Positive Project #4: Warm Drinks

I am not a morning person. But I'm getting better at it. Because I'm growing old and by the time you reach 70 you have to be up and accomplished before the sun rises. It's a law.

I imagine that when I do hit the big 7-0, I'll love getting up before dawn. I'll read have my laundry done before The Today Show even begins. And then I'll read some Large Print books and have lunch at 10 am.

But until then, I need a little love in the morning. I need a good hour and half to get myself ready. Not because I'm high-maintenance. But because I'm just slow-moving. Because I'll be better equipped to talk to you if I can take my time. I need breakfast about 3 hours after I wake up, if it's earlier I'll get sick to my stomach.

And my heart wants a warm drink in the morning. Even if I feel stressed before my day officially begins, even if I want to cry, even if I am having the best day ever. A hot drink just makes it better.

Chai Tea

My ultimate comfort drink. It's the way to my heart, so take not future suitors. It will make me smile. I could drink it forever.

Earl Grey Tea

My standard. This is what I'll look for in a box of assorted teas. It's what I'll request first at restaurants. I have some with lavender in it. Perfect for cold mornings.

Cinnamon Dolce Latte

My sometimes-treat at Starbucks. I am not a coffee drink, if you couldn't have already guessed. But this latte is more cinnamon and milk than anything else. To be had only when nothing else will brighten a morning. Have yet to try it iced.

So what about you, readers? What do you drink in the morning? Does a certain drink perk your mood? 

Oh! and you still have time to vote for in the most recent round of the TV Boyfriend Bracket. Don't let the Nice Guys finish last!

Positive Project #4: Beards

I keep sitting down to write a serious post about something in my life for which I am grateful, but this week is a ball of busy. The type of busy that meant I didn't even take off my shoes until well after 8pm. This almost never happens.

So today I'm going to sing praise for beards. Do you need to have a beard to date me? Absolutely not. In fact, only one of my past loves had facial hair on a regular basis. So the odds are really in the clean-shaven's favor.  I'll consider it a treat when you're by my side with a day's worth of stubble.

But if I happen to pass you on the street and you do have a beard? You get an automatic +2 points in the attractive department.

Just this morning I spotted three different men, who when I locked eyes with, I thought to myself "I'd make out with you."

So today's list, in celebration of the excitement that beards bring in my life, I give you some of my favorite current beards.

Seneca Crane

Fun fact, I actually leaned over to my friend, during The Hunger Games and said these words: 

"I'm oddly attracted to him."

The Avett Brothers

This type of beard says to me, "Come on over honey, I'll strum on my guitar. We'll drink mulled cider. Maybe, if you're feeling feisty, I'll let you pluck my banjo."

Ron Swanson

Not technically a beard. But the only man with a mustache I'd consider having a passionate love-affair with. I want to be the librarian that isn't Tammy and makes the whole Parks Department rethink their stance on books.

But really. It's this version of Nick Offerman that really makes me thankful for beards.

My second favorite photo.

I need to stop with the swooning.

So readers, who claims your favorite beard? Do you have a beard of your own? Leave the love in the comments!

Positive Project #3: Ballet Flats

Over the last year or so I have become a lover of the heel. I usually wear high heels at least 3 to 4 days a week. And I love the way I feel when a little kitten heel highlights a dress or a skirt.

But right now? I don't have the stamina to walk around all day in a heel. Let alone jumping up and down during storytime in a heel.

So thank goodness for ballet flats. And thank goodness I own many of them.

Now? Do I own any of these ballet flats? Um, let's just say they are a little out of my budget. But a girl can dream, can't she?

What about you readers, what's your positive piece today?

Positive Project #2: The TV Boyfriend Bracket

It's probably no surprise as a librarian that I fall in love with fictional characters. My main form of entertainment is engrossing myself in fictional worlds. My ultimate book boyfriend? Marc Darcy, the updated version of Mr. Darcy of Pride and Prejudice from Bridget Jones' Diary. There are others too but as I sit here and think about them, I'm thinking this should probably be its own blog post.

