Msmonrad's Blog

Happy New Year from your favorite sporadic blogger! I spent mine standing for about 10 hours in Times Square. It was ridiculously amazing and I hope yours was just as fantastic. This past year has been insane. So much has happened, you have no idea. And you will continue not having an idea on most of it- but I’ll shoot some highlights your way.

• I hit my year anniversary in NYC! I haven’t been mugged or lost to the point of tears. I’m even coming up on my 1.5 year anniversary here. I think we kind of like each other.
• I moved into a new apartment, with a roommate. Adorable new apartment, lovely new roommate, delightfully lower rent. Win all around.
• I have a fantastic newbie group of friends. Some are still in the beginning stages, but there’s a lot of promise. And it’s nice to have a handful of people I can call to go explore with!
• I have half-season tickets to the NYR. Yes, completely frivolous. Not my smartest fiscal move. I don’t care, I absolutely love it. I’ve missed it!
• Spent a week in Hawaii. Didn’t die. Success.
• I have a cute new boyfriend. He’s a recent development. It’s progressing quite nicely, though quite quickly. 

Back to the present! I have a New Year’s Resolution. That I’ve stuck with so far today, try not to be too impressed. My official resolution is:

First week of every month, I am going on a veggie/fruit-based diet. Eggs allowed for healthy omelets and proteins. This way, I can start promoting healthy eating habits and stop before I lose all hope and don’t have to limit myself the rest of the month. I think it’ll go well with my ADD and encourage me to cook more, which I need to do. Garlic Mushroom Egg Scramble. It was delicious. I’m still starving.

Will keep you posted how it goes. Wish me luck! My goal is to be able to go lingerie shopping without paranoia of how it looks because I’ll know/feel like I’m damn sexy. I like to dream big.

So my first bucket list was very trite. I’ll admit that (even though I meant every bit of it). I decided to come up with a few more interesting items to add. Here are (more than I intended) things I want to do. More to come, I’m sure, as people never stop learning about new things. Most people, I mean. Otherwise, you kind of suck at life.

• Be in a flash mob- Levar Burton is having a Reading Rainbow one.
• Own a pair of Loubitons & a Betsey Johnson dress- Sue me, I have a materialistic streak. I love the chic status Loubitons show, and I love a sexy pair of heels. Betsey’s designs are just so fun. Though I many ‘manly’ qualities, I enjoy feeling like a princess on occasion.
• Make it to Omaha for Ravioli Weekend- Once a year, the Monrad Clan gathers in Omaha for a weekend to make hundreds (not exaggerating) of homemade ravioli. Hand-seasoned/ground meat, homemade pasta sheets, simply divine. The makers of the ravioli divide it according to how much family lives near them back home, and every Monrad household has homemade ravioli for the year! We usually save ours for Christmas.
• All-nighter in Vegas- I don’t gamble. I’ll play on slots just to get the free drinks. But I want to watch a night of true Vegas-style debauchery go down. Wearing a shiny dress and those Loubitons.
• African Safari- As I mentioned before, I want to travel more. One of the top experiences I want, though, is a true African Safari. I’m talking tents, locals guides, fear-for-your-life-because-that-lion-looks-hungry safari.
• Dive with sharks- This will actually get checked off in about a month. I’m pretty freaking excited.
• Walk on a glacier- I hate the cold, but I think snowscapes are beautiful.
• Finish/design my cliché tattoo- I currently have Twin Stars in homage to my sorority and best friends ever. I want to add the Bohemian life motto: Freedom, Beauty, Truth & Love. So I’ll have sorority symbol and one of the cheesiest phrases of all time inked on my ribs. Mock all you will, they mean something special to ME, and that’s all I care about.
• Spend a day on a nude beach- I want to be this comfortable with myself, and with other people being that comfortable with themselves. Celebrate the human body! (In appropriate atmosphere only).
• Own NHL season tickets- You might’ve noticed, I love hockey. I want my own season tickets, at least half a season set, to enjoy more games, and I’ll be corny for a moment, take my mom to a few like she used to take me. Aww. Shut up.
• Adopt a pit-mix puppy- I want a puppy SO badly, and I love pit bulls. They’re so intelligent, loyal and loving! Also extremely misunderstood. I hate seeing these beautiful animals unwanted because people treat them like terribly & stereotype.
• Ride an elephant & camel- Honestly, who doesn’t?
• Be the recipient of a Craigslist Missed Connections- Missed Connections are a guilty pleasure of mine. They’re so funny, sometimes so sad, and there’s something heart-warming about so many people still believing in love/lust at first sight.
• Watch some type of space launch- I know there aren’t plans in the future for a manned launch, I’ve had enough people try to crush this one. I want to see anything launch, and I also think you’re naive if you think there won’t be another manned launch in m lifetime. I’m not that old.
• Successfully snowboard down a mountain- I like skiing, but I’ve only snowboarded down a small hill. And failed miserably at it.
• Fly in a fighter jet/take flying lessons- Aviation is so fun! My dad is a pilot so I’ve grown up hearing/being around planes, goodness I was born on an air force base!
• Attend a ludicrously expensive charity event- I want to get dressed up, mingle with the pretentious, and donate to a good cause in the process.
• Go to SDCC- San Diego Comic Con. I fully expect to be weirded out at times, and giddy as a school girl for the rest of it. And I want to dress up as Sally Jupiter.

