I'm Sorry; I Got Home Late // What I'm Reading

It's 2:19 on Sunday morning as I start to write this, because that's the kind of person I am.  I should probably pretend that I'm a good blogger who had this post ready waayyy earlier in the week, because I'm on top of things. Unfortunately, that would be a lie, because obviously I'm just a mediocre blogger who plans her time poorly and ends up writing her Sunday blog post after getting home late from a concert on Saturday night.  (The concert, by the way, was Winter Jam, and it was amazing.  We'll talk about that later.)  The good news is that, however ridiculously I've procrastinated putting these links together for you, they're here and they're on time.  Let's get into it. 


 { I AM A WRITER: A DECLARATION }
We're writers because we write. Thanks to Tiffany Han for reminding me of that. 

{ I DON'T KNOW A LOT OF THINGS, BUT SOME THINGS I DO }
It starts with men's softball and moves on to encompass guilt, confidence, and what to wear - beautifully. 

{5 Reasons Why Being On Your Own Is A Good Thing}
Being on your own is good for all kinds of things, and Lena lays them out simply - not too deeply insightful or heavy.

{5 INGREDIENT SWEET POTATO BLACK BEAN CHILI}
Because YUM and easy.  I'm going to try this for sure this week. 

{ OATMEAL LACE COOKIES }
And these, I actually did make.  I may have left one batch in the oven so long that they were literally vaporized. Don't do that.  They are so, so addicting, so make them at your own risk.  (But, seriously, make them.) 

Still not sure what to give up for Lent? Here ya go: what I should give up for Lent, but I'm absolutely not + 7 things I'm definitely not giving up for Lent + 10 things you should give up for Lent

And, if you're the news type, a few things I found interesting this week: UMass stopped discriminating + a same-sex couple got married legally even though it's banned where they did + a boy caught a fish so big I'm not sure it's real.  

Have a lovely Sunday!  I'll be sleeping a little and spending the evening watching Great Expectations with my AP English class at our teacher's house - small school perks! 

On deck: Things that make it a good day. 

See you!

Allie

Because We Get An Extra Day // What I'm Reading

Happy Sunday, world!  How are you? Is the weather pretty? Do you get to stay home from school or work tomorrow because of a winter break or President's Day? Long weekends are such a good thing, aren't they?

I'm one hundred percent in favor of one more weekend day, because I partied hard last night (cough cough, got home at 10 and immediately went to bed) and am spending today working and babysitting.  Tomorrow will definitely be full of blog catching up and book reading and getting my life together somewhat ( I'm looking at you, college applications.)  Whether you've got a long weekend or not, everyone could use a break, right? Kick back with your iPad and a glass of something delicious - here's what I'm reading!

{ ADNAN SYED GRANTED AN APPEAL }
Remember that kid from Serial?  It turns out that everything wasn't completely right the first time and he's getting another chance, thanks in part to the podcast.

{ WILL YOU SEE MR GREY? TWO REASONS YOU MIGHT BUT SHOULDN'T }

I read a few pages of Fifty Shades when it first came out to find out what the buzz was about, and it's just not a good idea.  Here's one perspective that I think sheds a lot of light on why something that (I think, at least) is so clearly wrong can be so wildly popular.

17 THINGS YOU SHOULD DO AT LEAST ONCE IN YOUR LIFE

Get out that bucket list! Here are a few crazy things and few totally ordinary things that you're going to want to add.

{ CAREER 101: THE JOB SEARCH }

Experts weigh in at Cupcakes and Cashmere with their best advice on what to do to land a job.

{ EASY A-FRAME LADDER BOOKSHELF }

This bookshelf is so cool and rustic, and the DIY part doesn't sound nearly as intimidating as building a bookshelf should.  My dad doesn't really need that ladder, does he?

Where do you fall with the whole Fifty Shades of Grey thing?  Which of the seventeen things can you not wait to cross off your bucket list now?

I'll be right back here tomorrow with my super-embarrassing scholarship competition story, so get excited about that!

Until then,

Allie

P.S. I'm joining Karen from Calm to Conniption for The Ultimate Rabbit hole, a link up for posts full of links!  If you regularly do that kind of post, this is a really cool way of meeting other bloggers and going as deep down the internet rabbit hole as humanly possible.  

Because Not Everyone Watches the Superbowl // What I've Been Reading

So, Superbowl Sunday.   Is it a good idea to even post today, when 14 million humans are expected to be locked on their TVs for the better part of the afternoon?  I think yes, because I have proof that the non-Superbowl watching American does exist.  Because last year, I may have spent the entire Seahawks-Broncos match up in bed, reading The Fault in Our Stars on my laptop with a plate of football watching food nearby.  Because I am classy. 

Are you also classy?  I hope so.  I like to think that chivalry is not dead, or whatever, and there are still those of use who prefer the company of John Green and thick blankets to that of football and real people.  (Not that football and real people are bad.  I just really want you to see the links so we can talk about them!) There's no John Green here today, but the internet's always full of good, interesting reads - here are my favorites from this week!

{ DEAR YOU WHO DOESN'T WANT TO DO THAT HARD THING }

This article effectively caused me to get up off of the couch and start a workout at 11:30 pm.  Read it, please, read it, but be prepared to do a lot of hard things afterwards.