So when my good friend Brenna posed the question "Which TV character would you like to date?" I was there with a list of answers. Brenna and I regularly pick apart the storyline of How I Met Your Mother with precision every week and go back and forth on the merits of Ted Mosby. And our friends have sent more emails than I can count over the last year regarding the men of Friday Night Lights. That any of us have TV Boyfriends is no surprise.

So what started out as a poll between friends grew to a bracket of 16 and then well....into this madness of 64 ultimate TV Boyfriends throughout time.

You've got the Men Who Get Shit Done vs. those Hopeless Romantics. And Nice Guys vs. the ones who are a Bit Complicated. And it's awesome.

This has been a source of pure joy, hilarity, and excitement since last week when I was bruised and battered and mending. I encourage you (both women and men) to join in on the fun. Voting begins today. Up first are are the Complicated Men. You can cast your vote here and be sure to voice your opinion loud in clear in the comments.

But because I want to persuade my readers to cast votes in favor of my favorite men. I give you my ultimate TV Boyfriend Breakdown.

It's Complicated

Tim Riggins

He's broken but not beyond repair. He went to jail to cover up for his brother. He loves with all of his heart. He is loyal and just wants to live a simple life. He has seen the dark side and would do all he could to protect you from seeing it too. He loves Texas, Forever. And I'd pack up my belongings and  join him in a state didn't impress me when I visited years ago, if he asked.

Hopeless Romantic

Seth Cohen

Honestly this was the hardest category for me to pick a favorite. Not because I love too many romantics, but because of the opposite. I don't really fall for romantic men in real life or in fictional life. I like elements of romance in my life, but I've never been the girl who was or wanted a Hopeless Romantic. Seth was chosen by default because Ted Mosby often acts without thinking about the consequences of his actions in regards to others. And if I chose Matt Seracen that would mean 3 out of  4 my top picks came from Friday Night Lights. And I don't love high school football all that much. So why do I love Seth? He was reading Michael Chabon in high school. He has that cute curly-haired thing going on and once loved a girl from Pittsburgh. He is the type of guy who would be romantic in a geeky way. He'd remember your favorite scene in a book and reenact for you. He'd score you autographed copies from your favorite author and buy you tickets to the band you love so much. He's jut the right amount of romance for me.

Gets Shit Done

Coach Eric Taylor

Coach Taylor molds young men. He may mind when they knock on his door in the wee hours of the morning or when they date his daughter, but in the end, he just wants to help them out and put them on the right path to success. He'll cuddle on the couch with you with a glass of wine and probably rub your feet after a long day. He stands up for what is right and fair. He looks good in polo shirts and hats. I think if he wasn't so in love with Tammy Taylor, he would love to have a Librarian in his life.

Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose.

Nice Guys

Josh Lyman

There is an asterisk next to Josh's name in the TV Boyfriend Bracket. Because he just kind of fell into this category because those who seeded it didn't really know what to do with him. Ideally, he should probably be in Get Shit Done. But I'll argue here that Josh is a Nice Guy. He is a champion for the little man. He got into politics because he wants to make a difference. He won't be so nice to you if your'e causing trouble up on the Hill, but it's because his heart is in the right place. He is wicked smart. His job is his life. He loves Democrats, he loves President Bartlet. 

And I just want to love him.

(If you know anything about me, you should know that Josh Lyman is my ultimate TV Boyfriend. I love him so much. But I realize he has a polarizing personality. I tend to fall for those types anyway.)

So dear readers, who will you cast your vote for? Is there someone that was left out of the TV Boyfriend Bracket? Do you have issues with my picks? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Postive Project #1: Friendship

If your'e a regular reader of this blog you may have deduced that something happened in my life last week. It was a tough thing, a scary thing, and a thing that forced me to slow down and take a break from the world for some time. It was not a thing I enjoyed.

When something like this happens along the road of life, a lot of things happen because of it. And one of things I let consume me? Negative thought.

