1. I consider one of my most victorious moments to be when Hector gave me free Horchata last week. After religiously consuming his food at a minimum bi-weekly rate for some years now, he has finally deemed me worthy of his generosity, and a greater honor I do not know. This powerful moment is only rivaled by the time that I successfully coiled climbing rope without it looking like a bedraggled octopus. It's a toss-up.
2. I don't know if I even want to have children someday. The idea of being responsible for someone's well-being is a bit daunting. But I do know that if I do have them, one of my main parental pursuits will be to establish a rule about wearing band t-shirts. I do declare, on this day, that my children must be able to recite the album names, release dates, and cover artworks of at least 50% of a band's work, before they are allowed to wear said band's t-shirt.
3. My most severe fear is driving next to semi-trucks.
4. I've lived in the same city my entire life. Born and bred as an SLC girl. Yet after all this time, I'm still captivated each day by the mountains that this city offers me. The mothering Foothills, the crags of Mt. Olympus... my breath is consistently taken away by the diverse ranges that rim the valley.
5. My most-used word is "agreed", which explains why I wasn't on the debate team.
FIVE THINGS TO PURCHASE:
1. This High Impact Double-Layer Sports Bra from Forever 21. I think that I may have fallen in love with this item. The double layering makes it an ideal choice for intense work-outs, I love the pretty style of the criss-cross straps, and the material holds up extremely well. I've worn it while running, hiking, doing yoga, climbing, as well as sleeping, and it's been awesome every time. And for under $15? Buy 2! ($14.90, forever21.com)
2. The Dragon's Egg Bath Bomb from Lush Cosmetics. Lush stores finally came to Utah a few years ago, and I've been throwing money at them ever since. Considering soaking in warm water is my number one stress-reduction technique, it's no surprise that I practically worship Lush's products. They have everything, from shampoo to perfume, but the bath bombs are my favorite. This one in particular is a whimsically therapeutic mix of glitter, fizz, and a citrus scent somewhat akin to Froot Loops. Enough said. ($6.25, lush.com)
3. This Passion Tea by Tazo. Ariana introduced me to this magic elixir, and I've been hooked ever since. I like it iced, but have no doubt that it's equally awesome served steamy. I get mine at Whole Foods, where it runs about $4.25/20 tea bags, but it's available on Amazon for even cheaper. And, bonus! It's non-caffeinated, for all my non-caffeinated homies out there. ($3.52, amazon.com)
4. These Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks by Annie's. My love affair with Annie's products began at a young age, upon trying the company's macaroni and cheese. The love affair was only furthered upon tasting these delicious rabbit-shaped fruit snacks. As someone with the palette of a 5 year old, I'm a fruit snack enthusiast, and thus I have the authority to hereby deem these as the mecca of the entire fruit snack realm. Try these, and you'll have reached fruit-snack nirvana. The flavors are fresh and bright, the texture is soft and gummy, and if you don't feel your heart melt upon looking at how adorable the little bunnies are... well then you're beyond help. ($17.21, amazon.com)
5. The Watervibes Socks by Stance. I received a pair of these as a gift, and have been gifting them to myself ever since. In addition to being a fruit snack enthusiast, I'm also a sock enthusiast. (I know what you're thinking, and yes, I really am a renaissance woman.) Any socks that I purchase must hold up to the following standards: 1. Comfortable, 2. Durable, 3. Cute, 4. Breathable, Yet Warm, 5. Thin Enough to Wear With Chacos. These socks accommodate all five demands!!! And with countless styles, you too can become a sock enthusiast. ($16.00, stance.com)
FIVE SONGS TO LISTEN TO:
1. "Sleepwalk" by Santo & Johnny
An instant transport to Waikiki in the 1950s, this song emulates caressing sunshine, billowing waves, and holding hands with someone who only has eyes for you, and who you only have eyes for. (In case you were wondering, this review confirms that I'm still a 100% cheeseball.)
2. "Eleanor Rigby with Julia Transition" by The Beatles
I honestly don't know of a more beautiful song out there. Sure, the mainframe of Eleanor Rigby is a well-known classic, but have you heard this version? It comes from the Love album, and it's powerfully transcendent. It literally takes my breath away. When the Julia transition starts, I find my breath resting at its peak like it does in a Ujjayi breath sequence. The flittering reverie mixed with the turbulent spiraling is the closest audial depiction of spectrum of human emotion that I've ever experienced.
3. "Nighttiming" by Coconut Records
The beginning of this song sounds similar to the Seinfeld jingle. That in and of itself is enough to make this track a sure winner. But, wait! There's more! This song also features easily memorizable lyrics, a climactic violin crescendo, and the cedar-y voice of Jason Schwartzman.
4. "Heart-Shaped Box" by Nirvana
I know. I know, I know what you're thinking. Nirvana? Really? YOU GUYS. REALLY! I know that it's cliche. I know that this isn't an obscure track that I'm recommending. I know that you're currently imagining me wearing the wasted flannel shirts and tattered jeans so associated with the Seattle Scene. (Really though, my hair slightly resembles Chris Cornell's of Soundgarden, so maybe I am intrinsically connected with Grunge without even trying??? A girl can only dream.) But guys, seriously this song is a masterpiece of angst and thoughtfulness.
5. "Glass Off" by The Bangkok Starters
It's rare that so much wisdom can stem from a song without lyrics, but this song achieves just that. I find that it kindly conveys the message of sadness being a healthy emotion. And I like that a lot.
