Friday, March 30, 2012

Oh Lottery Winnings...Let Me Count the Ways

So, as the Mega Millions inch towards $640 million, with the take home pay being $460 million (which comes down to $64k a day - I could live on that) - here's what I would do.


Now one could argue, whether you should keep working or not.  I say you work, but at something you enjoy doing and don't have to worry about "putting up with so you can pay mortgage, bills, etc."  


So, as G$ and I have been daydreaming, here's what we've come up with:


1.  We'd give a good amount to our parents as a gift or surprise them by paying off their houses and associated properties.  Maybe that would keep everyone content that they don't' have a grandkid.


2.  I'd like to gift my close friends with something nice, or host an all expenses paid vacation where we could take over an all inclusive and it would be included.  G and I would pick our favoritest people to spend this time with, and those who would have the most fun!


3.  I would obviously pay off our house, my car, rack up a huge bloomies bill to pay off :)  I'd then look for a comfortable modest home in the hills with an amazing view and a hot tub.  I'd also like there to be a great wine cellar.


4.  I'd take 12-18 months off so that we could find the best beach in the world.  From Australia to Indonesia to Greece, we'd cover it all to make sure we didn't miss one.  I'd try to get into photography before we left so that I could get some amazing shots.


5.  G said he'd like to spend his days on the tennis court.  So while he's busy, I'd find various charities that I could spend my time with and help make the world a better place.


What would you do?

N's Friday Food Porn

R's Friday Food Porn

Fried Chicken with Macaroni and Cheese

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

N's Project 365: Week 50

March 18, 2012: Gettin in touch with the rootz.

March 19, 2012: Ugh.



March 20, 2012: Couldn't zoom in quite enough, but this was supposed to be a shot of a row of deers running by Sawyer Camp Trail.

March 21, 2012: Nada.

March 22, 2012: Another failed shot. I think the license plate said "BAZINGA."

March 23, 2012: Dinner with R and G$. We were slightly hungry.

March 24, 2012: SBTB. MTV2. OMG.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Marriage Myths

Inspired by Miss N's post on Dating Myths, I wanted to write a post on Marriage Myths.  Now, as Miss N and I have been discussing both dating or marriage have some great advantages and times when the grass is greener on the other side.  


So with that, let's get started:


Myth Number 1:  Once you're married, that's it and now you don't have to try.  
I can't tell you how wrong this is.  I once thought that this was true as well, but then you get married.  I quickly learn that you have to try MORE.  Sure, you live together and see each other all the time, but that's truly in a "roommate" fashion.  It takes effort and time to put aside a date night, put away your phones, and say "no" to hanging out with friends.  And I have to remember to shave my legs beforehand, which somehow I forgot when I got married.


Myth Number 2:  The first year is super easy, as is all the years following.
I remember the week before my wedding, my aunt and mother tried to sit me down and prepare me for the first year post wedding.  I LAUGHED at them!  Not even a small giggle, a full belly laugh telling them that they were insane.  Well kids, its true.  Now, the first year really does help with the rest, but it's hard.  Adjusting to being married, having a opposite roommate, and having a new family can all take its toll.  But hanging up the wedding photos truly helped keep focused....as well as a good group of girlfriends you can talk to.


Myth Number 3:  This is really focused to the Indian culture.  Once you're married, you have instant credibility with adults, and can now be treated as such.
Well, this one is true if you're male, but if you're female - there are now two sets of parents who think you're a child.   I can't even say more than this, it's just silly.  If someone asks me again if I'm "taking care of my health" and that I should "stop travelling" I may scream.


Myth Number 4:  People won't start asking about kids and family planning until year 4 or 5 of marriage.
LIES!  ALL LIES!  I actually think people started asking me about kids ON OUR WEDDING DAY (maybe even the same people who signed the guest book addressed to my sister and my husband.


Myth Number 5:  Two incomes are better than one.
This would be true if men didn't have any expensive hobbies or interests.  For example, I'm happy working out at any gym - fancy or not.  As long as there's some classes and some ellipticals, I'm set.  However, men have expensive hobbies and interests.  So my gym membership is literally 7x more than it needs to be, so G$ can enjoy tennis and his tennis teams.  And that's just one example.  I'm sure he'd tell you he doesn't understand why a gal needs so many shoes and clothes.


For you married gals out there, any myths from you? 