I've been trying to fight off the blues for a few weeks now. They seem to have been wanting to settle in since sometime mid-February. And I have been trying, with all of my might on some days, to ward them off at the entrance.

But very recently? Specifically Tuesday/Wednesday of this past week? Forget it. If you happened to talk to me during those days, or read my tweets, or sent me text messages. You would have heard things such as "All of my friends are getting married and having babies and I'm just getting {insert issue here}."

And I'm just not going to take it anymore. I'm on a mission to hyper-inject a serious dose of positivity in my life. So with that, I'm starting my 30-day Positive Project. I'm pledging that for the next 30 days, I will blog about something positive in my life that gives me joy and makes me smile. I'm (as my dearest friend's father stated: Giving up negativity for Lent) and forcing myself to concentrate on what I do have, what I do love, and what I am blessed with other than what is missing or hurting.

Positive Project #1?

Friendship

I never have to look very far to be reminded of how much love I have in my life because of my friends. It's an eclectic group of people I've met along the way: just a few from high school, some from travels, those who know my dark secrets from college, the ones who are from grad school, those I met as a professional, and believe it or not, some I met online. But they know me. They support me. They love me. 

They were there within minutes and hours of needing some cheer, they are setting time aside to help me move, they call from across the country, send silly text messages during the work day, write elaborate emails about TV boyfriends and The Hunger Games, and tweet about bad hair days and tacos. They cry with me, they laugh with me, and force me to laugh at myself even in the darkest of times. 

I may not have that lifelong friend that I met in Kindergarten. But as adult? Friendships rock a lot.

I love you, friends. And I hope I'm half friend as you are to me. If your'e here in my life, I don't want to lose you. And I am pledging to be the best friend I can be.

So dear readers, can you help out and participate in my 30-day Positive Project? Leave a comment and tell me one thing positive in your life today. Or write 30 blog posts too. I truly believe the more positive thoughts and the more positive actions we put out int he world? The more positive energy and actions we'll see and feel. 

Letter #37: A Hiatus

Dear Readers,

I'm going to step away from the blog for a little bit and do some mending.

An instance has arisen that has is taking me away from my normal routine right now and there is little I can or want to say about it here.

I always hate when bloggers post things that are cryptic or seem to be fishing for attention, so please know that this is neither.  But since so much of my life is in this weird place right now, I don't have much else to say.

I don't think this hiatus will last long. I hope to be back at blogging in a week or so. But right now I just need some time to take care of my mind, my body, and my heart. Luckily, I have some amazing family and friends who never stop letting me know how much I am loved and cared for. And for that, I am eternally grateful. So much in the last few years has challenged my own strength, but consistently, I have found that some bonds cannot be broken. I love you all, so very much.

I'm thankful for you too, readers, for sending me messages of good spirt. And always sticking by me. I am always amazed and touched by the number of people who regularly read this blog and I hope you'll stick with me as I take some time away.

I promise to be back with life stories, dating woes, and a few good lists. The lists will probably be Hunger Games related.

Always. Love.

List #145: Friday Happiness

I've had a bruised and battered week. Literally. And my mission to find simple happiness kind of keeps getting thwarted by life stuff and I'm just a little tired of being an adult.

I want to be able to whine and cry. I want to be able to get a little bitchy and say what's on my mind. I want someone to prove their self to me. I want to be taken care of and have all that adult-stuff I need to take care to be on hold for one day. I don't want to feel like I'm getting the short end of the stick for the remainder of the weekend.

But since the chances of any of that actually happening are slim today. I'm seeking my own happiness.

Starting with:

Ira Glass

You already know I love him. And one of my favorite things to do is store up This American Life Podcasts and then binge on them. This is only ruined when they decide to have too many repeats in a short period of time. But his smooth voice makes starting a Friday so much better.

Otis Redding

A long time ago, a man that I used to have a thing with or for put this on a mixed CD for me. I don't really remember the reason for the CD. I think he was homesick and trying to make up for some of the time he was awful to me. I have no idea if he he knew at that time how sad I was in my then-current relationship. How neglected I felt and how my needs weren't being met. But he definitely knew how much I was committed to it. But ever since, this song has been one of those gems that I pull out when I need to feel that sometimes it isn't me who has to put forth the effort. Sometimes showing a little tenderness goes a long way.