FIVE PEOPLE TO EMULATE:
1. Jeff Clark
Jeff is a big-wave surfer, famous for surfing Northern California's "Mavericks." Yeah, it's admirable to emulate Jeff's bravery, commitment, and skill that allow him to surf waves that measure in at 50+ feet. But what's really admirable to emulate is Jeff's genuine motive. He surfed Mavericks for 15 years without recognition. 15 years! He wasn't doing it for fame, popularity, or endorsement deals. He was surfing Mavericks because he loved doing it. Doing what we love for the sheer purpose of personal edification is a motive to be proud of.
2. Randy Stewart
Randy is my mythology professor. He holds an impressive amount of knowledge regarding the classical cultures of Greece and Rome, and teaches with wisdom and authority. Obviously his academia is impressive, but what's more impressive is the way he treats others. Randy has a heart that is open to learn from those around him. He approaches relationships with the respectful mindset that everyone he meets has a valuable contribution to make in this life. This allows him to see the good in people, instead of resorting to tired preconceptions and judgment.
3. Juliet Capulet
Juliet is arguably one of Shakespeare's most inspirational characters. I so fiercely admire the dichotomous nature of her personality. She had a great deal of passion, while also having a great deal of thought. Often times we see one without the other. Passion, with no common sense, or thought, with no excitement. Juliet had both. She pursued her heart's desire, aka Romeo, while also using logic, responsibility, and consideration. Unfortunately, it didn't quite work out for her. Still, her balance between the two is utterly respectable.
4. Vera Wang
Vera, man. She's a winner. I was watching a video on YouTube, I don't remember what it was.. probably a video about cats or Hillary Clinton, and the pre-video ad featured Vera! She was discussing her line of clothing that was just released at Kohl's, (which, btw, why do designers always choose Kohl's as a mainstream market for their wares?) But anyways, she told a story about how she became matriculated into the world of fashion, and I found it highly inspirational. She recounts how she was working at a high end clothing store, and one day the editor of Vogue came in to shop. Impressed with Vera's eye for piecing together outfits, the editor told Vera that once she'd accumulated more experience, she would hire her at Vogue. Home from work, Vera told her mother about her encounter with Vogue's editor, and that the editor had promised Vera a job. Her mother told her not to count on it, that the editor was probably not serious, but merely flattering young Vera. Vera proved the age-old adage of "mother-knows-best" wrong, by refusing to believe these maternally cautionary words. Vera trusted that she DID have talent, that she DID belong in the fashion world, and that she WOULD succeed. This confident attitude has been an obvious element of her skyrocketing success in style. You go, Vera Wang. (Shameless Mean Girls reference.)
5. Mindy Kaling
Mindy-fans, unite! I'm a dedicated follower of this wise sage, raving about her television roles as well as her literary prowess made evident in the semi-recent publication of "Is Everyone Hanging out Without Me and Other Concerns." Also rave-worthy? Mindy's interviews. Watch any of her appearances on late night talk shows, behind the scenes expositions, etc, and you'll fall fast in love with her. I adore the way she refuses to be marginalized into the category of "Funny Indian Woman," instead demanding to be placed rightfully in the category of "Funny People." She's not funny for an Indian woman, she's funny for a person. She deserves a spot right up there Jerry Seinfeld and Tina Fey. It's the same concept of when people say, "Oh she's good at skiing, for a girl." Like why can't the girl just be considered good at skiing, period? Why do we feel the need to marginalize her success into a small demographic category? Dumb. Anyways, go about your day with this Mindy quote in mind, "Sometimes you just have to put on lip gloss and pretend to be psyched."
FIVE THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND TODAY:
1. Be less possessive. The is no finite amount of love in this world. Avoid the urge to hold ownership over the things you care about-- instead opening up your heart to the concept that other people can love them just as much as you do. (i.e if someone starts listening to a band that you've been listening to for a decade, don't accost them with assertions of how it's YOUR band, not THEIRS. Resist the urge, Samantha, resist the urge... Love is infinite, not finite! Control yourself, Samantha!)
2. Commit. Commit to change. Commit to bettering yourself and the world around you. Commit to doing whatever makes your heart flutter with excitement and your mind search for ways to make it happen. Commit.
3. Subscribe to no stereotypes. Avoid profiling people by what you expect them to be like. In a slightly annoying, my mother was right, type of way, there really is more to people than what you initially see. Some of the humans I love the most, are ones that I didn't expect to love the most. Also avoid stereotyping yourself, don't put yourself in a box that limits your growth, your expression, your potential. You're limitless, baby!
4. Recognize the beauty around you. This life really is incredible. Notice the beautiful physical surroundings so coquettishly attached to springtime. Notice the beautiful smile of your sister. Notice the beautiful way that people's minds work in all different ways. And then do something about it! Noticing it is nice, but acknowledging it is better! Literally stop and smell the roses that line the courtyard of your math building. Tell that sister how much her soft smile brightened your dreary day. Discuss the unique ideas of the mind, with those around you.
5. Avoid talking in the middle of college lectures, especially if the subject matter regards Chipotle, double-dates, or LuluLemon. I'm looking at you, clump of sorority girls sitting next to me, I'm looking at you.
This is a photo of me and my sister's puppy, Indiana Jones, aka Indie. (Indie? Indy? Liza, how do you spell your dog's name???) Anyways, this photo of an adorable puppy seemed like the appropriate finale to a hopefully uplifting post. If the post sucked, maybe this photo makes up for it? You guys, look at her little nose!!!
