Subscribe already!

OMG - why the F#@% are you still coming here?

Okay, so I do suck - I didn't put up an RSS doohickey. So here you go. 

Subscribe in a reader

There's one on my new blog too. SEE HERE to visit and get me back into your readers. I'll love you forever!

Cheers!

-A

Still?

Why are you still coming here?!?!

I live HERE now, remember.

Http://www.ravesandreviews.com. Add it to your Google Reader NOW. You'll be happy you did.

Cheers!

-A

Don't forget!

I'm over here now.

http://www.ravesandreviews.com.

If you haven't changed it up in your reader yet, please do so soon! Reminders will stop soon.

I posted a little ditty today that includes a bar review and a run in with one of our favorite Cleveland bloggers. Check it out to see who and where.

Cheers!

-A

Switching it up

Well my little blogger friends, as you know I'm constantly dying for change, so I've decided to put my money where my mouth is - or rather, my blog.

That's right, kiddos, there's about be a change up in hizzle. 

You may have noticed that my bio at the right has changed recently. 

No? Okay, well now you know.

Starting next week, Encounters of the Human Kind will no longer exist as we know it. But don't get too upset yet, I'm not gone for good.

What's actually happening is that the name will be changing, and we'll all be heading over to a new domain name. One I actually own.

See, I am putting my money where my mouth is!

So, here it is - my new blog name: Raves and Reviews

http://www.ravesandreviews.com

This move is highly appropriate as I've already been providing rants, raves, and reviews on a regular basis (yes, of course rants are included. check the tagline). So the switch is less about changing focus and more about building a site around what I've already been doing.

Because really, when was the last time I actually posted about someone that I met - especially someone that doesn't skydive. Besides, that's what Skydive Chick is for (my uuber cool blog about skydiving).

In essence, this doesn't affect y'all as much as you might think. Blogger will continue to be my platform. It'll still be me and my smart mouth, everyday, providing the same opinionated crap as always. But hopefully now, you'll be able to take away some good, bad and ugly of everything I consume and encounter on a daily basis.

See, I'm doing this for you. My dearest readers!

And of course, if there's something you're curious about but don't have the guts to try or buy, let me know. Odds are, I'll do it and give you the rundown.

Now, in theory, given that I'll be exporting the contents of EHK to the new site, Blogger is supposed to continue directing y'all who visit recentencounters.blogspot.com to that domain, but I'm not all that trusting of how the interwebs might actually function with this change. So...if you have me bookmarked, or I'm in your Google Reader, now is the time to add the new domain.

Please and thank you!

Of course, until that time comes I'll be banging this into your head, a la LiLu and her recent move.

Hope y'all are as excited for this change as I am. It's bound to be an enlightening experience for us all.

So keep coming back for my raves and reviews, and of course, some rants in my typical cynical fashion, as a 20-something consumer.

Cheers!

-A

It's already a quarter over!

My life, that is.

This week I turn 25. Ugh, just looking at that statement makes me throw up in my mouth a little. What the hell happened to "the best years of my life" or whatever?

Rather than dwell on the fact that I'm now an adult - with the ability to rent a car at standard pricing - I've decided to make some changes and set some goals for myself along the way.

Sort of like New Year's Resolutions for the 25th year of life, if you will. I'll be damned if the quarter-life crisis is going to overtake this girl. *insert double thumb point in my direction*

It's time now to take a look at the direction I'm heading and make the necessary alterations. After all, I really only have 5 more good years in me before things stop functioning properly.

Hello adult diapers!

I kid, I kid.

But by the time 30 hits I'd like to have accomplished a lot and be well on my way to having the life I've always dreamed.

Like, for instance, focusing my attention on the people in my life. I've spent the majority of the last three years focusing solely on my career - and the four years before that on getting a career, and the four years before that getting into school so I can get a career...you get the point.

Now, with the addition of the SO and his wonderful family, planned trips with the old college crew, my brother getting married to the love of his life, and my beyond supportive friends and family who have seen me through moves across the country and back - and are still in my life, mind you - it's about time I threw a little of my positive energy in their direction.

The older I get the more I realize just how important the people who support you are to your success. It's true that I'm not going to be lying on my death bed wishing I spent more time working. Thank heaven for my employers encouragement of a work/life balance.

Here are a few other goals I intend to accomplish in my 25th year of life:

1) Run a 1/2 marathon. I've been saying it for the last few years and have been hindered by injuries every time. I think I've got the training figured out - now it's time to follow through. Chicago, here I come!

2) Get my skydiving license. I'm going for my A by the end of the summer. Then I can jump anywhere I travel. Maybe my B license by 26?

(I dream of one day being on a team like this)

3) Take on a new challenge at work. I need something to get me out of my comfort zone, that's where I grow the most. I will find this project.

