No, literally....baggage is the real issue that has been on my mind for the last few days....so much so that I need to vent to someone who isn't my parents or my friends who are traveling with me....because they are all sick of hearing it.
I'm headed to Ireland in March....for 10 days of actual Ireland time and then 2 days of travel. I have crazy lunatic friends who have all decided that they are going to only carry-on their bags. I don't know how hip you are with airline rules, but carry-on bags are ridiculously small. So small in fact that I went against their plans and bought this amazingly huge hiking backpack that I planned on checking in. I knew there was a possibility that it might be misplaced somewhere along the way or miss our flight. We have a little over an hour in Seattle and a little over an hour in Paris....so there isn't much connection time for my bags to get where they need to go. But I was ok with that.
Then I looked at my budget for Ireland, and I'm realizing I might not be eating much if I don't get a couple hundred more dollars to cushion myself. That backpack cost $109.00....now I'm up against a really huge rock and a hard spot. If I return that sucker....I'm going carry-on only.....and that strikes fear in my heart. I have been rationalized with the notion that you can pack for 1/2 a week and do laundry.
a) I hate laundry....why do it on vacation?
b) I hate wearing the same thing twice within a short period of time.
c) I know these two facts make me sound high maintenance, but I can't change them....so judge away!
I am a Level 1 offender for notorious overpacking. When I went on a summer long trip to Tahoe, I ended up packing the most gigantic suitcase you've ever seen in your whole life(so big it wouldn't have been able to fly with me)....plus....another giant suitcase....plus all my bedding....plus another tote bag or two. Most of my friends only packed one suitcase....which they somehow crammed their bedding into as well. What the?!
So, now I need to attempt to cram 10 shirts into my carry-on....mostly because I can wear the same jeans for the whole trip, but the shirts need to be different. There is my concession. And the only carry-on size backpack that I have is one that I carried to school....so its tiny. I did a trial run last night...shoved 10 workout t-shirts in (those are the bulkiest shirts I own)....and my backpack was ridiculously packed by the time I got a pair of jeans and sneakers in. Or my parents have a rolling suitcase......which is almost out of the question. Pretty sure I'm a mugging waiting to happen rolling my little roller down the streets of Paris during our overnight layover. And rolling anything brings back nightmares about old people in my classes at Eastern that had rolling backpacks....I know I'm almost 25....but the time has not come for that yet!
So....settled. I'm returning the backpack, which I love. Its not worth being $100 short and then possibly having it get lost along the way. I honestly can't think of anything more stressful and more panic inducing than not having your belongings meet up with you on the other side of the ocean. I suppose if they are flying in the same cabin as me, I don't have to worry!
Thank you for taking a little jog through my mind by reading this.....it was pretty unpleasant wasn't it?
Monday, January 31, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Literature
Do you ever feel like life is turning into a whirlwind that you created....that you provoked? That maybe the reason that it feels like it is spinning out of control is because you don't have a foot in reality anymore? I spend way too much time on Facebook. In fact...I would say that I'm addicted to Facebook. It is one of the first things I do when I wake up in the morning....sometimes even before I eat breakfast. And it is almost always the first thing I do when I get home from work...plus numerous times inbetween that and when I go to bed at night. Its not even enjoyable anymore. I don't even use Facebook for the real reason I should use it, to keep in touch with people I never see. I Facebook people I see every day....I Facebook people because its easier than having a phone conversation with them. I Facebook to avoid having real interaction and its starting to affect the way that I actually interact with people in person. Not only that, but I feel totally unfulfilled once I get done Facebooking. It means that I've spent hours on the computer looking at pictures and looking at status updates and not getting anywhere in my life. I haven't learned anything new....except for who is dating who and why someone is having a terrible day and seeing that so and so has posted annoying pictures of themselves for the 50th time this week.
