WO: Weekly Obsessions
Things are certainly looking up, my friends. Isn’t it funny how you can go from some of your lowest lows to some of your highest highs in just a few days’ time? …Maybe not funny haha, but interesting to say the least.
- Vince Camuto Julia Satchel: In addition to last week’s musical medley, I decided to treat myself to a little retail therapy. I’ve had my eye on this beauty for a while and finally pulled the trigger during Macy’s Friends & Family Sale. I mean, it was basically free 😉
- My Promotion!: The workweek started with a lovely surprise meeting with my bosses, where I was promoted to be a Copy Manager! I’m still basking in the glow of being recognized, and I’m so excited to see what my future holds. Cheers to that.
- Bay to Breakers: This 103-year-old tradition is the premier event for San Franciscans, and this year’s iconic race kicks off Sunday at 8 a.m. A little aggressive, but the promise of costumes and mimosas shall keep me in high spirits.
- “Fight Song” – Rachel Platten: The lyrics are beautiful, the melody is awesome and I can’t seem to get this little ditty out of my head. Not that I’m complaining — nothing says “girl power” quite like “I don’t really care if nobody else believes, ‘cuz I’ve still got a lot of fight left in me.”
Images courtesy of: Macy’s, someecards, Zappos Bay to Breakers, Facebook
Instead of a GRAMMYs Recap…
I made the executive decision to not do a GRAMMYs post this year for a few reasons — please, hold your applause till the end:
• The show is on delay for West Coast viewers, so my recap would go up at approximately 2 a.m. EST (and be old news by then)
• I can’t go on social media without seeing all the spoilers, and I’m pretty grumpy about it
• It makes zero sense to me that the Super Bowl aired live but the GRAMMYs aren’t
• My computer is essentially dead for God knows what reason this time
So you see, I really didn’t have much choice! I know you’re disappointed; you’ve waited all year for this post to happen.
Please accept this peace offering as a sign that I never meant to hurt you, girl. There’s always next year, right?
But I still love to watch…
How-To: Prep for Your Sibling’s Offspring
Brother and sister-in-law are expecting their first child, a girl, and she could arrive ANY. DAY. NOW.
I won’t even attempt to understand the range of emotions they’re experiencing.
Instead, I’ve got an incredibly helpful how-to guide for us aunts- and uncles-to-be — you’re welcome in advance.
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Step 1: Get a Kick-Ass Shower Gift
Thanks to Pinterest, this one is pretty easy to execute. Good thing, since it’s one of your first tests as an Aunt or Uncle. No pressure.
I used a combination of my friends’ creativity and my knack for rhyming one-syllable words to give Brother and SIL a clothesline of onesies, bibs and pacifiers.
They passed it around the room for everyone to see. Each clothespin had a verse that coordinated with its attached item, and the clothespins together formed this poem:
She’ll steal your heart,
she’ll make a splash,
add sunshine to your days
& take Daddy’s cash!
You’ll both be suckers
for this precious child,
& she’ll always love you …
even when she’s wild!
When life gets messy,
you know who to call.
I’m just a plane ride away —
parenthood will be a ball!
Oh, and don’t forget to remind your sibling how great you are with some aunt- or uncle-specific onesies. My favorite? That little number from Francesca’s.
Step 2: Learn How to Babysit
I discovered these Six Guaranteed Low-Effort Toddler Games just a few weeks before I found out about my SIL’s pregnancy. While I still have a couple years to practice, I feel a little bit better knowing I can entertain my niece with a piece of toast. No, really.
Step 3: Study Up!
My blogger friend from the kuhniverse is a founder of this awesome magazine for nannies. It has tons of tips and tricks for caretakers (read: Aunt or Uncle YOU), and it validates that there is not one right way to raise a kid.
I can’t wait for their first hardcopy issue to come out in January. Till then, Like them on Facebook for entertaining updates.
Step 4: Pray. A Lot.
To be completely honest, I am terrified for my niece to come into this world. I really, really, really don’t want to screw her up.
What if I bump her fragile elbows into furniture? What if she hates visiting me in New York? What if — God forbid — she CRIES during my watch?
I’m leaving a lot of it up to faith on the good ol’ trial and error method. And, I’m eternally grateful that I can give her back after any traumatic time with me.
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So, there you have it. Just a few simple steps to ensure you get Aunt/Uncle of the Year and totally keep your family from questioning how you’ve made it this far in life without a helmet.
Please, hold your applause.
Weekend Recap
I’m generally not one to brag, but I have to say: My weekend was just plain awesome. It feels like I’m hitting my stride in my new city, and I couldn’t be happier with the experiences and memories I’m gaining.
Friday: SA-KE-BOMB!