Friends with Kids/Adam Scott/Jon Hamm

All of the reviews of this movie keep warning everyone that it's not a Bridesmaids reunion like we might think considering the writer and cast. But hello, I don't want a Bridesmaids reunion. And I have no idea if I would walk away from this movie being more frustrated with the talk about kids or laughing and thinking "thank god that's no my life." But I like to see movies that reflect the struggles we face. And I'm even okay with walking away feeling more like Megan Fox than any other character (she's the career-driven one) if it means that I get to look at Adam Scott and Jon Hamm for more than a half hour. Who wants to be my date?

Green

I'm wearing the color green today because it is St. Patrick's Day tomorrow. And I have a pretty Irish-sounding name and people are always disappointed if I'm not extremely happy about St. Patricks' Day. I hope to have a few beers tomorrow, but it remains to be seen. But I do look grown-up cute today. Plus, I look good in green.

See. Now that I've focused on things that make me happy. I'm feeling like I can celebrate this Friday the way it was meant to be already. Let's hope it holds up. What happy are you channeling today, readers?

List # 144: Songs I Don't Want To Like

But do.

Spring is my least favorite season. It's too wet and wish-washy for my taste. But I do love the warmer weather. I like that this type of weather let's my tightless-legs feel ballsy and do things that don't naturally come to my cautious soul.

And when I'm in these types of moods, I find myself seeking out new music. Or in the very least, paying attention to tunes a little more closely than I do during the dark days of winter when I just seek comfort.  This spring (okay, so it's not technically spring yet. but almost) I seem to have a little jar of songs that I adore even though I don't want to. I can't shake them, even if upon first listen my head was saying "No Way."

Somebody that I Used to Know ~ Goyte (featuring Kimbra) 
This is kind of the "it' indie song right now. It's everywhere. And I wanted to much to not to fall into its clutches because it starts off sounding too pretentious. Then you have to deal with all of the people who   lay claims on discovering Goyte years ago. Oh, and then there is the video/album cover art that reminds me too much of bad artwork that hung in your aunt's house during the '80s. But damn it. This song is good.  No matter where you are, it sucks you into reminding you about someone you used to know. And Kimbra! How yes, that person did screw you over. How much it took to realize you didn't want to live that way! And then, finally...the thought of how, as grown adults, creep into our current relationships. How it takes work to let the pain go. But oh! that Kimbra verse just makes it.

We Found Love ~ Rihanna
I don't go clubbing and this song isn't exactly new. I'm 30 and old. The Rihanna who sang Umbrella has long been gone. Replaced by a lot of tattoos and hair that occasionally looks like Carrot Top. I know we aren't suppose to like Chris Brown (and I don't) but I also don't really like Rihanna anymore. I find her to be someone who tries too hard to be different. And on a personal level, it's hard to see a young woman make repeatedly bad decisions. But this song makes me want to be dancing on a Greek Island, in some small disco just off the town square. Maybe add another six inches to my hair and lots of alcohol too.  It's the song that could be the gateway to fun.

Stereo Hearts  ~ Gym Class Heroes (featuring Adam Levine)
Okay, so I'm pretty sure I only really like this song for Adam Levine's belting of "My Heart's a stereo...." I imagine him singing this to me in one of those chunky Grandpa sweaters he's been wearing on The Voice. Maybe he's cooking me some dinner while he does this. That part is negotiable. What is not negotiable is us poking fun at Cee-Lo's cat.

Drive By ~ Train
Oh my god. This is the song I'm most embarrassed to put on this list. 'Cause here is the thing. I do not like Train. In fact, the only song I ever like of Train was "Drops of Jupiter" because I was in college and it was kind of cute back then. But this is as close to "Drops of Jupiter" as they've ever come. A poppy little love song that isn't completely over-the-top. With a line like like "my love went viral" how can you not kind of love this song. It's ridiculous but fun. However, this is the first time I watched the video and they do lose some points for that.  Despite myself, this is the spring-time song that kind of makes it fun to be corny and cute.

