This is What my Heart Looks Like:

Kiss your favorite Beatle! If I had this poster, you better believe that first set of lips would be worn through!

This is What my Heart Looks Like:

A lovely quote about love and relationships. It’s so hard to remember this advice.

Stuff I Want Wednesday

Oh, what I wouldn’t give to have a ridiculous and funny British boyfriend, just like these clever boys. Swoon.

Ten Things Tuesday – June 14

A while ago, I did a list of the sexiest men alive, followed closely by the sexiest women. While I’d still keep the majority of these fine specimens of beauty on my list, I thought I’d do an updated version. After all, tastes change, new discoveries are made, and new favorites rotate in. Maybe it’s the summer heat, but I’m feeling rather lusty, what with this second of three “crush” lists. Keeping my everlasting affections for Paul McCartney, Mike Rowe, and John Krasinski to a minimum, here’s my current list of man crushes:

1. Nathan Fillion
I have been watching a ridiculous amount of him lately. I ordered the Castle DVDs and have been watching through all the episodes (which is a fantastic series, by the way). I’ve watched Firefly on Netflix, as well as the Serenity movie. I’ve seen Dr. Horrible. Not to mention the countless YouTube videos of him doing various things. I absolutely cannot get enough of him! He is, to use an oft-repeated phrase, ruggedly handsome. He’s smart, witty, charming, and just a genuinely nice guy. Combine that with the fact that he’s a bit of a dork – in a good way – and you’ve basically got the perfect man. This crush may have grown to an unhealthy level…

2. Anthony Bourdain
I’ve professed my love for him before, but I thought I’d add him here because he didn’t make the cut last time. Probably because I wasn’t really into his snarkiness or his cavalier attitude. But beyond all the punk and badass, he’s actually eloquent and really passionate about great food everywhere he goes. Had I been growing up in Jersey in the 70s, I probably would have harbored a secret, unrequited crush on this bad boy. Why are they so irresistible?

3. Leonardo DiCaprio
OK, so he’s popping up on the list for a second time. Maybe even in the same spot. Whatever, I don’t care. I recently re-watched Inception, and he’s earned his spot again. Remind me again why he’s never won an Oscar?

4. Chris O’Dowd
It’s probably his character from Bridesmaids that I have such a crush on. The Irish accent also doesn’t hurt, either. I just can’t get enough of those European men.

5. Johnny Depp
I’ve only recently come to appreciate the ridiculously talented Mr. Depp. Other girls picked up on his charm and his sexiness long before I did, but I’m glad that I finally came around. It used to just be the Jack Sparrow getup that did it for me, but now I find him all-around attractive. It’s probably how talented he is.

6. Scott Speedman
I’ve been watching all the episodes of Felicity lately with a friend, and the character of Ben is just too cute. He’s the brooding type, for sure. It’s a tough call between Noel and Ben, but the former I’d pick as just the good friend. I swoon a little every time Ben smiles…

7. Mark Salling
He might just be the finest thing since sliced bread. Bad comparison, but you get the idea, right? I would jump all over Noah Puckerman in a heartbeat, fully aware of the inevitable heartbreak I would suffer. I think it would be well worth it, though, because of how smokin’ hot he is. Shallow, I know, but I’d settle for just a few confidence-boosting hours.

8. Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Now there’s someone who grew up looking a little awkward but turned out a dapper gentleman. As I mentioned, I recently re-watched Inception. And 500 Days of Summer. And 10 Things I Hate About You. He is yummy.

 

9. Matthew Morrison
If the only proof you need is his version of the Thong Song, well, there you go.

10. Prince Harry
Call it a Royal Wedding Hangover if you will. Growing up I was always a William fan, but as they’ve gotten older, Harry has definitely become the more attractive of the two. Just as well, because he’s the one who’s still single. Excellent.

Stay tuned for next week’s follow-up…

Ten Things Tuesday – May 31

Ten men I’d love to have a man like…

1. I want a man like Jack Shephard, courageous and strong even in impossible situations.

2. I want a man like Mike Rowe, that is intelligent, well-read and well-spoken, hardworking and not afraid to get dirty. Someone who’s easy to talk to, that you can just sit around and have a beer with.