I need to cut back....can you feel the tension in me. So here's the thing....I'm cutting back to 15 minutes a day on Facebook. And that means a 15 minute session....not 5 "3 minute sessions". I need to remember what it feels like to actually do normal things....even TV would feel like less of a mind suck than Facebook does.
One of my main reasons for wanting to do this is that I want to read more. I have a pile of books sitting next to my bed that I haven't read yet, because I fill my time with Facebook and by the time I have time to read, I'm usually too tired and just go straight to bed. Or I fall asleep after reading 2 pages....I'm a grandma. I also am learning to knit, which is not thrilling, I realize...but I'm finding that I never have time for that either. As for the books, I'm excited about all of them, and I'm embarrassed they have been sitting there for so long being unloved.
I'm sort of 1/4 of the way through Anna Karenina right now, but it almost doesn't count because I started it about 3 months ago. I'm a good reader....that is really ridiculous that it has taken me this long to get going in it. And I'm enjoying it too, so I don't even have a good excuse.
Anna Karenina has been on my list of "must reads" for several years now, and I found it for $5.00 at Aunties and decided that the time was now. I LOVE Russian literature, which is kind of goofy because I wouldn't say that I'm that interested in Russia for any other reason. I just love the writing. I soaked up Crime and Punishment in high school when everyone else hated it. I'm trying to work up the nerve to try War and Peace in the future, but its pretty weighty. We'll see. As for this one.....I'm loving it. I get some weird remarks from people when they see I'm reading it...and I get a lot of "oh, I always wanted to read that one but never got around to it" comments. For goodness sakes.....read it then! They are probably addicted to Facebook too, so I can't judge. Ha! I was just thinking last night that I have spent a lot of time watching movies in this last year, and I almost feel like I've seen all the movies that I've wanted to see. That can never happen with books though....there is an endless supply of books that are worth reading. I'm wasting time on the wrong form of entertainment.
Count of Monte Cristo is next in line. Typically I don't read books that I have seen movies for. I also don't do it the other way around. I'm purposefully avoided seeing The Lovely Bones and The Kite Runner because I loved the books so much that I know I'll be disappointed by the movies. However...in the case of the Count of Monte Cristo, I saw it....loved it....and promptly forgot most of the details. I haven't seen it enough to have an emotional attachment...which means that I can read the book and not feel cheapened if it wasn't as spectacular as the movie. It's by the guy that wrote Three Musketeers....I'm expecting it will be great! He also wrote the Man in the Iron Mask, which I definitely won't be reading, because I definitely have an emotional attachment to that movie. My sister and I first watched it solely because Leonardo Di Caprio was in it....and let's face it....he is a stud. But now I've seen it so many times that reading the book is out of the question.
This one was recommended to me by my wonderful friend Shea. She said that she couldn't put it down, and when I heard what it was about, I too was intrigued. So I rushed out and bought it and then promptly decided it may have to wait. It is about a guy who lost everything and became homeless, and it is him recounting his experiences. I was initially really attracted to this book because I'm a huge advocate for the homeless population and I'd love to read a book that accurately portrays them and their struggles. I think sometimes people are only willing to relate to homeless people that got that way by a strange misfortune...and not necessarily by their own demise. This book will appeal to those people....and it will let them into the homeless community to see a bit of what I work with every day. But as I started reading this book, I realized that I need to wait until I'm done working with this population to read it. It is right on....and it makes me feel like I'm at work when I'm not. I can't read about my job during my off-time or else my life will be consumed by it. BUT, I put this in here because I think its worth a read, and I think that if you have time for it, it would be a good one to look into! I will! In a few years!
Last but not least....
and one that I'm actually saving for my trip to Ireland because it looks like a great read for the plane....
Guilty pleasure....I'm admitting it. I love books about animals. I immediately go for the books about cats that live in libraries, dogs that have no feet, etc.... My mom got this for me for Christmas, because she knows me quite well and knows that these things make me tick. My whole life when I was little was consumed with the idea that I was going to be a veterinarian, and even up until a few years ago, I dabbled with the idea of working with animals professionally. They make my heart happy. Now that I've planted myself in social services, I'm giving up that little dream, but these books still let me delve into it, and although they are nerdy and cliche....I love them. And this dog is adorable.....I want one just like him.