{ 9 WAYS TO MAKE LIVING OVERSEAS A REALITY } 

{ TRUE STORY: I CHEATED ON MY HUSBAND }

The fact that this interview is about a woman who cheated on her husband makes it sound like it could be trashy and degrading; in reality, it's anything but that.  This and the following interview, which tells the other side of the story, are installments in Sarah Von Bargen's "True Story" series, in which she interview people who have gone through unique or difficult situations.  They're always tastefully, respectfully done and give a really interesting insight into a situation that I usually have not been able to understand or empathize with before.

{ TRUE STORY: MY HUSBAND CHEATED. I STAYED + WE WORKED THROUGH IT. }

{ WALKING NEW YORK'S HIGHLINE : IN PICTURES }

P.S. What did you think of this week's reads?  Did anything catch your eye / bother you / make you think? 

Because I Believe in Procrastination // What I've Been Reading

Hi, hello!  I hope you're enjoying your Sunday.  I don't know what it is about Sunday afternoons, but I've come to really love them.  Actually, I think I do know what it is - it probably has something to do with the fact that they're largely spent under piles of blankets, reading a book with a mug of hot water in hand.  You feel me?  I want you to love Sundays, too, but I can't give you free books over the internet. Sorry.  Don't leave, though - what about the next best thing?  Here's my reading list from the past couple of weeks.  I've come across some great words from people who think and write in a way that makes me happy (and humble) to be a blogger.

{ One Thing All Christians Should Stop Saying }

{ How to Stop Procrastination }

{ Lone Star Bohemia }

P.S.  I found out about Marfa via the Skimm.  If you're not signed up, I highly recommend it! 

{ Five Reasons You Should Start A Blog }

{ I am Charlie, I am Ahmed, and I am Millions of Muslim Women }

P.S. Not ready to stop reading yet? Click here, here, and here.

Linking up with Nicole from Treasure Tromp, so if you click here, guess what? That's right, more blog posts!

Pictures of Elephants and Cookies for Days // The Sunday Paper

Sundays are for church, long walks, big dinners, last-minute homework, and clicking all the links.  I can provide for one of the four (and, no, I will not be making my specialty (that'd be these brownies) for dinner tonight.)

Isn't this beautiful?  And the story behind it makes things even better.

 Tiffany Han is doing one of the coolest things I think I've ever heard of, ever.  As in, she's making me actually want to get rejected 100 times.

 "I would like to look at this from a perspective of not being idle or a gossip/ busybody at any stage of our lives as women who have surrendered to Christ. Because really, we have so much more to aspire to. ...There is a major difference between investing in friendships and inquiring (or stalking), thinking ' "what's her deal?" '." She's so right.

True confessions.  One brave blogger stops lying to herself ... and then shares it with the world.

What do you think? This is a tough one.

Taylor Swift has me singing nonstop and making plans to book a plane or a train or walk or whatever it takes to see her in person.  Multiple times, if possible.  And I'm completely justified - here's why!

I made the chocolate chip version of these this week and was told that they had "the perfect texture and THE ABSOLUTE  most proportional cookie to chocolate chip ratio, EVER!" (At which point I humbly accepted praise for the recipe that I obviously invented myself.)  So, her you go: all the pudding cookie recipes.

Have the best Sunday ever!

Allie

Humor Me // A "Best of Pinterest" Post

I think that it's safe to say that as far as the party is concerned, the Pinterest humor page brings it every. time.  When my day's been filled with too many un-funny things for me to deal with, Pinterest humor is my go-to.  When I'm home for the night but not ready to stop having fun? The page of humorous pins is there to save the day.  When I'm trying to be funny and can't do it alone?  The good people who contribute to the Pinterest humor page are my BFFAEAEAEAEAE (best friends forever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever).

One of my favorite things, though, is to see the stuff that my friends think is funny.  There may be a picture that I've seen a thousand (literally a one and three zeroes) times, but when my friend pins it, it takes on a hilarious new light.  

I hope I can be that friend to you. 

First up:

Actually, I know the answer to this one.  TP commercials are for those who don't understand the value of multiple-ply, quality tissue (ahem, Dad).  Except so far they aren't working. 

I was seriously so prepared to become a mini Human Torch as a child. 

                                                

I sincerely hope that all of you, at some point in your life, laugh as hard at something as I did at this pin.  I don't know why.  At first I thought I was just emotionally unstable that day, but I've had the same reaction every time I rediscover it. 

"HAHAHA surgery to turn into a horse HAHAHAHAHAHA!"

This is kind of an inside joke with myself, because one time I couldn't figure out how to turn off a friend's shower and had to run downstairs into the middle of a party she was having, dripping wet, to ask how before their entire house flooded.  Get it now? Ha, ha. 

I'm not mentally quick enough to make puns, but I appreciate people who are. A lot. 

I am a grammar snob, so unfortunately I enjoy this type of condescending humor. 

                                     

Just because I hope I am given a chance to do this someday. 

I'm also a big fan of all those Daily Odd Compliments.  I compliment my friends with them as often as possible. 

Love me some punnage. 

I've never talked on the phone in a single one of these places/positions before, but there's always room for improvement, and that's why I love the Pinterest humor board.

If you're going to graffiti, that's definitely the most tasteful way of doing it.  I'd be all up in that toilet.

My favorite kind of humor.   

Pinning puns with Juliette, Faith, and Allie for Blog Everyday in July challenge!

Love, 

Allie