3. I want a man like Anthony Bourdain, rebellious and snarky, who knows all the good places to eat.

4. I want a man like Paul McCartney, because he’s just so darn cute.

5. I want a man like Jim Halpert, that’s sentimental and caring, but says and does hilarious things.

6. I want a man like Mr. Darcy. I can forgive him his pride if he can forgive mine. He’s brooding and shy, but fiercely loyal and uncommonly kind.

7. I want a man like Lenny Kravitz, because he is sexy as hell.

8. I want a man like Jack Sparrow, who provides just enough excitement and danger to keep things interesting.

9. I want a man like John Mayer, who is eloquent and talented.

10. I want a man like George Clooney, who ages like a fine wine and looks smokin’ in a suit.

This is What my Heart Looks Like:

This picture is so true – and not just about color! It seems like women always see the details and possibilities, while men see the bare bones. Or, men see the forest, women see the trees.

See the original post here.

Random Facts

One of those long internet quiz things. I’ve been really bored this weekend and thought this would help to pass the time.

Have you ever been asked out?
Yes. 

What color shirt are you wearing?
Yellow and white.

If you could go back in time and change something, what would you do?
Oh, very many things. I’d apologize sooner, or maybe just not do those things in the first place. I’d study abroad for an entire semester. I wouldn’t be afraid to say I love you. I wouldn’t eat that doughnut…

Your current relationship status?
Single, and looking.

Missing something?
Being able to wear contacts at the moment. I have some kind of nasty eye infection that means antibiotic eye drops and glasses only. Yuck.

If you must be an animal for one day, what would it be?
A giraffe, because I’d like to see the world from that tall of an angle.

Ever had a near-death experience?
No.

Does your crush like you back?
I don’t think so.

Something you do a lot.
Chew on the birthmark on my lip.

Name someone with the same birthday as you.
Kelly Osbourne.

When was the last time you cried?
It’s been quite a while on that one. I honestly can’t remember.

Have you ever sung in front of a large audience?
Not by myself. In elementary school we did a grade-level program every year, and I always sang in that. It was always in a large group, though, never alone.

The song stuck in your head?
The Start of Something New or whatever it is from High School Musical. Because my friend’s photo album that I just looked at had this title.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Invisibility. Or maybe the power to fly. Tough choice.

What’s the first thing you notice about the opposite sex?
I think it’s probably the hair. I’d like to say eyes, but that usually comes with the first close-up look, which you don’t always get.

What do you usually order from Starbucks?
When it’s in season, that salted caramel hot chocolate. Other than that, usually a frappucino or green tea.

What’s your biggest secret?
Like I would actually reveal that on my blog…

Favorite color?
Purple or green. Although lately it’s been yellow.

Do you still watch kiddie shoes or movies?
Shows, not really. Movies, all the time.

What’s on your walls?
Surprisingly, nothing. You’d thing that, being an artist, I’d have art everywhere. But in my bedroom, it’s just gray walls at the moment.

Do you speak any other languages?
I can still understand a good bit of French. I really want to be fluent in reading, writing, and speaking it.

What’s your favorite smell?
Bacon.

Describe your life in one word.
Anticipation.

Have you ever been dumped?
Yes.

Do you enjoy doing the laundry?
Actually, I secretly love it. Maybe that can be my biggest secret. I haven’t been doing it since living at my parents’ house again, but I do enjoy the organization part of laundry. I especially enjoy the folding clothes part. Weird, I know.

Have you ever kissed in the rain?
No, but that would be sweet.

What are you thinking about right now?
Kissing someone in the rain.

What should you be doing?
Going to the gym, cleaning the turtle tank, crossing off things on my to-do list that have been sitting there for months…

Who was the last person who made you upset or angry?
A friend who might be making an unwise choice.

Do you like working in the yard?
Not at all. I like being outside, but just to enjoy it, not to work.

If you could have any last name in the world, what would you want?
Something interesting, not very generic like Smith or Williams. Something to make myself stand out.

Do you act differently around the person you like?
I don’t think so. I think I’m pretty much myself no matter what. I think I maybe try not to spill food on myself so much. That usually doesn’t work out, though.

What is your natural hair color?
Brown, but with some blond highlights. It’s a birthmark – it highlights itself.

Who was the last person to make you dinner?
My grandmother.

Was your last relationship a mistake? Why?
No, it was a good learning experience.

Do you believe in God?
Yes.

Who last said, “I love you” to you?
My mom.

Have you ever been depressed?
Yes. I think everyone gets depressed now and then.