That’s all for now. I purposefully made them all doable, providing I save and seek out the right situations. Hopefully, I’ll have a fair amount accomplished in the next 5 years! What else should I add? Or rather, what else do YOU want to do?

Recently, a coworker challenged me to create a bucket list so we could see where we wanted our lives to head (as opposed to the florescent cubicle abyss we’re currently headed).We discussed a few basics today, and so far here’s what I’ve come up with:

• Go Skydiving. So it’s a cliche item, sue me. I’ve been (inverted) bungee jumping, but never regular bungee jumping, and I’ve been parasailing, but I feel those would pale in comparison to falling through the air until WHOOSH! And slowly descend on a peaceful cloud of adrenaline.
• Adopt a dog. Both my families have adopting/taken in a pet from the streets, and they are the sweetest dogs in the world. Shelter puppies are so much more appreciative of everything! And cats suck.
• Adopt a child. This is in the super-distant future. Sure, I want biologically children, too, and I can’t really explain it, but I got the idea of adoption in my head a few years ago and knew it was something I had to do. I can’t save them all, but I can help one, right?
• Learn Italian. It seems like a solid base language- all the romantic languages have similar elements, and I’m Italian so it trumps Spanish. Besides, being fluent in a foreign language has been a goal for awhile.
• Scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef. I should also note, this barely beat out “Pee My Wetsuit from Great White Sighting.”
• Climb a Mountain. Not a huge mountain, I’m not that ambitious. I just want to summit somewhere and be able to look out at a landscape and feel how truly tiny I am. Hiking through unfamiliar territory goes with this- I want this adventure to be ‘roughing it’ in almost a Bear Grylls fashion (I won’t resort to this).
• Become a Media Mogul. So that comes out loftier than I intend. Really, I just want to become a recognizable force on blogs & twitter (see I Need a Niche post).
• Find a Cause. I want to find a philanthropy that lights a fire under my butt. I’ve found so many I enjoy learning about, top two being Charity:Water and She’s The First, now I just want to dive into something and actually make a difference. I’m old enough to know I need to take on more responsibility for others but young enough to be optimistic- humor me. Also, I’d preferably love my career to involve this cause.
• Travel, Travel, Travel. I live for traveling. Seriously, I usually travel outside my home city (currently NYC) about once a month. Some place new, some place familiar, whichever it is, I like to be on the move. I want to go on tropical vacations with my friends, I want to drag my parents (separately, of course!) to Rome or Venice to soak up some history. Also, African Safari. Oh yes.
• Own a House or Apt. I want to own my own place someday, whether I’m still in the city or somewhere with actual houses.