Ok....now to put my money where my mouth is and actually get off here and read! :)
Happy Tuesday!
I need to cut back....can you feel the tension in me. So here's the thing....I'm cutting back to 15 minutes a day on Facebook. And that means a 15 minute session....not 5 "3 minute sessions". I need to remember what it feels like to actually do normal things....even TV would feel like less of a mind suck than Facebook does.
One of my main reasons for wanting to do this is that I want to read more. I have a pile of books sitting next to my bed that I haven't read yet, because I fill my time with Facebook and by the time I have time to read, I'm usually too tired and just go straight to bed. Or I fall asleep after reading 2 pages....I'm a grandma. I also am learning to knit, which is not thrilling, I realize...but I'm finding that I never have time for that either. As for the books, I'm excited about all of them, and I'm embarrassed they have been sitting there for so long being unloved.
I'm sort of 1/4 of the way through Anna Karenina right now, but it almost doesn't count because I started it about 3 months ago. I'm a good reader....that is really ridiculous that it has taken me this long to get going in it. And I'm enjoying it too, so I don't even have a good excuse.
Anna Karenina has been on my list of "must reads" for several years now, and I found it for $5.00 at Aunties and decided that the time was now. I LOVE Russian literature, which is kind of goofy because I wouldn't say that I'm that interested in Russia for any other reason. I just love the writing. I soaked up Crime and Punishment in high school when everyone else hated it. I'm trying to work up the nerve to try War and Peace in the future, but its pretty weighty. We'll see. As for this one.....I'm loving it. I get some weird remarks from people when they see I'm reading it...and I get a lot of "oh, I always wanted to read that one but never got around to it" comments. For goodness sakes.....read it then! They are probably addicted to Facebook too, so I can't judge. Ha! I was just thinking last night that I have spent a lot of time watching movies in this last year, and I almost feel like I've seen all the movies that I've wanted to see. That can never happen with books though....there is an endless supply of books that are worth reading. I'm wasting time on the wrong form of entertainment.
Count of Monte Cristo is next in line. Typically I don't read books that I have seen movies for. I also don't do it the other way around. I'm purposefully avoided seeing The Lovely Bones and The Kite Runner because I loved the books so much that I know I'll be disappointed by the movies. However...in the case of the Count of Monte Cristo, I saw it....loved it....and promptly forgot most of the details. I haven't seen it enough to have an emotional attachment...which means that I can read the book and not feel cheapened if it wasn't as spectacular as the movie. It's by the guy that wrote Three Musketeers....I'm expecting it will be great! He also wrote the Man in the Iron Mask, which I definitely won't be reading, because I definitely have an emotional attachment to that movie. My sister and I first watched it solely because Leonardo Di Caprio was in it....and let's face it....he is a stud. But now I've seen it so many times that reading the book is out of the question.
This one was recommended to me by my wonderful friend Shea. She said that she couldn't put it down, and when I heard what it was about, I too was intrigued. So I rushed out and bought it and then promptly decided it may have to wait. It is about a guy who lost everything and became homeless, and it is him recounting his experiences. I was initially really attracted to this book because I'm a huge advocate for the homeless population and I'd love to read a book that accurately portrays them and their struggles. I think sometimes people are only willing to relate to homeless people that got that way by a strange misfortune...and not necessarily by their own demise. This book will appeal to those people....and it will let them into the homeless community to see a bit of what I work with every day. But as I started reading this book, I realized that I need to wait until I'm done working with this population to read it. It is right on....and it makes me feel like I'm at work when I'm not. I can't read about my job during my off-time or else my life will be consumed by it. BUT, I put this in here because I think its worth a read, and I think that if you have time for it, it would be a good one to look into! I will! In a few years!
