Life, Liberty & Pursuit Of Your Boyfriend

{the week} january is over & this week is almost all about food and drinking

Mel — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:07:37 +0000

the week: oh, that pesky Phil saw his shadow, which means SIX MORE WEEKS of this awesome winter weather. Glass half full, guys.

It’s Friday, so here’s a cute cat picture:

Curious, this one, about EVERYTHING.

Like I am about 30 WAYS & DAYS OF MAC N’ CHEESE. Every time I think there isn’t a God…

weekend: duh, derby! Come to the Sweetheart Valentine’s Bout & Open Skate on Sunday! And if you go (and stick around for open session), I promise to hold hands with you during couples skate.

weekly reading wrap-up: Unsurprisingly (I suppose), I started reading a book about a girl who dates drunken rock stars. Or something. A guilty pleasure: I Don’t Care About Your Band (among your other professions and passions).

seven days, seven things:
1. last night’s pulled pork is tonight’s pork enchiladas, aka: our new mission of actually USING our leftovers. Have you ever had pulled pork enchiladas? You are missing out on one of the best things I ever put in my mouth.
2. New sunglasses. Word. But seriously, how many pairs of cheapies did I have to break to realize I needed to make a little investment in my eyewear. But definitely not a PRADA-size investment. I balked the shit out of the price on those things, thinking of all the ways I would break or lose them on the bus.
3. Wednesday afternoons need more mini bottles of sparkling rose.
4. WINE INFUSED WHIPPED CREAM!
5. GRAND OPENING: Station Street is now serving hot dogs again in the East End. That bahn mi dog is ALL MINE.
6. casual wine (and cheese!) tastings at Dreadnought in The Strip. This might be my new favorite thing-to-do every 1st & 3rd Friday.
7. I won the “I love you, blogs & coffee” print (that I’ve been seriously wanting for about a year now) from Rachel at It’s a Hero. My response to winning the print by Made By Girl went something like this: ASdjklds;fsadjfkl;ghadsf!!!

You, blogs and coffee. They truly are my three favorite things.

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{be mine} ALL YOUR CANDY CONVERSATION HEARTS BELONG TO US.

Mel — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:06:57 +0000

Eh, Valentine’s Day. RANT TIME.

I don’t celebrate it — and not because I’m some anti-establishment, anti-greeting card company or anti-lovey-dovey holidays… um, person — but I guess I just don’t GET it. What’s to celebrate? Date Night. Blow jobs. Maybe a vase of flowers. All the stuff you should be experiencing as one-half (or one-third, I don’t judge) of a couple on a regular basis. Not just because February 14th told you so. And if you don’t like blow jobs, well maybe then you should reconsider your relationship. THAT GOES FOR BOTH OF YOU.

You probably should start by holding hands once in a while.

And yes, you’re also probably doing it wrong.

In Ohio, I was “blessed” with having two of these romantical holidays — each anchored both ends of the calendar year. Sweetest Day made my eyes roll much more than V-Day (VD Day has probably been done before, no? Desperate Single Girls Celebration, FTW). Perhaps because of the stupidity of couples (or is it just women?) relying on false hope that limo rides to fancy restaurants in October equate love in the fullest, for all eternity and in times of ultimatums. I have mentioned before how important it is for Pennsylvanians NOT to take ownership of this inane celebration. I mean, it’s not even on the same DAY every year! Friends and coworkers, it’s even worse when a woman is not even in a relationship and her entire day of work is focused on the lasting merits of Relationship With Mystery Man X because OMG YOU WEREN’T DELIVERED 18 BALLOONS ALONG WITH A SINGING BANANA!

Because THAT GUY is a stalker. Not a boyfriend.