Those are all the big things I can think of now. Marriage didn’t make the list because I go back and forth on my opinion of it, all I really care about thus far is someone to share my adventures with, be it a boyfriend or close friends. I’m sure I’ll come up with more things as I mature and become a ‘real’ adult, but in the meantime, this is enough for me!

I am 24 years old and I don’t know how to use my true passion- Social Media. Not to say I don’t know how to use social media- I’ve been trained in the art of SEO, content format, and shameless plugging. I’m creeping up toward 300 twitter followers and receive frequent responses from my followers. I enjoy blogging in a snarky voice (I’m a Southern Belle so I tend to sass, but always while maintaining proper manners, now isn’t that nice?).

While I love these media tools, I know I need to brand myself. I need a niche. I need a targeted twitter account, and a blog with a specific purpose so I can find a demographic and cater to them. Now, what am I passionate enough about to throw myself into and become a noticeable force?

• I love comics and superheroes, but I haven’t read nearly enough to have solid opinions. I’m working on it, but it’s a slow process. I currently have a friend I’m using as a comic library- I could chronicle my further dive into geekdom.
• I love hockey- especially since I’m back in a state with (multiple!) pro teams. I don’t follow stats so much as I do player trends. I could study up on my hockey knowledge and provide a young lady’s insight into the best sport around.
• Frugaling. I thrive off of good deals- I will be (aw hell, I already am) one of those crazy people who cannot wait to tell you how cheap my outfit was because I scored at a thrift store or discount website. How about a blog where once a week I go to a thrift/vintage store and put together a $30 or less outfit, complete with accessories? And every few weeks I can showcase a cheap online find (I’m a journalism & English major, how much spare money do you think I have?).

Those are a few ideas. Is anything actually interesting? You guys know me (kind of). What else do I have to offer the world besides insatiable curiosity, biting wit, and a love of all things quirky?

First off, sorry for being a complete fail of a blogger. Really, I thought I’d have more time & more ambition since I was a writer my entire collegiate career. I figured I’d need a creative outlet after my my 9-5 cubicle job, but as it turns out I just don’t want to concentrate on a computer screen any more than I must.

This picture is the definition of sexy.

Since I moved to a state that actually has professional sports teams, I decided to start following them again. I grew up near Dallas, so I’ll always have a soft spot for the Cowboys, a slightly larger one for the Mavericks, a slightly larger than that one for the Rangers, and I will never (ever [seriously, never]) cheer against my Dallas Stars. I own a Stars jersey, mug, t-shirt & blanket, and while I don’t have any ill wishes for Jamie Langenbrunner’s family, I want to marry him. I only cheered for the NJ Devils for him, and I was slap-happy the entire day I discovered he was moved back to the Stars. My all-time favorite line-up is Nieuwendyk-Modano-Langenbrunner. *Love* Okay, back to the topic at hand…

Ive decided my new teams are:

• The Jets. Solely because they were the ones who played the longest into the playoffs. I think Sanchez is growing on me, too, he just seems like a big kid. And I like their colors better. (Sue me, I’m a girl and I care about these things). The Bears get thrown in the mix because Chicago is the only big city in the Midwest. Jets > Bears > Cowboys > Everyone else but the Packers > The Packers.
• The Mets. I love underdogs. I also know better than to cheer for the Yankee Douchebags. Besides, they play in Queens, that’s my ‘hood! However, I was an I-Cub fan back in my Des Moines days, so I also have some allegiance to the Cubbies! They’re also a fellow underdog. Seriously, I’m beginning to notice my attraction to losers. So much makes sense right now… Rangers > Cubs = Mets > Everyone but the Yankees > Yankees.
• The Knicks. I really don’t know NBA at all. I prefer college basketball, they play with so much more heart. I grew up watching the Mavs, though, I preferred Space Jam to watching the Chicago Bulls, and I haven’t seen a Knicks game…in my life. So Mavs > Knicks > Everyone else. (Solid reasoning, eh? Know of anyone needing a new sports writer?)
• The Rangers. As noted earlier, I have NOT given up any allegiance to my Stars homeboys, but I wanted a team to cheer for closer to me (physically). Rangers were the closest. I started stalking them on twitter, became a fan, saw a live game, and decided they would do. The Sabers were next in line, for anyone curious (Miller!). I’ve since decided I want to marry into the Staal family, or at least be adopted by them. I would have Lundqvist’s babies. And I really want Del Zotto to be my friend. STARS > Rangers > Wings > Penguins > Everyone else.

