Hello m’dears! I haven’t done one of these check-in posts in awhile (i.e. three months?!?), so I figure we’re on par for a new life update, ya dig? I’ll just share some snippets of what I’ve been up to and how I’ve been feeling — you’re more than welcome to do the same. 🙂
- I know I mentioned this yesterday briefly, but I’ve been thinking of moving to LA once my lease is up in February. I know that’s still a ways away, but I’m already getting antsy! I enjoy where I live in Orange County because it’s spacious, clean, safe, and very convenient (I live 4 minutes from a Target HOLLAAA). But I’ve been getting this nagging feeling about where I live and the fact that it doesn’t have as creative as a community as LA does. Living in Tokyo taught me that I’m not really a city girl, either, but I’m hoping I can find somewhere a little out of the city, but still not far. Any suggestions?
- I started dating someone a couple months ago and I really appreciate him. He’s one of the kindest, silliest, and most considerate people I know. Monja is obsessed with him, which makes me feel like a single baby mama introducing my kid to a new guy. Ha! I’m also 99% sure he will end up reading this — hi Paul! 🙂
- Noimsayn has been one of my favorite songs as of late. It’s pretty mellow, but has a really captivating beat. Anyone else dig this kind of music?
- I’ve mentioned a “Big Project” I’ve been working on, and while I do write down plans for it, I find it sometimes hard to make it to the next step. In this case, it’s one of the biggest projects I’ve done through TNC and I am held back both by a sense of fear and a sense of “how in the world do I execute this?” It’s something I’m still very passionate about, but I think I’m over-complicating it in my mind. *grin*
- I had lunch with my younger brother yesterday, who mentioned that my family said I “never tell them about my life.” It wasn’t said in a contemptuous way, but more in a “I wish we knew more about her life” kind of way. It made me feel a little bad, but also reminded me that I’m not great at sharing my life with people, which is pretty freakin’ ironic since I run a lifestyle blog, hah! Lately, I’ve been feeling more distant from my friends, too, and I realize a big part of that is because I don’t put in the effort to reach out to people. It’s not at all because I don’t care or because I don’t want others to be part of my life, but rather because I’m naturally kind of private and I also don’t want to “bother” people. Anyone else ever feel this way?
- I ordered a new computer, which is probably not even important enough to include here, but it seems kind of important the more I think about it. My current computer has been with me through SO much! Some of my best years of college, my life in Japan, my first year as an entrepreneur and blogger — yikes! I feel kind of attached to this thing. I can’t wait to get a new computer though! And I hope to find a good home for my current one, too. 🙂 I feel like I’m selling a beloved pet, haha I’m crazy.
- One of my prints was featured on Buzzfeed last week, which was kind of cool! My print is #15 (you can buy it here!). Paul was actually sitting next to me scrolling through Buzzfeed and said, “hey, didn’t you make that?” haha 🙂
- I feel maaaaajor travel pangs. I work a loooot, mostly because I love it and want to work a lot, but I think I could really use a break. I’d really like to just go somewhere for a few days where I can explore, take pictures, and laugh. When was the last time you really took a break?
- I bought a blender recently (this one — so cheap!) and I loOoOve it! I make green smoothies every morning and sometimes toss a bunch of random sweets and ice cream in for dessert. I’m excited to make pesto and salsa sometime soon, too. Any fun blender recipes you know of, besides smoothies?
- I almost forgot! I re-did my graphic design website and I love it! I love the design on my blog, but didn’t feel like it represented my graphic design services in the right way. This new version is a bit cleaner, more simple, and easier to navigate, in my opinion. I’m still planning to spruce up the portfolio with more details about each project, but for now I’m happy with everything. What do you think?
- Oh, and because this is very, very necessary, here are some photos of Monja wearing a bra. Very necessary. Breaking news. Did I mention Monja now has an Instagram? You should follow him.
I think that’s all for now! If there’s anything else you’d like to know, just ask. 🙂 I’m private, but do enjoy sharing my life with you!
I can totally get the part when you talked about people feeling like they don’t know much about you. I feel the same way… and I blame myself for not sharing more about my life. I’m working on it! – Also… I just commented on your IG account about the MacBook. I’m interested!
