These Boots Were Made For Traveling

Figured it out!

2011-07-27T08:58:00.000-07:00

Sweet. Figured out how to use tumblr. I'm pretty much abandoning blogger. Continue to follow me on both twitter and tumbler, here: http://zafiriathena.tumblr.com/

Tumblr Whaaaaaat?

2011-07-27T08:24:00.000-07:00

What the hell, y'all? Can someone please explain to me how tumblr works so I can get back to updating on a regular basis? I want to be like all the cool kids! Help!

My B, Yo.

2011-07-01T09:25:00.000-07:00

It's been a couple of weeks since I've posted, but there really hasn't been much going on. Work is still a pain, and I'm desperately trying to save some money for a trip to Florida in September, but that's pretty much it. I am on the last leg of my novel, wich is super exciting! This means I can start the second draft and start the first draft of novel two! Yay, me!

Have y'all been keeping up with So You Think You Can Dance? It's seriously the best part of my summer. My absolute favorite couple is Melanie and Marko, and here's why: http://youtu.be/czcpQyI-MH8. Y'all need to look up their other dances as well. A-MAZING. I have a soft spot for Ryan and Ricky, since Ryan is another girl that shares my name, as well as Chris and Ashley. I may or may not have a slight crush on Chris. =0)

Anywho, that's all for now! Gotta get back to making my cupcakes!

Dancing Shoes

2011-06-15T06:51:00.000-07:00

Have any of you been keeping up with So You Think You Can Dance? It airs Wednesdays and Thursdays, both are nights I have to work so I usually end up watching the performances online. (By the way, Fox, adding the episode DAYS after the air date is NOT COOL!)
Anyway, I'm seriously impressed with all of the talent on season 8, and I especially love 18 year old Jordan and the girl from Georgia, Melanie. And I'm super stoked about the hip hip performers, as that genre tends to be my favorite. I'm rooting for ballroom dancer, Iveta, too. I have a feeling she's going to struggle with the other genres of dance, but I hope she does well.

I've been keeping up with The Voice, too. All of the members I've voted for have made it through so far (Xenia, Dia, Beverly, Frenchie) and I hope my final favorites will make it through to the next round (Taylor/Tori, Casey, Nakia and Devin). Who do y'all like?

Hey, guess what else? I'm almost finished with my first draft of the novel I'm working on! Celebrate! Then it's on to the next draft and first draft of my next project! Woohoo!

Side note: I'm feeling funky and this is why: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXJoJ5MEo5g&feature=youtu.be

Entertainment Value

2011-05-29T10:11:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I probably should have thought of this at the beginning of the season, but I really wanted to do some feedback with season 12 of Dancing With the Stars. Tis my guilty pleasure. =0) And, okay, maybe So You Think You Can Dance, Glee, and The Voice (Blake Shelton is amaze-balls). American Idol is getting too much for me, and I seriously get aggrivated when all the good contestants get voted off early. >=0(

Anywho...crap, where was I going with this? Oh, yeah. Chelsea Kane should have won, but Hines Ward is a good substitute champion.

Bah. Foster The People's Torches is distracting me so this entire update is pretty pointless. I'm rambling. I guess if y'all like SYTYCD, I'd love for you to put your comments in my chatbox! =0)

Music Makes Me Lose Control...

2011-05-20T10:18:00.000-07:00

I am on a super music kick right now, so I'm going to spend this post linking y'all to some of my favorite new bands, as well as some new material from some old favorites. I may go off in a tangent, so try to keep up!

Yellow Red Sparks http://youtu.be/YwJPFlKIdNQ I heard this song randomly somewhere, but it was on Chelsea Kane's website, http://www.chelseakane.com/, that I put faces and a name with the song. (Plug: vote for her on DWTS! She's the best dancer!)

Foster the People http://youtu.be/SDTZ7iX4vTQ. Catchy boys from California. Duh. You can't help but to dance, despite the lyrical meaning.

Flogging Molly http://youtu.be/rOiLVo8yIJE. I've loved them forever. New album is coming out Tuesday! Buy it!

Dropkick Murphys http://youtu.be/D7g3RuoreRc. These boys do great work. Great work.