So there lies my cheering hierarchy, in all of its illogical glory. Fueled mostly by sentiment with very little statistical influence, I may either be a loyal fan or an idiot. I’d like to think of myself as a bit of both (hey, I’m a realist). If anyone wants to try and enlighten me, has any further questions, or better yet wants to take me to any games, please feel free. Also, you’re much more likely to get a response from me via Twitter. I am a tweeting fiend, and I only insincerely apologize for it.

I don't even like smokers OR blue eyes. But I want it.

Stop, whoa, back it up. When did Leo become hot? Not just hot, but the emotionally distant, dirty, scarred, tough sexy guy that is virtually irresistible? When Titanic came out, I was in middle school and did not find him attractive at all. Even watching its reruns on TBS, I only find Jack Dawson sexy when he’s being a smart-ass or yelling (so sue me, I like a temper, we’ll get to that later). Between his asshole exterior hiding a heart of gold in Blood Diamond, his psychotic character in Shutter Island, mobster ties in The Departed, and the amount of murder and injuries he’s endured in Body of Lies, I’m officially smitten. I used to think he was too pretty, after all, I’m the lady, I should be the pretty one in any relationship/hook-up/adventure. But now, he is a roughed up piece of badass symbolizing all that is man. How old is this trick, again? Doesn’t really matter, I guess, I know it’s over 18. HEY OH!

So now on to my questionable points-of-interest in men. Yes, I like a bit of a angry streak. Not directed at me, hell no, I’ll get pissed off and snap right back. However, some inner turmoil in a dark and twisty soul is intriguing. I also like a guy into old school comic books and likes to play games. Apparently I’m into bipolar, immature men. Wonderful. I’m just going to hope this is a phase and by the time I hit 25 I realize I would like to date someone who isn’t insane. *Fingers crossed*

I’ve also had more than a few conversations about what people biologically need. Are we programmed to have a soul mate to be complete? We are naturally social creatures, it makes sense, but I’m a firm believer someone should be a whole person on their own before settling down with a soul mate. Thoughts?

Apologies for the sporadic nature of this post. As most of you know, this is how my mind works on a regular basis.

Squee! Okay, I love my hair. Before/After picture will be below. I feel very 1920s retro girl. I also just bought a vintage dress from a small thrift boutique with hand-picked pieces (read: I could still only afford things on their ‘clearance’), which is completely sheer, a trend I’ve been wanting to try. Wearing a black skirt slip (covering from above the naval to mid-thigh, don’t worry) with a nude bra and a black ribbon to cinch where the slip stops at my waist, it actually looks like a legitimate outfit. So excited! Add some red lipstick, and I think I’m officially changing my style retro-frugal chic. Chic being a loose term here.

Long-locked, which had more ROWR appeal

AXED! Side shot of my Sassy 'symetrical bob'

I'm wearing a strapless dress, perverts.

It’s a huge change, but I’m already loving how little time it takes me to get ready now. I can’t nap as easily as I could before, it tends to stick up not unlike a rooster, but overall it seems easier to manage. And hopefully someone will enjoy my curlicious mane at Locks of Love!

