So it's the new year. I know this because Ebay, Amazon, Godiva, and a whole slew of other companies have sent me emails about "new coins" and "turning leafs" and other such things that require me to purchase new electronics and enjoy 40% off chocolate to participate in. There have also been other hints about a great casting off the old and embracing the new, like freezing in my little black dress as I attempted to gracefully walk the pitted sidewalks of Park Slope in too-high heels (which I never, never wear) or watching the ball drop on a the squeezy end of a couch holding onto a High Life like I was going to drink it. Anyway. I have put that dress in a deep, dark corner of my closet, donned a more appropriate winter coat, and my cat will probably be the only one who ever sees me in those beautiful emerald heels again-- most likely while trying to reach the high cupboards above my sink. But really, I kind of like turning new leaves.
I generally find New Years' resolutions kind of silly. I think that if you want a reason to make a change in your life, you shouldn't have to wait around until once a year. That's a lot of stagnant time. But of course I still capitalize on the chance to try to come up with ideas of how to live better. This years ideas mostly involve productivity and adventure, and I feel like I'm heading in the right direction.
My sister, at brrrrlin.blogspot.com, has headed to Brrrrlin for her adventure, but hopefully I can find some ways to experience life anew without straying too far from home.
So far I've:
1. Finally visited a ramen restaurant. After being inspired by the firey, soul-warming noodle soups described in Korean drama Flower Boy Ramen Shop, I decided that trying real ramen was just what I needed to restart my winter lull. I walked 40 blocks from my parents apartment to Totto Ramen in midtown. What I found was a snaking line, curving out into the 20 degree, windy Manhattan night. People with suitcases were standing out there. With little time to spare I temporarily gave up. Luckily, I found Rai Rai Ramen #3 (is there a #1 and #2, I wonder) in Somerset, New Jersey also serving up Ramen. While I didnt try the traditional pork bone broth, which the menu promised to strenghten bones, especially for expecting mothers, the vegetable broth spicy kimchi with chicken was rather delicious and definitely heated me up.
2. Discovered that Olive, my little black kitten, has developed a wild penchant for bananas. She is currently sitting atop the two bananas I bought at the supermarket as if they were her personal throne. The kind of throne you lick and gnaw on.
2. Tried to make the most productive use of my days and ward off laziness. I'm really really trying.
Ex: I woke up this morning at 8. But I was having a really good dream. So I reset my alarm again for 9 (but the blanket was made of this impossibly cozy stuff)! ...and then again at 10, at which point I flew out of bed, ready to greet the world.
I covered some academic errands, printed papers to read later, cleaned my car and went to the supermarket to purchase some fruits and vegetables. At this point I found myself exhausted. So I unloaded my groceries half-assedly and settled into writing out my late rent check, and eating 1/4 of a box of lemon-orange-sock flavored polish cookies called Napolitanke to give me energy for this arduous task. Find the checks, find the envelope, etc. Getting a bit deeper into my sleepiness-induced eating binge, I went for the dark chocolate Lindt trufffles I keep on a high shelf. I needed a chair to get them down as my heels where all the way on the other side of my studio apartment. A trek I couldnt manage at the moment. I had recently been battling a moth infestation and was hoping they hadnt made a home in my beloved chocolates. I opened the blue bag and peered inside. The coast seemed clear. Unwrapping one and popping it into my mouth as I simultaneously fell into bed and opened up my current read, Dune, I settled into chocolatey goodness and the warmth of my blanket. Suddenly I shot up grabbing my cheek. Something in my mouth was NOT chocolate. It was weirdly hard, alive feeling, and horrible. I dug around trying to find the answer and could not, so I swallowed quickly. And that was that. I had eaten my first bug and it was now time to nap.
All in all not my most productive day. But I think I met my adventure quota.
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