17.8.14

List #253: Current Crushes

It's been long established that when I like something, I typically like it A LOT. We're talking obsession levels of liking things. And this summer has been no exception.

Currently, I am crushing on the following:


Chris Pratt
I am probably the number one Parks and Recreation fan. I have watched every episode of the series at least three times (and probably more like six) and I've been a fan of Chris Pratt's Andy since he was living in a pit. But Guardians of the Galaxy has made me feel things Chris Pratt that were just little rumblings before. He may be happily married, but I will say this...Chris Pratt can tell me I have network connectivity problems all day long. 

Salted Caramel Core Ice Cream
Remember how Ross Gellar didn't like ice cream? Well yeah, there is a reason I actually kind of like Ross Gellar. Ice cream is NOT my favorite summertime treat. But then 2014 happened and Ben & Jerry's made this delight. And I cannot get enough. Thank goodness it's a little hard to keep stocked on grocer shelves because I'd be in serious trouble. But I'm so very grateful for the Boyfriend who sometimes has the foresight and kindness to buy two and hide one in the back of the fridge until I need to give into the cravings. 

All About That Bass 
I first heard this song thanks to Spotify in the middle of a long work day. I then played it three more times. And now I play it at least once a day. I love that we are living in a time where we are starting to push back on societal view that we all women have to be thin. It's great to have curves and I love when women and girls are encouraged to embrace them. I love mine. And yes, I understand that some people are annoyed that this song has to bring men's opinions of curves into loving one's own body. But honestly? I'm not that bothered by it. It's catchy, it still has a good message, and I agree....in my experience men really do love a little more booty to hold at night.

Orange is the New Black
I read this book years ago. And though I found it an interesting story, I wasn't particularly keen on the main character and so, I really had no interest in the show. But after so many people I trust talking positively about it, I gave it a show one Friday afternoon. And then I was hooked. Now, going to jail for something I didn't do or going to jail for a horrible accident is one of my top fears. This show is doing nothing to ease any anxiety. I'm actually enforcing a personal hiatus from the show becomes my dreams have become jail-infused and often include me playing bingo with the ladies. 


What about you dear readers, anything that you're crushing on? Share in the comments, please! 



3.8.14

List #252: A Quiet House on a Sunday Evening

Our family arrived back from vacation yesterday afternoon. We landed at Pittsburgh International just before dinner time and had a small child sleeping in the backseat within five minutes of the car ride home. We ordered Chinese food for dinner and spent a lot of time chasing the cat around the house and giving him treats because he missed us so much.

There are still suitcases waiting to be unpacked. Laundry certainly needs to be done soon. Work is almost ready to greet us tomorrow morning.

But for now, things are quiet. And all of what will come when the start button gets pushed on tomorrow can wait. On a Sunday evening in our house, when vacation is rubbing off, here is what you will find:


  • A quiet house with just the hum of the air conditioning turning off and on.
  • A soft kitty giving himself a bath on top of a pile of blankets our house guests left stacked upon a living room chair.
  • Two adults with their legs wrapped up in each other as they sit on opposite ends of the couch. 
  • A pile of blocks left after one little boy went off to his other house for a few days.
  • A pile of unread and half-read New York Times sitting on the far edge of that (very big) couch.
  • One man reading the last few pages of a book he can't seem to put down.
  • One woman listening to Ingrid Michaelson over and over again again.
  • Empty Chinese take-out containers waiting to be thrown out with the night's trash.
  • New neighborhoods. On all sides of the house.
  • A few stray dirty dishes that need to be put in the dishwasher.
  • A light dimmed best for reading.
  • A few blisters on someone's foot.
  • Two people ignoring work emails for at least a few more hours. 
  • Relaxation that is only achieved after successful going on, and returning home, from a week's vacation.
The librarian in our house is about to start the final push of summer reading. The consultant in our house is about to start some new adventures. And the little boy is about to go back to daycare after not being there in over a week. Let's hope the calm can withstand the storm that might begin early in the week. And here's to wishing a few moments of quiet in your week too.