Welp, here goes...

Hey there,

A handful of people have told me recently, in various contexts and on random occasions, ‘you should have a blog’.  The idea of blogging at first seemed like an awkward mix of geeky, and pretentious-preachy self indulgence (no offense if you have one, I’m sure it rocks)...but it also seemed like an interesting place to share my quarter life crisis of sorts with people who could possibly be experiencing the same ‘ok...now what’ phase (please god let it be a phase). While I would not presume to have anything of interest to say, or suggest that my life or my opinions can contribute anything of value, I do know that I’m at a point where I’m itching for a bit of adventure...and, perhaps selfishly, like the feeling of occasionally putting it all out there.  I’ve decided I’m going to take advantage of this urge to make some changes and thought it may be fun to document the trials and the many (many?) mistakes I’m bound to make.  So, looks like I’m starting a blog.

First thing’s first:

I solemnly swear, here and now, to not be the type of blogger who posts video rants or sing-a-longs with my friends (unless they are really good, of course), draws phallic things on people’s faces, or claims to be an expert on any one subject.  I will be cognizant of my friends and family and how my posts may affect their privacy.  I may curse or be crude on occasion, but mostly hope to keep that part of my Jersey upbringing at bay.  I will not blog everyday just for the sake of blogging everyday.  I will only blog when I have something to share.  I will proofread my posts the best I can (spelling and grammar mistakes bring out my OCD), and willingly accept any and all suggestions of topics as well as feedback (except for things like ‘you suck, stop writing’).

What to expect from me:

I think everyone has a “life-list” of some sort.  Whether they take the time to actually put it to paper, working to check off as much as possible, or simply make the occasional mental note to try and avoid the coulda, shoulda, wouldas...everyone has a life list.

My life list changes often.  I add and subtract things on a fairly regular basis, and the to-do’s range from items that’ll take some time, to things that I could probably do tomorrow if I had the balls and motivation.  I’ve managed to hang on to a few constants, though, and I’m making it my mission beginning...well, beginning today...to complete it.  You will be the first to know how it all goes :)

The life-list solids, in no particular order, up until now:

1. Live abroad.
2. Learn to play guitar decently.
3. Ride in a race-car.
4. Live by the ocean.
5. Own a great dog.
6. Learn to speak another language decently.
7. Relearn the sign language mom taught us growing up.
8. Have really dark hair.
9. Go on safari.
10. Learn to surf.
11. Learn to shoot a foul shot well.
12. Learn to knit.
13. Have a poem published.
14. Save a life.
15. Have a moment of complete and utter selflessness.  Realize it only afterwards.
16. Hold a baby lion/tiger/puma.
17. See a penguin in the wild.
18. Make and sell greeting cards.
19. Move back to California.
20. See Third Eye Blind, Counting Crows, and Sarah McLachlan in concert.
21. Be a victim in a crime show.
22. Be the voice of a cartoon character.
23. Learn to drive stick shift.
24. Have a garden I can eat veggies and herbs from.
25. Cook a huge, delicious 5 course meal for friends from scratch.
26. Be somewhat knowledgeable on wine...i.e. more than “red and white”.
27. Get my dancer body back...and keep it...for as long as possible.
28. Teach a group of people something worthy.
29. Volunteer abroad.

I’m also currently very much in need of a makeover from the inside-out, and thus have officially started my quest for a better version of myself.  This little journey will come in a zillion different forms such as starting to regularly practice yoga, being a part of a community garden, eating organic, and searching out different volunteer opportunities in my area.  I’m ready and willing to try (almost) anything, and am pretty excited to share the results!

Other tidbits you’ll find throughout; What I’m listening to, reading, or watching, new and old recipes, restaurants, brands, events, and little treasures and product ‘discoveries’; guest blog features from friends and family members, photos, and links to interesting or helpful or funny things.

I’m so thankful for this opportunity to share with you and I hope you find yourself in the mood to share back.

See you soon :)

-Trish