Okay, this can’t be too long, I desperately need to clean to see how much longer I can go before doing laundry and wash dishes so I can make some dinner (gnocchi alfredo sounds good tonight, don’t you think?). I have some bedlifts in the mail on their way so I can finally store stuff under my bed. The plastic tubs in my kitchen are getting old. And I need to order the wall decals I wanted, I have an artist on reserve that I promised to feed if she helps me spice up my plain wall. I hate white walls, they’re so…sterile. I can’t even handle houses without clutter because it feels too institutionalized, this wall has GOT to go. I also need to buy some picture frames I can hang, looking for antique-y, outdoorsy looking ones (any ideas for good online shopping?). My apartment has a theme, it turns out, I didn’t know it until everything started coming together. Light blue, light green, sunny yellow, beige, natural wood and flowers. Not sure how it all managed to match itself, but figured I should just go along with it!

Have a wonderful day, my friends and/or strangers. Cheers!

I’m officially a fail at updating this regularly. Seriously, I have the time. My motivation is kind of at a low point. It’s sweatshirt & coffee weather, come on, what do you expect? I’ve got my netflix que lined up, ready to get back into Borderlands, and I have an unending supply of books being mailed to me at work. I’m loving it. Of course, now that means I’m prone to act more antisocial. That brings me to the title of this beastie. I have 3 new numbers of people I’ve met the past 2 weeks and have told me to call them anytime I want to hang out or go do something. I’m awkward and surprisingly shy at times. I would rather be the one getting called. I’m aware I need to get over that, but I never want to be the clingy ‘that girl.’ What if they only gave out their numbers to be nice? I guess the worst they could do is not answer, and that would be that. I just need to grow a pair and act with some of the confidence I pretend to have (I am fairly confident, don’t get me wrong, but I act with more than I have in hopes of actually being that confident- yes I play mind tricks on myself. Roll with it.)

I’ve set an official haircut date. Thursday at 6 pm I’m lopping everything off in hopes of a cute, curly bob of sorts. I’m nervous. The woman who made my appointment is doing the cutting, and she seemed in her own world. Also, in other bodily news, I found myself missing weight-lifting this week. Who knew I actually liked it and just needed a few months off to realize it? Bad news is that means I have to add another $40-60 to my monthly bills for a gym membership. I hate bills. I hate checks. It’s been 2 weeks and my rent check still hasn’t been cashed. I’m nervous they lost it and will evict me without notice. Then I can close my Iowa bank account, and pay my other bills with my new account. God I’m old.

Another sign I’m getting old? I’m fairly sure my neighbor above me wears construction boots all the time and enjoys stomping around in tantrums. I honestly believe he/she is trying to walk that heavy. It must be a conscious effort. Or a morbidly obese person (which I find difficult to believe, since they are on the 5th floor and the steps are too quick for anyone of substantial chub).

On the topic of being aggressive, this post made me notice how often I write in a passive voice. Now starting an effort not to. Because I’m not that passive, dammit, I hold my own. I have clout. It seems like I could really fix all my (minor) issues just by using it more. Noted.

Good night, all. Time for me to end the day with some of Joss Whedon’s Angel. (Awesome Whedon quote of the day: Reporter: “Why do you always write such strong female characters?” Whedon: “Because you’re still asking.” SNAP!)

I’ve had a breakthrough, people! I no longer feel the need to keep extraordinarily busy for fear of homesickness. As it turns out, I enjoy my naturally lazy nature. Sure, I like to do things and keep busy, but I enjoy more nights in than out. It’s been over a month, now, and I admit I sometimes miss having roommates. I wouldn’t mind social encounters while in the comfort of my own home. I miss not being able to be there for people who I know need it. One of my best friends is having a tough time back in ol’ Iowa and I desperately wish I was only a 4 hour drive away to do what I could to speed the healing process (I.E.- provide tequila relief, sombrero included).

Since I last blogged, I spent a Saturday night in Washington D.C. visiting a few college favorites. A 4-hour megabus trip really isn’t too bad, even though it usually turns into 5 hours. I also megabused it to Boston the next Saturday, so after a few trips I’ve decided I want one of those dorky neck pillows. I’m putting off my Shopping Day for a much needed Tiny Japanese Women Jumping on My Back Day to work out the knots I accumulated.

Don't be jealous of my J.Lo frames, or the hair it took an hour to straighten. But I'll miss it.

