Worthwhile

Things that are worth the extra money:

- quality linens
- avocados (on everything)
- soft toilet paper
- a high-end digital camera (you won't be disapointed)
- easy-glide tampons (NT, cardboard!)
- 401k planning
- first class airplane ticket (so I hear)
- MAC makeup
- chocolate ganache new york cheesecake
- an incredibly cozy couch
- pants that actually fit
- Sensodyne toothpaste
- bunion regulators
- SYTYCD live show tickets!

Gym

I just joined Kennedy Club Fitness. Weird.

I never thought I'd actually cave and join a gym. Don't get me wrong, I am not worried about my weight....but holy crap I am bored out of my mind! There's only so much tv-watching, cleaning, napping, or shopping one girl can do after work! So, now I will be attending some classes: dance, groove, dance step, and pilates, and maybe even using the pool should I ever get the urge to do something a little more (dare I say it) athletic! So yeah, thats what's new with me. My membership begins October 1, so hopefully I actually go and make use of the $32 a month.

Oh yeah, I also got DVR (TivO)! Now I don't have to watch stupid commercials, or wait around all night for my favorite tv shows. Wow. I'm really cool.

It's funny how now that I haven't travelled for awhile, the gym and tivo are the coolest things in my world. I think that means it's time for an adventure!!!!

Monkey Love

Because this is the sweetest thing I've seen in a really long time...

ISFJ

A few weeks ago, we had an all-company training where we discussed personality types and how to create bliss in the workplace. We had to take a multiple choice quiz in order to determine our personality type based on four categories:

• Introvert or Extrovert
• Sensing (fact loving) or Intuition (conceptual thinking)
• Thinking or Feeling (in respect to decision making)
• Judging (orderly, structured lifestyle) or Perceiving (spontaneous, flexible lifestyle)

As most of you may guess, my results were ISFJ. Introvert, Sensing, Feeling, Judging - or in better terms - I am an introverted fact-lover who considers other people's feelings when making decisions, while living a structured lifestyle. :)

After reading the entire description of what an ISFJ is like, I was stunned to find that they were DEAD ON! I am an ISFJ to the T! So, I will pick out a few points from the report and you can tell me whether or not you agree that I fit the description...

ISFJ's:

• Live in a world that is concrete and kind. They are truly warm and kind-hearted, and want to believe the best of people.
• Are very sensitive to other people's feelings. People value the ISFJ for their consideration and awareness, and their ability to bring out the best in others by their firm desire to believe the best.
• Remember a particular facial expression or conversation in precise detail years after the event occured, if the situation made an impression on the ISFJ.
• Have a very clear idea of the way things should be, which they strive to attain.
• Value security and kindness, and respect traditions and laws. They tend to believe that existing systems are there because they work.
• Learn best by doing, rather than by reading about something in a book, or applying theory. They value practical application.
• Will faithfully and tirelessly carry through any task to completion. The ISFJ is extremely dependable.
• Have an extremely well-developed sense of space, function, and aesthetic appeal. For that reason, they're likely to have beautifully furnished, functional homes.
• Have a sensitivity to other's feelings and desires, which makes them very likely to be great gift-givers.
• Are extremely aware of their own internal feelings, as well as other people's feelings. They do not usually express their own feelings, keeping things inside. If they are negative feelings, they may build up inside the ISFJ until they turn into firm judgments against individuals which are difficult to unseed, once set.
• Feel a strong sense of responsibility and duty. They take their responsibilities very seriously, and can be counted on to follow through. For this reason, people naturally tend to rely on them.
• Intensely dislike conflict, and they tend to place other people's needs over their own. The ISFJ needs to learn to identify, value, and express their own needs, if they wish to avoid becoming over-worked and taken for granted.
• Need positive feedback from others. In the absence of positive feedback, or in the face of criticism, the ISFJ gets discouraged, and may even become depressed.
• Are warm, generous, and dependable. They have many special gifts to offer, in their sensitivity to others, and their strong ability to keep things running smoothly. They need to remember to not be overly critical of themselves, and to give themselves some of the warmth and love which they freely dispense to others.

The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades is out to get us!

Yes, that's the full name of the song! Watch this Sufjan Stevens video. This song makes me cry...not sure why. It is quite lovely...and the BEST part is the fact that Sufjan wears giant wings during the performance and still manages to look HOT. (P.S. I'm not quite sure what is happening at the end, so if you get bored, don't bother listening for the last 4 minutes)

Sometimes

Sometimes...

...I like to blast the ipod while cleaning the dishes
...loud music irritates me

...I get lonely even after being alone for only three hours
...I want to be left alone to make sure I'm still independent

...taking a shower is such an inconvenience
...a shower can wash away stress and fatigue

...silly movies are the perfect way to relax
...even a stupid movie will entertain when the cable is out

...cooking dinner makes me feel talented, powerful, peaceful, and happy all at the same time
...cooking dinner makes me nervous and tired

...I crave Roscos fried chicken
...I don't want to eat anything but veggies

...I can read a good book all night long
...reading bores me

...I wish I had better style
...I feel good about how I look

...I love my life
...I think I will love my life more in 5 years

Big Sky

As many of you know, my parents moved to Bozeman, Montana two months ago. I went to visit them for the first time over the Labor Day holiday. After being in a big city, and then a tropical island, Montana was like being on an entirely different planet. Needless to say, it was a beautiful place. Bozeman is surrounded by rugged mountains, with miles and miles of countryside spanning the quiet town. My parents temporarily live in a loft-style condo near Main St. It's brand spanking new with heat-resonating wood floors, high beamed ceilings, a gigantic shower with his and hers vanities, and modern kitchen appliances. I told them to buy the place and let me live there once they find a house. They are thinking about buying a plot of land up in the foothills and building a house, but right now they are still checking out homes for sale because understandably, they want a bigger space, ASAP!

My mom and I went hiking through the Tahoe-esque mountains to three different waterfalls. It was about a 3 mile hike and we didn't even reach our Hyalite Lake destination. Oh well, it was a lovely day with Mama. We also drove into Yellowstone National Park on Sunday, which is about an hour and a half from Bozeman. We saw Buffalo, Antelope, Mountain Sheep, Elk, and some bubbling sulfur pools. It's hard to believe my parents live so close to a place where people come from thousands of miles away just to see. Pretty cool. Other than being all outdoorsy, we went shopping and out to dinner of course. (They even have a Macys!) Overall, Bozeman is a damn cool place to visit. I think my family will be very happy.