Glad you can relate, Kimberly! Hopefully we can both improve with that 🙂
I can really see you living more in LA than Orange County, well at least the part you do hmmm did that sound mean either way I think LA is the way to go! I am also really bad about reaching out to people so have no advice!
haha! I agree 🙂
I felt the same way as you, as far as moving to a more creative community. I just moved from Baton Rouge, LA to Austin, TX and it was the best thing I ever did!
That is really encouraging!! Maybe I’m comparing LA to Tokyo too much, because I didn’t love the city life of Tokyo, but then again, it also wasn’t a super creative area, so I think LA would have more to offer in that regard. I think I should give it a shot! 🙂
Ok! So i can 100% understand the being private and not wanting to bother people. I’m an extrovert but sometimes feel like an introvert and can get shy. However, this summer I decided to just plug in 100% where I am at until I move. It has been the best decision ever. I have to force myself out of my ‘introvert shy bubble’ (I don’t know what to call that) but it has been so rewarding. I’ve met new people, have gotten to know others better and it has just been so healthy for me. So, I guess that is my challenge to you. =)
I still have alone time because I know I need it and rejuvenate that way but being intentional has been so great.
Also, a big congrats on being on Buzzfeed! That’s super awesome. I had no idea Monja had an account but now I do and I”ll be there to follow along =)
I could relate to number 1! I lived in a suburb in Canada before and it lacked a creative community. Now that I’m in LA, I’m looking forward to meeting and connecting with like-minded creatives! I think Santa Monica is a nice area, kind of close but not too close to the city life haha Your dog is so cute!
That’s awesome that you’re in LA now! Santa Monica is a great idea. And thanks about my dog! 🙂
I totally know about being naturally private and a bit distant at times! My family always half-teases, half-chides me about not going out or hanging out with friends enough, but… I don’t know, I just kind of prefer being on my own? But I suppose that means you run the risk of isolating yourself, which also isn’t good. I don’t know… tricky subject! Glad I’m not the only one, though 🙂
I feel very much the same as you! It’s not that I don’t enjoy being around people (I really do!), I just also really enjoy being alone and it doesn’t always occur to me that I should be spending more time with people. I think you’re right, that it’s good to have a balance so you don’t isolate yourself, but like you said, it’s tricky!
I’ve been struggling with finding a balance between privacy/solitude and enough amounts of human interaction, too. I’ve always had social anxiety and I used to be (still am) really, really fearful of imposing on people. Which is a funny thing to say given how much help I’ve asked for in the past two years, but I guess at some point need just trumped everything else. Doesn’t mean I don’t have a hard time of it. And I still need so much, and I have the hardest time just having fun with people and not accidentally half-jokingly asking if they have a spare room or need to hire a photographer or something. 🙁
Lately life has been all over for me. I had a huge event this past weekend, so I took yesterday off and didn’t worry about the fact that I didn’t have a blog post ready to go. Sometimes I need a day to just not work, especially after working an event where I’m on my feet for literally 12 hours straight. I wouldn’t trade my job for the world, but I do have to make my job work with me so that I can take care of myself and keep doing my job without getting burned out. Does that help you out?
I am with you on #5. It’s not that I don’t love my friends enough to spend time with them, it’s just that I enjoyed being in my own bubble (with or without J) and I don’t really want to bother them or make them feel obligated to hang out with me. Sometimes I feel I think too much. I often tell J and myself that I am super lucky my friends have yet to walk out on me. Hah!
Oh and Monja could probably use that disguise to save the world or something. :p
haha totally!
I definitely know how you feel! I’m sure they don’t actually think we’re bothering them, but for some reason it’s hard to get past that mindset sometimes!
I took my first vacation of the year two weeks ago and it was brilliant. I don’t feel any less stressed at work, but once I come home at the end of the day I feel much less stressed in my own house. Things are clean and organized and I finally brought a huge donation to Philly Aids Thrift. So I’d call that a success.
Sounds like a success to me, too, Chrystina! And that’s really interesting that you didn’t feel less stressed at work, but DID feel less stressed at home! I like the sound of that. 🙂
I totally understand where you are coming from in number 5. I’m a homebody, my friends and sisters are going out peeps. I like going out for errands (and TARGET!!!) idk that’s just me lol! Thanks for update! xo – Jessika, http://www.jessclassy.com
haha I know how you feel, Jess!