Mumford and Sons http://youtu.be/lLJf9qJHR3E. Lyrical gangstas, these boys are.

The Decemberists http://youtu.be/qR9DjdMrpHg. There's just something about them I just love.

Laroux http://youtu.be/EUsbpmQ9-mc. Best song to come around in a while. Love her.

Vampire Weekend http://youtu.be/P_i1xk07o4g. =D

Adele http://youtu.be/rYEDA3JcQqw If you don't like Adele, you spit on kittens.

Danger Mouse http://youtu.be/8UibsjY5K-c. Everything Jack White touches turns to gold. I'm excited for this album to come out. <3

Crap, this could take forever. I'll update as I find others to my normal posts.

Creative Control

2011-05-15T07:26:00.000-07:00

I write. A lot. There's a story in particular that I've been re-working since high school that I have finally got a handle on. I should have the first draft written within the next few months, which is super exhilarating because if everything goes according to plan, the second draft should be completed by the end of the year, early next.

I'm thinking about self-publishing since I don't know the first thing about acquiring an agent to represent me and my writing, and I feel like sending the manuscript just anywhere would be a waste of time. And while it's circulating the web, I'll be busy penning my next novel. I have several started, so I have plenty of material to work with.

If any of you know anything at all about publishing, let me know! Any help at all would be greatly appreciated!

The restaurant I work at is starting to get busier, and on days I'm by myself I write to make the time go by faster. Pretty soon, I'll like, have to be diligent at home. ;0) Ah, well. They are paying me to work after all.

I'm also writing fanfiction in my spareish time. Don't laugh, it's a great writing tool! And, no, I am not going to tell you what it is I write, you'll just have to find me.

And They're Off!

2011-05-07T06:34:00.000-07:00

First off, I hope everyone had a safe and entertaining Cinco de Mayo, or as I like to call it, Mexican St. Patrick's Day. =0) My brother and I attended a festival organized by the Divine Dining group, and they managed to get Edwin McCain out to play. Not Mexican, but local, and great fun to watch. ~~~~~>

I would also like to note the primary reason why I have been lacking in the update department: I've been working for 21 days now and I'm pretty much ready to crash. I'm tired, burnt out, and I've started my habitual snapping fit directed at my co-workers. All of them are whiny cry babies anyway, but I'm usually composed enough to let it roll off me. Not at the moment, folks. Everyone has been avoiding me like an Olsen twin avoids the buffet.

I just need some sleep, that's all, and maybe a vacation. I have to wait another 4ish months for that, though. But trust me, I've been counting down the days.

I have an actual day off tomorrow, and I'm not going to lie, I'm very close to making it an event invitation on facebook. ;0)

Oh! Almost forgot! Happy Kentucky Derby, everyone! Break out the hats, Bourbon and juleps!

P.S. My puppy's on pain meds. =0( Send some good voodoo her way.

Happy Belated Zombie Jesus Day!

2011-04-25T07:08:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a good Easter yesterday. =0) I don't celebrate it anymore, and all my family is in Florida, so I worked, but it was okay. We actually weren't all that busy.

I work today as well, but I'm coming home early to do a major cleaning on the apartment. It's getting gross again. Afterwards, I'm treating myself with some cheese pasta and garlic texas toast. My mouth is watering already.

The weather is finally heating up and not a moment too soon. I feel like winter this year was unusally long. I know we're lucky living in the south, because I do believe it is still snowing in some places up north. At the very least it's cold.

Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations is on tonight (after Dancing With the Stars!) and he'll be in Japan just weeks before the earthquake. I think y'all need to watch it. It's a great show anyway and this one should be good.

Enter the Emo Kid

2011-04-17T10:36:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was the 4th annual Zombie Walk here in Myrtle Beach. It's a charity benefiting autism awareness that pairs music and zombies- two of my favorite things. I've been looking forward to this for months, and have been planning with a couple of my friends for just as long. Too bad I didn't get to go.

Here's what I've learned: people are a huge disappointment; always have been always will be. I have a group of great friends in Florida that I never get to see, and it seems like the people of South Carolina are all bred to be flakes and assholes. Is it right to plan and plan for an event, no matter how big or small, and a last minute bail out? Is it right to deliberately stop answering texts because you don't have the spine to tell me you've changed your mind? And how sad would it have looked for me, a lone zombie walking around aimlessly alone with nobody to talk to or hang out with? Pathetic.