So dear readers, what songs are you hating to love recently? Share them in the comments!

List #143: Emergency Contact

Yesterday evening I experienced a weird accident. I'm not going to go into any of the details here because it just doesn't make sense to. And I don't really know how this is all going to play out either, so no questions or comments about what happened. It's the stuff for good family and friends, not blog fodder. But it did result in a trip the ER last night. And this story isn't really about the injury, but more about how it feels after.

I tend to laugh and giggle a lot when faced with a strange and stressful situation. Some people cry or get angry. I just laugh. So I probably looked like a crack addict, or completely irreverent, to most people in such a situation, but so be it. It's how I handle unanticipated stress.

But when the reality of the situation settles in, it's time to make phone calls. And when you're a single girl, the Call-in-Case-of-an-Emergency-List is distinctly short. I called my boss and my mom. In fact, in that order because I was going to be late for a meeting that I never attended and I didn't want my mom to worry too much.

And it's when you're sitting in an ER talking on gchat, on your dying phone, with a guy that yeah, you're dating. When he has time, and your moods and schedules line up. Who is being sweet but you know full well you're not at that place where you can expect much more than a follow-up text that you just start to feel a bit sorry for yourself.

It's here that I emailed my friend of friends who is married with babies and sent her a photo. And basically had her thinking I was mugged (Note: I was not mugged). And when I'm sitting in an ER room, in the same hospital an ex was once rushed to years ago this same week, I'm a little bit sad that I don't have someone who can snuggle on the couch with me. There was no one who was going to absolutely kiss me just let me be a baby for at least 24 hours.

I'm deeply thankful for my family, and my friends who were worried sick about me last night, and called me three times today. I'm do feel loved all of the time. And blessed that the world has granted me great people in my life.

But eventually, I would like someone to be that Emergency Contact. Requirements should include:

• The willingness to buy me a Shamrock Shake and not judge when bruised me just wants to eat bad for day. 
• Completely understand that I'm going to want to stay in pajamas and watch really bad TLC television. It's okay if they protest Hoarders though, that show is too much.
• The desire to send me funny Internet links at least once during the day. Laughter is the best medicine.
• The tone of voice that is helpful, not preachy. I want to hear your advice but I don't want to feel like you're telling me what to do. If I don't want the ice pack, I don't want the ice pack.
• Someone who is going to kiss me as I fall sleep at night. And hold my body close to theirs. 

I know that it's not a cool and trendy, single-girl thing to write about. I should be strong and awesome always. But sometimes, I just want the hug and the kiss and the relationship that's reached the reliable and comfortable. Still remaining hopeful that it will, even on the hardest days.

List #142: The Gruppies

I'll be honest in that I really have nothing to complain about. The weather in Pittsburgh is gorgeous right now, I have a new adventure on the horizon, professionally I'm challenged and enjoying my work. But despite all of my happy, I'm still a bit grumpy. It's the gruppies really. A strong case of the grump even if my sense of rationality tells me I am happy.

I'm the kind of grumpy that wishes NPR was the only human interaction I had all day. My grumpiness makes it hard to concentrate. It makes me angry that I have to see headlines about Snooki's pregnancy in every news outlet. Or that women are going gaga over a self-published erotic novel. Enough with the crap already people.  Enough with the mediocre. Ttreat yo' self to some cashmere.

So in a challenge to right the bad mood that is sitting on my shoulders, I'm writing a list of 3 things out in the world that make me happy today.

• Taylor Kitsch. I still don't know what John Carter is about and I have no intention of seeing it. He's not even my regular type of man. But I just want him to be like Tim Riggins so much that it is making me pull for this actor's big success.
• Andy Sandberg as Sarah Palin. Yes, Tina does it better. And Stefan made an appearance this weekend. But this was the highlight of SNL for me. I've watched it 3 times and I still crack up with Andy says "Da Bears."
• Parenthood.  If you ask me why I'm watching this show on Netflix, I will honestly tell you that I don't have an answer. Probably out of late-night boredom. I am not a parent, have no intention of being one anytime soon and probably have more in common with the angsty teenager than I do the adults on the show. But it's still pretty good and it is definitely making me see Dax Shepard in a new light. 