AB is on the same page with me, thankfully. At least about the holiday stuff. Oh, I wish I could get him on board with skipping Christmas… I’m probably not the most romantic person in the world. But this year, I might cook dinner and fuck it up JUST BECAUSE I CARE. Because when I dated a guy that EXPECTED me to gift him something just because HE did something “special” for me, well, that’s a sure way to guilt trip somebody into buying you a shit-ton of easter candy — that you will never eat — to make up for “that time” your girlfriend didn’t reciprocate a slippers-and-chocolate combo. Oh, how in the world did I stretch that relationship out as far as it did?! No blow jobs. That’s how.

And where the fuck are those slipper socks? Because I’m going to burn them in my wood stove tonight in effigy…

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{penis tuesday} in politics: does size matter?

Mel — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:02:15 +0000

No really… AMERICA WANTS TO KNOW!
Mitt Romney, tell us that it ain’t easy living with a huge penis. Because that’s the only kind of pole-arizing topic I care about.

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{sunday funny} kitty’s got his swagga back

Mel — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:43:27 +0000

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{the week} my plate is full… of awesome!

Mel — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:57:58 +0000

the week: do you know what it’s like to exercise for 3.5 hours straight? How about that length of time for continuous play of roller derby? I can already tell that my endurance is improving — one of my goals for the season. But if you see me limping around like an old lady, showing off arms-full of bruises, YOU KNOW WHY.

*sigh* And I love every minute of it.

Underwear Afternoons?

And how was YOUR afternoon?

Have you heard the awesome news of the development of the Garden Theater block in my ‘hood? I’m excited to take a tour of the Masonic Hall on Monday morning. The mayor will be there… perhaps I’ll bring Finger Spidey along for the adventure.

weekend: Friday night’s Gallery Crawl has been overshadowed by homeowner DIY. But, BUT! Boyfriend is my DD Saturday night, so I can enjoy my wine to the fullest at a friend’s Wine & Board Games party (toting along Smart Ass & my bottle of Climax)

weekly reading wrap-up: um, does People StyleWatch count?

seven days, seven things:
1. voted in as the Community Involvement Chair for Pittsburgh Young Professionals. Looking forward to this leadership position — and the opportunity to bring non-profits and PYP members together for the good of Pittsburgh (and email me if you have an upcoming potential event for our group!).
2. newly-appointed as marketing head and stepping up involvement in sponsorship committee for derby
3. raising funds for our Bowl for Kids’ Sake team, in support for BBBS Pittsburgh
4. Astroglide is awesome. The end.
5. friday morning americanos at espresso a mano — I might make this a regular habit.
6. wunderlist – yes, the boyfriend & I can now be THAT annoying couple and sync our grocery and to-do lists. NEED MORE TAMPONS, BOYFRIEND!
7. dripping faucets and leaky shut-off valves on toilets and fuck my life

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{chachi plays} video game fundraiser & TETRIS tournament with twitterers

Mel — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:20:09 +0000

Chachi Plays is back for Year Two!

Chachi Says: Chachi Plays

And the money raised by this year’s 24-hour video game playing marathon will benefit two local causes: Toonseum, to start an art program for at-risk youth; and the Father Ryan Art Center in McKees Rocks.

Chachi Plays for Kids will be also be held at the Toonseum (7pm-7pm, Friday, February 10 to Saturday, February 11) in downtown Pittsburgh. The full gaming schedule will be announced soon on the event’s official website. I’m looking forward to being a part of the Twitterers Tetris Tournament (yep, I’m breaking out my O.G. Gameboy for practice… and kinda getting hooked on Dr. Mario again).

In Year One of Chachi Plays for Kids (which donated to the Make Room for Kids fundraiser), Anthony “Chachi” Walker raised $3,007.79 — surpassing his intended goal of $2,400. There’s no reason why he can’t meet-and-beat this year’s goal of $3,000. BUT HE NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT.

Take me to the DONATE button!

Bonus: (besides helping kids, of course) Donate $50 and get on the schedule to play Chachi in a videogame of your choice!

This year’s sponsors of the event include the Toonseum and Sorgatron Media.

