Here's To Another Tidbit Year

Something about it being the end of the year makes me feel overwhelmed and convoluted---on the one hand, it's lovely and thrilling to read and hear about everyone's regrets, their favorite memories, their New Year's resolutions, and of course my very favorite, their acknowledging the fact that they probably won't keep their resolutions. On the other hand...it's always sad to let go of another year, you know, even if it hasn't been the best year in our lives.

Now, going along with the general theme and end-of-year trend, I share with you all (I love you all!) my Tidbit on this year and the next:

I ended 2010 stating that one of my resolutions for 2011 was to learn how to dance. Did I do that?....not really. Am I disappointed?...a little, but not really; even though I remain an awkward dancer, I had the great pleasure of traveling, near and far. Another resolution: to strengthen my faith and love. Now, more than ever, I place my faith in God's hands. He knows what is best for me, and I don't need to worry about how scary or difficult things get, God always always ALWAYS leads me to the light. What about my love? You all know how things ended with the former-love-of-my-life this year, but you know what? Things are looking up for me. I have learned to strengthen the love I feel for my self, the love I feel for my friends and family, but more importantly, the love I feel for God. As long as I can solidify this love-foundation I will never break down.

I also dwell on the following: 2010, while a wonderful year, was full of illusion. 2011, however, was a year of disillusion. Now, before you think, "Eww, disillusion. How depressing," I would like to explain a bit. This lovely lady, Mrs. Santos, from The Santos Times, once wrote (in more or less words) that disillusion is discovering that something is not what one believed. In other words, it's like snapping out of an illusion (which is a false idea or belief). Disillusion made 2011 especially tough, but at the end of the day---ahem, year---it's been a huge eye-opener. I enjoyed the euphoria resulting from the love I felt for the former-love-of-my-life and the great times we had, but it was all short-lived, and in retrospect, our "relationship" was destined to wither away. If I encounter this young man in the future again, I hope we can interact as friends. And if I don't see him ever again, well then, we had our time.

Now, do I have any resolutions for 2012? Not strict ones, but I do hope I can travel at least once---I'm thinking Seattle will make a great destination. Going back to school in the Fall of course. And continuing the yoga classes because they've been so much fun. An awesome job would be great, but I'm not in any hurry---God knows what I have to go through to get to the right place....And maybe, just maybe, the whole bicycle thing???? HOPEFULLY!

Nice knowing you, 2011, but I'm ready to meet 2012. I hope y'all have enjoyed this year---cherish the good (and not-so-good) memories---and I hope we all have better and bigger experiences in 2012. Next time I write, it'll be a new year! (Corny, I know, but it's true!)

:)

Hair

I mentioned earlier this week that I would possibly cut my hair. Well, I did it.

The style I had in mind was like Zooey Deschanel's style---you know, with the bangs in the front and the even-ish hair in the back. Very versatile, working well in curly locks or straight. So I googled a few images of her and saved them on my phone to have ready to show to the "hair operator" at Indira Salon.

What I had in mind.

As I was driving to my appointment, I became plagued by hair insecurities: what if the stylist messes up? What if she doesn't understand my pronunciation of "Zooey?" What if I look like the girl from The Exorcist!?

Upon further thought, I became more sure that I'd look like this child.

In the end, I went to the salon. I told the "hair operator" how I wanted my hair (and she gave me a sort of blank, almost misunderstood, look when I told her I wanted my hair to look Zooey Deschanel). Goodness! She washed my hair with such wonderful-smelling shampoo and conditioner, and she also put some minty hair cream. My hair instantly felt lighter and fluffier and shinier. The hair operator began her work and blow-dried my hair. No curls, but straight hair ain't so bad, you know.

I always do this. I can't take a real picture without laughing.

I apologize. I promise I'll post a picture that actually shows my haircut, not just the bangs!