4) Get my finances in order. Lately, I've been a whole lot of talk and not a lot of action on this front. And with my rather expensive hobbies saving hasn't been easy. To be out of debt and living comfortably by 26 is the goal.

5) Read a book every month. This might be a long shot, but I really want to get back into my reading habit. 

6) Focus on my health. This is the time to get and stay healthy. It won't always be this easy.

 

I'm sure there are more, but that's a good start, and I've got a couple more days to lay out all these goals.

So tell me dear readers, what are some of your goals for the next year?

Cheers!

-A

In need of a change

There are two types of people in this world:

1) The ones who fear change and,

2) The ones who embrace it.

I fall into the latter category. Not only do I embrace change, I thrive on it. 

In fact, without frequent change I get bored and uninspired and restless. So for me, change is more of a need than anything else.

Yep, change is an addiction.

Is there some sort of support group for this? Probably not, eh? With people like me we'd get bored with those supporters way too quickly.

Anywhosits.....I've found that with regular change, I tend to operate at optimal performance levels.

Why this is has remained a mystery to me, but the more frequent change occurs the happier I am. And the larger the change, the more productive I am.

Stupid, right? Maybe it's this constant need to adapt new technologies that my generation feels that's driving my desire for something different every day. It's a good thing I'm in marketing - we're always up to something new every day.

Even still, it's not enough. I've found that I seek out opportunities for change - from small things like new workouts that are bound to encourage soreness the next day to more substantial changes like moving across the country. 

For the last two years I've lived and worked within a 5 mile radius. Just reading over that sentence makes me shudder a little. You might as well have told me I've been locked in a padded room - it's essentially the same for this adventure-driven girl.

I've settled for minor changes like becoming a brunette and slowly blonding (yes, that's a word, I just made it one) back again, picking up new hobbies like rock cli

mbing and skydiving, eating at new restaurants every chance I get (lucky for me the Cleve is filled with awesome restaurants), and even dabbling in the cooking arena myself.

But lately I've been in a rut and I'm starting to feel the change itch coming on.

This is where you come in. I need HELP. Desperately. 

How do I fulfill this need for change without doing something drastic?

So tell me dear readers, how do you satisfy your need for change? What have you done differently that you've enjoyed?

Cheers!

-A

p.s. As promised - here's my value add for the day. Inspired by one of my favorites, Anna's daily read, Pearls Before Swine.

My very own confessional

In sticking with my recent list theme, it seemed like a good idea to get a few things out in the open.

Believe it or not, I have flaws.

*GASP* - I know, you couldn't believe it either.

But believe it people, and there's more than you might think. Some of which I seriously need to work on.

And what a better way to kick my ass into gear than to share these issues on the interwebs for all to see, and subsequently mock me for.

No, ending sentences with prepositions is not on the list...apparently it should be.

Oh Lord -- on that note:

1) I am a social media over-sharer - as you're about to find out first hand.

2) Sometimes I like really bad music - currently, I'm listening to Nickelback's "Gotta be somebody." Yes, as someone who preaches her hatred for this group, I'm extremely embarrassed!

3) I procrastinate constantly - not just at work, but generally in life as well. Last year my boss told me I was an adrenaline junkie during my review. I'm pretty sure he wasn't complimenting me.

4) After the SO sleeps over, I use his pillow - it still smells like him, and for some reason that makes falling asleep a little easier. Sorry for the mush...but it's true.

5) My spending is OUT OF CONTROL - how is it possible that the economy is doing so bad when I'm out there feeding it daily?! This needs to be nipped in the bud immediately! Saving tips appreciated...

6) Keeping in touch with friends is hard - unfortunately, after college my friends and I scattered across the country for job offers, because even back then jobs in Michigan were scarce. And now we're all so busy with our careers and separate lives that phone calls are few and far between. Luckily this summer some of us are having a little reunion in LA, but that's not enough to tide me over. I dream everyday about living in the same city with them again....sigh.

7) It's rare that I disconnect - from phone, Internet, I even have Facebook on my Blackberry - probably for the reason above. I fear losing touch altogether. Though I never, ever take my phone into the gym or on a run with me. Gotta have some Ashley time every now and again.

And with #7 we loop back into being an online over-sharer. Though y'all seem to enjoy it so maybe I'm doing something right, eh?

So tell me dear readers, as I walk away slightly red in the face, what confessions do you have to share with us? C'mon, don't leave me blushing alone.

Cheers!

-A

Sleep, or lack there of

A good night's sleep is something I've been missing out on for a while now.

Oh glorious zzzs, how I miss you!

It appears that there's some sort of mental issue going on here. Okay, so you already knew that, but let me explain anyway, like you give a damn.

