revelations & observations

• There are few things in life as therapeutic as chopping vegetables. There is one meal I make (Cajun Meatloaf FTW!) that requires the chopping of three bell peppers, an onion (this used to make me cry until someone advised me to light a match, let it go out, and then hold the matchstick between my teeth while I chop. No idea why, but this trick totally works for me) and lots of celery. I swear, by the time that puppy is in the oven I am one big puddle of super-duper-relaxation.

• I need to start putting empty cereal boxes on Silas' desk instead of in the recycling. That kid has some kind of internal radar and just knows when there's a cereal box in there that he can cut up and turn into something. I'd save all of us a bit of time and effort if I just put it in his room in the first place.

• Some people are overwhelmed by the smell of tea tree oil and patchouli. These are two of my all-time favorite scents. Hands down.

• Collecting salted sea glass is highly rewarding. You get to take a walk in the fresh air, smell the salt, and dig around in the sand and rocks. Once you're done, you have something tangible to show for your efforts. Not to mention, sometimes you find weird shit like ceramic casings from japanese sparkplugs or pieces of pink or purple glass.

• Few things make me feel happier than a new pair of inexpensive shoes.

• I used to drink my coffee with flavored creamer, but after having a few of the best cups of coffee I'd ever had at my friend Kelly's house, I have now switched to real sugar and heavy whipping cream. Holy wow.

• The mirror in our bathroom is hung crooked. I just noticed this about half an hour ago when I got out of the shower. I'm SO looking forward to not living in this apartment anymore. I'm looking forward to having a dishwasher (I've never had one before!), new places to hang my pendant lamps that have been packed away due to lack of good places to hang them here, my own washer and dryer that don't require the insertion of quarters, a garage to spray paint in, being able to finally have a cat, and of course, space in which to spread out my arms and not bonk any family members or walls.