Event Details
What: Chachi Plays for Kids, a 24-hour video game marathon fundraiser. A fundraiser to support Toonseum’s art programs for at-risk youth and the Father Ryan Art Center in McKees Rocks.
When: 7pm Friday, February 10, 2012 – 7pm Saturday, February 11, 2012
Where: Toonseum, 945 Liberty Avenue # 1, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Event info and schedules can be found online at Chachi Plays or via his Twitter account (@chachiplays).

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{penis tuesday} that dude played the piss right outta me

Mel — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:46:16 +0000

We all know men are, um, “directionally challenged.” Will video-games-at-the-toilet FINALLY teach men how to aim their penis in the right place? THEN I’M ALL FOR IT! This sounds like something useful and effective to train boys in early development for purposes of toilet training: HOW TO PISS IN THE TOILET PROPERLY — and not spray the floor, the wall… OR THE FREAKING SEAT.

There are five games available on these “toy-lets” — one, even, where you can challenge your neighbor to a literal pissing match.

But then, there’s this:

The curiously named “The Northern Wind, the Sun and Me” is designed to stimulate a player’s interest in the opposite sex. The aim is to blow a girl’s skirt up and reveal her underwear, with the harder the player urinating, the harder the wind blowing.

And I’m pretty sure I’ve lost all faith in technology, Japan, men… and urination.

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Skate (b)log: Sweetheart Roller Derby Valentine’s Bout

Mel — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:13:00 +0000

DERBY IS BACK, PITTSBURGH!
Come out Sunday, February 5 (4-6:30pm) to see a roller derby battle of the heart (or lack thereof) — The Hopeless Romantics vs. The Blackhearts (ahem, that’s me) in the Sweetheart Roller Derby Valentine’s Day Intraleague Bout.

$5 admission for singles (are you ready to MINGLLLLLEEEEE?!); $8 for couples of all levels of happiness (or misery). And hey, there will be a special open skate session afterward. Stick around and skate with some of your Steel City Derby Demons.

Romp n’ Roll Skating Rink 1661 E. Sutter Rd, Glenshaw, PA 15116

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{the week} Cheers to good friends, good food & good health.

Mel — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:27:11 +0000

the week: Toast! Kitchen & Wine Bar for Pittsburgh Restaurant Week with a group of friends. I strayed off the chef’s tasting menu, and selected my own four courses. And everything was delicious — especially the beef tongue chili and CARROT CAKE BREAD PUDDING. Where did you enjoy a local meal this week?

Speaking of pudding, KEN RICE PUDDING… I haven’t stopped laughing all week.

Also, SNOW! Finger Spidey approves.

weekend: checking out new gastropub and speakeasy, James Street for Friday Happy Hour. So excited about this new addition to the North Side. What’s on your weekend agenda — somewhere new perhaps?

weekly reading wrap-up
FINALLY finishing up “Devil in the Kitchen: Sex, Pain, Madness and the Making of a Great Chef” — my first book pick-up for 2012. Definitely not enough sex, but the book was good. Considering Marco Pierre White was a mentor (of sorts) to both Mario Batali and Gordon Ramsey, I was intrigued.

So, yeah… I’ve already fallen behind in my 52 books goal, but I’ve not given up hope to complete that resolution. But I need to do a MUCH better job of time management. Have anything I should read this year? Welcoming suggestions. Preferably short books.

seven days, seven things:
1. sunday brunch at Meat & Potatoes is THE BEST
2. discovered a new favorite snack, thanks to Foodzie!
3. kept my weekly trainer appointment… two-a-day workouts are TOUGH.
4. drove on a pitch back for the first time. holy. crapmypants.
5. breaking in my new skates. initial feedback: love them!
6. finally replaced my black flats (that were lost in the move). Which means I’ll find the missing pair now, right?
7. woo! My friends mailed me not one, but TWO bottles of Becherovka from the Czech Republic, including the lemon-flavored, which I’ve never had. Na zdraví!