When I lived in Dallas I had the perfect little weekday routine going for me. I got to work at the same time, worked out at the same time, went to bed at the same time and never had to snooze in the morning. Like clockwork. Get it, clockwork....okay bad joke.

When I moved back to the Midwest I got into a bad habit. I started working long hours, working out at random hours - if at all - and red wine became my best friend. He was only recently demoted to welcome my new BFF Ketel One into the mix.

But that's not the point...

Yes, I do have one. I'll get there. Keep reading, damn it. Uh, I mean, please. Please?

Long nights turned into late mornings, snoozing through my alarm - yes, through, as in I hit that little button so many times it quit going off. Even my alarm can't keep up with this lifestyle.

(This is what it looks like, every morning, for an hour!)

And even on days when I try to go to bed at a reasonable hour I'm not tired because I didn't drag myself out of bed when I should have in the morning. It's a vicious cycle I tell you.

Of course, this doesn't factor in those days where I can't sleep because there's too much on my mind, or because I'm working into the wee hours of the night.

Insomnia is not typical for me, if there's one talent I have it's sleeping. I'm usually the proud owner of a 7-8 hour sleep night, unless, of course, I'm stressed out.

Most often insomnia hits when I'm stressed about my personal life rather than work. Even when the shit hits the fan at work the zzzs manage to come easily. But if there's problems with my family, finances, the SO, I'll be up grinding the gears on resolutions all night.

No, it usually doesn't help, but c'mon, it's not as if I really have control over that. I got the stewing gene from my mom - thanks ma.

Needless to say, in this whole process I've managed to thoroughly throw my system off balance and thus, my precious sleep cycles that I once counted on like the tide.

And now more than ever I need to get this back. Sleep come back to me!

At the very least, I need to get my schedule back before I introduce the puppy into my world. He's not going to pick up these bad habits from me. Or maybe I'll just train him how to hit snooze for me. Hmm...

Any suggestions for getting back on track? How do you stick to a normal schedule?

Cheers!

-A

Big decisions

(This is how it feels, like being in the middle of a giant question mark.)

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not the best when it comes to making decisions. I'm often impulsive and have a tendency to be blind to anything other than the potential positive outcomes. getting all starry eyed about how this decision will improve everything in the future.

What can I say, I'm drawn to the new and shiny.

The real problems begin, however, once I start wrapping my head around the implications of the decision.

Given my nature as a planner, my instincts throw me into a constant need to research every option from all angles to make sure I get the most out of the decision. And of course, the benefits of choosing to stick with the status quo.

More times than not I believe that I'll be more disappointed by choosing not to take a new opportunity. Life's all about experiences, and looking back, I've always been happy I took opportunities as they came my way - impulsive or not - because of the experiences I gained and the people I met along the way.

Plus, it keeps things interesting...right?

I have to admit, I enjoy the stories that I'm able to tell about the places I've been and the experiences I've had already had in these short 24 years of my life, because I never say no.

Still, that doesn't make these decisions any easier, nor does it take away this feeling as if I might vomit. In the end, it'll work itself out somehow. It's got to, right? Right???

What's your strategy for making big decisions?

Cheers!

-A

Braving the kitchen

As I've mentioned before, I would give anything to be a part of the foodie world. And I have a master plan for getting there, rubbing elbows with the best Food Network stars - okay not really, I'm just hoping something falls in my lap, but let's just pretend, okay?

One of the big flaws in this plan is that, well, I don't cook.

Now, don't get me wrong, it's not that I'm incapable of cooking, it's more about lack of time and energy. And honestly, cooking for one sucks donkey balls - especially when you're like me and really don't care for leftovers.

Granted, since the SO has been around my kitchen has gotten some use, but not nearly enough to bump me up into the foodie category.

So, I've decided to start cooking more.

Now really, the main purpose behind this is to start saving a little more money - given that budgeting is part of this whole new years resolution garbage, and I've got plenty of expenses coming up in the near future (read: puppy spoiling) - but being classified as a 'foodie' is a huge bonus.

Problem being - I have no idea what to cook!

I wish I could just dive in like Ang - she's totally my inspiration. These dishes look so amazing. And yet, so complex - I'm just not sure I could pull them off in the minimal amount of free time I have left these days.


Given that I'm a vegetarian whose normal sustenance resembles rabbit food, I don't really know where to begin.

And, if I could make something that looks as appealing as it tastes - yes, I know this is a huge feat for a novice like myself, but I'm up to the challenge - better yet!

Mmmm, just look at that!

To all my foodie, and wanna-be foodie friends out there, help! Know of any good recipes I can get my feet wet with?

In the meantime, I'll be sticking to my fab. chili recipe and foolproof Italian dishes until I get the cojones to branch out to something more elaborate. Though after looking at those peppers, I may be inclined to stuff some in the near future (now would be the time to remove head from gutter, thanks). Wish me luck!