So folks, 3 is a rough way to start happiness on a Monday. Feel free to add more of your own and fight the gruppies as hard as we can.

Letter #36: The Most Personal Post I've Ever Written (and one where I probably alienate some people)

Dear Marrieds,

I'm going to take a deep breath and just say it.

I'm jealous of you. I'm jealous that you've managed to find someone that wants to settle down. I'm jealous that you have found someone that thinks having someone to take care of at 65 sounds like a great idea. I'm jealous that you have found someone who will go to your family events even if they sound awful and take place four states away. I'm jealous that you may or may not have children with someone you love. I'm jealous of this journey.

But before I sound like the green-eyed monster, let me explain that I'm also extremely happy for you too. My heart smiles when you tell me you're engaged. Those are tears of joy I'm crying at your ceremony. That's a true enthusiasm when I meet your spouse for the first time. I love you. And I want you to be very, very happy.

And let me also be clear that I'm not really jealous of the wedding. I don't want a big wedding. I don't picture myself wearing a big fancy gown. I have never in my life wanted to wear a diamond ring. I've never swooned over bridal magazines and wondered what my theme would be. Rather, when I do let myself think for a little bit of how I'd like this event to take place if it ever so would, I picture a quick decision ceremony on a Friday night. I picture calling a few friends with the news a few days before and hoping they are happy for me and try their best to make it. Or I picture not even telling anyone and coming back with the deed done.

So many people like to tell single girls like me to just stay calm and don't look for it. It comes when you least expect it, they say. You'll know it when you see it. Just be patient. But I've done all of those things and more. I'm an extremely patient person. And despite the bitterness that creeped into my life in the late 20s, I'm still more hopeful than I care to admit. A few people will tell you that I'm not jaded at all and that it's just an act. And as my 30th year marches on, I'd actually agree with them. Sometimes though? It just gets really hard waiting. It's tough out there. And as much as I love my life, my career, my family, my friends I still get sad and scared that maybe I will be the one who grows old alone.

A lot of other people like to point out that half of all marriages end in divorce. In fact, I've learned of 3 friends whose marriages are ending in just the past two weeks. But I don't want that to be you. I want all of those that I know who are married, and all of those that are getting married, or will get married, to be blissful and successful. I want you to come out of the tough times along your road stronger.

People like to talk a good game on marriage. That it's hard work. That occasionally it isn't as cracked up as it's made out to be. The grass is greener on the other side. Sleeping with the same person the rest of your life has elements of boring.

But we singles aren't naive. At least not at this age. We've been through relationships. I know what it's like to date untreated mental health issues. I've been with liars. I've seen the type of person who likes to be mean in the name of funny. I witnessed unhealthy relationships with family members. I've been number two to a secret, hard-core porn addiction. I've been patient with sexual dysfunction. I've seen  the affects of farting in bed. I've been willing and ready for the bad times and the good times.

There is no denying that I want the commitment. I want what you have. I want to share responsibilities and tears along with the happiness and laughter. I want to iron someone else's clothes at night if someone else will wash my dishes in the morning.

So yes, marrieds, I am jealous. Let's be honest, you knew it was true. You know that the general rule is two is better than one. And despite all of your griping, you're not going to jump at the chance of changing places with me anytime soon.

And that's fine. I meant it when I said that I'm happy for you. But please, just do all of the single girl three little favors.

1. Don't make me rehash the stories of our one-night stands if you aren't going to give up the bedroom gossip too. 
2. Don't patronize and tell me that the right person is just around the bend, because we all know there is a strong possibility they aren't. 
3. And don't forget about me, I'll still want to be your friend and not a third wheel. 

