I’m human, and I make mistakes and say stupid things. But, I make up for it by being what a friend should be to begin with. Loyal, honest, trustworthy, apologize when necessary, and overall just be a listening ear when there are no words.

But, in general, like I mentioned above, friendship should always be a two-way street. I think when you’re the only one putting time and effort into it, or the other person offers effort when it’s only convenient for him or her, then perhaps it’s time to cut your losses. After all, life’s much too short to spend it on people who only want to be in your life part-time.

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It’s funny how friendships work out though. Or don’t. For example, a prime one… Today, I spent the day “working” with my friend, Melinda, who I just met in January through our internship. We had so much fun together that it honestly didn’t feel like work. And those are the type of friendships and people I value and appreciate having in my life.

We’ve only known each other for just two months now but, after today, I feel like I’ve known her much longer. She is genuinely one of the kindest people I’ve ever met, and, I realized in some ways, we are exactly alike. (Which, to others, I am not sure if that’s a good thing or bad thing, LOL!) But, like I mentioned above, friendship isn’t always about who we’ve known the longest. Sure, I’ve only known her for two months but, she’s someone I’ve come to know as kind, loyal and trustworthy. And also, freaking hilarious! I seriously laughed so hard with her today that I snorted, and I’m sure some people thought I was totally nuts. (Side note: I was getting a little slap happy and acting a little loopy since I am so exhausted and don’t even know how I am still up, writing a blog right now. Oh wait, yes… COFFEE! Coffee for the win!)

Anyway… Some friendships in my life I feel as though I should ween myself off of simply for the fact because I feel they don’t serve me much purpose. Like, I wonder what I am gaining from these individuals? Especially, when they’re the ones who are only in it partially.

I get it, people are busy with their own lives–myself included, but, if someone really wants a friendship to work out, he or she will make the effort to make it work. Now, for some friendships, in my life for example, I don’t need to talk to my friends everyday to know we’re still friends. And I’m sure other people are like that too. To me there’s nothing wrong with that–it just reaffirms my friendship with that person and shows how truly strong our bond is.

But, for other friendships, I feel as though more semi-frequent communication/contact with each other is essential. Or, just, nice. But at an appropriate time. Like I also mentioned above earlier, I am not the most perfect friend and I don’t always make the time to touch base with my friends when I should but, thankfully I have wonderful friends and they realize we’re all busy with our own lives sometimes. Other people though, I feel as though they treat a friendship with me, in this case, or in general, a person, and only contact them when it’s convenient for him or her, or, otherwise, when he or she is simply lonely? Bored? Not sure what the right word is but, the bottom line is, it’s not a full investment in the friendship. And that’s just something I can’t get on board with.

Sure, it’s something I myself need to work on because I’m sure I come across this way to some of my friends, and after feeling as though I’ve been treated like this myself, I definitely wouldn’t want others to feel the same way. It’s not a great feeling. So, in honor of it still being considered a “new” year (in my mind anyway–who cares if it’s March, lol) my goal is to better myself as a friend (touch base with my friends more often, listen more carefully) and personally weed out the friendships in my life that I consider dying/don’t really serve me a purpose and say “bye” to them as needed. It’ll suck, but, it’s not the end of the world, and who knows, it may not actually be forever. After all, just like other types of relationships, sometimes friendships just need a break.

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And, also remember, some friendships just aren’t meant to last forever. Same goes for romantic relationships, jobs, etc. I don’t say that to be harsh or a Debby Downer, but, to speak of reality. But, if you do want to make it last forever, or you know, for a long time, then you need to be willing to INVEST in it. It cannot be a one-way street or it will just never work out.

“You get out of it what you put in.”

That above applies to many things in life so, keep it in mind.

Until next time…

XO,

Ana

February 19, 2016February 19, 2016

And then I realized adventures are the best way to learn…

***Note: I’m writing this post based from yesterday.

I’m walking on the Michigan Flyer, looking for a spot to sit, annoyed because I’m hungry and tired and have a raging headache, only to be to be more annoyed when I see the number of people on the bus.

(Note to self: Don’t take flights on Thursdays apparently, lol)

I finally find a seat and hear this weird music, that sounded like it was classical or not even that, but, something I don’t hear everyday. At first I thought it was a passenger blaring their music on speaker but, then I finally realized it was playing on the main speaker on the bus. Then, I remembered I had my ear buds in my carry-on so I put those in and turned on Pandora.

I ended up dozing off for a little bit, and then realized we were at the first stop on the way to the DTW Airport. It took me a minute to adjust my eyes to the sunlight and when I looked outside I was again annoyed for how many people I saw standing, waiting in line. I was annoyed because the Michigan Flyer is never this busy. And I like that way, LOL.

Anyway… As I watch people start to board the bus I am totally that person who avoids eye contact with people in hopes they won’t sit by me. Thankfully (?) my natural face just says “you can’t sit with me” and people pass by me. Okay, so maybe I shouldn’t feel “thankful” for having a bitchy face but it definitely works in my favor sometimes. Ha!

After the first stop I attempt to doze off for a little bit longer before we get to my stop at the airport but at that point I was just ready to get there so I could find a bathroom. Lol. The bus had one but I couldn’t bring myself to use it. So we finally make it to the airport and as always, I’m there super early. You know how they say to be there two hours early? Well I am always there two hours early. I’drather be super early and bored than late and rushing, feeling stressed.