I know this seems a little extreme. It is just a Zombie Walk, after all. No big deal. But to me, it's the straw that broke the camel's back. I am always getting stood up, or used or ignored. Whether it be a concert, dinner, planned vacations or just a random outing. It wouldn't bother me if the person would call days or hours before and informed me of their change of plans. It's always last minute. Every fucking time. Well I'm done now. I'm no longer making plans with anyone as long as I'm still here. I missed a day of work for this thing. So I'm done. When I move, hopefully the people of Europe will be a little more honest and upfront. If not, well, I guess I'll be that crazy cat lady/serial killer now, won't I?

Ugh. Hate being emo. Makes me seem like a whiner. Silver lining: interview tomorrow! They have properties all over the world so I'll get to transfer somewhere!

Sweet, Sweet Rest.

2011-04-08T10:15:00.000-07:00

Short and sweet. Just worked sixteen days in a row. Taking today off. 'Bye.

Blame it on my ADD...

2011-03-28T09:37:00.000-07:00

Last night was probably one of the best concerts I've been to in a while. Young the Giant played at the House of Blues last night, along with Awolnation and Kitten.

Young the Giant was the headlining band, but it was Awolnation that pretty much rocked it. They have great stage presence, a great set list, and they sounded awesome live. Sail, the single that is currently on radio stations, sounded pretty much exactly like it did on the recording. What more can you ask for in a show?

Young the Giant didn't have the stage presence Awolnation did, but they have a laid back, cool sort of casual feel to their music. I was kicked in the head during Awolnation from people crowd surfing, and was constantly pushed, but with YTG, everyone just stopped and listened to their lyrics and the music.

Kitten, a band from L.A, was surprisingly good. The lead singer, Chloe (she's 16!) has the typical, all-or-nothing energy you'd expect from a frontwoman. She has a great voice and an amazing stage dynamic. Every song was catchy and paunchy.

Great shows, great night. I took some pictures with my BlackBerry, but most of them came out blurry. =0(

Happy Belated St. Patty's, Y'all!

2011-03-18T18:23:00.000-07:00

I am not normally a person that goes out partying on a regular basis. However, the one day a year that celebrates the day of my people, I make an exception. I consider it a religious holiday that must be observed, even though I do not have one religious bone in my body. Yes, I am Irish and no, I don't pretend to be just so I can have an excuse to drink.

Last night was an evening spent with great friends doing things I don't normally do, which makes it all the more special. And I didn't pay for one drink, which is how it should be if you're a lady. I had some non-Irish onion rings at a British pub to start, made it to Shamrock's, then to Broadway, which, if you live in Myrtle Beach as I do, is the place to party, both on and off season.

I actually participated in "dancing" at one of the clubs, but remember, this is already after a Jack and Coke, Muslide, and a jell-o shot. I had a little liquid encouragement. And I have some of the best friends in the world. Shortly after, we headed to Time Out, where I saw my first drag show. I have to say it was a good time. Not sure if I'll make a regular appearance there (mingling there is pointless if you're not gay), but it was great fun.

I didn't have to work until late this afternoon, and I gave it my best effort to sleep in (I don't get hangovers!), but, alas, a nap after my tuna breakfast didn't help much. I'll probably make up the rest of my sleep tonight after picking up my brother.

Oh, and Denny's at 12:30 after drinking and partying is a great idea.

WTF, Life?

2011-03-16T07:26:00.000-07:00

You know, I just had this whole rant about what an awful week I've had, and I deleted it. I really don't feel like hashing it out all over again, even if it is an Internet rant. I'm tired, both mentally and physically, and I can't wait until I can just sit back, relax, and have no worries.

Sad Town

2011-03-11T08:05:00.000-08:00

Today is probably the worst day I've had in a really long while.
I got a text from my cousin, Erica, this morning about the earthquake-created tsunami in Japan today and our other cousin, Kyle, is living there with his girlfriend. I haven't heard anything yet, so I'm super worried that he's been hurt in some way.