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{giveaway} a contest… FOR YOUR MOUTH!

Mel — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:49:44 +0000

I’ve been holding on to this giveaway item for… WAY too long. My apologies for its delay in posting, but many thanks to Protech for participating.

What I love best about my Protech Dent Mouth Guard: because of its inherent custom-fitted properties, the ability to talk and drink and breathe during practices without removing the mouth guard is invaluable. Because as we all know, the second we remove the darn thing from our mouth, it inevitably falls to the floor.

While the piece is thin, ProTech protects in all the ways a mouth guard should — and it’s comfortable. This is approved for roller derby use (ProTech is a WFTDA sponsor), but also great for other contact sports — where my rugby, wrestling and hockey people at?

Drool a lot while wearing a mouth guard? Yep, it will lessen that too (note: I still drool — I know, right?! — but it’s significantly less than the bigger, clunkier models I’ve worn).

Watch these incredibly simple instructions on how to set:

GIVEAWAY!
Because of my positive experience, I contacted Protech about their support of a blog giveaway. And they graciously sent me a product to gift to one lucky reader. The package contains TWO mouth guards. You can either keep the second one for yourself because you can never have too many mouth guards in your skate bag, amirite?! — or one to share with a friend and teammate.

THE RULES
Leave a comment and follow Protech Dent on Facebook to win. Receive an extra entry for tweeting about the contest — be sure to include @lifeliberty and @protechdent in your tweet! (and come back and leave another comment telling me you did so). Winner will be selected at random on January 27, 2012 (get your comments in before January 26, 2012). Non-transferable. Since I’m shipping the product: US residents only, please.

Disclaimer: I received a Protech mouth guard for giveaway. I paid for my own before this giveaway and wanted to share the love of an amazing product. Visit my disclaimer page for more information on my disclosure policy.

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{bedside manner} oh, if my nightstand could tell stories…

Mel — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:06:10 +0000

You know what they say about relationships: it’s the little things. Which, at the almost-three-year mark, I’ve found still to be true.

When the boyfriend and I first moved into his city apartment I had to switch sides in the bedroom. WHICH put me, basically, on the wall. Upon moving to Pittsburgh, our downtown loft gave us a bit of a challenge in terms of bed placement (stupid giant headboard). Which meant no nightstand… again. So, when we started the process of house hunting, I squeed a bit on the inside, with the (empty) promise of a bedroom large enough for the (stupid giant) King bed… and finally, my own bed-side staging area.

See, after years of being on my own, I had grown used to having my own side table, for the inevitable bouts of insomnia and easy access to all the items that get me through it — do you understand it’s been almost THREE YEARS since I’ve had a place for a lamp/book/chapstick/Icy Hot/water at my bedside?!

A PLACE FOR MY PHONE, SO IT’S NOT UNDERNEATH MY PILLOW GIVING ME BRAIN TUMORS.

And then we found THE house.

Which contained just enough wall for the stupid giant bed. I thought that perhaps I would be switching sides again, so as to get the window side of the bed and its giant window sill — I mean, it IS the closest to the wall, which is seemingly My Spot. Alas, the boyfriend claimed it.

But then, on a wayward trip to Robinson, the boyfriend brought home a nightstand…

Do you SEE the wall space I was working with here?!

And life — in times of love and insomnia — was good.

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{sunday funny} The Ex

Mel — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 12:17:33 +0000

Anyone can relate… of this I AM CERTAIN.

Shoebox Blog, via Geeks Are Sexy.

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{conversations with the boyfriend} it’s too loud; you’re too old.

Mel — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 20:37:56 +0000

Watching Inception (a terrible movie) on Blu-Ray…

Me: (yelling in my practically-deaf voice) That’s loud. Inappropriately loud.

AB: (matter-of-factly) That’s perfect for an explosion!

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{party favors} gimme a kiss!