And please, married friends, remember that matter the age you got married...you probably once felt like me too. That the list of failed relationships were long, wondering if the guy you like likes you enough back, trying to figure out a plan in being happy if this journey isn't to be yours, wondering what to wear on a first date. It's tough out there, and it only gets tougher. 

But the good news? Sometimes it is fun being single and dating. I like the mystery that surrounds my current relationship. I like that the lines aren't drawn and that so much hope and newness is still there. I like the making out and playful jokes. Maybe you're right in thinking you should be a little jealous of us singles too.

List #141: Reasons Why You're Winning This Monday

It's snowing here in Pittsburgh today. A cruel, though pretty reminder, that we're still technically in winter despite what Mother Nature has been suggesting. Even if you're putting on your best outfit and favorite shoes this morning, it's tough getting started on Monday mornings.

And since, over the weekend, I talked to a few women who felt as if they were failing in some department: not being able to score a date, getting passed over for that promotion at work, leaving their child's special outfit at home, ruining a DIY project, seeing a guy they like slip through their fingers, having no money for a vacation, home furnishings breaking. You name it, one of us going through it.

So this is for all of the smart and beautiful women who are trying with all of their might to be the best version of themselves today.

I'm imagining the Spice Girls singing Girl Power anthems to all of us today.

Reasons Why We Women are Winning:

• We drank that entire bottle of wine on Saturday night. And didn't get sick.
• We won that game of Words with Friends. Against the friend who always manages to beat you.
• We bought a new shirt. On clearance.
• We started a new craft project. With bright new yarn and a special someone in mind.
• Our children laugh a lot. And make funny noises too.
• We're not dating an ashole. Enough said.
• We're a Fantasy Football champ. And guys love that.
• We aren't foolish enough to go outside without tights. Cold legs aren't worth it.
• We finished that book that's been sitting on your night table since Christmas. And you fell in love.
• We took a time out and watched Love Actually this weekend. Thanks, ABC Family.
• We are heading committees. And working for the greater good, not popular opinion.
• We played the same song over and over again. And shook our bottoms in the bedroom.
• We're having the best sex of our lives. And sometimes we just want to brag.
• Our laundry is done. And smells so fresh and clean.

So dear readers, why are we women winning this morning? Leave it in the comments and spread some love.

List #140: Things I Can't Get Enough Of, Round 1

It's Friday. The sun is shining even though by tomorrow night we'll have snow. I'm wearing jeans to work and my hair looks awesome this morning.

I may not be able to pin down a date and I may not have any travel plans set in the near future. I may keep seeing an old, shady neighbor who creeps me out and Dr. Seuss may be groaning at the product placements connected with The Lorax.

But it the first Friday of March 2012 and I'm in love.

With what?

Little Talks ~ Of Monsters and Men
I've never been to Iceland but I know I want to live there. And this Islandic band is my new over-dose favorite.

How I Met Your Mother Recaps ~ Vulture

Season 7 isn't even close to being the best season of this show. So why am I addicted to reading The Vulture's recaps this year? Is it because I don't have any more Downton Abbey recaps to read? Or because I love reading possible series ending pitches by commentators? Or because I want Robin to be happy even if it means never getting married? Or because Ted is at his best when he's being a friend and not telling a woman he loves her? Yeah, it's probably all of this.

Not Reading ~ Well, not reading anything that has me raving

I'm on a mission to read 52 books this year. And as part of this mission I'm trying to widen the gap on the type of stuff I read. Adding more graphic novels, children's literature, and young adult books. And so far, in the first two months of the year, I've managed to finish 10 books. But even if I'm giving a 5-star rating title (The Fault in our Stars, John Green) I am still not addicted to it. Here we are, it's March. And I haven't fallen in love with any book just yet. It's half-killing me, and half-thrilling me. Wondering, as I place the new fiction orders each month, which book is going to grip me from the inside out.

P.S. The photo for not reading is the cover of one of my favorite children's books of 2011. I love funny picture books.

So dear readers, what can't you get enough of this week? Share and maybe we'll all have a few new obsessions.