Saturday, March 24, 2012

R's Lusts for Spring 2012


We've had a pretty mild winter here in the Bay Area, and I've been fortunate to be out of town each time we have a rainy few days...until now.  It's so depressing, and now all I can think about are the wonderful things I want for spring.  I'll give you some insight into some of my favorite items I've been lusting after:


Michael Kors Viola Espadrilles

T Tahari Colorblock Dress

Kate Spade Carousel Bangle Watch
Oliver Peoples Kosslyn Glasses


deborah lippman "On the Run"
 

R's Friday Food Porn (Delayed)

I had something last night that I've never had before, and therefore it inspired my food porn.  Now - I'm sure there was some gluten and lactose in this, but I rolled the dice.  


Sticky Toffee Pudding

Thursday, March 22, 2012

N's Project 365: Week 49

March 11, 2012: Too tired. No photo.

March 12, 2012: Taking advantage of the only dry day of the week.
March 13, 2012: Cirque!

March 14, 2012: That's one massive pour of wine.

March 15, 2012: Three full days in a course = lots of coffee.

March 16, 2012: Painfully set the alarm on Friday night for 5am.

March 17, 2012: Worth it!

Friday, March 16, 2012

N's Friday Food Porn: St. Patrick's Day Edition


Lucky Charms Treats

N's Project 365: Week 48



March 4, 2012: My first time seeing kohlrabi. It totes looks like Mike Wazowski to me.


March 5, 2012: Computer history museum. Too bad I was just there for a meeting and couldn't tour around.

March 6, 2012: Training all day. College flashbacks.
March 7, 2012: What color will the surprise tulips be?

March 8, 2012: Pretty!
March 9, 2012: Ooops.


March 10, 2012: Just a tiny glance at the millions of dessert trays at the RMH fundraiser gala.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

N's Project 365: Week 47


February 26, 2012: Oh brunch, how I love thee.

February 27, 2012: Umm, otay.

February 28, 2012: A fun, barely-seen lining in a coat or purse makes me really happy for some reason.
February 29, 2012: And that's not even my favorite shade of purple.


March 1, 2012: Day 1 of a condensed C25K. This does not bode well.

March 2, 2012: Thank God for PJs and leftover pasta after a disappointing date.

March 3, 2012: Really annoyed that I forgot to get a shot of the gorgeous day at Sawyer Camp Trail - so I'm cheating with a photo of an internet photo. One of those days when I heart living in CA.

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Dating Myths

Society and movies perpetuate a lot of misconceptions about marriage, parenting, beauty, and even friendships. Some of the lies can be weeded out based on common sense, but for others we unfortunately have to rely on experience.
Now, I don't mind dating. It's fun to meet new people. So I'm not bitter, but every now and then I get frustrated.


  • Myth 1: A guy will never turn his back on a girl who is even mildly attractive with a non-heinous personality. Maybe this was true in college. I don't think this is true later in life. Of course there's nothing wrong with being selective (because we girls surely are - and people should look for real compatibility). However, girls who believe this myth and are subsequently rejected begin thinking "What the hell is so bad about me that kept this merely semi-normal guy from asking me out again?" It's not fun.

  • Myth 2: A guy will always pay on the first date, especially if the date was his idea. This is definitely true for some, and I appreciate that. I love hearing the statement "Stop it. There's no way I'm letting you pay." It's more of a bonus point than a requirement. Plus, I always at least reach for my wallet. I must say though - I've put down money to split drinks or dinner on 4 of the past 7 dates I've been on. I rationalize it by thinking that maybe the guy goes on lots of dates which gets expensive, or maybe he thinks I'm a feminist who'd be insulted, or maybe he's not interested and doesn't want to waste money on me. The last one is thrown out the window sometimes because a couple of those people have wanted to go out again. Honestly though, whatever the reason, this myth just makes me think, "Was the past hour so torturous for this guy that he won't even fork over $10 for my drink?" It has nothing to do with the money, just the principle. It also confuses me, because I don't know if I'm supposed to follow up to thank him for the date when he didn't really do anything.

  • Myth 3: Girls have it so easy, they're guaranteed to walk into a party or get-together and have any guy they want. That's just a lie. Period.

I will inevitably debunk more lies that are floating around out there. Stay tuned. :)

Thursday, March 1, 2012

N's Project 365: Week 46

February 19, 2012: This was such a good buy.

February 20, 2012: A great day for a post-gym glass of wine.
February 21, 2012: Ah, books. Sorry I've been neglecting you lately.
February 22, 2012: Ummm.
February 23, 2012: My name is N and I put 2 insoles in my shoes.

February 24, 2012: Another warm and gorgeous day.

February 25, 2012: Aww, some poor kid lost her balloons.