How do you want to die?
I prefer not to think about this. Probably in my sleep, when I’m unaware of it. But many, many years in the future.

What did you last eat?
French toast and bacon.

Do you bite your nails?
No.

Do you have an attitude?
Not really – I’m pretty mellow about most things. But it’s not good to get on my bad side.

What is your real name?
Princess Consuela Bananahammock.

Do you miss someone?
Yes, a great many people.

Twirl or cut your spaghetti?
Twirl against a spoon, the real way, which I learned from real Italians.

Do you tan a lot?
Never. I don’t tan very well in the sun – I just go straight to burned. And I never go to tanning beds.

Have any pets?
Yes, I have a turtle.

Ever made out in the bathroom?
No, that’s gross. Now I have visions of skanky public bathroom hookups.

Would you take any of your exes back?
No.

Ever eaten food in a car while someone or yourself is driving?
Yes, all the time. An unhealthy amount of my meals are eaten in the car.

Are you scared of spiders?
A little bit. I’m creeped out by some things with more than four legs or fewer than two (excluding fish, of course). I’m not afraid to kill them, though, with a tissue or paper towel. Then they get flushed – not fooling around with them crawling out of the trash!

Would you go back in time if you were given the chance?
Yes – I would love to visit lots of different time periods in history.

Do you hate anyone at the moment?
Not really hate. More like dislike or indifference.

Do you want to have kids?
Some day. Not for a while, though.

Do you type fast?
Yes.

Do you regret anything from your past?
Yes, many things. I wish I didn’t, though, but it happens.

Do you have piercings?
Just my ears.

Want any more?
I want to get my nose pierced, but my parents would never go for that.

Can you spell well?
Very well.

What are you craving right now?
Right now I want to create a French toast cupcake. I had French toast for breakfast this morning, and ever since then I’ve been thinking about how amazing it would be in cupcake form.

Ever been to a bonfire party?
Yes, and they are extremely fun.

Have you ever been on a horse?
Yes, but it’s been a long time.

Kissed someone in a car?
Yes.

Have you ever broken someone’s heart?
Not that I am aware…

Have you ever been cheated on?
I don’t think so. That’s the one thing I will not tolerate, under any circumstance.

Would you live with someone without marrying them?
No.

What’s irritating you right now?
I’m hungry and I can’t decide what to have for lunch.

Have you ever changed clothes in a car?
Yes. It’s not easy.

Do you have trust issues?
Only when trust is broken, then it’s very hard for me to give it back.

Do you have a good relationship with your parents?
Yes.

Have you ever made a boyfriend/girlfriend cry?
I don’t think so.

Have you ever shaved in the kitchen sink?
No, but I have in the bathroom sink.

Do you believe your most recent ex thinks about you?
I don’t think so. It’s been a long time since we broke up. I think we’ve both moved on.

Do you give out second chances too easily?
Maybe.

Is it easier to forgive or forget?
Forgive. I’m usually pretty good at that. It’s much harder to forget things.

What was your childhood nickname?
Laura Lou

Have you ever walked outside completely naked?
No, but close.

Do you think you’re a good person?
I try very hard to be.

Do you believe everything happens for a reason?
Yes.

What is the last thing you did before you went to bed last night?
Watched Glee.

Do you play Wii?
No. I’m not much for video games.

Are you listening to music right now?
No. It’s one of those rare moments when I sit and enjoy the quiet.

Does somebody love you?
Other than my family and close friends, I don’t know. But I hope so.

Do you like Chinese food?
Very much.

Do you know your father’s birthday?
April 19.

Are you afraid of the dark?
No.

Can you keep white shoes clean?
Not really. It’s very difficult.

Do you believe exes can be friends?
I think some people can, but not me. I think it’s weird.

Do you like to be outside?
Yes I do, very much. I’ve missed it since it’s been such nasty weather this winter.

Are you proud of the person you’ve become?
Mostly.

Are you currently bored?
Yes. Otherwise I’d be doing something more productive with my time other than answering these questions.

Is it cute when a boy/girl calls you baby?
No, I hate pet names.

Are you hungry?
Yes. I need to fix a late lunch, or have some kind of snack.

Do you have a bank account?
Yes.

Do you want to get married?
Someday, yes.

Would you change your name?
Only my last name when I get married.

Ever been to Alaska?
No, but I want to.