- All You Can Eat Sushi + Sake @ Chinatown East – sushi was delicious, but the unlimited sake bombs reeeally got the night going
- One and One – a new favorite spot, it’s chill upstairs and a thumping club downstairs
- Dancing at Pianos – worth the $5 cover to go upstairs for better music and quicker service
- We hit another bar after that, but I don’t remember the name (sign of a good time)
Saturday: Low-Key Lounging
- Slept in for the first time in weeks and accomplished nothing – oddly OK with this
- Wharf in Murray Hill – visited our friend who works there for pre-gaming
- Brooklyn house party – celebrated friends who graduated from hair school, law school, design school and another who passed the NY State Bar
Sunday: Fun-Filled Finale
- Boozy brunch at The Guilty Goose in Chelsea – very strong mimosas alongside eggs benedict with a jalapeño hollandaise
- Stopped in to see Heroes & Villains at FIT – fascinating facts featured in fun and interesting exhibits
- Made our way home to watch SNL – Kristen Wiig’s return to the stage at 30 Rock did not disappoint
- Phone date with Magz – because she should be celebrated every day for what she put up with from us
Though it went by way too quickly, I had an absolute blast throughout this weekend. I can’t wait to enjoy more of this improved weather and share my finds with you guys. Cheers!
Who Do We Appreciate?
It’s come to my attention that it’s both Teacher Appreciation Week and Nurse Appreciation Week. (There’s another appreciation week, but I’ll let Seth Meyers explain at 1:05 in.)
Since all of the women in my family are teachers or nurses or teach nursing, it’s only fitting we honor them the Wittyburg way: with someecards!
I wouldn’t be a word nerd if not for the educators in my life making me feel intellectually inadequate.
As someone with too weak a stomach for “Grey’s Anatomy,” I salute you.
Wishing my many influential teacher and nurse friends — and millions more throughout the country — a wonderful week with well-behaved students and friendly patients.
I’d never last a day doing what you do, so may God have mercy on your soul.
Well, I Guess This Is Growing Up
Moving to New York has helped me realize that I am officially, sort of, a grown-up. I’ve always had an independent spirit, but I’m learning each day how to do more on my own — often screwing things up along the way.*
Some highlights of my quasi-adulthood:
- Few things excite me more now than selecting home decor.
- I filed my taxes in FEBRUARY, not April (or October).
- Justin Bieber hosted + performed on SNL, and I felt nothing. Nothing!
- I’m washing my hair more often. Like, twice a week now.
- My bed was made every day this week for the first time since … ever.
Rest assured, I’m balancing all this maturity with weekend benders in Brooklyn and drunk purchases on etsy. But knowing I can handle some things I’d never managed before is pretty cool too.
*Exhibit A: This post was scheduled yesterday. I couldn’t bring myself to hit “Publish” after leaving my desk keys at home and being rendered useless for the first half of the workday.
WO: Weekly Obsessions
I split my pants today.
So that happened … and though it was thankfully in a spot where most wouldn’t notice, it was really the cherry on top of an accident-prone week. Oh, yeah — it’s WEDNESDAY. What disasters will the next few days bring? Only time will tell. Let’s focus on something happy, instead:
- Name that ‘Stache Calendar: Now that I’m all set up with a real live desk, I’ve got this daily laugh to keep me entertained. Many thanks to Santa for the excellent stocking stuffer.
- My Shows Return: From “GIRLS” to “Nashville” to “Workaholics,” I couldn’t be more pumped for this week’s winter premieres. Thank you, cable gods.
- This someecard: I have an ever-growing love for these guys, but maybe no other has been as true as this one. I pinned it yesterday and it’s since gotten 100 repins — so I know I’m not the only one feeling that way.
- The 70th Annual Golden Globes: How is it I’m still enthralled with recaps of the awards show I watched three days ago? Simple: Tina, Amy and Jennifer killed it. Enjoy.
Witty in Fitty: Florida Prepares for a Hurricane
Hurricane Isaac has come and gone through Florida in a matter of days, leaving a wave of destruction status updates and, if you’re lucky enough, a day off from work. Here’s hoping the other states are just as prepared.
Oh, Tampa.
It’s serious.
Sad, but true.
Crawlin’ in N’awlins
Had six of these to start
Remember that one time I boozed it up for three days in New Orleans and decided it’d be a good idea to work the Monday afterward? I hate my life.
Jackson Square
This weekend was, in a word, incredible.
Beignets at Café du Monde … get in my belly
I traveled to Crescent City (that’s NOLA, in case you didn’t know either) with some close friends from high school for a pre-birthday party. We ate, we drank, we danced, we stumbled … it was the perfect kickoff to what should be my best year yet.
Cucumber Collins: Cheers to that!
From the beignets to the bars to the Bourbon Street boobs and beads, I wouldn’t change a thing. Well, except for the exhaustion I’m still feeling.
Visiting the 9th Ward, where Katrina hit hardest
At least it’s my birthday Wednesday and we get to celebrate America too — I guess.
Witty in Fitty: Case of the Mondays
Today was suuuch a Monday.
I had to work. On Presidents’ Day. And, I lost my badge.
My fists clenched every time my obnoxious cubemate opened his mouth or typed
… or breathed.
I stepped in a “present” from my niece.
Think I’ll follow Alexander’s lead and move to Australia.
Wittyburg.com 