Mel — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:32:08 +0000

Who wants some Whiskey-flavored kisses this Valentine’s Day?

You should know that I first wrote that as “whiskey dick kisses” without irony.
You know where my head’s at, AT ALL TIMES.

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{travel much?} a long… LONG weekend in Washington, D.C.

Mel — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:35:38 +0000

If sleeping for 10 hours on the last night of vacation is any clue, this vacation was SO EXHAUSTING. But exhausting = fun, right?

If you can believe it, this was my FIRST trip to Washington, D.C. Naturally, there was a lot to see and do.

In only four days.

Our vacation was planned around a two-night reunion concert (Friday and Saturday) at The Birchmere (friends of the boyfriend), which didn’t really leave time for going out-out on the weekend. But left us plenty of time to explore the city AND for me to drive up to Baltimore to attend league practice with Charm City.

The weather cooperated… my shoes did not. I packed ALL THE WRONG SHOES. Again. (shocker) I swear I have shin splints. Ladies, seriously, I need comfortable walking shoes or boots.

Museums & Sight-Seeing
When in D.C., you must visit the iconic structures. While I was sad to see the reflective pool under construction, we visited the White House (what you can see of it anyway), Lincoln memorial, Capitol Building, the Nation’s Penis*, Vietnam Wall, Library of Congress… the popular attractions. Somehow, we missed the MLK statue. And we ran out of time to visit Arlington Cemetery and the Pentagon. We were nothing short of ambitious.

We also went to several of the Smithsonian museums — American Indian, Air & Space and Natural History — as well as the International Spy Museum. That last one was super cheesy (think: Hatty from NCIS: Los Angeles narrating the welcome video), but totally worth the admission price (all the Smithsonian ones are free, which is remarkable). What we thought we could cover in half an hour, you could easily spend a COUPLE hours. The collection was a loose translation of the word “spy,” but cool, nonetheless. By Sunday, we were museum’d out.

Food & Beer
These are always hot points for us when traveling: where can we drink small craft beer and where can we get a good meal (something interesting or unique, natch). A combination of both typically helps, and ChurchKey was by far our favorite. A few friends suggested Pizza Paradiso, but it fell flat (on the pizza aspect; the beer list was perfect).

I’m so glad we were told to eat in the cafe at the American Indians museum because it was AWESOME. I truly enjoyed trying the native (HUGE) meal for lunch… it was a lot of corn, but I didn’t hate that one bit.

I adored the Eastern Market — quirky, vibrant AND filled with food vendors (there were several artists, crafters and jewelry kiosks outside the market). The only unfortunate part was the cafe inside was not serving breakfast for Sunday brunch. I can’t even… We picked up a hunk of cheese, prosciutto and croissant to have a mini picnic while waiting for a table for brunch (hour wait… *groan*). WHICH ended up only being about 15-minute wait for our table (sweet)… but over an hour wait for our food (NOT sweet). With the leftover nibbles in my purse, we had a sweet al fresco snack time near the steps of the Library of Congress. Did I mention that the weather was AMAZING?

And then there was Pinkberry
Yes, I went to Pinkberry TWICE in one weekend for its delicious frozen yogurt desserts. I’ve had frozen yogurt before, of course, but theirs is different… GOOD different. And the shops stay open until 11pm.

My favorite areas
While we stayed in the ‘burbs (because of its location near the concert venue), we took the Metro into downtown and its neighborhoods — and walked everywhere in between. The subway was incredibly easy to figure out and there are a couple iPhone apps for it too (which we learned about on our last day). My favorites ‘hoods were: Logan Circle, Eastern Market/Capital Hill area, Chinatown and Georgetown. I mean, there’s probably 100 other neighborhoods that I’m not aware of — or likely walked through, thinking they were one of these.

Overall, D.C. is such an easy drive from Pittsburgh, and we’ll likely drive there again soon. There’s plenty more to see. And I still have ACTUAL PEOPLE there that I want to visit.