A Whale of a Week

Good afternoon, friends,

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas (I think I already said that before in this week's Music Monday post, but all the same...) with friends and family. These past few days have been ~*~*~GREAT~*~*~. Oh, I forgot to tell y'all -- I got a new job and I start the first week of January, which is just AWESOME, because you know, "new year, new career" never sounded so true and real to me. I really don't know where this new job will take me, but the way I see it, things can only get better -- there's no time for bad things this coming year, 2012 will be the best year yet in my young life.

The point I'm trying to make here though is the following: since my last day at my previous Bank job was on Friday, I have this entire week off. Granted, without pay, but regardless, it's been good to me. Just yesterday for example, I basically ran over 5 miles during my workout. INTENSE. Oh, and I went to a vintage costume shop with my younger sister, went on a barstool finding adventure with the older sister, and got the OK from the mother to get only the most awesome bath mat ever (a WHALE bath mat from Urban Outfitters). And tonight, if everything goes as scheduled, I will attend my first public yoga class with my younger sister. We'll see how that works out~~~fyi, I'm just ready to stretch and get taller again (#petitewishes).

(Side Note: maybe, just maybe, I might be crazy enough to get my hair cut and styled before this great week is over...)

And now....do you guys remember how I wrote about my whale affection? If you don't remember, you can refresh your memory by reading this whale-post. Well! My younger sister, being the awesome sister that she is, got me the following for Christmas:

• whale faucet cover thingy
• whale bath caddy
• whale panties
• other cool things that didn't have anything to do with whales, but they were still cool

I cleaned the bathroom on Monday, just so I could boast my new whale faucet cover thingy...

It says, "Get ready for a WHALE of bath!"

It's been such an adorable thing to look at when I take a shower, and it's been fun to say to my guests and family, "Have you taken a look at my bathroom? Would you like to look at my bathtub?"

And then....yesterday, after my vintage costume shop adventure with the younger sister, we went to Target to buy some cream of mushroom for my mom's "poulet champignon" (lolol), and guess what else I found????

Whale cup and bowl that say, "I LOVE U THIS MUCH."

These little babies are gonna be a great way for me to enjoy my lunch at my new job. Oh yeeeeeee-ahh! And so, I'll let y'all go for now, but before I leave let me give you guys a preview of the whale bath mat:

This is blurry, but nevertheless, A-DORABLE.

P.S. You know what else is awesome? Watching corny and terrible movies on that horror movie channel, FearNET. Hilarious times....this week we watched Trucks, based on a short story by Stephen King. If you go the IMDb website, you'll see the action phrase "U-turn, U die!" Really, the story doesn't make any sense, but it is something worthwhile to watch, if you want to waste time and not do anything else. Just one bit of advice...KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE ROAD. Enjoy! :)

Music Monday: Capitol City

"I can't smile when my heart's still broken,

Far away in love and unspoken

I wish you were here

...Or I was there with you."

Hello everybody, I hope you all had a splendid and cozy Christmas. While I did (and still continue to) enjoy the holiday celebration, I can't help but every now and then throughout the day become nostalgic and long for the "good things" I felt earlier in the year, but as you will see later this week in the Tidbit Wrap-Up for this interesting year, it has all been for the best. ...this doesn't mean I can't feel sad though, you know. I'm entitled to feeling down and up whenever I feel like it, and today, let's just breathe in some Wilco. Enjoy.

Weird Utensils

Usually I don't write more than one post in one day, but today's encounters call for a SECOND post. And so, without further ado, I give you the following treasures:

Look at that spoon, just hanging out. What a daredevil.

These two paper cups decided to follow suit, but are a bit more gregarious with the napkins.

Maybe it's no big deal; surely utensils are always doing weird things like effortlessly balancing all on their own. Or maybe somebody intentionally places certain items at these specific angles. Whatever the reason may be for how these little guys positioned themselves in such a fashion, they provided some good lunch time entertainment!

Music Monday: Rock 'N Me

Good evening, Tidbit-ers,

Today's Music Monday comes a little late in the day, but I've had this song on replay all day at work. I had to open this morning, and while I was trying to avoid those dumb USAA insurance commercials on the radio, I came across this little tune by the Steve Miller Band...

