Five Things Friday

#1 The Jungle Prince of Delhi

This series from The New York Times was so good and incredibly twisted that I don’t want to spoil one bit…unless you know the background. I listened to it during my much-needed Thanksgiving break.

#2

For years, when I told people I was tired, some peopled retorted, “tired? You don’t have kids!” As I have gotten older and still do not have kids, I have grown increasingly irritated by this pushback. People like me do not need to have kids to be tired. We have other occupations that tire us out, like our jobs, hobbies, social circles, home projects, self-improvement, etc.

This is somewhat off-topic, but people with kids don’t need to shop at Costco and other big box stores.

#3 – Homemade Pasta

My first attempt at homemade pasta: pressed by a rolling pin, cut by hand. Eventually, I’ll invest in a pasta maker.

Will I ever go back to store-bought pasta? Probably not. I’ve got all the ingredients I need. Plus, they make great gifts considering we are on a super tight budget this month and for the next few months.

Background: In the last few weeks, we remodeled our home, which is, obviously, incredibly expensive. We are still going through the process, but our “new” house is liveable!

#4 – Decluttering

Since moving back home after being away, I’ve been doing a lot of decluttering. I donated old clothes, unused craft products, and other accessories. I know a lot of people declutter just to make room for new stuff like my sister-in-law, who offered give us her old mattress, so she justifies buying a new mattress (spoiler alert: we declined her offer). I would prefer to have fewer better things. Since I started my job, I am required to come into work a little dressier. Unfortunately, I do not have the funds to buy newer, dressier clothes to build a wardrobe, so I rent pieces from Le Tote.
#5 – Scratch Map

Since settling in, I am making a wall dedicated to all our travels. One of those items on our wall is this scratch map where we scratch places where we’ve traveled.

Five Things Friday is a post where I share five things that either made my week, what I am thinking about, or would like to share with all of you!

Five Things

A quick post on 5 things or thoughts at the moment. 

1. Home Decor

I felt like I was in SIMS when I made these little. In SIMs, when you purchase a nice decorative item for SIM character, it boosts their mood. I felt the same way too.

2. When Macron won the French Election

Watching him give his speech gave me hope liberté, égalité, fraternité has been restored during these tumultuous times. It’s a start, I hope.

3. Clearing out the weeds

Again, my inner SIMs mood meter boosted as the yard is clearing from weeds.

Huntington Library, year not sure

4. Peet’s Coffee

I did my first one-day business trip flying in and out from Burbank to San Jose. When I’ve done long distance business trips I’d be there for a couple days at a time for a conference, not couple of hours for a meeting or a project. I was dreading it until I saw Peet’s and ordered a large house coffee at the Burbank airport to start my day. Starting your day with a good cup of coffee makes a difference.

5. “Queen of Athleisure Wear”

The owner of the barre studio I go to tells me I’m the “Queen of Athleisure Wear”. I was flattered to hear that compliment. It certainly made my week. The truth is, I don’t wear yoga pants and tanks 24/7. I only wear them when I work out. For other things such as work (of course), meeting friends, or even running errands I wear regular clothes. Wearing stretchy yoga pants is forgiving if you’re pigging out on shakes and In-N-Out burgers. For me, I need my regular clothes to be the barometer.

Any opinion of products listed here are authentically my own.