*Oh, c’mon! The Washington Monument is totally a penis on purpose.

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Skate (b)log: New derby bounty!

Mel — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:05:38 +0000

The 2012 roller derby season is upon us — new practice schedule and a NEW TEAM (woot)! Break was nice, but I’m ready to get back on a regular schedule. That said, a long season of derby does some significant damage to your gear (I should probably, definitely replace my knee pads). Among some of the (smelly) things I need to replace in my skate bag, I needed a few upgrades this season:

New wheels
Loving my new Lowboys. They are amazing wheels and perform well on our wood rink floor. And they almost make me feel like I know how to do a proper plow stop (but I should probably give myself a little more credit, no?).

New boots
Sure Grips have become my preference for skate boots, and this pair is one of its newest models. Same size 6, but fits better than my last pair. Hopefully they don’t take an entire year to break in… and that I don’t have any new rub spots.

New plates
MAGNESIUM! 45-degree trucks! So much change here! Yes, I need to practice in these Avenger plates a lot before I use them in regular practices. The yellow cushions might be too hard, but I’ll be testing (and possibly switching them out) at open skate.

Heyyyyyy, Finger Spidey!

My next search will be for the elusive “perfect toe stop.”
Get any new gear this season?

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{a fitness buddy at your fingertips} Me + GaiamTV = BFF

Mel — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:34:28 +0000

This post sponsored by GaiamTV.

You know how I feel after a night of roller derby practice? Like I’ve been steam-rolled. Literally. I need some serious stretching… and probably a massage, but who wants to do that at 11 at night?! My body is especially tight and creaky in the morning (and faintly reminiscent of the smell of Icy Hot), so most mornings, my mini-workouts are so half-assed because, well, two hours of contact and endurance drills would make most of us a little slow. But in my unenthusiastic attempt at being active in the mornings, I’m more apt to get some exercise at home, rather than my gym. Let’s face it, I barely have enough energy to change out of my pajamas. I probably should have added that to my resolutions list as well.

Because of my sorry excuse for socialization, I own several Gaiam DVDs — titles from Tai Chi to ballet to yoga to meditation and something with a body ball (stretching over it is so good for my back). But being able to stream over 2,000 exercise videos from my computer or iPhone when I don’t want to deal with the “resolution crowd” at the gym is perfectly in line with my level of activity. Having access 24/7 is probably MORE important, especially so when I’m traveling, and I need my Rodney Yee! (and I have my boyfriend’s iPad). I definitely need to work out more during vacations. This online programming is invaluable for when I feel like working out at 11pm on a Saturday night (when my gym is closed). Or I’m mad… that negative energy needs to go somewhere.

Think of GaiamTV like a Netflix, but for online workout videos dealing with health, wellness and fitness (there’s even a great selection of documentaries too). You can adjust programming depending on your OWN resolutions — customized based on level, style, and time available for workouts… or your favorite instructor (ahem, Jillian Michaels… seriously, I want her!). Because c’mon, most of us have something on our 2012 list that pertains to diet and exercise, weight loss or body sculpting.

Can GaimainTV make me coffee? Sadly, no. But there are online yoga videos targeted to increasing AM energy. I need a LOT of that these days. There are also hundreds of titles for relaxation… and, oh boy, I need some of that too.

SPECIAL OFFER FOR YOU!
GaiamTV is offering a FREE 10-day trial to potential subscribers! Unlimited streaming videos are available for $9.95 per month after your free preview (no commitment and no strings).

Disclaimer: I received access to Gaiman TV’s library of streaming videos, as well as compensation for this post. The opinions published herein are my own. See my disclosure policy for more info.

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{having fun} Finger Spidey goes on an adventure

Mel — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:46:00 +0000

I was brainstorming some 365 Projects ideas (after seeing some on YOUR blogs) for the year when the Adventures of Finger Spidey just… sort of happened.