I also got an e-mail from Netflix that they were unable to process my debit card and come to find out-woohoo! I've over drafted for the first time in four years. I have a serious problem with not saving and I have no idea how to fix it.

No cousin. No Netflix. No money.

I'm supposed to start baking a cake today for a co-worker's birthday tomorrow and I have a sneaky suspicion that something will go wrong and I'll fuck it up.

March Madness

2011-03-07T11:29:00.000-08:00

I feel like this is going to be a busy month.

Yesterday was my niece's birthday, and her mother (one of my besties) has one on Wednesday, so we celebrated at Yamato's, which is a Japanese hibachi restaurant, last night. There were about 10 of us, and we all had a great time. The food was awesome, as per usual, and I even sampled some cool raspberry sake. =0)

March 17th is St. Patrick's Day, and I'm Irish, so I can legitimately celebrate without needing an excuse to drink. =0) Last year the Boulevard was shut down for a festival, and we did a little bar hopping, nothing too crazy. This year I really want to go out with more people and hopefully get some decent entertainment in.

March 27 is the Young the Giant/Awolnation show and I am super excited. Both are two of my newest faves, and I'm sure it's going to be a great time.

I've also been given a lot more shifts from both of my jobs, which means MORE MONEY. Because I need it. Anyone willing to hand out donations will be greatly appreciated. =0)

Clean Carpets!

2011-03-03T15:38:00.000-08:00

Finally! After a whole year of being in our apartment, we finally had our carpets cleaned for the first time. The apartment smells great, and all of the pet stains are out! Lets see how long this lasts, though. Soleil is still a puppy, after all, and Ricky Ricardo still gets hair balls.

Speaking of Soleil, she met a new friend today. My friend and ex-co worker, Kim-Marie just moved into the building next to ours and she has the cutest little Boxer named Layla. We had to separate the two, though, because they were playing a little too rough. I admit Soleil was the main instigate, which got Layla's hackles up, so she started to play rough, too. When she gets bigger, she'll be more evenly matched, and I won't mind Soleil playing normal with her.

It's work again the next two days, then Heather's birthday at Yamato's. There's also a local band playing tomorrow night called the Beatholes I'm going to see. Should be really fun. =0)

Happy National Pancake Day!

2011-03-01T15:49:00.000-08:00

Today is National Pancake Day, something I hope all of you participated in. IHOP was giving away free pancakes, but I had to have the chocolate ones so mine, unfortunately, were not free. Bummer. Oh well. They were still delicious.

I applied for Wachovia bank, but I got an e-mail saying they were looking at better qualified applicants. I did apply for Bank of America, so we'll see how that goes.

To add to my triple day of disappointment, I thought I had to work, but I was off. Usually I'd be jumping for joy, but I'd rather rack up the hours for more moolah.

I did go to the library, my happy place, and pick up a few books to keep me entertained. I also picked up a pizza, something I was craving! Yummy!

Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day.

I Got A Late Start

2011-02-28T07:30:00.000-08:00

I promised myself I'd be a little more active this year, and so far, I haven't been keeping that promise.

Yesterday, though, I took my dog out for a long walk; something both she and I needed! I tell myself it's the first day of an every day thing; I get up, have breakfast, putter around on the computer, catch up on my morning Travel Channel (duh), then take Soleil on a long walk.
She adores the outside, something I'm going to have to accommodate in the months to come while it's still warm. I'm thinking the first couple of weeks, we'll get my momentum back power walking, then I'll take her to the beach for the first time, something I know she'll be excited about. =0) Let's see how long this lasts. Ha! I'll make an effort. I promise. If I can make it a week (unless it rains), I know I'll be on the right track.

I applied for a teller position at Wachovia bank the other day, so keep your fingers crossed. I like the job I'm in, but I need structure and organization and the ability to move within the company. Since the restaurant is so new, and it's not a franchise or chain, I'm literally stuck. Plus, I think they're messing with people's paychecks. No bueno, people. An I also don't get benefits, something I have to have. I have chronic anxiety and I'm perpetually sick, so I need to have regular visits to the doctor's office, and not having insurance can get expensive. Plus, I need dental and vision, too. Working at the bank will not only promise my well being, I can take paid vacations! Yay! Which means I can visit my family longer when I drive to Orlando once a year.

