New Shoes

To be read in the voice of a TV announcer:

Are looking for a gift for a special man in your life? If so, look no further! The hottest Etsy store, Walk With Flair, is now introducing a new line called "Beards and Bowties." Customize your order by specifying the desired style and color of both the beard and bowtie! Want a different color shoes? You can get a pair in gray, white, red, black, or navy blue! Order now while supplies last. 

I am putting fine print here because it is apparently necessary for every good advertisement. I hope the Billy Mays tone was successfully conveyed in my post, because that's what I was going for. Exclamation points pain me, but they were a must in this situation. I made this pair of shoes for my fraternity Big Brother's birthday. Fun fact: he has a beard and enjoys wearing bowties. They make excellent dress shoes for the guy that doesn't like to be serious. The link to my store is in the sidebar. End of fine print.  

How To Win With Random Roommates

For my first year in college, I rented an apartment walking distance from campus. Because few of my friends were going to be in the city with me, I opted to be placed with random roommates. My apartment company gave me a survey to match me with compatible students, and voila, I was given two roommates. 

Thanks to my wonderful year with said roommates, I have been able to compile a list of tips regarding living with people you've previously never met.

How To Win With Random Roommates:

1. If you are given a "matchmaking" survey, tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I've had too many friends say they are alright living with someone who has certain habits that ultimately drive them insane. 
2. Create a system for sharing and/or purchasing food. For example, my roommates and I decided that we can eat each other's food, but we had to replace it later. In addition, we took turns buying staples like butter, eggs, and milk. If you are not comfortable sharing food with your roommates, or would rather pool money for groceries, let them know. I can almost guarantee they cannot read your mind. 
3. Find things that you have in common, and share the things that you like. When we moved in together, I suggested doing yoga to my roommates. They laughed and called me crazy. Several months later, we instituted a "roommate yoga night," which was a great way to spend time together and unwind. 
4. Stay on top of housekeeping. No matter how messy you keep your room (for me, that is VERY messy), common areas have to stay clean for everyone to maintain their sanity. When the dishes are dirty, do them. When the trash needs to be emptied, empty it. When everyone pitches in, keeping the apartment clean is easier, and many fights can be avoided. 
5. Don't be annoying. If you know your roommate has an early class, don't throw a late night party. If your roommate has a pet peeve, avoid doing what pisses them off. Being a decent human being is easy, and being a decent roommate even more so. 

You don't have to love your roommates. Frankly, you don't even have to like them. With random roommates, being able to coexist is the goal. A closer relationship is just bonus!

“What's your favorite…” Q&A - Part 3

Now for the last installment of the "What's your favorite..." portion of the Q&A! Get psyched, folks. 

7. What is your favorite time of day/day of the week/month of the year?

Time of day: Nap time.

Day of the week: Friday, but only if I have something to look forward to on the weekend. If not, Thursday (so I can look forward to Friday).

Month of the year: October. 

8. What is your least favorite mode of transportation?

I am a huge advocate for public transportation, but I strongly dislike buses. I just don't enjoy being jolted around a glorified tin can with people I don't know, some of which who smell. Major props to anyone to takes the bus every day. You are the true hero. 

9. What is your favorite body part?

My nose. Sometimes I can see it, and sometimes I can't. How cool is that? Plus, my nose ring reflects light, which keeps me entertained in dull times. 

Also, things like this exist and never fail to amuse me:

Get it here

10. What sound do you love?

I absolutely love the sound of rain at night, especially during thunderstorms. Storms give me an extra reason to wrap myself up tightly in my blankets, and they are fantastic to watch if I ever have trouble sleeping.

Looks like I have finished the first section of the 50 Questions to Get to Know Someone. Up next, "What if..." questions.

Poems About Anxiety

My Monster 

I grab fear around the neck and hold tight--
Thrashing on the back of a hideous monster.
It flies through the air and burrows underground,
And yet, I hold on.

Gasping for air, the earth crumbles around me--
Walls shake, rocks quake, and birds race to safety. 
Instinct yells to run from fear, but I choose to fight,
And so, I hold on. 


Misfire

Aim... Fire!
Get the message to the main controls:
We are under attack.
Except we aren't, 
So there's no reason to worry.

“What's your favorite…” Q&A - Part 2

Aaaand... We're back! Welcome to Part 2 of the 50 Questions to Get to Know Someone. 

3. What is one of your favorite quotes?

My favorite quote would have to be from one of my favorite books, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. 

"Don't Panic. It's the first helpful or intelligible thing anybody's said to me all day.” 

-Douglas Adams

Sometimes people need to be reminded to step back and take a few deep breaths. What better way to remind them than to put it on the cover of the ultimate guidebook?

4. What is your favorite indoor/outdoor activity?

Because I'm not sure whether this is asking for one activity or two, I'll play it safe and answer for both.

Indoor: This would have to be a tie between reading and marathoning TV shows. There's no better way to relax than to let your mind shut down and disappear into another world.

Outdoor: Since I started college, I have developed a love for bonfires. Sitting and laughing with close friends while watching the fire dance in front of you is almost magical. Throw some music into the mix and you've got the ultimate party. 

5. What chore do you absolutely hate doing?

Dishes. Hands down.

6. What is your favorite form of exercise?

I am a very lazy person, and I detest exercising. With that being said, I love karate. I have been training, periodically, for over 11 years, and I don't plan to stop any time soon. Karate provides a fully body workout while improving balance and focus. Japan International Karate Do Academy has been a second home for me. Somehow, even after the sweat and aching muscles, karate doesn't seem like exercise to me.

To be continued...

Photography Friday #3

In honor of the increasingly warm weather, here are my favorite photographs from beach trips I have taken over the years. Personally, I find the beach fairly dull, so when I'm taking pictures, I focus on the subject I know best--people. 

A Caricature

Cartoon Man

An oval face, sturdy and wise,

With wrinkles pointing at the sky.

Long ears holding him down

And hanging to his partial frown. 

On his frame is slung a coat--

Of elk, or deer, or maybe goat--

While a belt of brown and reds, 

Warn entirely to shreds, 

Holds up the pants

That always dance

Around his ankles--spindly but strong.

The man of stories oh so long,

Husband, father, brother, too,

Really needs to tie his shoes.