My sister, her boyfriend and my niece were in Pittsburgh visiting me last week, and I naturally took them through The Strip (among other neighborhoods in the city). We walked into one of those knit goods store, and I walked out with a decidedly warmer hat. Hooray, 60-degree winter! When on the sidewalk outside of the store, my niece — who is 6 — pulled a finger puppet out of her bag. I actually yelled at her because I thought she stole it. Just so happens, my sister played a little stealth operation at the cash register when I wasn’t looking. I must have been ~~modeling~~ marveling at the one-piece animal hat, scarf, glove contraption.

So, now Finger Spidey has seen the sights of both Pittsburgh (crossed off a resolutions item in the process) and Washington, D.C. (the latter of which, my location of extended disappearance last weekend) — and some points between. And we’re having fun. FOR A WHOLE YEAR.

While I don’t intend to post these often here, check out my Instagram account (lifeliberty, duh) for daily pictures.

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{crazy cat lady} OH THE CUTENESS OF THE FURRIES!

Mel — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 23:20:19 +0000

Oh, I forgot. Another of my resolutions was “Adopt a new cat.”

Here she is:

Currently named Zira. Soon-to-be-renamed as Bessie. I think. Because her back spots look like a cow. Get it? Bessie the Cow?! BUT A CAT!

And yes, the felines now outnumber the humans in this house. I LOVE IT.

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2012 Resolutions: I haz some

Mel — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:45:53 +0000

I can’t remember a time when I didn’t post about my intended resolutions for the year. Alas, there seems to be one missing from 2011. It included such things as: find a dentist, make more freelancer income than last year and eat more sandwiches. HOORAY, I PASSED ALL MY 2011 RESOLUTIONS!

But here’s how I intend to hold myself accountable this year (motto: no marriage, no babies, no bullshit):

Charity: Increase my involvement with the Humane Society (off-site volunteering at events) and spreading the word of shelter animals adoption and rescue. Maintain in-shelter volunteer schedule.
Money: I’ve been saving money monthly into my IRA, but I need to start KEEPING MONEY in my savings. And a second one for my freelancer taxes. Because that shit is just stupid at the end of the year. And a third one for a new laptop. I predict 2012 to be dubbed as the Big Laptop Crap Out. Oh, look I’m resolving to make stupid predictions in order to get new stuff!
Work: More Website copywriting work and start up-selling/adding to my services to current clients. True story: I’m a little burned out by social media, but it’s paying my bills right now. Also, I need to start networking locally. Join the PYP.
Travel: Visit 3-5 new cities that I haven’t been to: good thing I have DC, New Orleans and Montreal on my map this year! Pack workout gear and running shoes. ALWAYS.
Love: Have more sex. Ahem. Who freaking resolves to have MORE SEX?! Me, that’s who. I’m also making a resolution for an excuse to buy some sexy things. I’m sure the boyfriend won’t mind.
Derby: Skate three times a week: I’ve been skating 2x per week during break. Three times MINIMUM once the season starts. But using the vacation exemption, when necessary. Also: it’s my goal to make game day roster.
Exercise: Keep my weekly trainer appointments. Increase my upper body strength. Finish the 100 Pushups Challenge.
Clothing: Learn how to tailor my pants/skirts hems WITH MY NEW SEWING MACHINE. Separate work attire from current closet and store accordingly. Same with off-season stuff.
Mind: Read 52 books in 52 weeks. It’s on my Bucket List. Keep myself accountable by posting in a weekly blog post.
Pittsburgh: I want to cross off 5 new restaurants, 3 local museums and 2 fun tourist-y things this year.
Home: Shit. We own a house now. I’d just like to keep everything in clean, orderly and working condition.

How did you do on your 2011 resolutions? What are your biggies for this year?

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2012 Resolutions: I haz some

Disclaimer: I received access to Gaiman TV’s library of streaming videos, as well as compensation for this post. The opinions published herein are my own. See my disclosure policy for more info.

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