Grab bag

I've just been thinking about a lot of arbitrary things lately. This blog is dedicated to dumping my brain in publication (loosely, at least).

* Five years ago today was my first kiss. I was 21, and it wasn't that great. Everyone kept telling me: "It's nothing special." And yet, I wanted fireworks; I yearned for it to be perfect. (Who's surprised? The perfectionist wants something PERFECT.) The guy was a weirdo, and he ended up dumping me two days later--in an email. Wow. Since then, I've kissed a few more 'winners' who probably could have used a lesson or two in the art of being romantic. Whatever happened to the art of dropping a girl off at her doorstep and giving her a semi-poignant kiss?

* Last night I had a few people over to enjoy the beauty of Jeopardy on TiVo. There was a friendly wager placed, some minor trash-talking asserted, and then we ventured into Trebek territory. I gave fair warning that I have become a pro at watching and answering, but the group declared that 'the point shall heretofore be awarded to the person who exclaims the correct answer before any other person shall do such.' I did get a run for my money, but after the four episodes were said and done, I declared victory. I shall reap my prize henceforth.

* I'm seriously loving Michael Buble's song, Haven't Met You Yet. Thank you, Rachel. I guess it's the upbeat message about not needing someone and if the right person does come along, it will be pretty great. I'm a sucker for happy endings.


* I have officially declared 2010 the 'Year of the Traveling.' Not like I haven't traveled before, but my passport is feeling a bit neglected. So, for my birthday, I'm going to Ireland, and then next summer, I'm headed to Tokyo. Two places I've dreamed of visiting, now just a few months away! Which brings me to...

* I need to be better at saving my pennies. Seriously, do I need four new outfits every month? Ok, that's exaggerating. But also, I'd rather save a little now and have a few awesome vacations. I ask each of you: if you see me pondering frivolous purchases, just whisper, "Ireland!" or "Tokyo!" in my ear, and that will clinch the decision. In my opinion, traveling is a lot more worthwhile than other things. If I could, I'd have both, but I also have to be realistic.

* And speaking of new outfits...want to hear a great way to expand your wardrobe? Clean out your closet. It's like finding new gems and treasures you forgot even existed! It's fantastic especially right now when sweaters are coming into season and you can remember that you're not tied down to the four shirts you've been wearing for the past three months. I cleaned out my closet this morning, and what I thought would take me three hours only took me 45 minutes. Now I have a lot more empty hangers (I was wondering what happened to them all...oh wait, they were holding clothes I never wore anymore). It's also a little strange the memories that are connected with clothes. I kept thinking, "Oh yeah, I bought this in Chicago!" or "Wore this on that hilarious date!" And into the DI pile you go.

* In the past six weeks, I've lost five lb. Not HUGE progress, but I'll take it. Considering how 'dedicated' I am, this is fantastic. Can I get a shout-out for ten more?

* Family news: my sister and her little family moved to Uzbekistan a few days ago. (That's one of the weirdest sentences...) I'll miss Avery's games, Jameson's surly wit, and Trey's little mischievous smile. I do not envy, however, the Russian-type cold they will experience. Two years isn't that long, though. For instance, Matt has been gone for over four months. It seems like a long time ago that he left, but then again, it doesn't. (Gotta love the time warp...) I sure miss him. Annoying brother or not, he was always darkly hilarious and incredibly intelligent. Plus, I could always bribe him to fix my car or run my errands. (Yes, at the age of 26, I still bribe others to do my bidding.) Also on the family front, Isabelle can say my name. Sure, it's the easiest of all the aunts' names, but I like to think it's because she likes me best. After all, that whole 'belle' thing connects us.

Thank you for tuning into this edition of random musings. That is all for now...