Last but not least....
and one that I'm actually saving for my trip to Ireland because it looks like a great read for the plane....
Guilty pleasure....I'm admitting it. I love books about animals. I immediately go for the books about cats that live in libraries, dogs that have no feet, etc.... My mom got this for me for Christmas, because she knows me quite well and knows that these things make me tick. My whole life when I was little was consumed with the idea that I was going to be a veterinarian, and even up until a few years ago, I dabbled with the idea of working with animals professionally. They make my heart happy. Now that I've planted myself in social services, I'm giving up that little dream, but these books still let me delve into it, and although they are nerdy and cliche....I love them. And this dog is adorable.....I want one just like him.
Ok....now to put my money where my mouth is and actually get off here and read! :)
Happy Tuesday!
Monday, January 17, 2011
13.1
So I've always sort of enjoyed running. I've run Bloomsday two years in a row now in a decently timely manner....I have always run casually to get steam off my chest....and the whole concept has always appealed to me. Well, following Bloomsday this last year, I actually decided that I wanted to pursue running on something more than a casual level. I was looking at a half marathon that was in the Fall, but I chickened out last minute that time. As I have continued to gain more confidence in my longer runs, I have officially decided that I am running the Windermere Half Marathon that is the week after Bloomsday (May 14th). As excited as I am about this and as much as I'm itching to start training, there are a few things fighting back at me in my head when I think of this though...
1) I drove most of the route yesterday, but only made it out as far as Plantes Ferry Park. My car got tired driving that far.....I'm a little afraid of what my body is going to do. 13.1 miles is almost two Bloomsdays stacked on top of each other. Driving it seemed like a good idea, but now intimidation has set in.
2) I have never committed to anything in my life other than graduating college.....and that was less painful than this.
3) I don't like the feeling that I'm stranded somewhere.....and I don't want to be the last person to cross the finish line. Fear and pride are also moving in.....
4) $80......ouch.
So there are a handful of things that make me want to run for the hills (or maybe drive).....but I think I'm going for it regardless. I'm that person that sometimes doesn't do things because I'm not into failing and I'm pretty sick of having that dictate my life. Sometimes you experience so much success in life simply because you never take a risk by doing something that you may crash and burn in.
In other news, sorry it has been such a long time since my last update! The holidays were incredible....I had a really nice time with my family and friends that were in town. Couldn't have asked for more. The New Year has started off with a HHHHHUUUUUGGGGGEEEEE win for the Eastern Eagles football team (National Champions!!!), the flu, and madness at work. I feel like I haven't breathed for about 3 weeks straight (figuratively and literally....congestion is the worst).
I hope that the New Year has found you all well! Much love!
Dani
1) I drove most of the route yesterday, but only made it out as far as Plantes Ferry Park. My car got tired driving that far.....I'm a little afraid of what my body is going to do. 13.1 miles is almost two Bloomsdays stacked on top of each other. Driving it seemed like a good idea, but now intimidation has set in.
2) I have never committed to anything in my life other than graduating college.....and that was less painful than this.
3) I don't like the feeling that I'm stranded somewhere.....and I don't want to be the last person to cross the finish line. Fear and pride are also moving in.....
4) $80......ouch.
So there are a handful of things that make me want to run for the hills (or maybe drive).....but I think I'm going for it regardless. I'm that person that sometimes doesn't do things because I'm not into failing and I'm pretty sick of having that dictate my life. Sometimes you experience so much success in life simply because you never take a risk by doing something that you may crash and burn in.
In other news, sorry it has been such a long time since my last update! The holidays were incredible....I had a really nice time with my family and friends that were in town. Couldn't have asked for more. The New Year has started off with a HHHHHUUUUUGGGGGEEEEE win for the Eastern Eagles football team (National Champions!!!), the flu, and madness at work. I feel like I haven't breathed for about 3 weeks straight (figuratively and literally....congestion is the worst).
I hope that the New Year has found you all well! Much love!
Dani
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