What makes you happy?
Finding the perfect present for someone, cracking the sugar coating on crème brulee, seeing a movie that really impacts you, laughing with friends, finding great concert tickets, traveling to foreign countries.

Do you watch the news?
Not usually. I feel like I should, though, to be well-informed about the world around me. I do typically keep up with it through the Huffington Post app on my phone.

What’s your star sign?
Scorpio, and proud of it!

Do you like Subway.
Not really – it smells funny. I like riding subways.

Would it be hard to kiss the last person you kissed?
Yes, there was lots of heartbreak involved with that. He’s also on the other side of the country now.

Your best friend of the opposite sex likes you. What do you do?
Chances are that I probably like him too, otherwise we wouldn’t be so close. It would be a tough call between telling them and not wanting to ruin the friendship. It might be worth it, though, because you don’t know what you’re missing.

Have you ever seen someone you knew and purposely avoided them?
More than is probably considered a healthy amount. Sometimes I’m just not in the mood for a mini-reunion.

Who is the last girl you talked to?
Melody

Do you think your ex still likes you?
No.

Are you a Hannah Montana fan?
Absolutely not.

Do you talk like your friends?
I think sometimes I pick up their mannerisms a little when I’ve spent a long time around them.

Who is the last person you had a deep conversation with?
My mom.

Do you enjoy piercings and tattoos?
Yes. Not all, but some, if tastefully done.

What is the last thing you thought about?
Boys with tattoos.

You’re a Sharpie marker. What color are you?
Silver, of course.

Is it awkward when no one is talking?
Not usually, but it depends on the company.

Do you prefer to shower at night or in the morning?
Morning. Otherwise my hair doesn’t do what it’s supposed to.

Do you want to please everyone?
Not everyone, but the people who matter most to me.

Who gave you the last high five?
Probably Heather or someone else at work.

Have you heard a song that reminds you of someone today?
No.

Do you have any older siblings?
No, I’m the oldest.

 How many months until your birthday?
7 months, 7 days.

So there you go. 120 random facts about me. If you actually made it down this far, you deserve some kind of prize. I know I probably just wasted 5 – 10 minutes of your life, but hey, I’ve wasted my entire day. Call it even?

Ten Things Tuesday – February 15

Happy belated Valentine’s Day – or Singles Awareness Day, depending on your frame of mind. I’m determined this year to reverse my pessimistic and gloomy thinking about love, men, and all things romantic. I’ve never been lucky in love – and although I’m not currently doing anything to change that, I think about it a lot. I’ve determined that I’m not going to be sulky about my lack of relationships. This week, I give you ten things I find most appealing in the opposite sex:

1. Smart. We’re not talking genius-level, here. But not dumb-as-rocks, either. Soemwhere in the middle, on the intelligent side, to have stimulating conversations with. There’s nothing worse than talking to someone who is clearly smarter than you, and knows it, and takes advantage of it. It’s a terrible feeling. Likewise, it’s no fun to talk to someone who can’t keep up with you, either.

2. Scruff. Just the right amount of being between clean-shaven and full-on hairy. I don’t like either of those extremes that much. Just a little scruff, a little ruggedness, to make someone rough around the edges.

3. Kindness. I could do without all the cheesy movie romance if only I was with someone who was genuinely kind and open-hearted to everyone. Who asks how you’re doing and really cares to hear the answer. Someone who prays for people going through a rough time, and really means it. Someone willing to put their own needs aside, when necessary, if favor of someone else’s.

4. British accents. This isn’t a deal-breaker for me, but I’m just a sucker for British men. There’s just something so gentlemanly and dreamy about it. Refined. Mysterious. Yeah, I can’t resist that.

5. Curly hair. Again, not necessarily a deal-breaker, but I do prefer it. I love men with curly hair, that’s just a little roughed-up, a little umkempt. It gives the appearance of not seriously being into appearances, just a little playfulness and youth, and a roll-out-of-bed-as-you-are attitude.

6. Sense of adventure. I don’t think I’m a particularly interesting person, but I do like to try new things, when I have the chance. I need someone in my life who will push me to try new and adventurous things. Maybe not skydiving, per se, but maybe trying a restaurant with really weird food. Or learning to ski or rock climb. Or taking a new class on something I know nothing about, and haven’t really shown interest in before. Someone who won’t just let me sit around on Facebook or watching TV all day.