Also, I’m getting ready to go under the scissors. After years of growing my hair back out since I did my first Locks of Love chop, it’s about that time again. Sadly, I’ve waited so long I’m really attached to my long hair now. As pathetic as it is, I feel as though it;s my defining characteristic. It’s my most recognizable feature. A curly, lion’s mane of light brown hair with a few hints of my Mama’s ginger heritage peeking through. It’s low maintenance. It’s crazy. It does whatever it wants and I just have to roll with it. Sigh. A level of comfort has been reached, and really it’s just selfishness and vanity keeping me long locked now. I’m thinking something like one of these 2 photos, but will likely depend on however the stylist sees it. Yeeeks.

Sassy. I can do Funk, right?

Imagine less blonde, more nose, and a touch of goofy.

Well, Nathan Fillion is calling my name…rather, Rick Castle is. Wish I had more to report, but I’ve been slumming it, and rather enjoying it. And I’m pretty damn glad I’m done trying to validate moving out here by being constantly busy when I’m just as happy relaxing

Week 3. Almost out of canned food, I can hear the zombies clawing at my fortress- they’ve discovered me. It’s only a matter of days…must find The Cure soon.

Entry hall/living room/guest bedroom. Note the Longhorns above the shelves!

Just kidding! Ah haha, humor me kids. It is Week 3 of me being moved out to NYC. I am almost out of food. The subways are filled with zombie-like hordes of people. However, as opposed to a zombie invasion, I am loving this. My apartment isn’t huge, but it’s a 1 bedroom with more than enough space for me, and for visitors (hint!).

I was terrified of being out here and being painfully bored and lonely. Has not happened yet! In fact, I just went on a tirade about never being home and being so behind on all my tv shows when I was talking to a high school friend, so I broke my rule today (Always leave the apartment and do something once a day every weekend, and at least once during the week)- I spent the entire day in my apartment watching tv and reading without even trying to find something else to do. It felt great, but I am so grateful there is so much to do here to keep me from becoming too emo.

My cliche of an apartment building.

First Friday, I bought my PS3, sorry, lame I know, but I’m excited! My aforementioned friend and I have already payed online missions  to keep our nerdy bond strong. I went to a The Verve Pipe concert my first Saturday. I figured a concert wouldn’t be too weird to be at on my own- it’s too loud to talk anyways. Still made some single-serving friends for the night to mock the obviously drunk harmonica player, though. Seriously, that guy had moves. First Sunday, walked through Central Park, read for a bit, and giggled at the ducks and Asian tourists. Second Friday, I discovered Target Free Fridays at the Museum of Modern Art*. I made it through a couple floors, and plan to be back again to finish it off. It was so crowded it bordered on insane. Second Saturday, met up with an old middle school friend from Texas and saw STOMP!, had some delish Indian food and a few (more than  few) beers at a pub we stumbled into on the Lower East Side. Sunday was a day of recovery, though there was a Pita lunch for both me and my compadre. The falafal was not as good as Ted’s Coney Island. I will be trying Pita Pan next (I wish I made that up).

This past week was the uber-busy week. Wednesday was volunteering at Charity Water, Thursday was a sorority alumni bbq, and Friday was drinks out with coworkers. Saturday I met up with middle school friend and his coworker, we wondered Governor’s Island, found a tiny but delicious Mexican place to east (off the beaten path, like whoa), then they were chivalrous enough to come back to my Queens neighborhood to find some pubs closer to my apartment for later use (we found 2!). Even when I come home right after work, I’m usually not awake in my apartment for more than 5-6 hours a day. When today hit, I decided I earned the day of sloth.

My hetero-lifemate M suggested I start a blog about Awkward Subway encounters. It’s entirely possible. I’ve been serenaded multiple times, sat across from a Human Statue, and discovered subway rats are actually quite cute. I’m afraid limiting my awkward encounters to the subway will get repetitive though, is Awkward Girl in Astoria too broad of a topic though?

*pics of a few pieces from the museum to follow, as well as other misc activities, my bberry is taking its sweet time uploading.