Tattoo upgrade

Okay, so I've been thinking on this for a few weeks now, and since I can't make a decision without consulting everyone I know - including my bloggie buddies - I've decided to throw this one out there.

Last summer I got a wrist tattoo - something I thought I'd never do considering I work in a professional setting. But it was small, and meaningful, so I did it. It's a skydiver closing pin. We jumpers wear these around our necks as a symbol of our love for the sport, so I figured, why not get one permanently tattooed to my right wrist to give me a little luck on my "pull hand."

Kinda nifty, right?

Then a couple months later I added to it - I was bored with a black and gray pin. This is what it looks like now.

(This was a day after shot...still goopy)

Of course, now, a few more months have passed, and I think I should add to this again. of course, I want it to stay small, so it has to be creative within reason, but there are so many ideas running through my head that I just can't keep straight.

Adding more clouds around the design seems natural - I always felt like it was missing some puffy clouds. I've also thought about the silhouette of a skydiver - sometime similar to this.

Or even this:

I thought about adding tiny birds as a symbol of freedom/flight, or a small airplane among the clouds. I've even thought about mixing in the OM symbol as the sport is a form of meditation for me.

What do you think - any of these stand out as good ideas? Anything original you'd like to contribute? I'm open for any and all suggestions. Let's just try to stick somewhat close to the skydiving theme :) Thanks y'all!

Cheers!

-A

RAVE: Dark Cherry Mocha

As a girl who's appreciation for coffee started at a local (what has since turned regional) coffee house, I'm slightly ashamed to admit that I've jumped on the Starbucks bandwagon.

But let's be honest here, it's directly across the street from my office and I have gift cards that I received at Christmas that need to be used. Plus, it's not like I drink it every day...

Wait, what is my deal - why am I defending myself?

I drink Starbucks on occasion...deal with it.

Moving on.

So the other day I was feeling like something other than the standard Americano (espresso and water - it's smoother than their coffee that kicks you in the mouth), and notice they were featuring a dark chocolate cherry drink. Uh, yum!

I've always been a fan of the chocolate covered cherry so how bad could it be, right? So I ordered me up a soy dark cherry mocha latte and needless to say my taste buds were thrilled.

As you can imagine, I've been waiting for the opportune time to order another, and as I sit here this morning, I can't help but feel that my workday is a little bit better with the liquid chocolate covered cherry that sits in front of me.

Highly recommended!

Cheers!

-A

RAVE: York Peppermint Wafer Bar

Here's a little trivia for you: I grew up in the Mint Capitol of the world.

True story.

I was surrounded by mint farms as a kid. Kinda nifty right?

What's ironic about that is I don't like mint.

Wait - I totally just lied to you. I do like mint, I just don't like mint candy that much. Those hard peppermint things are just nasty, and I've never been much for candy canes - unless they are strawberry flavored, yum!

But I do like York Peppermint Patties from Hershey's. I think it's more about the dark chocolate than the mint, but the minis are a refreshing little treat when you need something sweet but aren't hungry for a full on snack.

Well yesterday, while the BF and I were shopping at a local overstock store, I came across something new.

York Peppermint Wafer Bars. They came in a big bag of 100 calorie packs - which include two chocolate covered wafers with a mint stripe in the middle.

HEAVEN!

I like that there are two - so you can spread out the enjoyment.

And let me tell you, these things are damn good for 100 calories.

Apparently they make Reese's wafer bars too...I'll have to find these! I'm not sure where else you can buy these lovely treats, but I highly recommend seeking them out for your after lunch sweets fix!

Cheers!

-A

it's the little things

This is something I find myself saying a lot: "it's the little things," like when you can walk right up to the Red Box without waiting or a new register at the grocery store opens and you get to it first.

Can you tell I don't like to be kept waiting?

Between yesterday and today there have been a number of little things that have really added up to make my day just that much better. And since I'm in the list-making mood, I've decided to share these with you, just for kicks.

1. When you have consumed just the right amount of coffee: enough to keep you energized and focused without making you jittery.

2. Checking items off the to-do list. I love when big projects get tackled and the list starts to get smaller! At least, it makes room for new tasks, anyway. :-)

3. Making the right decision for dinner, and having your partner be excited about that. Enough said!

4. When you wake up in the morning and your hair already looks great. Washing and drying my hair before bed seemed to work in my favor today!

5. When writers block lifts and the words flow with ease.

6. Freshly painted finger nails!

7. Falling asleep on the BFs shoulder. This always makes me happy! (sorry for the sap, but sometimes it's just necessary)

8. When your inbox is cleaned and organized. It's rare, but it feels so wonderful!

9. Starting the day early and being productive! This ties nicely with #2.

Believe it or not, I'm going to end this list at 9. I can't think of a 10th and I'm certainly not going to force it.

So tell me dear readers, what are some of the little things that make your day?

Cheers!

-A

Date night

When it comes to planning date nights, guys, y'all got it easy.

I mean really, flowers, candles, her favorite restaurant or a home cooked dinner, music (and dancing if she's into that sort of thing), end the night with coffee and a walk (if the weather permits) and you're guaranteed to end the night with some heaving breathing.

Hell, a combination of any of the above two shows that you're putting in effort - that's really all most girls ask every now and again.

But what is it that you dudes want on a "romantic evening." This is something I just went through planning, and let me tell you, it wasn't easy. And though I think I've come up with a great evening that my man will enjoy based on his unique interests, I may have exhausted my ideas for future use in this one evening.

So tell me my male readers - what do you like in an evening with your girl?

Cheers!

-A

RAVE: Mango Salsa

Okay so I started cooking again - and this time it's a little scary.

When I was living alone and cooking for one it was easy...and I could experiment without worrying if I messed something up. After all, I could always make a salad and try again tomorrow.

Well, now I'm not only living with the BF, but he's an incredible chef. Seriously, I'm intimidated even stepping in the kitchen (his domain, as we refer to it) these days.

He makes everything from pepperoni rolls to elaborate fish dishes to the most amazing desserts, all from scratch - most of the ideas just popping out of his brain as he goes.

Cooking doesn't come quite as naturally to me, but I do enjoy the challenge. And with the added challenge that I'm a pseudo-vegetarian and he's a diabetic, I've got my work cut out for me!

One way I'm learning is by searching for vegetarian dishes on blogs, recipe sites and even using Google. A couple nights ago I decided to make tilapia with mango salsa - the BF loves white fish.

Of course, I had to Google mango salsa for a decent recipe - and I found that, after looking at it, I probably could have come up with that myself! If there's one thing I know, it's mexican dishes, so the ingredients that went along with the mango made sense.

I used this little recipe from Simply Recipes:

INGREDIENTS

1 ripe mango, peeled, pitted, and diced (about 1 1/2 cup) (See: How to Cut a Mango)
1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped
1 Jalapeño chile, minced (include ribs and seeds for a hotter taste if desired)
1 small cucumber, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
3 Tbsp fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
3 Tbsp fresh lime juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Also good with diced red bell pepper and jicama.

Naturally, I forgot the cilantro, but it was good none the less. I do suggest cutting back on the onion, I used half a red onion and it was a little strong.

But in the end I did get two thumbs up from the BF so I was happy!

Now my adventures in cooking for the type 1/veg combo continue. Stay tuned - I'll certainly be sharing these adventures along the way.

Cheers!

-A