Anywho, I hope everything works out. I missed out on the last interview because I was out of town. I'm hoping they're willing to talk to me again!

Broke Again?

2011-02-25T07:17:00.000-08:00

I have this terrible habit of spending money whenever it comes my way. I'm a terrible saver. Oh, I make sure my bills are all paid, and yeah, sometimes they're a bit on the late side, but it gets done. When I got my taxes back, I tried really hard to save, because I still want to move to Europe and that's not exactly cheap! Unfortunately, I'm back to square one, scraping by paycheck to paycheck because I splurged a little. Okay, a lot. I did, however, spend some of it on three birthdays, and these are three very important people in my life.

My biggest thing is clothing and shoes. I'm just addicted! I spent about 71 dollars in Urban Outfitters in Charleston, bought two new pairs of shoes (Jessica Simpson! One pair was 26 dollars and the other was 16 dollars!) and a new top and earrings from Banana Republic. I also added a couple more tights in my collection and dropped about 110 dollars at Express... I had a coupon. I did, though, justify that I hadn't shopped for myself in a long time, and I also needed to update my wardrobe for spring. I spent 2 1/2 years working for P.F. Chang's (no more!) and the majority of what's in my closet is black.

I bought three tickets for myself, my brother and friend to see Young the Giant at HOB...and food...I did buy a lot of food. Bad going-out food and now I regret it since I have to start exercising more. I do plan on taking Soleil for more walks now that the weather is warming up. Mommy and puppy will both get some running time in.

Maybe instead of teaching I'll just transfer with Banana Republic overseas. It is a guaranteed job, and will be considerably less expensive...like two thousand dollars less expensive. Yes?

Chuck Town!

2011-02-23T06:03:00.001-08:00

I spent the day in Charleston yesterday with my friend, Adrienne, and my brother. Well, almost a day. By the time we dropped the dogs off at doggy day care, filled up the gas tank, grabbed a bite and headed on the road, we really didn't have much time. It was still a lot of fun, though. We actually spent the majority of our time in Urban Outfitters, where I snagged some really cute tops and a libra key chain, all for less than 75$! We ended up eating at a really good Asian place, and just strolled around Charleston aimlessly. It's one of those "walking cities" where you really don't need to drive around to do your shopping. It's beautiful-very historic, and the old houses and tree-lined streets just make it the perfect backdrop for casual shopping. And since it's off season, I felt like we had the entire city to ourselves. Next time, though, we're going to leave earlier, and maybe leave the pups home so we have more time.

On the way home, we were pulled by a state trooper doing random licence checks and my brother and Adrienne both got seat belt tickets! Not I. I'm a law abider. ;0) It's 25$, which isn't bad, but the delay cost us to be a little later picking the dogs up. At least the trooper was hot. And he was seriously nice, too. Not an asshole like troopers tend to get sometimes.

Well, it's off to get ready for work. I'm pulling a 12 hour shift today and I'm going to need a gallon of coffee to get me through the day.

The Sound of Music

2011-02-20T08:38:00.001-08:00

I've decided this will be the year (other than getting my shit together and moving to Europe), that I will be a concert whore. It's one of the few things I actually enjoy doing outside of holing myself in my apartment and reading/researching/baking.

I am not an "activities" person. I'm Irish and hate the sun, so even though I live 5 minutes from the beach, I don't go. Bugs love me, so I don't camp, or boat, or anything that requires "outside". I abhorre the sun and everything that comes with it-heat, humidity, sweating...you get the idea. I do, once in a while, head to the driving range to drive out some frustration, but not often.

I am not a club person. Drunk people irritate me and I'm no freestyle dancer, so...yeah. That's out. I also don't drink often enough to consider myself a bar fly.

Sheeseh, I sound like a bore, don't I? =0) I do love to shop, and go to the movies, and I'm constantly looking for a new, non chain restaurant to check out, but I don't get out much. Seriously.

I do, however, consider myself a music person and really enjoy seeing live shows. I've seen quite a few shows, but they're always spread out and I really want to make an effort to attend more. Flogging Molly was super fantastic, and I just purchased tickets to see Young the Giant and Awolnation. Both are awesome bands I'm excited about seeing. New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys are touring together, and yes, I will be going to that show as well. No making fun. I have a friend that wants me to go to Warped Tour, but I only know two bands playing and (a) I don't want to go if they're not playing at our venu and (b) it's an outside thing. In July. Amidst masses of sweaty humans. >=0( That one is still up in the air.