I go check my luggage in and see the security line and freak out. It is SO long. I mean, I’ve seen long lines but not quite like this. Of course, I figure with it is this long that TSA will somehow get it moving right along but boy, was a I wrong. Then, I see a bunch of women MSU players and ask one of the girls what sport–softball. I thought it was cool and told them I’m from the East Lansing area (well, close enough). But, within a few minutes I was suddenly annoyed, still technically from before, lol, that I was stuck standing in a line that wasn’t moving because these girls were super squealy and just plain obnoxious. Of course, maybe I wouldn’t have found them AS annoying had I had some food or at least coffee in me.

At last it was my turn to go through the body scanner and I had a necklace on I had to flip so it was on my back, and then afterward had to get a back pat down. Just my back because of my necklace. It was weird but, I obliged and then was finally on my way to the bathroom, get food, and eventually to my gate.

I realized I still had a ton of time to kill and it seemed like everyone was hungry, wanting a drink, or both and we’re taking over Ruby Tuesday and TGI Friday. I decided I would get something to eat at Earl Of A Sandwich like I originally planned because I hadn’t had it since last year when I was at the airport, and before that not since 2013. Damn.

After I ate I went to get coffee only to get to the coffee place and have them notify me they were out of vanilla and caramel. (I wanted vanilla) I decided to pass on coffee, for now, and wandered back to Ruby Tuesday. I can see the restaurant is packed and some people waiting in line but I figured I would ask the hostess anyway if there was by chance an open spot at the bar. She advised me there wasn’t, at least not to sit, but that if I wanted to I could stand. At that point I was desperate for a drink so I agreed and went to the bar. Of course with it being so packed and me being short it took me longer than hoped to get a drink. I ordered a beer, thinking it would be in a bottle or a small glass only to be handed a BIG glass. I accepted and got my bill, and was shocked at how much my beer was. I paid and stood awkwardly by the bar hoping someone would soon get up and leave but it looked like no hope was in sight.

But, finally someone left and she let me have her seat and I ended up sitting next to this man and woman (who, by the way, didn’t know each other) who were both on their way to Texas. The woman though had a connecting flight in Nashville so she was actually on my flight. The man called me “kid”, twice, which I couldn’t help but think was odd considering I don’t think of myself as a “kid”, but, maybe he thinks he’s old enough to be my dad? Which, he probably was. LMAO! Anyway…

He was super friendly, chatty. I personally was just trying to get service to surf Facebook and Twitter and expressed my annoyance out loud for not being able to connect. The man heard me and offered to let me connect to his Wifi. I happily accepted and finally decided to be quit being a Scrooge and talk to him. Lol. He asked me what I did for a living and told him I was a reporter and how I had my first live shot experience last week and totally butchered it. I told him it was rather entertaining and that if he really wanted to watch it, he could, at the HOMTV website. I told him there was one condition though–he had to watch it later when I wasn’t around. LOL! God only knows what he thought but as embarrassing as it was, I know practice will only make perfect so the more often I do it, the better I get. Which, speaking of, my next live report is next week so be sure to tune in. Or, you know, don’t, and save me some pressure. HAHA! Also, at some point, probably when I’m not on vacation, I’ll blog about my experience of my first live report. But that’s for another time…

After I finish my beer I head to my gate and am again surprised with how many people are on this flight. Then I’m even more mad at myself for not getting early bird check in so I could have been in the A boarding group and could have gotten a better seat. But I didn’t so I waited until it was boarding group B’s turn and by the time I get on the plane it is packed with everyone doing what I would have done–sitting in the window or aisle seat, all the middle seats empty. I keep making my way to the back in hopes that maybe there is still an aisle seat and just when I think there is one, I look in the aisle and realize it’s a dad and his baby in a car seat next to him. I’m thinking, really?! You’re killing me! Lol. Which, funny enough, I had just been telling my mom earlier that day that I wish they had separate flights for babies and adults. But that’s another story. So it’s getting close to being time to leave and I settled on sitting BEHIND the baby (genius idea. Note: sarcasm) with this mom and her daughter. They were friendly and the girl had a Central Michigan University bag and I asked her if she went there but I found out she was a senior in high school and had just taken a tour. I told her I was an alumni of CMU and how much I loved it but, I think she had her mind made up on another school.

The flight itself felt like the shortest flight I’ve ever been on to Nashville. It was nice but, I brought all this stuff in my carry-on thinking I would need to kill time and it turns out, I didn’t.

So I land and find my way to Kayla and we head to a bar near her house and get a glass of wine seeing as it was National Drink Wine Day and so of course we couldn’t resist. We watched the MSU game and by the end of the night exchanged MY number (thanks, Kayla, lol) with a guy sitting next to us at the bar. That was entertaining to say the least. But after that we finally called it a night and came back to her house, which I was SO, SO excited to see and felt like a little kid on Christmas, lol. It’s a stunning house and the guest bathroom makes me feel like I’m a hotel. So, good job on the design and decor, Kayla.

So it’s Friday now*, which means Kayla is at work (boo) and I am at her house currently watching Law And Order: SVU, and so it’s almost like I’m back at home because this is what I would be doing if I actually were at home. Lol! It’s currently sunny outside and 67 degrees out! Can you believe it?! It’s so refreshing to look outside her front window and NOT see snow. (I’m referring to you, Michigan) Think we’re headed to downtown Nashville tonight and I am so excited! I can’t wait! I have my party pants on so I hope Nashville is ready for us! 💁🏻

Until next time…

XO,

Ana

***Side note: I apologize for any grammar and spelling errors as I typed this on my phone and it kept changing words. I tried my best to catch them but, I’m not sure if I got them all.