Cheers!

-A

New habits

They say it takes 21 days for new habits to congeal.

YIKES!

So you're telling me that when I start a new routine with the best of intentions it's going to take 21 days of will power and determination to make it stick?

Now I'm no expert, and for all I know they aren't either, but that seems like a hell of a long time.

Who the F-word are they anyway? And since when can they tell me how long my habits are going to take to form. They don't know me! Unless of course, they read my blog - ha! Who am I kidding!

From experience, when new habits are consciously entered into my life they really begin to set in when I see results - running more means I can eat more, which is a great incentive to keep it up! I'll take any reason I can get to eat. Deep down, there's a fat kid inside of me, just waiting to get out and steal your cookie. I'm sure there are other examples but I don't feel like thinking of them. It's Friday, give a girl a break.

In thinking about it, 21 days is probably an average. Some mathematical calculation that the collective they came up with to sound smart, while in reality they watched people for a few weeks and said "yeah, I'm bored, 21 days is probably about right. We'll say that, people always believe us!"

So tell me dear readers, what are some of your new habits? Have they stuck? How long has it taken for your habits to congeal?

Cheers!

-A

(Editors note: this post is really stupid - probably the worst yet. It should be Photography Friday and I've been slacking so this is what you get. Come back Monday for some crap that's only slightly better.)

A blessing and a curse

As I've mentioned before, tailgating season is one of my favorites. There's nothing like going home, catching up with old roommates, friends from college and even high school. It seems that no matter how long it's been, we always pick up right where we left off, Miller Lite in hand.

Homecoming weekend never ceases to amaze me as I run into old friends along Grand River (Mike B. if you're reading this, I expect nothing less than to see you in EL again this year, bow tie and all), bounce from tailgate to tailgate, and attend kegs 'n eggs three days in a row to catch up with my dearest fellow alumni.

At the end of the weekend we all jump in our cars or head to the airport to make it back to our real world jobs, hangovers and all. This, my friends, is always a sad reality.


A strange phenomenon happened the year I graduated from undergrad - my friends and I all got big kid jobs. After going through four years of college, wondering what would be in store for us (given that our older siblings struggled mercilessly to find employment after the bubble burst), we all moved on to new places and new adventures - spread far and wide across the country.

(great times were had by all)

Within weeks of graduation I was off to Texas while my dearest friends were packing up and moving to LA, Denver, Chicago, Madison, Indianapolis, Florida, Detroit, North Carolina, Minneapolis...the list goes on. Most of us went on to explore our new worlds alone, sole Spartans on a mission. Others went in pairs, at most.

The situation seemed great - I can visit my friends all over the country, whenever I want. But as the years pass, and I continue to move around the country in search of the perfect city, I wonder if in fact this was a blessing, or a curse. And each year, as the number of friends that return for homecoming festivities dwindles, I continue to lean toward the latter.

The question becomes, then, how does one keep these vastly divided groups of friends as close as they once were while meeting, growing, and thriving in new social circles in this ever so hectic 'adult' life?

What has worked for you, in keeping those friends as close as ever?

For now, it's back to social networking in an attempt to plan the best homecoming tailgate ever.

Cheers!

-A

Time for a change

It was time for a change. Usually I'm all about making big, life-altering changes like moving. But I love my job, which is why vacations tend to come so frequently. But the cost of another vacation just won't fit into the budget this month - though I am planning a trip to Denver in the near future but I'll fill you in on that later.

So instead, I revamped my blog. What do you think? Typical color schemes for me are in the neighborhood of greens and reds, but I thought this blurple color would really spruce things up a little.

There you have it. My constant need for change required an update to the blog. Hope y'all like it.

Cheers!

-A

Goodbyes are never easy

A few months back I discovered that one of the local radio stations does in fact broadcast Bob & Tom in the morning. This comedic morning program goes back to my college, and even high school roots - they got me through those long, snowy commutes to school. I never managed to locate the show during my time in Texas, so you can imagine my delight upon this discovery. Though my morning commute is short and sweet, Bob & Tom add a little more flavor to my mornings by waking up my brain and giving me a giggle.

But unfortunately, it's time to say goodbye to my old friends, as MMS has decided to bring back a former radio personality that tried to make it regionally and apparently fell pretty flat on his face (of course, this is all hear-say, so I could be completely full of it). So good ole Bob & Tom are going to be broadcast at noon, in all their prerecorded glory; though not that it helps me much in the mornings.

The dilemma ensues; do I seek out a new morning show for mental and comical stimulation, give this new guy a shot, or pop in an indie rock CD and forget about the local radio scene altogether? I don't do well with change, and I certainly don't do well with 6:30 a.m. decision-making.