Hi Melyssa! I’ve been a lurker for a while and coming out of lurkdom. Love your blog!! I lived in LA for a decade or so (and then moved to OC), and I agree too that I really don’t like the city. But I think some nice areas that aren’t tooo city-ish are Pasadena, Culver City, Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, or my favorite – Hermosa Beach (where I lived).
And i totally understand #5. I don’t want to bother people either so I fail at reaching out to people, but it doesn’t mean I don’t think about them daily!
Welcome to the Land of No-Lurkdom! Glad to have you here! 🙂 Thank you for sharing that list of cities, by the way. I’m totally going to look into those!
I moved out of LA and into Orange County, because I couldn’t get anything done in LA. Another friend of mine who makes jewelry is doing the same. I think it just depends on your personality and needs. I’d really love to get some OC creatives together though.
How interesting, Yvonne! I can definitely see that. I do get a lot done in Orange County (it’s so quiet here!), but something feels like it’s missing. Getting OC creatives together would be great!
I’m going to have to work on figuring this out.
You should move to Long Beach! Isn’t that considered somewhere in the middle? 🙂
I’ve thought about that! I hear Long Beach has a pretty cool community. Do you think it’s safe? I’m not super familiar with the area, so I don’t know a whole lot about safety there.
you should ask garrick!! he’s lived there all his life. 😀 i think there are nicer areas and then not so nice areas tehre.
OooOo I definitely will! Thanks for the tip 🙂
I love the pictures of you and Monja! So sweet!
If you wanted to move out of California, Minneapolis is a very creative city that is big on art, writing and music. 😉 Living in a city that has such a vibrant, creative community has been interesting for me, because even though I feel like I should take advantage of it, I often don’t. But it is nice to know that if I want to, it’s out there waiting for me.
It’s so cool that your design was featured on Buzzfeed! Congrats! And your design website looks AMAZING!!! You truly are talented. I’ve had ideas on how to brand myself as a novelist, poet and blogger if I get to the point to the point where I feel it’s necessary (I’ve been feeling a lack of creativity lately but I know it’s just related to my unexpected change in jobs as some of my creativity has started to creep back) and I’ve always thought that I’d come to you if/when I’m ready for it. 🙂
Blenders are amazing! I start my day with a green smoothie and I think it’s a great way to get a lot of nutrients in right away. The final step of one of my favorite soups is to throw it into a blender. (Or use an immersion blender, but I think it works best to put it in an actual blender.) This soup is delish, but it is time consuming, so it’s a weekend project for me. It makes a lot of soup, so I freeze half of it. Also, it has a bit of a bite. Sometimes I think it’s perfect, sometimes it seems like a little too much. I don’t think I’m always accurate with measurements of ingredients, which probably explains the difference. http://www.annies-eats.com/2011/02/22/roasted-tomato-basil-soup/
Y’know, I need to visit Minneapolis! I’m not sure I’d totally take advantage of LA’s culture either, but I guess I just want it there, too! haha.
And you’re so sweet and supportive — thank you Crystal! I’m really glad you like my design site! I usually feel like the designs I make for myself seem “unfinished” or never good enough (we’re our own worst critic, right?), but I finally feel like I’ve found a look I love for that site. I’m really happy about that! 🙂 And I would LOVE to help you with a site if you ever need it. 🙂
Freezing soup sounds like such a good idea. I looove soup, but hardly eat it. I’ve replicated Panera’s broccol cheddar soup recipe before and it’s SO good. I’ll need to make that and your tomato basil soup ASAP! 🙂
My friend enjoys living in Pasadena 🙂
That’s great to hear — thank you! 🙂
Yes! Mr. Monja has an instagram! So following him right now! 🙂 I love your blog and dog!
xo,
Zoe | La Vie en Zoe
hehe thank you Zoe!! 🙂
Gosh if I lived OC I would never, ever leave! But LA is cool too, so I guess it just depends on where you want to be- and on how your new relationship progresses! (Congrats!)
OC is great, but I think it’s a better place to “settle down” if that makes sense, since it’s pretty serene and quiet. And thank you! 🙂 He actually lives a little closer to LA than OC, so hopefully it will work out either way 🙂
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