Living in Myrtle Beach makes it difficult to see the bands I really like because of the lack of huge venues. We have HOB, and not many bands travel down this way, usually opting for the lager cities, which means I have to take time off from work and travel. This, of course, is another reason why I want to move. Better concert opportunities. I have been keeping track of upcoming shows, though, and will still support our rinky-dink little venue. =0) I'll keep you posted.

Meanwhile, check out http://www.youtube.com/user/awolnation and http://www.youtube.com/user/youngthegiant.

Happy Flogging Molly Day!

2011-02-17T07:40:00.000-08:00

I have been waiting for this day for more than a month! One of my favorite bands, Flogging Molly, is coming to Myrtle Beach tonight at the House of Blues. I saw their show last year and LOVED it. I'm super stoked. Two of my friends and my brother (who doesn't get out much) will be going with me. =0) Woot.

The puppy got her nails clipped for the first time yesterday. It actually went better than I thought it would. I do think it was because the other dogs distracted her into behaving. She's a diva. She loves the attention. I want to take her to the beach today, but I have so much cleaning to do I just won't have time. Maybe next week, if it's warm enough.

I got my tax return back (!) and was going to use part of it to get my passport, but I had three March birthdays to take care of, plus I had an Express coupon and I needed to get a couple of things for work, so you know how that goes. ::sigh:: Maybe after the summer, when my hair's a little longer so I can take a better photo, I'll go ahead and purchase one. It will be done this year, I promise.

I was supposed to go to Charleston on Saturday to visit the Art Institute's Culinary kitchens, but I have to work my second job, and that never happens. It would freakin' figure, right? Ah, well. Maybe there will be another open house soon. =0(

Happy Valentine's Day. I guess.

2011-02-14T08:39:00.000-08:00

I'm single, and I suppose it's only natural for me to despise Valentine's Day. I do think, however, I would still see it as some commercial, asinine holiday even if I wasn't. I'm not the best person to judge anything that has to do with love seeing as I'm part cynical, part realist, and I'm not too big on affection, but I think if you love somebody you shouldn't have to use February 14th as a reason to show it. You shouldn't be required to buy presents, and if the other person feels different, then bye-bye. Kick their ungrateful ass to the curb. Saying "I love you" should be an every day thing, not a once a year thing, and if you really did love the person, taking a random date night here and there throughout the year is all you should need. If you didn't do it on V-Day, does that mean you're not loved? Or that you don't love your other half? I don't think so.

I know if it were me, I wouldn't expect anything because, well, it's expected. Think outside of the box, people. Go against the grain. Dare to be different...and all that jazz...Be in love because you're in love, not because your calender tells you to be.

If, by chance, you need a little inspiration for a Valentine's play list, here are some non sappy songs that are great, and still get the message across:

*I Melt With You- Modern English

*Sweet Child O' Mine- Guns N' Roses

*Underneath It All- No Doubt

*Love Song- The Cure

*Friday I'm In Love- The Cure (double duty!)

*Lay Me Down- Dirty Heads

*Slide- Goo Goo Dolls

*With Or Without You- U2

Mmm...pastries

2011-02-12T08:11:00.000-08:00

I seriously want a pastry. Samantha Brown was in Prague yesterday and she bought this behemoth of an apple pastry that was probably a foot long...for a dollar. U.S. Though, the episode was shot in 2005, so who knows if the price is the same, but still. A dollar. There's also a cafe there that allows you to throw stale donuts at people. That's right: for 60 U.S dollars, you can buy a bowl of rock hard, stale donuts, and throw them at whoever you want. All legal. If that's not reason enough to move to Prague, I don't know what is.

I suppose doing some research on France hasn't helped my craving for pastries. I don't want some knock-off, I want the real thing, and I want it now. Unfortunately, hopping on a plane to sample world famous desserts isn't in the cards at the moment, but my time will come. Hopefully soon.