7. Humor. Laughter really is great medicine. There’s no sense in being with someone who doesn’t make you smile, and doesn’t do things to keep you entertained. At the end of the day, you really only have each other. You might as well really enjoy the company of the person you’re with. I do appreciate a dry, witty sense of humor.

8. Muscular but not too much. No bulging bodybuilders. Just enough to look strong, without looking like he’s going to bust out of his t-shirt. Not scrawny, either. Just right.

9. Non-smoker. This one absolutely is a deal-breaker.

10. Well-rounded. I don’t mean one of those overachieving people who was into everything just to build a resume or make themselves look good. I mean someone with a genuine interest in a variety of things. Someone who appreciates watching movies and hiking a pretty trail in the fall. Someone who likes napping on a rainy day and riding roller coasters. Someone who likes to read, to create, to cook, to

V-Day

It’s all about love this week, seeing as today is the big day for romance. I’m starting off my week with a Plinky prompt: How do you feel about Valentine’s Day?

My feelings on Valentine’s Day are a mixture of your typical cynical, perpetually lonely girl and the hopeless romantic inside. I’m not sure if it was really a holiday created by greeting card companies and florists, but it sure seems that way. It can be romantic, when you have the right person to spend it with. Sometimes it can be over-the-tpo cheesy, which is nice in its own way, I guess.

Sometimes I think the people who enjoy it the most are the ones who actually have a valentine to share it with. There are plenty of people who tell you it’s about celebrating love in all its forms – parents, siblings, friends, lovers – but those people are probably the ones who are all happily in love anyway. I usually get a valentine from my grandmother, at least, sometimes my parents. But I don’t think of Valentine’s Day as celebrating that kind of love. In my mind, it’s strictly about romance. I guess you could say I think of myself as exempt from Valentine’s Day. I don’t have a valentine, so it’s not for me. I’m just existing on the fringes of all this love hubbub.

I don’t go so far as to wear all black on Valentine’s Day, although I’m sometimes tempted. I typically try to avoid dressing for the holiday – no reds or pinks anywhere - just so I don’t look like a walking love letter. Kind of in the same way I refuse to wear red, white and blue for the 4th of July. It’s just a little bit much.

Right now, I’m not sure how I’ll be celebrating Valentine’s Day. It sure won’t be with the one I love, I can tell you that. He’s still out there somewhere, lost in the woods on his big white horse, probably polishing his armor in vain. I’ll likely spend a very quiet evening at home with my grandmother, my dad, and my mom, who has the flu. We’ll have a simple dinner and talk about random, mundane things. This year will be just like any year – heck, just like any other day.

Maybe I’ll bring everyone milkshakes home after work. Surely that counts as a great valentine?

A Guideline for Being on The Bachelor/ette

A new season of The Bachelor started last week, and it’s drama-filled and crazy already. You’d think all those reality-show cliches would be played out by now, but nope. They’re still around, and still entertaining. You’d also think that those desperate-for-attention men and women would have learned exactly how to behave – or rather, how not to behave – if they hope to get a rose. Based on years of observation and some rather informal study, I’ve come up with a set of basic guidelines for being successful on the show. Think of it as the Bachelor/ette version of “You Might be a Redneck If…”

If you do something outrageous on your way out of the limo, you might not be getting a rose.

If you pick a catfight with someone in the house, you might not be getting a rose.

If you cry into the bachelor’s shirt about the girls in the house, you might not be getting a rose.

If you get drunk at the cocktail party, you might not be getting a rose.

If you have a significant other outside of the show, you might not be getting a rose.

If you get a ridiculous tattoo to prove your love and devotion, you might not be getting a rose.

If you reveal your extremely weird fetish immediately, you might not be getting a rose.

If you sing a creepy song to be romantic, you might not be getting a rose.

If you talk to the bachelor/ette more about the other people than about the two of you, you might not be getting a rose.

If you come on the show “for the wrong reasons,” you might not be getting a rose.

If you believe in a strict “man code,” you might not be getting a rose.

If you whine and complain about all the making out going on in the hot tub, you might not be getting a rose.

If you flirt with show producers, you might not be getting a rose.

If you get the bachelor/ette involved in a he-said-she-said fight they’re not part of, you might not be getting a rose.

If you play mind games to trick the bachelor/ette into kissing you, you might not be getting a rose.

If you sit around talking to other contestants more than the bachelor/ette, you might not be getting a rose.