Yes, I know, this song is way older than me, but it's quite catchy and overall alright. Enjoy "Rock 'N Me" if this is your first time hearing it...or if you've heard it before, then please show me some more stuff by these guys!

Music Monday: Hurts Like Heaven

Happy Monday Everybody! Today's Music Monday showcases my first real favorite band, Coldplay. I know, lots and lots of people enjoy Coldplay, but for me in particular, they've provided some pretty deep and meaningful soundtrack music for my life. And now, with their new album, Mylo Xyloto, and with this different path my life has taken...well, let's just enjoy these moments as they come along!

On Whales and other Whales

I like whales. Like, a lot.

Whale drawing by get_ymmot.

I would love to show off my own whale drawing talents, but I've been blogging from my Mac, and I have yet to get a more suitable program for drawing pictures on this thing, (and I'm too lazy to turn on and work on the PC...). However, I have accumulated a few whale items over the years, and at this point in life, I wish to expand my collection....Then I can say I have a WHALE of a whale collection...

(Will I ever tire of that poor joke?)

Anyway, below are a few of the articles of clothing I've found---seriously, all of these whale items have found me...

Adorable whale shorties from aerie.

Whales engulfing this soft summer tank top from Delia's.

My sister found this whale sweater at Urban Outfitters. I looooove it.

While I hope to increase the number of whale items in my collection---not just clothing, but other things as well---I have most recently stumbled upon this AMAZING and cute (and possibly too young for me, but who cares, it's my bathroom, after all) WHALE FAUCET COVER....

It bellows, "I'm cute, watch me make bath time 100000 times more AWESOME."

It's currently in stock at Target, and I'm hop-hop-hoping one of my really cool sisters will include this with my Christmas present. I don't care if it's meant for children's safety---I want it for my own health. I mean, come on, if you were to wake up every morning to this whale in your tub, would your day not be 100000 times better??? Think about it, and you'll find it's true. Just look at the whale. It speaks truth and cuteness. <3

(P.S. I didn't mention the famous WHALE DRESS, but that will be for another day!

P.P.S. What is the probability I'm wearing something whale-y right now???)

Music Monday: Top Of The World

Hello to all! So I'm doing this thing where I'm trying to be more consistent with Teeny Tiny Tidbits...add some structure to this little blog and provide some light entertainment every Monday. And so....prepare yourselves for.....

TEENY TINY TIDBITS MUSIC MONDAYS!

What better way to start this Music Monday series than with The Carpenters???? Enjoy.

Lights

Good evening, and Happy Sunday to everyone! :) Noted, it is quite cold and rainy outside, but it's quite alright---it's the holiday season! My mother and I have been getting more and more into decorating our home for the holidays, and this year, Mom really outdid her crafty and creative self with a string of Christmas lights, a vase, and some decorative filler stones---so I'm showing off the creation with the following pictures:

I love Christmas lights. Bright, but not too-too bright, you know? And you should see our Christmas tree: we opted for a skinnier tree this year, and decorated it with white/frosted-white/red round lights and redbird ornaments...so pretty!

On a side note, I'm feeling a lot better than last week. I was ill since before Thanksgiving, and I was bedridden on both last Sunday and Monday. I actually lost my voice, and let me tell you, it was not a fun experience. Luckily, I'm getting over the sickness now, with only a nasty cough that scares children as the last dwindling piece of evidence of illness.

On ANOTHER side note, isn't that Pop Tarts commercial jingle super adorable? Or is it just adorable because of those unrecognizable and androgynous critters?

Why does only one of those Pop-Tart eating creatures have hair? Anyway, they're adorable, and their charm might convince me to buy their advertised product, even the product itself isn't quite as precious as these little guys.

One last note: I'm working on a Whales post, so y'all best be getting ready! You're gonna have....a WHALE of a time...(yes, I totally just went there...)

Much love to all! :)