I really am considering just moving to a random place, snagging a job, and putting my certification on hold until I can save a little more. I did the math, and I'll need to save at least 5k to cover the plane ticket, accommodations, and tuition...plus I'll not be working for at least a month, so putting deposits down for an apartment and not being employed right away is pushing it. With the money I do save, I'll be able to live comfortably, and work on the certification or any other degree once I decided on where I want to go. =0)

If you have any ideas, pass them along, please.

Sweden?

2011-02-11T08:48:00.000-08:00

I have found, doing my research on Sweden, that we should all lead by their example.
The nation as a whole is very active and family oriented.
The images I've seen are beautiful, and the country looks so unspoiled! I think I would have a hard time adjusting to the extreme winters, since I was born in Florida and currently live in South Carolina.

Also what I noticed is everyone seems to speak English, or so I've read from every article or blog I stumbled upon. I'd still take the time to learn the language, though, out of respect. I'm sure menus and things are all in Swedish.

I've only came across one negative blog from an expat, and she seemed like a spoiled, ignorant brat so I will not take her post seriously. Even the comments from her readers pretty much told her she was.

From what I've gathered, the Swedes are a quiet, polite, tolerant people who seem to get along with everyone. And for a society who shuts down a half an hour a day to enjoy a sweet and some caffeine, well, who doesn't love that?

Spring Cleaning!

2011-02-10T16:49:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, my brother and I gave our apartment a serious scrub down. It actually looks hospitible...and it only slightly smells like puppy (who also got a much needed scrub down!). I just have to tackle my room and bathroom and everything will be one hundred percent clean.

One more week until I get to see Flogging Molly! I've been looking foreward to this show for a long time! I saw them last year and it was one of the best shows I've seen. Great band!

Ugh, I'm still super tired from my nap. I had to wake up early for my second job, and I haven't had to do that in a while. My brain's all meh. I'll probably end up going to bed early tonight. I don't think I slept long enough.

=0(

2011-02-08T17:40:00.000-08:00

Wasted the day away. Started to get a migraine at about 2 this afternoon. It's now almost 9 p.m. and it's still lingering. I've run out of migraine meds, which pretty much sucks. I hope pizza will do some good for me.

GO PACKERS!

2011-02-07T07:54:00.000-08:00

Sweet! Green Bay Packers won the Super Bowl! To all the Steelers fans: insert foot in mouth. Ha. Shit talking will get you nowhere. Soleil is happy they won, too. =0)

Okay, I'm done. Back to business.

Apparently, I can buy a castle in Germany. This seems like a pretty good idea. How many people can say they live in a castle? Though I would probably just use mine as a "summer home" and whatnot. Not sure how electricity and indoor plumbing would fare. And the drafts in the place? Please. There are some pretty awesome views, though. Country-side Germany is quite breath taking and I look foreword to visiting as soon as I get my broke carcass over there.

Today I'll be researching Italy. I think that's the one place I'd live in a cardboard box if I could just eat the food every day! I'm not exactly the pickiest of people, but I like fresh fruits/veggies, cheese and pasta...I try to stick to the vegetarian diet when I can just for health purposes, so places that specialize in heavy meat dishes would not be ideal for me to live (Germany, for instance, will more than likely not work). I do love seafood, especially shellfish, and anything cooked with olive oil. The other night I made a delicious dish with ahi tuna that I seasoned with Cajun seasoning and olive oil, wild mushroom rice, spinach and potatoes. Yumm-o!

I suppose that is all. I have the next two days off, so I am going to buckle down and start exercising! I need it! Bikini weather is right around the corner!

Are You Ready for Some Football?!

2011-02-06T07:26:00.000-08:00

It's Super Bowl Sunday, an event probably more holy than going to church itself (which I don't anyway). Unfortunately, my team, The New England Patriots, are not playing, so I'm not all that excited about it, but I am going to send some good voo doo vibes for Green Bay and its delicious QB, Aaron Rodgers. Pittsburg is seriously obnoxious and so are the fans, so...yeah.

Anywho, I was a slacker yesterday and did not get a chance to do any of my research on a new country...if you call scouting out a bank open on a Saturday (3 tries!), grocery shopping, going to Petsmart to replace the collar my puppy chewed through, and re-signing my apartment lease slacking. I did manage to snag lunch with my friend before work (Thai Cuisine in Myrtle Beach...go there.) and I also got to hang out with a couple of other friends while I waited for my brother to get off. But today, Germany, it's your turn! Let's see how you look!

Arielle's art showing was a blast. I got to see a bunch of my friends, look at amazing art work, and just relax. My kind of night. She used this picture of me in her show. http://www.flickr.com/photos/ariteer/4990193374/in/photostream/. Love ya, lady!

Spain-glish

2011-02-04T08:14:00.000-08:00

I did a little research on Spain yesterday. I'm going to try to research one country per day and see which one I fall the most in love with. Spain is undoubtedly beautiful, with its gorgeous landscape and warm weather, and I think picking up on the language wouldn't be that difficult (I grew up in Florida and have worked in restaurants for the past three years. You figure it out).
I haven't really felt that tug, though, that little pull on the heartstrings that says "ah! this is it! This is going to be home!". I'm still holding out hope, though, and maybe it's something that will devolop with time, but so far I'm thinking "nah". I'd love to visit, though. Maybe what I should do is just...travel around for a bit and see where I adapt. I think I'd need double what I'm saving, though. Hey, I could always sell a kidney, right? =0)

One of my very good friends, who also happens to be a very talented artist, is celebrating her birthday today, and she is also having an art show, which I'm very excited to attend. She hasn't held one in a while, and she's using a photo of me in the show! Yay! Still need to get her a present. It has to be awesome since she is including my portrait, right? I'll update when I find the perfect gift!

Ah, L'amour!

2011-02-02T13:51:00.000-08:00

I was watching an older episode of Passport to Europe with Samantha Brown today. Before I go any further, y'all need to know I am obsessed with the Travel Channel, usually opting to sit for hours watching food shows, travel shows, ect.-re-runs or not-, rather than big network dramas and sitcoms (except for Castle and Psych. LOVE them both), so a LOT of my discussions will be based off inspiration from the awesome network.

Anywho, my girl, Sam, was in Paris (France, not Texas), and though the food and sights alone were educational, a very important topic was discussed I feel everyone should know: the French are not all assholes. A French gentlemen on the plane ride over explained to her that the French were a lot like coconuts: hard exterior, but once you crack them open, very sweet inside.

If you take the time to try to speak a little of their language instead of assuming everyone outside of the states speaks English, and embrace what they're about, they're actually a very warm, welcoming people.

One thing you need to know is they take their food seriously. Remember, they set the stage for all that is gourmet and is considered to be the best in the world. You don't need to spend an arm and a leg to enjoy classic French food either. Stopping in one of the many bistros in Paris, like http://www.chezpaul.com/, where Samantha stopped to eat, you can sample hearty, simple French food that's pretty inexpensive. Expect to spend a couple of hours in a restaurant. They believe in taking their time, enjoying their food and good conversation, rather than hurrying through a power lunch. The wait staff very rarely checks in with you, something that is considered rude in the States, because they expect you to camp out and enjoy yourself.

I guess since I'm mostly French, and I've always been in love with the culture, I feel like I have to defend the country and the people that live there. If you just show a little respect, make an effort to speak a few phrases here and there, you'll learn the French can be as hospitable and friendly as any American family (and let's face it: not everyone in this country is as warm and fuzzy as most of us like to think we are). And if you think about it, it's pretty much what any of us would come to expect, isn't it?

Brand New Day

2011-02-01T07:25:00.001-08:00

It really sucks that I picked today to start my new, positive outlook when it's so shitty outside. It feels like an ominous foreshadowing that'll fail before the thought is finished, but I promised myself this year I will try.

I've been wanting to travel for a really long time, and I've recently found the perfect excuse to do so: teaching English as a second language. I have a really bohemian friend that taught in Korea for two years and absolutely loved it. She's currently in Costa Rica and I breifly thought of abandoning everything here and going with her. The only problem: I'm broke.

So, though I have a huge issue with shopping, I have decided to really buckle down this year and just do it. Save money and hop on a plane at the end of the year and just go.

It's a new year, and I have a brand new outlook to go along with my determination. There are a few unsupportive people out there I have to prove wrong, so I pretty much don't have a choice anyway. =0)